One of the first things you are given when you order something online or ship a package is a tracking number. In FedEx, this number is like a unique identifier that links your shipment to a database. It enables you to check the progress of your parcel right from the moment it is picked up until it is delivered to you.
However, a lot of people are not aware of how these numbers function or the reasons for their importance. FedEx tracking numbers are not just some random numbers.
They are codes that are constructed in a way that links your package to the global tracking system of FedEx. Every time the package is scanned along the route, the status is updated. This gives customers a feeling of security and also helps companies in keeping the customers informed.
What is a FedEx Tracking Number and Why is it Important?
The tracking number of FedEx is an exclusive combination of numbers and sometimes alphabets that is assigned to every shipment that is sent via FedEx. You can consider it the ‘digital ID’ of your package. After the product is dispatched, along with the tracking number, a link is also created, which is a way to track the package anytime anywhere. The location of the package can be known to the sender and the receiver at any time in the delivery process by using this number.
Tracking numbers are the backbone of the whole system as these numbers give you a feeling of safety. Instead of waiting for the delivery of the package in your absence, you can track the shipment as it moves from one place to another.
If there are delays, exceptions, or delivery changes, the tracking system will show you updates. For businesses, tracking numbers are a factor of customer loyalty as they can physically see the progress of their orders.
How to Find Your FedEx Tracking Number on Receipts, Labels, or Emails
When you ship or receive a package through FedEx, you’ll always get a tracking number. But sometimes people don’t know where to look for it. Luckily, FedEx makes it easy to find.
1. On the Shipping Label
Every package shipped with FedEx has a label. The tracking number is usually printed near the barcode. It may be a 12-digit or 15-digit number, depending on the service you used.
2. On Your Receipt
If you shipped a package at a FedEx location, the receipt given to you will show the tracking number clearly. You can use this number right away to start tracking.
3. In Email Confirmation
When you buy something online and it’s shipped with FedEx, the seller usually sends you an email with the tracking number included. FedEx also sends confirmation emails if you create a shipment online.
Step-by-Step Guide on Using FedEx Tracking Online and on the Mobile App
Tracking a package with FedEx is very easy. Whether you prefer using the website or the mobile app, the steps are almost the same. Here’s how to do it:
1. Using FedEx Website
- Open the FedEx official website.
- On the main page, a tracking section will be displayed.
- Put the given tracking number in the specified section.
- Press the “Track” button and you will get the most recent status of your shipment.
2. Using the FedEx Mobile App
- Get the FedEx application from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Open the application, tap “Track”.
- Enter the tracking number of your shipment or scan the barcode on your package label.
- On the app, you will get the live status of your shipment.
Different Types of FedEx Tracking Numbers (Ground, Express, Freight, etc.)
FedEx tracking numbers are not all identical in appearance. The number’s format could vary depending on the service that you have chosen. The reason being that each FedEx service has a different way of recognizing the parcels. Those are the major categories:
1. FedEx Ground and FedEx Express
- Normally they have 12 digits (for instance: 1234 5678 9012).
- Such type of a tracking number is the one that you will most frequently come across if you want to track the packages that are sent in an ordinary way.
2. FedEx SmartPost (Now FedEx Ground Economy)
- Usually 20 to 22 digits in length.
- These are used when the delivery is handed over from USPS to FedEx.
3. FedEx Freight
- May have 9 to 15 digits.
- Used for large shipments and pallets.
4. Door Tag Numbers
- Start with the letters DT followed by numbers.
- Used when FedEx tries to deliver but no one is home. You can track your package with this number.
All tracking numbers of various kinds are designed to allow the user to obtain the location of their delivery and the expected delivery time. In addition, distinguishing them merely facilitates the identification of the type of delivery service used for your parcel.
How Long Does It Take for FedEx Tracking to Update?
There are times when FedEx tracking updates cannot be seen immediately. In the majority of cases, the updates appear within a few hours after the package has been first scanned. Every time your shipment moves through a FedEx facility or is scanned by a driver, the system reflects the new status.
Normally, for domestic shipments, you should be able to see the tracking updates at least once every 24 hours. Nonetheless, during a hectic period such as a holiday, there may be a delay in the scans, and as a result, your parcel might have moved without the system indicating it. It takes much longer for updates for international shipments and the package has to go through customs.
If the tracking has not been updated for more than 48 hours, it is not always the case that the package is lost; it could simply be that the package is on its way between locations. In such situations, it is often better to wait a bit more. However, if still, there is no update after a couple of days, the best step to take is to get in touch with FedEx customer service.
What Do FedEx Tracking Statuses Mean?
When you track a FedEx package, you will see different status messages. Each one shows where your package is in its journey. Here are the most common ones explained:
1. Label Created: The shipper has made a shipping label, but FedEx has not yet picked up the package.
2. Picked Up: FedEx already has the package and is on his way.
3. In Transit: The parcel is in transit between different FedEx locations. It could be transported via a delivery van, an airplane, or a combination of the two.
4. At Local Facility: The package is at the closest FedEx location to where it will be delivered.
5. Out for Delivery: The driver has your package and will deliver it the same day.
6. Delivered: The package has reached the destination and was handed to the receiver.
7. Exception: Something unexpected happened, like weather delay, wrong address, or customer not available.
How to Track a FedEx Package Without a Tracking Number
Losing your FedEx tracking number can be frustrating, but you still have ways to follow your shipment. FedEx provides several tools to help customers track packages without the number.
One of the easiest options is FedEx Delivery Manager. By creating a free account, you can view all packages coming to your address, even if you don’t know the tracking number. This service also gives alerts and delivery updates.
Another method is tracking by reference number. If you entered an invoice number, order number, or purchase order when shipping, you can use that instead of the tracking code.
You can also check emails or text messages from the seller, as many include direct tracking links. If none of these work, call FedEx customer service. With your name, address, and shipment details, they can help locate the package.
How to Track International FedEx Shipments
Tracking international packages with FedEx is almost the same as tracking local packages, but there are a few things that you have to remember. After you get your tracking number, you can enter it in the FedEx website or in the FedEx mobile app. Then the system will give you the updates as your package travels from one country to another.
International package are typically inspected at customs, so you might get notifications such as “Clearance in Progress”. This simply means your shipment is being checked before it can be sent further. Sometimes customs can cause delays, but the tracking system will keep you informed.
If you want even more information, FedEx is also providing Advanced Tracking for international shipments. This feature allows you to have more access to the package, including estimated delivery times and detailed location scans.
Can You Track FedEx Packages in Real Time?
You can get detailed information about your package through FedEx tracking. However, it is not entirely real-time as in the case of a GPS tracking on a delivery driver’s phone. The system only updates each time your package is scanned at a FedEx facility or by a driver.
Hence, you will be able to see the package’s journey from one location to another, but you will not be able to view its exact live position on a map.
Anyway, FedEx has upgraded its system with gadgets like FedEx Delivery Manager.
By using this no-cost service, you can be informed, know the estimated time of delivery and even get the notification of the expected time of arrival of your package. In a few cases of express shipments, FedEx also gives estimated delivery windows which are quite accurate.
FedEx Reference Tracking: How It Works and When to Use It
FedEx reference tracking is another way to follow your shipment if you don’t want to use the regular tracking number. Instead of entering a 12-digit code, you can track your package with a reference number linked to the shipment. A reference number can be an order number, customer number, purchase order (PO) number, or even a unique ID you create when shipping.
This method is useful for businesses and online sellers who manage many packages at once. Instead of searching by tracking number, they can use their own internal numbers to find shipments. It also helps when customers lose their tracking code, since a reference number can still pull up details.
To use it, go to the FedEx tracking page, select “Track by Reference,” and enter your reference number along with the destination country and date range. The system will show the status of your shipment.
How FedEx Tracking Helps With Lost or Stolen Packages
FedEx tracking is not only used for checking delivery times; it is a time very helpful tool in case your package gets lost or stolen. Every time a driver scans your shipment at a FedEx location, the system logs the exact location and time. This history allows you to see the last place where the package was.
In the event that the package is lost by you, the first thing you should do is get a trace request or claim with FedEx using the tracking number. The tracking information gives the customer support a place from which to conduct an investigation. In a theft situation, the data can also be given to the police or the seller as a certificate.
Tracking is a source of comfort for customers. Rather than speculating about where the package may be, you are holding a digital record that backs up your claim. Although not all packages are recovered, FedEx tracking makes it possible to find solutions in a shorter time.
Why Your FedEx Tracking Number Might Not Be Working
It is quite worrying that you input a FedEx tracking number and it indicates that there is nothing. Typically, a simple and short-lived issue tends to be the cause of the problem. Some of the most frequent causes of tracking numbers not functioning are as follows:
1. Package Not Yet Scanned: Upon the generation of a shipping label, the customer is provided with a tracking number, albeit the status of the package shall not be available until FedEx carries out a scan of the shipment. This short waiting time can sometimes extend to a few hours.
2. Typing Errors: Entering one wrong digit can stop the system from finding your package. Double-check the number carefully.
3. System Delays: In the middle of the year when there are lots of orders or during holidays, tracking updates are sometimes getting slower than usual.
4. Expired or Wrong Number: In case the phone number is extremely old or has no connection with FedEx, then the number will not be functional.
If your tracking number still doesn’t show after 24–48 hours, contact FedEx customer service with your shipping details for help.
READ ALSO: How Much Does FedEx Shipping Cost Compared To UPS And DHL?