How to Track a Package: Complete Guide for All Carriers

Tracking a package should be simple, but between carrier websites, third-party tools, and cryptic status messages, it's often more confusing than it needs to be. This guide covers how to track packages from every major US carrier, what the status messages actually mean, and what to do when tracking stops updating or shows a problem.

Tracking by Carrier: Direct Links and Methods

Every major carrier provides free package tracking on their website and mobile app. You need the tracking number from your shipping confirmation email or receipt.

• USPS: tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction — also via the USPS mobile app; tracking numbers are 22 digits (94 or 92 prefix for most packages)
• UPS: ups.com/track — or UPS My Choice app; tracking numbers start with 1Z followed by 16 alphanumeric characters
• FedEx: fedex.com/en-us/tracking.html — or FedEx Delivery Manager app; tracking numbers are 12 or 15 digits
• DHL Express: dhl.com/us-en/home/tracking.html — 10–11 digit tracking number
• Amazon: track via the Orders page in your Amazon account; Amazon Logistics uses 'TBA' prefixed tracking numbers
• OnTrac, LSO, LaserShip: regional carriers with their own portals — check the shipping confirmation for the carrier name

What Tracking Statuses Actually Mean

Carrier tracking statuses are often vague or confusing. Here are the most common statuses and what they mean in practice:

• 'Pre-Shipment' or 'Label Created': the label was printed but the carrier hasn't scanned the package yet — it may not have been dropped off
• 'In Transit': the package is moving through the carrier network — no action needed
• 'Out for Delivery': the package is on a delivery vehicle today and should arrive before end of day
• 'Delivery Attempted': the carrier tried to deliver but couldn't — check for a door tag or notice
• 'Available for Pickup': the package is at a carrier facility waiting for you to collect it
• 'Delivered': tracking shows delivered — if you didn't receive it, check nearby locations before contacting the carrier
• 'Exception' or 'Alert': something interrupted normal delivery — read the details for the specific reason

When Tracking Stops Updating

Tracking that stops updating for several days is common and usually not cause for alarm. Packages are not scanned at every facility they pass through — they may travel for 24–48 hours without a scan update. USPS in particular has gaps in scanning coverage, especially for Ground Advantage and First Class packages.

If tracking hasn't updated for 5+ business days and the expected delivery date has passed, that's when to take action. For USPS, submit a Missing Mail Search at usps.com/help/missing-mail.htm. For UPS and FedEx, call customer service with your tracking number — they can see internal scan data that doesn't appear on the public tracking page.

Setting Up Tracking Notifications

All major carriers offer email and SMS notifications for package updates. USPS Informed Delivery (informeddelivery.usps.com) shows scanned images of incoming mail and packages before they're delivered — one of the most useful free postal services available. Sign up with your address and receive daily emails showing what's arriving.

UPS My Choice and FedEx Delivery Manager offer similar services with additional options like delivery time windows, redirect requests, and hold-at-location. These are free for the basic tier — premium tiers offer more control options for a monthly fee. For frequent receivers, these services are worth the 5 minutes to set up.