What Is a Parcel Tracking Number?
What exactly is a tracking number, and what does it tell you? Learn how to decode standard formats like S10, identify carriers like China Post or FedEx by their number patterns, and understand why it is safe to share this code with others.
A tracking number serves as a unique identifier for your package. Just as every person has a passport number, every shipment has a unique code assigned by the postal service or courier company. This code enables our information system to locate your package in the global logistics network and display its current status.
With this number, you can access complete information about the parcel, including:
- Current location and movement history;
- Detailed status updates;
- Sender and recipient countries;
- Courier contact details;
- Estimated delivery date;
- Customs instructions or alerts.
Understanding Tracking Formats
A tracking number is not random; it is a structured combination of letters and numbers. For example, international postal services use the UPU S10 format, which contains hidden data about the type of shipment and its origin.
Private transport companies use their own internal standards. Because each carrier uses a unique pattern, our web application can identify the courier simply by analyzing the tracking number format.
How to Identify the Carrier by Tracking Number
While formats vary significantly across thousands of logistics companies, some patterns are easy to recognize. Below is a table showcasing common carriers and their typical formats:
| Carrier | Tracking Number Format |
|---|---|
| China Post | 13 characters, starts with two letters, ends with "CN" (e.g., RA123456789CN) |
| UPS | 18 alphanumeric characters, starting with "1Z" (e.g., 1Z12345E1512345678) |
| FedEx | 12-14 digits (e.g., 123456789012) |
| USPS | 20-22 digits or S10 format ending in "US" (e.g., 940010000000, EC123456789US) |
| DHL | 10 digits (e.g., 1234567890) |
| Royal Mail | 13 characters, ends with "GB" (e.g., AB123456789GB) |
| Evri (Hermes) | 16 digits (e.g., 1234567890123456) |
| Amazon Logistics | Starts with "TBA" followed by numbers (e.g., TBA123456789012) |
Note: Tracking numbers are not universal. Entering a UPS number on the FedEx website will not work. If you are unsure which courier is handling your package, use our universal tracking tool. It automatically detects the carrier for you.
Is It Safe to Share My Tracking Number?
Yes, it is safe. A tracking number is a public identifier that reveals only the parcel's movement. It does not display sensitive personal data, such as your full home address, phone number, or credit card details.
You can share this number with family members or support teams without risk. However, remember that possession of the tracking number does not allow anyone to redirect the package or pick it up from the post office; this requires a valid ID matching the recipient's name.
For Developers and Businesses
Manually identifying carriers is time-consuming for businesses dealing with bulk shipments. We offer a specialized Tracking API that automates this process, allowing you to identify carriers and track packages instantly within your own system.
