Tracking a parcel is easy and ensures you know exactly where your package is and when it will arrive. Whether you're waiting for a delivery from your favorite online store or a special gift from a friend, following these steps will help you track your parcel from start to finish.

Step 1: Get Your Tracking Number

When you place an order online, the seller or the shipping company will provide you with a tracking number. This number is usually sent to you via email or displayed on the order confirmation page. The tracking number is a unique code, often a series of digit numbers, that you’ll need to track your parcel.

• Tip: If you can't find your tracking number, check your email for an order confirmation or log into your account on the online store's website to view your order details. You might also find a reference number or order number that can help identify your package.

Step 2: Identify the Courier or Shipping Company

Different courier companies or shipping companies handle parcels depending on where they're coming from or going to. It’s important to know which company is handling your parcel so you can track it accurately.

Here’s a quick guide to common shipping companies and postal services:

• China Post: Used for parcels coming from China.
• Royal Mail: Commonly used in the United Kingdom.
• USPS (United States Postal Service): For domestic parcels in the United States.
• Canada Post: For parcels shipped within or to Canada.
• Australia Post: For deliveries within Australia.
• La Poste: For shipments within France.
• Pitney Bowes: Often handles packages from large online stores and international packages.

Each of these shipping services provides a way to track your package using the tracking code or unique number provided to you when you made your purchase.

Step 3: Visit the Courier's Website or Use a Universal Tracking Tool

Once you have your tracking number and know which company is handling your package, go to the courier's website. Most national postal services and courier companies have online platforms where you can enter your tracking number to see the location of your package.

• Examples:
  • USPS: Go to the USPS website and enter your tracking number in the tracking tool.
  • Royal Mail: Visit the Royal Mail website for parcels in the UK.
  • China Post: Use the China Post tracking service for packages from China.

If your package is being handled by an international courier or passed between several carriers, you might want to use a universal tracking tool. These tools can track packages across different shipping companies and logistics companies.

• Tip: Some popular universal tracking tools are 17Track or Parcel Monitor, which allow you to track international parcels from multiple carriers in one place.

Step 4: Enter Your Tracking Number and Get Updates

On the courier's website or in the tracking tool, enter your tracking number in the designated field. Once you hit "Track," you'll be able to see the latest tracking information.

• What You'll See:
  • Package Status: Whether the package is in transit, out for delivery, or delivered.
  • Location of Your Package: The current location or last known location of your parcel.
  • Delivery Times: Estimated times for when your package will move to the next location or be delivered.
  • Estimated Delivery Date: The date when your parcel is expected to arrive at your doorstep.
  • Destination Country: Information about where the package is headed, especially important for international packages.

Step 5: Sign Up for Notifications

Most couriers offer the option to sign up for push notifications or email alerts, so you can receive updates on your parcel's status directly to your mobile phone. This way, you won’t need to constantly check the website for updates.

• Tip: Download the courier's mobile app if they have one, like the USPS app or the Royal Mail app, to track your package more conveniently.

Step 6: Check for Any Special Delivery Instructions or Issues

Sometimes, the courier may leave a calling card if they tried to deliver your package but you weren’t home. The calling card might have instructions on how to reschedule the delivery or pick up your package from a nearby post office.

• If There’s a Problem: If you notice a delay, or if the tracking information hasn’t updated for a long time, it might be worth contacting the courier company directly. They can provide more information and help resolve any issues. Be ready to provide them with your tracking number or reference number and any other relevant personal information they might need to assist you.

Step 7: Receive Your Package

Finally, once your package is out for delivery, keep an eye on your doorstep or mailbox. If you’re tracking the package on the day of delivery, you’ll often see a notice that the package is “out for delivery,” meaning it will arrive that day.

• Final Tip: If you’re not home, consider asking a neighbor to look out for your package or arrange for it to be delivered to a secure location, like a post office or a freight forwarder if it's a larger shipment. Freight forwarders can be especially useful for consolidating international packages or managing large shipments.

How FirstMile Can Help

FirstMile makes tracking even easier with our Xparcel services. When you ship with FirstMile, you can choose from options like Xparcel Priority, Expedited, or Ground, depending on how quickly you need your package. Our services include easy tracking through our online platforms and mobile apps, giving you peace of mind with up-to-date information about your package's journey.

Whether your package is heading across the country or coming from overseas, FirstMile ensures it gets to its final destination quickly and safely. Plus, with FirstMile’s commitment to customer satisfaction, you’ll always have the support you need if something goes wrong.

Conclusion

Tracking your parcel is a simple process that keeps you informed every step of the way. By following these steps and using the tools provided by national postal services and shipping companies, you can easily track your package from the moment it leaves the warehouse to the moment it arrives at your door. And with FirstMile, tracking is just one part of the smooth and reliable delivery experience we offer. Whether it's a local delivery or an international parcel, we've got you covered. Happy tracking!