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What is a Tracking Number?

A tracking number is a unique number assigned to every package by the carrier. It is printed on the package label in both human-readable and machine-readable formats. It is also referred to as a PRO number, waybill number, or airbill number.

Where do I get a Tracking Number for a package?

If you sent the package (the shipper), check your receipt or carrier manifest. If you are receiving the package (the recipient), you must contact the shipper to get the number. The tracking number may be listed on your invoice or acknowledgement. Many online stores include the tracking number in your confirmation email; you can simply cut and paste it into PackTrack.com's form.

What does a Tracking Number do?

The tracking number is scanned and entered into the carrier's computer system at every key point along the route from the shipper to the recipient. The carrier uses this number to determine the package's current location.

I have a tracking number, now what?

To find out where your package is and when it will be delivered, you must contact the carrier. You can contact them by phone, via a dedicated computer program, through the carrier's website, or using PackTrack.com. Go to PackTrack.com's Home Page, enter the tracking number, and select the carrier's button. If the carrier does not have a button, select them from the pull-down list and click "Track". (You can customize which carriers appear as quick-access buttons—see instructions below.) In a few seconds, you will see a screen showing your package's status.

How do I customize PackTrack?

You must sign in first. We only require you to sign in so PackTrack can identify you; we do not ask for any personal information, just a username and password.

After signing in, click on the Customize links. On the customize screen, enter your password (this prevents others from changing your settings if you share a computer). Next, edit the carriers in the text window by typing in their nicknames. Place them in the order you wish to see them on your PackTrack page (case is ignored). Press Done when finished.

Your custom carriers will appear as buttons on your PackTrack page for quick package tracking. All carriers are still accessible in the pull-down menu. This allows you to customize your view while keeping access to all of our carriers.

You can also enter your Time Zone Offset from GMT (Greenwich Mean Time, London, England). For instance, Eastern Standard Time is -5, and Pacific Standard Time is -8.

You may customize PackTrack as often as you like.

How long does PackTrack keep my tracking numbers?

Tracking numbers are kept for 30 days. There is no archive. Records are permanently deleted to maintain your privacy, conserve server space, and keep PackTrack fast and responsive.

Troubleshooting

Problem with a tracking number

Some carriers use only part of their PRO number as the tracking number. Contact the carrier directly to learn how to decode their numbers. Many carriers provide these instructions on their websites. Airline cargo shipments use a 3-digit prefix before the tracking number. Do not enter this prefix into PackTrack; PackTrack will enter it automatically for that carrier.

The system seems slow

Airline tracking programs are typically very slow. You may need to wait up to a minute for your results. Most tracking results return in 4-5 seconds (with a modem), but network traffic may occasionally cause delays.

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