Whether you’re sending a care package to a friend or anxiously awaiting an important delivery, tracking your USPS shipment can offer peace of mind. But to check the progress of your mail, you’ll need something important: the USPS tracking number. If you’ve lost yours or aren’t sure where to find it, don’t worry—this guide is here to help you locate and understand your USPS tracking number with ease.
TLDR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
You can find your USPS tracking number on your shipping receipt, in your confirmation email, or directly on the package label. If you purchased postage online or through a store like Amazon or eBay, check your account order history. In the event your package was shipped by someone else, ask them to share the tracking number with you. USPS also offers tracking through Informed Delivery if you’re signed up for it.
What is a USPS Tracking Number?
A USPS tracking number is a unique string of numbers—or sometimes numbers and letters—that identifies your mail as it travels through the postal system. Think of it as a fingerprint for your package. With it, you can see when your item has shipped, where it is now, and when it’s been delivered.
Most domestic USPS tracking numbers consist of 22 numeric digits, while international tracking numbers may include two letters at the beginning and two at the end.
Where to Find Your USPS Tracking Number
There are several ways to locate your USPS tracking number, depending on how the item was shipped:
1. On the Post Office Shipping Receipt
If you mailed your package from a USPS location, the receipt will include your tracking number, usually printed underneath the barcode. This receipt is your best proof of mailing and tracking, so hold onto it until your package is delivered.
- Look for the section labeled: “Tracking Number” or “Label Number.”
- The numbers typically begin with “9” for domestic shipments.
2. In the Email Confirmation
If you bought postage online through USPS.com or a third-party service, you’ll receive a confirmation email that includes the tracking number. This is especially helpful if you’re mailing from home or a business account. Don’t forget to check your spam or junk folder if you can’t find the email.
3. On the Shipping Label
For those who have access to the actual package, you can often locate the tracking number on the shipping label itself. It’s commonly positioned right beneath the barcode. If someone sent you a package, ask them to take a photo of the label and send it to you.
4. From Online Store Orders
When ordering items from online stores, especially major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, or eBay, your tracking number is usually included in your order details.
- Amazon: Visit “Your Orders,” click on Track Package to see it.
- eBay: Go to “Purchase History” and view order details.
- Walmart: Logged-in users can click on “Track Orders” under their account.
Retailers typically use USPS or other shipping carriers–so make sure the tracking number is a USPS one. USPS tracking numbers generally don’t contain spaces and are entirely numeric unless it’s an international shipment.
5. Through Informed Delivery
USPS offers a free service called Informed Delivery, which lets you preview incoming mail and track packages headed your way. Once signed up, you’ll receive daily emails that include images of mailpieces and tracking information for packages.
This tool is invaluable if you’re worried about mail going missing or just want to keep better tabs on deliveries to your home address.
What If You’ve Lost Your Tracking Number?
It happens—we throw away receipts, delete emails, or misplace package materials. Unfortunately, USPS cannot retrieve a tracking number without it. If you find yourself in this situation, these tips could help:
- Search your email inbox for “USPS,” “shipping confirmation,” or the name of the sender.
- Check your bank or credit card statement to locate the date and time of the transaction with USPS. This might help when contacting their customer service for assistance, though they still won’t be able to provide a tracking number.
- Contact the sender if someone else mailed it. They may still have the receipt or confirmation email.
Understanding USPS Tracking Number Formats
Here’s a breakdown of USPS tracking number formats, so you know what to look for:
- Domestic USPS Tracking: 9400 1000 0000 0000 0000 00
- Priority Mail: 9205 5000 0000 0000 0000 00
- Certified Mail: 9407 3000 0000 0000 0000 00
- Global Express Guaranteed: 82 000 000 00
- Priority Mail International: CP 000 000 000 US
These formats can help validate whether a number you’ve found is actually a USPS tracking number or from another shipping service like FedEx or UPS.
How to Track Your Package
Once you’ve found the tracking number, entering it on the USPS website is easy:
- Go to USPS’s Tracking Page.
- Paste your tracking number into the box.
- Click “Track”
The tracking information you’ll see often includes the package’s origin, status updates, transit points, and estimated delivery day.
Advanced Notification Tools
For those managing frequent shipments, USPS also offers notifications via text or email. You can set these when entering a tracking number on their site. This is perfect if you’re expecting important packages and want updates straight to your phone.
Helpful Tips for Safe Tracking
- Don’t share tracking numbers publicly. They might contain private delivery information.
- If the tracking number shows “Label Created, Not Yet in System,” it means the sender printed the label but hasn’t yet handed over the package to USPS.
- Keep your receipts and emails at least until the package has arrived, just in case you need to file a claim.
Conclusion
Finding your USPS tracking number is usually straightforward, whether you sent or are receiving an item. By checking receipts, emails, labels, or your online store accounts, you should be able to locate it without much hassle. Remember the importance of keeping your tracking number secure until your delivery arrives safely.
In today’s busy life, it’s comforting to watch a package’s journey unfold with a few keystrokes. With the tips outlined above, you’ll become a pro at locating and using your USPS tracking number like a true mailing maven.