Learning how to track a USPS package will help you make sure your US Postal Service shipments won't get lost. This article will walk you through the various resources you can draw on to track down a package shipped via USPS.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Track and Confirm Online
Step 1. Go to the "Track & Confirm" tab on the US post office site:
tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction_input. Here you can enter the data of a tracking number from 1 to 10.
Step 2. Identify the receipt number
- The receipt number can be found at the bottom of the receipt itself, after the payment method and the transaction number.
- Enter the data shown on the label. Enter the label, receipt or waybill number exactly as it appears on the receipt or label, including all letters and numbers, in the appropriate field on the left.
Step 3. Press "Find"
- If you have entered a label number, you will be able to see the status of your package.
- If you have shipped with Express Mail, you will find the details of the shipment step by step, so that you know where the package is at any time.
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If you have used Delivery Confirmation, Certified Mail or Registered Mail, you will be able to see when your package has been delivered.
Method 2 of 3: Use the Delivery Confirmation Services to Track the Receipt
Track a USPS Package Step 4 Step 1. Purchase the Delivery Confirmation service
When you buy the stamps, you can add the Delivery Confirmation service, i.e. the delivery confirmation. The cost is added to the total postage amount on the shipping labels. For more information on current rates, click on this link:
- You will be sent a postcard containing the date, postcode and time of delivery.
- The data regarding your purchase of the Delivery Confirmation service will also be visible when you use the Track and Confirm option on the USPS website.
Track a USPS Package Step 5 Step 2. Use Signature Confirmation
Signature Confirmation, i.e. the signature confirmation service, offers an additional level of security as it requires the recipient to affix their signature upon receipt of the package.
Track a USPS Package Step 6 Step 3. Confirm delivery of your Certified Mail
You can receive confirmation of delivery of your package online using your unique shipment number. Certified mail, like the signature confirmation service, requires the recipient to sign when the package is delivered and keep a copy of the signature.
Track a USPS Package Step 7 Step 4. Check the delivery of your Registered Mail
You can check online the delivery of packages and also the registration of all unsuccessful delivery attempts.
Method 3 of 3: Request a Proof of Delivery
Track a USPS Package Step 8 Step 1. Request additional proof of delivery
This service is available for packages sent by Express Mail. Unless a package has been sent to a post office box, you can request that the recipient sign on the delivery of the package.
Track a USPS Package Step 9 Step 2. Purchase a return receipt
Purchase the return receipt before or after shipping the package. Once you have purchased the return receipt, you will receive documented proof of delivery of the package.
- Return receipts are presented as green postcards with the recipient's signature. They are also available in PDF format and are sent as attachments to an email. They show a picture of the recipient's signature.
- Use the return receipt for most Express Mail, First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and package shipping services.
Track a USPS Package Step 10 Step 3. Sign up to receive an email
Request an electronic return receipt when sending a package by Certified Mail, Insured Mail, COD, or Registered Mail.
Track a USPS Package Step 11 Step 4. Track packages shipped with the international express service (Global Express)
To track an international express package, call 1-800-222-1811.
Advice
- Package tracking is not available for Priority Mail International Flat Rate and other international flat rate services.
- If you are a Certified Sender, add the delivery confirmation option to your shipping label.
- Some higher security services, such as Certified Mail and Registered Mail, may have limited availability depending on the value of the package sent.
