Key Points:
- UPS is known to offer its customers guaranteed day-definite and time-definite worldwide delivery services
- Your UPS tracking number is usually sent via email after you make an eCommerce purchase, or will be provided to you when you ship a package at a retail location
- Customers are usually advised to allow up to 24 hours for their shipment’s UPS tracking number to be logged by the carrier
United Parcel Service (UPS)® is one of the largest and most trusted courier services in the world, and with UPS tracking there are several methods for eCommerce merchants and their customers to track shipments.
This guide will cover the basics of UPS tracking, including where to find the UPS tracking number, the UPS services that offer to track, the meaning of the status updates, and how to track a UPS shipment in Easyship.
Table of Contents
01How Do I Track My UPS Shipment?
02Which UPS Services Offer Tracking?
03UPS Online Tracking Statuses
04How Long Does It Take for UPS Tracking?
05What Happens When UPS Tracking Isn't Updated?
06What Happens If My Package Doesn't Arrive?
07How Easyship Can Help
08UPS Tracking FAQ
How Do I Track My UPS Shipment?
UPS offers a variety of methods for tracking a package shipped domestically or internationally. To start, you’ll need to obtain the UPS tracking number, which is usually sent via email after you make an eCommerce purchase, or will be provided to you when you ship a package at a retail location.
UPS assigns an 18-digit tracking number that starts with 1Z, followed by a 6-character shipper number (a combination of numbers and letters), 2-digit service level indicator characters, followed by 8 digits that identify the given package.
- IZ1234567891234567
Once you have the tracking number there are a few options for looking up the status of a delivery.
- Enter up to 10 tracking numbers for a real-time status
- Enter the tracking number into the USP chatbot from the Help Center
UPS Phone Number
- Domestic: 1-888-742-5877
- International: 1-866-782-7892
UPS My Choice®
- Sign up for an account to track packages, get delivery alerts, and track using the UPS delivery map, route packages to a UPS Access Point® for pick up. Premium service is also available for a fee if you require services like delivery to another address and a confirmed delivery window.
SMS Tracking
- You can sign up to receive SMS alerts from the tracking website by adding your number when prompted.
Easyship customers can easily track a UPS package through their dashboard by navigating to the Manage Shipments section, selecting ‘All’, or searching for the UPS tracking number in the search bar. And with custom branded emails and tracking pages, your customers can conveniently follow the progress of their shipments.
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Which UPS Services Offer Tracking?
UPS is known to offer its customers guaranteed day-definite and time-definite worldwide delivery services, based mainly on the shipment’s destination. Tracking is available for all services in most cases. Here are some of the most commonly used services for eCommerce shipping.
- UPS® Ground: Day-definite delivery in one to five days
- UPS Worldwide Express Plus®: Time-definite delivery to 140 countries and territories with morning delivery
- UPS Worldwide Express®: Time-definite service to 140 countries and territories
- UPS Worldwide Saver®: Day-definite delivery by the end of the business. Next business day delivery by the end of the day to Canada. Second business day delivery by end of the day to Mexico and major metropolitan areas worldwide
- UPS Worldwide Expedited®: Day-definite expedited delivery to over 220 countries and territories
UPS Online Tracking Statuses
Before utilizing the UPS track package option, it is important to understand the various UPS tracking statuses, whether you are making use of the UPS® Ground tracking option or any other service.
Some of these statuses are as follows:
- Returned to Shipper: A given shipment was returned back to the original shipper
- Exception: A package experienced an unforeseen event (damage to the parcel, address unknown, non-receipt of signature, etc) and as such, the delivery date becomes extended.
- In Transit: The shipment is moving within the UPS network and will be delivered on the originally scheduled delivery date and time.
- On Vehicle for Delivery: The shipment has already been dispatched to a UPS driver and delivered to the recipient the same day.
- Updated Delivery Date: Whether you are tracking your parcel through UPS tracking phone number or online when your shipment’s status shows the “updated delivery date” status, it means that although your shipment is in transit for some reason, the delivery date will no longer be as originally scheduled.
How Long Does It Take for UPS to Update Tracking?
UPS updates the tracking of packages throughout the shipment by scanning the barcode at each new location. Tracking information should be updated in near real-time. There may be instances where the driver delays scanning the barcode for various reasons, which would cause the tracking to not be up to date.
If you suspect there are delays or problems, it’s best to reach out directly to the Easyship support team to resolve any concerns.
What Happens When UPS Tracking Isn’t Updated?
Customers are usually advised to allow up to 24 hours for their shipment’s UPS tracking number to be logged by the carrier. If your shipment’s UPS tracking is not updating, it could be that the package is yet to be picked up by the courier or that it has been picked up but yet to be scanned. If it has not been updated after 24 hours, it’s best to reach out directly to Easyship support to resolve any concerns.
What Happens If My Package Doesn’t Arrive?
Although UPS is one of the most reliable courier services, there will be issues with deliveries from time to time for a variety of reasons.
If your package has not arrived, or you haven’t received an update on the tracking, here are some steps to take in order to resolve the issue:
- Wait for 24 hours after the delivery date
- Report the missing package to UPS
- Give UPS time to perform a package search (takes up to 10 business days)
- If a package is found, UPS will route it to the original recipient and once delivery is done, the shipper is notified
- If the package you have been tracking using UPS® Ground tracking or any other service option is not found, the shipper will receive a damage/loss claim letter through fax, email, or post
- You will then forward documents determining the shipment’s value to UPS, including purchase order, invoice, proof of mailing, etc.
- UPS determines the value of the shipment and also takes steps to verify that the content falls within the guidelines of the carrier’s terms of services
- The final step in resolving the issue of a UPS tracking order that never arrived is the carrier paying up the loss claim, either replacement or purchase cost. Should the company refuse the claim, UPS will contact the customer to let him or her know their stand.
How Easyship Can Help
With the availability of tracking options, eCommerce business owners have been able to keep their customers abreast of their orders while in transit, whether they are using a UPS tracking phone number to monitor the shipment or they are using the online UPS shipping tracking option.
With Easyship, eCommerce merchants can easily provide visibility to their customers from checkout to delivery with automated messages, dedicated tracking pages, and branded tracking features. Learn more about how Easyship can supercharge your shipping.
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UPS Tracking FAQ
Where is my UPS tracking number on my receipt?
Your shipment’s tracking number can be found towards the lower part of your receipt. It is located under the heading “Package Information”.
How many digits are a UPS tracking number?
The UPS tracking number contains 18 digits. This usually starts with “1Z” and ends with a check digit.
Why is my UPS tracking number not working?
All UPS tracking numbers will not work if the courier is yet to pick up the parcels. Another reason why the tracking number is not working could be that the parcel’s bar code is yet to be scanned.
What does out for delivery today mean?
If your UPS track package shows out for delivery today, it simply means that your parcel has been dispatched to a UPS driver and will be delivered to you the same day.
How much does UPS tracking cost?
UPS does not charge separately for tracking. The total cost of shipping factors in tracking for those services that come with tracking.
FAQs
Can I track the exact location of my package UPS? ›
UPS has finally rolled out true package tracking, letting you see exactly where the truck carrying your item is on a map right from your smartphone or PC.
Why can't I track my UPS package? ›On the day that your order is ready to ship, we assign the UPS tracking number. Until UPS scans that number and loads your project into the truck, it will show up as invalid. If you attempt to track your order, try it after 8pm ET or the following business day for best results.
How do I know when UPS will deliver? ›If you now expect a package and enter your UPS tracking ID in the search window, you will be shown in the tracking where your package was last and on which day it will be delivered.
What time will my UPS package arrive? ›Other than time-definite air deliveries, shipments are generally delivered anytime between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (and sometimes later) to residences, and by close of business for commercial addresses. UPS cannot schedule a specific delivery time within that window.
Can I track a package with my address? ›Can you track a USPS package by address? A USPS package has to be tracked using the tracking number, not the address to which it was sent. However, with the Informed Delivery service added to your USPS account, you can track packages you send as well as those sent to your address.
How long does UPS take to deliver once out for delivery? ›90% of UPS Ground packages are delivered in three days or less. UPS Ground gives you cost-effective, day definite delivery within one to five business days, with more on-time deliveries than FedEx.
How long does it take for UPS tracking to show up? ›Customers are usually advised to allow up to 24 hours for their shipment's UPS tracking number to be logged by the carrier. If your shipment's UPS tracking is not updating, it could be that the package is yet to be picked up by the courier or that it has been picked up but yet to be scanned.
Does UPS still have Follow My delivery Live Map? ›For more information regarding your package, please visit the UPS Tracking page. Your Follow My Delivery live map is no longer available... For the latest information regarding your package, please visit the UPS Tracking page.
Why does UPS tracking take so long? ›Shipment movement information is captured each time a tracking label is scanned in the UPS delivery system. There may be several days between scans if the shipment is going cross-country or moving between countries or territories.
How long does UPS tracking last? ›Information about package shipments, except for return service packages, is retained in Quantum View Manage for 45 days after the manifest date . Information about return service packages and freight shipments is retained in Quantum View Manage for 120 days after the manifest date .
Where do UPS packages go before delivery? ›
A package may be directed to a designated The UPS Store location rather than to the recipient's primary residence or place of business. The recipient can then pick up the package at a time that is convenient.
Does UPS leave packages at the door? ›Shipments that do not require a signature can be left in a safe place, out of sight and out of weather, at the driver's discretion. This could include the front porch, side door, back porch, garage area, or with a neighbor or leasing office (which would be noted in a yellow UPS InfoNotice® left by the driver).
How many times will UPS attempt delivery? ›UPS may make up to three delivery attempts at its discretion at your address on regular UPS delivery days. After the final attempt, undeliverable packages will be returned to the sender. To prevent your package from being returned or to make alternate delivery arrangements, track your package.
Can UPS deliver earlier than scheduled? ›UPS Next Day Air® Early gives you guaranteed early morning delivery for time-critical shipments. Guaranteed delivery by 8 a.m. to major cities and by 8:30 a.m., 9 a.m. or 9:30 a.m. to most cities, with Saturday delivery to some locations as early as 9 a.m.
Can I track my UPS package without a tracking number? ›If you do not have your tracking number, reach out to the sender for more information about your delivery. If you do not have a tracking number for your package, you can track your package on the UPS package tracker using a reference number, package ID, or US Postal Service IMPB.
Where does my package go if I not home? ›If no one is available to accept your shipment at the delivery address, your driver will leave a door tag. Check the door tag to see if we delivered your package to a neighbouring address or for the tracking information and the date of the next delivery attempt.
Does in transit mean it will be delivered today? ›'In transit' means that your package is on its way to its final destination. It does not necessarily mean that your package is in a moving vehicle such as an aircraft or truck.
Does out for delivery mean I get it today? ›Does out for delivery mean I get the package today? Usually, yes, out for delivery means the last mile carrier or delivery provider will arrive with the package that day.
When UPS says delivery by 7pm? ›Regular delivery hours for UPS end at 7 pm for residential addresses. The delivery cutoff is the end of the business day for deliveries to business addresses. However, UPS drivers will continue to make deliveries after 7 pm, so some packages may arrive later.
Does UPS sometimes not update tracking? ›Although delays and issues are rare, they can occur for various reasons. If your parcel has stopped tracking for a few days, then there may be complications with your delivery. Please contact our live chat team on the below link if this is the case so that look to resolve any issues as quickly as possible.
What does a UPS tracking look like? ›
A UPS tracking number, for domestic packages within the United States, will usually start with "1Z" followed by a 6 character shipper number (numbers and letters), a 2 digit service level indicator, and finally 8 digits identifying the package (the last digit being a check digit), for a total of 18 characters.
Can a package be delivered without being scanned? ›The package may not have been scanned at the last checkpoint when it was loaded onto the mail truck. The item will be in the truck and will probably be delivered on time, but without being scanned before loading it up, the tracking page will still show the delivery scan holdup.
How often does the UPS tracking map update? ›Though you will not see the truck's exact route, the map does automatically refresh every two to three minutes so you can (hopefully) see your goodies inching closer to your door.
Can I speed up my UPS package? ›UPS offers a number of expedited options to meet your unique needs and price point, including: UPS Next Day Air® Early. UPS Next Day Air. UPS Next Day Air Saver.
What is the longest package UPS will take? ›Packages can be up to 165 inches in length and girth combined. Remember, the longest side of your package will your length.
What happens if USPS tracking hasn't updated in a week? ›The USPS considers a package lost if tracking information has not been updated in seven days. If you are concerned that your tracking number is not updating and the package has been lost, you can place a missing shipment search with USPS.
Does UPS automatically give tracking number? ›A UPS Tracking Number is automatically assigned to each package. You or your customer can use this number to locate your package in the system and determine its delivery status and other details.
How do I get proof of UPS delivery? ›- Locate the relevant tracking number in the Shipment Details table.
- Select the tracking number link to go to the Shipment Detail page.
- Select the Proof of Delivery link to get a printable version of the Proof of Delivery.
Enter the USPS tracking number (to find it, simply look at the bottom of a shipping label) in the search bar; do not include any dashes or spaces. Click on “Check Status”. View the scan history and status information of your package.
Can you track your mail on UPS? ›You can track your UPS Mail Innovations® shipments on ups.com. To track shipments, select the link below and enter your UPS Mail Innovations Package ID or United States Postal Service® Delivery Confirmation number.
Can I track a package with my name? ›
Unfortunately, there are not a lot of courier companies that would have you locate your shipment with a name. You may also have all the additional details regarding the shipment but unfortunately, you cannot track a parcel without your tracking number if you only have the name.
How can I track my UPS package without tracking number? ›If you do not have your tracking number, reach out to the sender for more information about your delivery. If you do not have a tracking number for your package, you can track your package on the UPS package tracker using a reference number, package ID, or US Postal Service IMPB.
How often does UPS update their tracking? ›Once the shipment is moving within the UPS network, the tracking status will be updated.
Can I track when my mail will be delivered? ›Informed Delivery is a free mail-tracking service from the USPS. It uses the scans of your incoming letters to provide previews in a daily email and in a personalized online dashboard on USPS.com or its mobile app.