UPS Tracking | How To Track Your Package Complete Guide

Last Updated on 05/02/2023 by Miki Yoshida

One of the most common questions regarding UPS services is “How do I track my package from UPS?” In this article, you will find detailed answers that help you track your package easily and quickly. By the end of the reading, you may become an expert in UPS tracking!

 

About UPS Tracking Service

UPS tracking is the service that provides you with information regarding the current status of your package. You can only use this service after sending your package for delivery, so make sure your package is at UPS. Otherwise, you will not be able to get the benefits of this service. This service is free of charge and available with all types of packages and shipment options. So, all you need to do is to learn tracking methods and simply select the one which is most suitable for you and start using it.

Once UPS collect your package, you will get the tracking number for each package. Then, UPS scan this number at every step of the package delivery and keeps the record. By using this UPS Tracking Number, you can track your package at every stage through different methods suggested by UPS.

To use this service you should also know where to get this tracking number and how to use it to track your shipment. Before discussing various methods to track a package, let’s talk more about the UPS tracking number.

UPS Tracking Number Format

ups tracking number

A tracking number is a unique number that is assigned to a package through which we can easily track the status of the package shipment. Many companies around the world use the number. As for the United States, FedEx, UPS, and USPS use this service widely. Now you must be wondering how this process works. Well, every time a package arrives at UPS, they assign it a tracking number. Then, UPS provides the customer with this number so that they can track their shipment till UPS delivers it to the final destination. If you are thinking that what this tracking number looks like, you are not alone! I was also searching for the answer to the same question a few days ago.  So, I want to tell you that UPS has a format for tracking numbers. Let’s find out more about them which is given below:

The UPS Tracking Number generally starts with “1Z” and is followed by numbers as given below:

  • 1Z9999999999999999

If your tracking number does not look as shown above, then it may be a different number.  In general, the UPS Tracking ID starts with “1Z” and 6 numbers. After 1Z is the shipper number followed by the service level indicator represented by 2 numbers just after the shipper number. Service level codes are to indicate which parcel is selected for which service. The 8 number just after the service level code is the unique number allotted to each package.

Following are some types of tracking numbers that can be tracked by UPS and they may contain 7 to 20 letters according to their different format:

  • House Air Waybill: Airfreight movement service uses this number to track.
  • House Bill of Lading: Ocean freight movement service uses this number to track.
  • UPS Service Notice: This number is provided at the time of the 1st-time delivery attempt.
  • UPS InfoNotice: This number is provided at the time of the 1st-time delivery attempt. You can get more information about it below.
  • PRO Number: Surface freight movement service uses this number to track.

UPS Tracking Numbers for UPS Mail Innovations

UPS Mail Innovations tracking numbers have a different format from the UPS tracking numbers. The UPS Mail Innovation tracking format is given below:

Sequence Number ( also MMS/MMI digits or Number): UPS Mail Innovations and UPS Worldship assign eighteen-digit numbers internally.

United States Postal Service Delivery Confirmation Number: U.S. Postal Service assigns a twenty-two –thirty-four digit identifier when the request for Delivery Confirmation is made.

Mail Innovations Compliant Package ID: shipper assigns this number to every parcel, as discussed below:

MIXXXXXXNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

  • MI– a UPS Mail Innovations indicator
  • XXXXXX– a unique 6-digit customer number assigned by UPS Mail Innovations
  • NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN- a unique number, up to 22 characters, assigned by the shipper to identify a mail piece. Use alphabetical and/or numeric characters with no spaces or symbols. The same ID should not be reused for other mail pieces for at least six months.

Here we have discussed the UPS tracking numbers used and their format. Now, you may want to know how we can use this number to track your package. Not to worry! We will explain various methods for tracking the UPS package.

 

UPS Tracking Guides – How to Track a Package

UPS provides many methods to track UPS packages and very few people know about every one of them to track their package while using UPS delivery service. That’s why we are here to provide the list of all methods for tracking any package through UPS service. What you need to do is simply select the best one that suits your shipment tracking and follow the procedure in order to start using it. Below is the list of methods provided by UPS:

UPS Tracking by Tracking Number

Below are the steps to be followed in order to track the package by using the UPS Tracking Number:

Step 1: Go to UPS’s official site ups.com.

Step 2: Select the location and continue.

Step 3: Go to the tracking tab and select “Track Shipments”. Refer to the image below in need of visual help.

ups tracking, ups tracking number
Image 1

Step 4: Enter the tracking number of your package or the InfoNotice number. You can enter more than one number here and not more than 25 numbers. In case you need to input more than 1 tracking number, make sure to enter only one number per line.

UPS tracking, UPS tracking number,

Step 5: After typing all of your tracking numbers, click the TRACK button and you will be updated with your package’s current status.

If your tracking number is incorrect, then a message will be displayed as shown in the below image.

ups tracking, ups tracking number

Step 6: Recheck your tracking number and try again. If you have entered the right number provided, then contact the sender and verify with them again.

UPS Tracking by Reference

Follow the below steps in order to track your package by reference:

Step 1: Go to the official UPS site.

Step 2: Select the “Track Shipments” option from the tracking tab. Refer to image 1.

Step 3:  Click on the ‘Track by Reference’ option from the section on the left and you will get a form as shown in the next image.

Step 4: Select your shipment type as Package, Freight or Mail Innovation.

Select the package option for the single parcel or the shipments that weigh no more than 70kg/150lbs.

Select the freight option for freight shipment of any weight. Select UPS Mail Innovation for the package that weighs less than 0.45kg/1lb.UPS tracking, UPS tracking number

Step 5: Select your shipment reference. Make sure it should not exceed 35 characters and can be a combination of numbers and letters.

Step 6: Select the shipment range.

Step 7: Select one account that is shipping the parcel.
Step 8: If you have any other UPS account, then mention it in the next field.

Step 9: Select the destination country of your shipment that you want to track.

Step 10: After selecting a country, write the ZIP or postal code of the destination.

Step 11: After rechecking your data, click on the TRACK button and your package tracking details will be displayed to you.

UPS Email Tracking

Tracking with the above two methods has lots of steps. Therefore, for people who don’t have much time, UPS provides a service in which you can track your shipment through email. To use this service, you just have to mail your tracking number to the email address totaltrack@ups.com. You can send more than 1 tracking number in case of more shipments, but also make sure to not exceed more than 25.  If you are tracking a single package, then put the tracking number in the subject line as well as in the body. On the other hand, if you have multiple tracking numbers, then put all the numbers in the body and you can leave the subject of the mail blank. In both cases, tracking responses related to all the tracking numbers you have asked for will be sent to your email address. Keep in mind that this tracking method is not available for freight tracking.

Note: To use this service, you must first register on the UPS official site. After having completed, you can easily import the tracking numbers and you will get the description related to that tracking number and its detailed status.

UPS SMS Tracking

If you want to track your UPS package via SMS, then select this option at the time of delivering your package at UPS. Let’s find out how to use this service next time when delivering your package through UPS:

  • Go to the official site and enter the tracking number in the left side option and select TRACK.
  • You will be redirected to the page ‘Tracking Detail’.
  • Select the option ‘Notify me with updates to get the notification through the SMS’.
  • It will ask you the type of notification. Select the SMS test message type.
  • Select the option ‘add new number’ option.
  • Fill in the mobile number detail to proceed. It will ask you to confirm your mobile number.
  • Confirm the number and you will start getting the SMS notification related to the tracking details of the package.
  • If you have a UPS account, then you will get the option to select ‘remember this number.’ If you select it, then your number will be saved and it will be available for tracking any package next time.

Note: You have to do only one-time confirmation through your number as it will not ask again until you want to opt out of this service. If you decided to opt out, it will verify your number again.

UPS InfoNotice Tracking

You can also track your package through one more number provided by UPS known as the InfoNotice number. Sometimes, you have to pick up your package from the UPS Access Location present at your nearest location.

There are many advantages of using the UPS InfoNotice number. For instance, you can easily change your package delivery address or reschedule your delivery package and get a new delivery date at your convenience. Apart from this, you can hold or track package pickup through the UPS InfoNotice number.

If you want to track your package with the help of this number but don’t have any idea about it, then follow the step-by-step guide below:

Step 1: Go to the UPS official site.

Step 2: You will be asked to select the location before proceeding. Select and hit enter.

Step 3: Select the ‘Track Shipments’ option from the ‘Tracking’ drop-down menu.

Ups tracking, UPS tracking number

Step 4: Write down your InfoNotice number (the maximum number of numbers allowed one time is 25) in the window.

Step 5: Click on the ‘Track’ button and continue. You will get the details regarding the InfoNotice number you wanted.

Note: Always make sure you have entered the right numbers before proceeding.

UPS Tracking by UPS Mobile Apps

If you are a frequent user of UPS services, then UPS provides a mobile app that you can easily download on your mobile phone. The biggest advantage of using this is you can easily use all the UPS services anytime. The UPS Mobile app provides all the services like UPS official website, track or hold your package. What’s more, you can find shipping rates and the nearest UPS store easily and quickly. Another advantage is UPS provides the app for both Android users and Apple users.  We are providing the download link of apps for both the Apple and Google Play store below. Click on the link and download the app to start using it.

            

UPS Tracking with Quantum View

It allows you to get an understanding of every package and shipping activity. It also helps you build a report of custom tracking, and gives the customer every detail related to the shipment. It provides the following features:

  • Quantum View Manage will save you valuable time.
  • Quantum View Data gives flexibility when enhancing the services of customers and the processes of businesses.
  • Quantum View Notify provides the status of the shipment of critical packages through email.

Through this service, USP tries to provide enhanced functions to their customers. To know more about it click this link.

UPS Signature Tracking 

It is a secure UPS service to provide elevated tracking with the best delivery data system. Settle your billing management as well as customer service process with the help of this type of tracking system. UPS signature tracking authorized customers can request proof of the package delivery info with:

  • Picture of your signature
  • Your full name
  • Your full package delivery address

Note: To track through the signature, UPS wants you to sign in with My UPS to avoid unauthorized parties getting your information.

UPS Enhanced Tracking

UPS provides this service through MY UPS. As the name suggests, it gives you a better and enhanced tracking service. To use this service, you have to first register with the My UPS and then you can get the benefits provided. Below is the list of some benefits you will get from this service:

  • Get the information related to the tracking in the CSV file via the email system.
  • Easily track 100 tracking numbers at a time using this service.
  • Save the tracking numbers up to 50 with this service. You will not need to input the number every time.
  • You can get notifications related to the delivery time or delay by request.

Note: First register with the My UPS by following the below steps:

  • Go to this link.
  • Fill out the form. Before proceeding, make sure that you filled the entire field marked with ‘*’.
  • You will get an agreement to read. After reading it, tick the box if you agree. Go to the next page by clicking “Next”.
  • Complete the fields provided there and proceed.

After completing the above steps, you will get a confirmation message for your registration completion.

UPS Tracking with “Follow My Delivery” Service

This service is provided by “UPS My Choice” and it helps you track your package through the live map. UPS My Choice is the service started by UPS in 2011. As the service is provided by My Choice, you need to register with UPS My Choice first to use this service.  Also, this service can be used by both UPS Freight customers as well as UPS Worldwide Express. This is a very advanced service provided by UPS as it will let you track your package through the live map. It shows every step from when the package leaves the distribution centre and how it is reaching the next destination. Even when the driver takes a rest or lunch, it will give info about it and update you every minute. The only limitation of this is that it will never update you about the driver’s route due to security issues.

Another advantage of using this service is due to the live map tracking, the risk of loss of the package is less. If you want to know how this service works, here is the answer: this service is based on GPS tracking. The GPS tracks the driver’s location and it shows the package status on the map to the customer. Once the driver takes the package, it starts showing the map and you can easily track it as soon as the package is delivered, the map will disappear. So, you can see how this technology helps companies provide better service and helps customers get information and better visibility. This service is extremely useful for those who have to follow many steps in order to check their package status repeatedly. However, through this service, they only have to register once with the UPS My Choice service and after that, they will get the status of the shipment via the map. This service is only available for the packages sent through premium service, but by foreseeing the future demand for this service among users, UPS is thinking of expanding this service to the next level.

This service also provides the function to turn off the alerts related to tracking. What you have to do is just log in to your My Choice account and change the settings of the ‘alerts’ option from the ‘settings’ menu. It is that simple! Now it will stop sending you “Follow My Delivery” alerts.

UPS Tracking with UPS Internet Shipping

If you want your shipment to reach the destination in the fastest way possible through UPS, then your search ends here. It is because UPS provides an Internet shipping function that provides the best convenient method to schedule your package. Through this service, you will get your shipping process online and that’s why you will get the fastest service. To track your shipment through this service, click here.

UPS Tracking via RSS

Another method through which you can easily get track of your UPS package is the RSS feed. Obtain the tracking data of the shipment through the RSS feed by following the simple steps provided below:

Step 1: Get the package tracking number first.

Step 2: Navigate to the RSS reader.

Step 3: Using the below-mentioned URL, you can develop a carrier URL for tracking:

http://www.shaftek.org/code/track2rss/track2rss.pl?type=ups&tracking_number=

Step 4: Choose your favourite RSS reader and subscribe to it.

Step 5: Select the above-mentioned URL, copy it and paste it to the RSS reader.

Step 6: When done, you can now track the package and other details.

These were some methods through which you can easily track the UPS package. There are also some other shipment types like ground tracking, reposting etc.  If you have selected these shipment types, then read the next heading to get an introduction to them and their tracking methods.

UPS Services that Provide Tracking

In today’s world, it is hard to find a package that is not labelled with a tracking number. Packages help us feel safer about receiving our online orders, knowing that we can track the shipment. They also help us see where our items are being held before being delivered. UPS provides a variety of shipping options for consumers and businesses. There are different services that UPS offer that provide tracking for the customer to be able to see where their package is. Here are some example services:

UPS Ground Tracking

UPS Ground is the most frequently used UPS service and this is because of the cheaper rates. Apart from cheaper rates, there are many advantages of using UPS Ground service. Let’s talk about some of them.

By using UPS Ground, you will definitely get:

  • Service scheduled for the date.
  • Guaranteed package delivery on time.
  • UPS Ground tracking through which you will get your package status in advance.
  • Shipping service is cheaper than other postal services like FedEx, USPS or DHL.
  • Your package will be delivered in 1 to 5 business days.

You can use all the value-added services, collect on delivery service, special package handling service, as well as return service under the UPS Ground shipping facility. Also, you can track your UPS Ground shipment by using any of the above-mentioned methods.

UPS Mail Innovation Tracking

UPS Mail Innovation (also called UPS-MI) is the joint venture of the United Parcel Service and USPS (U.S. Postal Service). In this service, UPS first picks up the package and eventually, USPS delivers it to the final destination. To put it another way in more detail, first of all, UPS collects all the packages at their fulfilment centre from where they deliver the package to USPS. Then USPS processes the package and finally delivers it directly to the receiver’s address.

You can track your UPS-MI package by following these steps:

Step 1:  Go to the UPS official website and click here.

Step 2:   Enter the tracking numbers in the form given. Refer to the Image in need of visual help.

Note: You can only add 25 tracking numbers at a time.

UPS tracking

Step 3:  Click on the “track” button to proceed.

Step 4: By clicking the track option, you will get all the information related to your package.

Step 5: If you don’t see the tracking information and updates of your shipment here, then visit the UPS official site and track the package from there.

You should consider the following important points:

  • Some items need additional time to ship or process, so make sure first that your package falls under this case or standard delivery shipment.
  • In case you don’t receive your package at the mentioned time, then contact the UPS customer service number or UPS- MI directly.
  • While contacting the UPS-MI, don’t forget to mention your shipment order number and the number of items that are not received.

For standard services, the processing time is generally 1-2 business days and the transit time is 3-7 business days. So, it may take a total of 4-9 business days for delivery of shipment through UPS-MI. Bear in mind that the delivery and processing of the package are not available on weekends.

Note: Delivery days may vary for Hawaii, Alaska or internationally.

UPS Sure Post Tracking

UPS Sure Post is the UPS service that uses UPS Ground service for shipping packages and USPS provides the final delivery to the shipping address. That’s why for UPS Sure Post tracking, you will get the 2 tracking numbers each from both UPS and USPS.

It provides the following mailing options according to the package weight:

  • Packages weigh less than one pound.
  • The packages having media items should not be more than 108 inches in length.
  • Other packages less than one pound in weight should not be more than 130 inches in length.
  • Packages weigh more than one pound.
  • Packages have media and bound printed items.

The advantages of using Sure Post are it is more cost-effective than the Ground service. Having said that, if you want fast delivery, then it will not be a good option because it takes more time to deliver the shipment.

If you have the USP My Choice account, then you can upgrade your package from Sure Post to Ground service and you will get your package delivered one day before the normal delivery time. However, the upgrade requires an additional fee.

For UPS Sure Post tracking of the package, you can use and follow the above-mentioned steps and methods, go to the official site and track the package by tracking number or by email, etc. In the case of any uncertainty, you can directly contact UPS. ups com tracking

UPS Freight Tracking

This is another service provided by UPS to track freight services. You can track by two methods: one by the PRO number provided at the time of package shipping or the other by reference. To get more details regarding the UPS freight tracking service click here.

You can also watch the video below:

UPS Express Critical Shipment Tracking

This is one of the UPS services that provide same-day delivery of packages. So, if you want your package to be delivered urgently, you can use this service. Apart from this, it also provides tracking of the parcel and updates you in the case of late delivery or change of route etc. You can get more information about it here.

 

In Conclusion

UPS always try to provide the best services to their customers and that’s why they keep improving the tracking services to provide the best user experience. By using any of the above-mentioned methods, you can easily track your shipment through UPS. If you have any queries related to the article, then you can contact us by commenting in the comment box given below. If you find our article useful and share it with your friends and family.

6 Replies to “UPS Tracking | How To Track Your Package Complete Guide”

  1. i have 34numbers to track a package . !!!!!!!!!!!!!??????????
    please help me !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    1. Since you have the 34 digit number, you can use any of the above given method to track your package easily.

    1. You should check out UPS Tracking Information dashboard. Or you may call UPS Customer Service Hotline via phone (number varies from country to country). Packages that, for some reason, can neither be delivered or returned to the shipper are processed as ‘overgoods’. Ask your customer service representative to contact the appropriate delivery Center to see if your package has been “clerked” and sent to overgoods.

  2. The tracking number in your example has an “R”, but your format description has no letter in it.

    My tracking number has a “W” and is not recognized by your tracking system.

    “If your tracking number is not in one of the formats as shown above then it may be **the different number**. ”

    What is “the different number”?

    Maybe use a different example?

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