What do usps tracking numbers mean

Learn more. The first four digits on your U. They can reveal a lot more about how packages are sorted and delivered.

When you place a bulk mail order with the United States Postal Service, your mailer must include a service code. The service code is a series of numbers that indicate exactly how and where your package should be delivered.

The tracking status of a shipment plays a crucial role in business communications. You might want to share the status of a product with your customer and let them know when it will arrive or simply inform them about the shipping delay. The U. Postal Service USPS offers a range of shipping options, with the tracking number being one of the essential pieces of information.

When USPS scans a package, it includes tracking information that can be used to understand the status of your shipment. This tracking information is encoded as numbers printed on the label.

The first four digits represent the type of service that used for the package. When you send a package, you also receive a tracking number, which is the unique identifier for your package.

This number allows you to track your package. The tracking number, which is the unique identifier for your package, allows you to easily track its progress through the shipping process. USPS tracking number is typically 22 digits long, such as This format is reserved for packages that are moving within the U. However, there are other formats as well, outlined below.

The USPS tracking number formats vary depending on the type of mail you purchase and the services you choose. If you dispatched the shipment through a post office, for example, it will appear on your sales receipt and on the peel-off portion of your USPS tracking label. If you printed the label through an online service, it will appear on the dashboard of your online account. To track your package, navigate to the USPS tracking webpage and enter your tracking number. You can enter up to 35 numbers at any one time.

Place your shipping labels in a visible place so the bar code is easy to scan. Scanners can't see around the curvature of tubes or the edges of a box, so if you place your label in these locations, you will never get any tracking events for your package. Place the label in as flat a location as possible, and avoid placing it over seams as the label can split. Jayne Thompson earned an LL. Her articles have appeared on numerous business sites including Typefinder, Women in Business, Startwire and Indeed.

Share It. These numbers are totally unreliable. Two tracked starting immediately beginning at my post office and continued to track all the way until they left the USA several scans each. Your email address will not be published. Notify me when new comments are added. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Ask this Author a Question Stay up-to-date on shipping changes Be the first to know about industry news and get weekly shipping tips sent to your inbox!

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