USPS Tracking Numbers: How to Track International Packages

When you’re expecting an online order from a different country or sending products to customers overseas, tracking the package is necessary. The service of USPS tracking helps both sender and recipient to know about their parcels during the entire process of their delivery.

USPS provides its tracking services for a wide range of both domestic and international mail classes, which will allow you to always be aware of the current location of your parcels, as well as their delivery process. Knowing how tracking of USPS works and how you should use the tracking number properly, you will be able to control all of your parcels from dispatch to delivery.

Here, we are going to discuss the process of tracking international packages by using the USPS tracking numbers.

Table of Contents

What Is a USPS Tracking Number?

The USPS Tracking Number is an identifier issued for a particular mail piece. It allows the customers as well as the postal authorities to track the progress of their parcel.

The tracking numbers can be found:

On shipping slips
Via shipping confirmation email
Through eCommerce order notifications
On USPS Click-N-Ship labels

Based on the type of service, the USPS tracking numbers may consist of both letters and numbers. These numbers help the USPS and its partners to track down different events along the way of the parcel delivery.

Regarding international deliveries, the tracking number does not change once the package gets to the other country’s postal service.

How USPS Tracking Numbers Work

USPS tracking works through a series of scans performed at different points during the shipping process.

When a package is accepted by USPS, it receives its first tracking update. Additional scans occur as the shipment moves through processing facilities, transportation hubs, customs checkpoints, and local delivery offices.

Each scan generates a tracking event that becomes visible through USPS tracking systems. These updates help customers understand where their package is and what stage of delivery it has reached.

Tracking information may include:

Shipment acceptance
Arrival at processing facilities
Departure from distribution centers
Customs processing
Arrival in the destination country
Out for delivery
Delivery confirmation

For international shipments, tracking updates may be provided by both USPS and the destination country’s postal carrier.

How to Track a USPS Package Using USPS Tracking Numbers

Tracking a USPS package is a straightforward process. USPS offers multiple ways to access shipment information.

Track Through the USPS Website

The most common method is using the USPS Tracking tool.

Simply:

Visit the USPS tracking page.
Enter your tracking number.
Click the tracking button.
Review the shipment status and tracking history.

The system displays the latest available updates and estimated delivery information when available.

Track Through the USPS Mobile App

The USPS mobile application allows users to:

Track packages
Receive shipment notifications
Manage deliveries
Access shipping tools

This option is convenient for users who frequently monitor shipments.

Track Through Text Notifications

USPS allows customers to receive tracking updates through text alerts. Users can subscribe to notifications and receive shipment status updates directly on their mobile devices.

Track Through Email Updates

Email notifications help customers stay informed whenever a package reaches a new milestone in the shipping process.

Track Through Customer Support

Customers may also contact USPS customer support if additional assistance is needed regarding shipment tracking or delivery issues.

How to Track International Packages Using USPS Tracking Numbers

Tracking international shipments is similar to tracking domestic packages, although additional steps may be involved due to customs processing and carrier handoffs.

Step 1: Search for Your Tracking Number

Look up the tracking number that the sender or merchant provides.

Step 2: Get into USPS Tracking

Go to the USPS tracking website and enter the tracking number.

Step 3: Review Shipment Status

The system will display available tracking events, including:

Acceptance by USPS
Processing updates
International transit information
Customs clearance status
Delivery progress

Step 4: Monitor International Movement

As the package travels internationally, updates may appear less frequently than domestic shipments. This is normal because scans depend on international transit points and destination-country postal services.

Step 5: Continue Tracking Through the Destination Carrier

Once the package reaches the destination country, local postal services often continue tracking and delivery. The same tracking number may be recognized by the destination carrier’s tracking system.

USPS International Shipping Services That Support Tracking

Several USPS international services include tracking capabilities.

Global Express Guaranteed (GXG)

GXG is USPS’s fastest international shipping option and includes comprehensive tracking throughout transit.

Priority Mail Express International

This service offers expedited delivery and tracking for many international destinations.

Priority Mail International

Priority Mail International provides affordable international shipping with tracking availability for numerous countries.

First-Class Package International Service

The tracking availability might differ according to the destination, but most packages can still be tracked throughout the delivery process.

It is always recommended to confirm the tracking availability of the destination country before shipping internationally.

Understanding USPS Tracking Statuses

Tracking statuses help customers understand shipment progress.

Pre-shipment: The shipping label has been made, but the package has not reached USPS yet.

Item In Possession Of USPS: The shipment has been accepted by USPS and put into the delivery system.

In Transit: The shipment is on its way to its destination via USPS facilities.

Processed Through Facility: The shipment has passed through a processing facility.

Customs Clearing: For the international shipment, it is being cleared by customs.

Arriving Late: The package’s schedule has been impacted by unforeseen delays.

Out For Delivery: The shipment has been picked up for delivery and will be reaching shortly.

Delivered: The package has been successfully delivered to the addressee.

Why International USPS Tracking May Stop Updating

Many customers become concerned when tracking information appears inactive for several days. In most cases, this is normal.

Common reasons include:

Customs Inspections: Packages entering another country may undergo customs review before continuing to the recipient.

International Transportation Delays: Long-distance transportation and international transit hubs can cause temporary tracking gaps.

Handoffs Between Postal Services: Tracking updates may pause while responsibility transfers from USPS to the destination country’s postal carrier.

Weather and Operational Disruptions: Severe weather, transportation issues, and peak shipping seasons can impact tracking frequency.

Public Holidays: National holidays in either country may delay shipment processing and scanning activities.

Common USPS Tracking Problems and Solutions

Even with advanced tracking systems, customers occasionally encounter issues.

Tracking Number Not Found

Tracking Has Not Updated for Several Days

Package Marked Delivered but Not Received

Delayed Customs Clearance.

Lost International Package

USPS Tracking for WooCommerce Stores

For e-commerce businesses, shipment tracking is an important aspect of ensuring customer satisfaction.

Today’s customers expect to have real-time information about their orders. Tracking orders will help avoid support calls and build trust.

For WooCommerce stores, shipment tracking processes can be automated to provide better efficiency.

Advantages of shipment tracking:

Enhancement of customer experience
Decrease in “Where is my order?” questions
Increase in transparency
Engagement with customers after the purchase
Efficiency in managing orders

For businesses that ship products via USPS, tracking updates can be integrated into WooCommerce stores, and customers can be automatically notified. Using a plugin like ELEX WooCommerce USPS Shipping Plugin with Shipment Tracking & Print Label you can easily generate labels and even track the shipment easily

Best Practices for International Shipment Tracking

Here is what you need to think about for effective package tracking and delivery.

Validate Addresses: To avoid any problems, make sure you validate addresses in order to prevent delays and returns of packages.

Provide Immediate Tracking Information: You should provide your customers with immediate tracking information once you create their shipment.

Customs Regulations Compliance: Ensure compliance with all customs requirements and paperwork.

Allow Time for Delivery Delays: International delivery takes much more time than national delivery because the parcel passes through customs points and travels a greater distance.

Choose Tracking Service: For effective tracking during the whole process of shipping, choose the tracking service which allows tracking for USPS.

Track Your Tracking Information for Valuable Shipments: Track your tracking information for valuable shipments.

Conclusion

USPS tracking is a useful tool that provides transparency into domestic and international shipments. When you learn how USPS tracking numbers operate, how statuses are generated, and what to expect in international transit, you will have an opportunity to track your package more effectively.

If you ship items to international customers or wait for packages from abroad, USPS tracking will help you keep track of them. By following all the tips on tracking and knowing what to expect in international transit, you will manage the whole process easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I follow overseas USPS packages?

Yes. Several international shipments from USPS include tracking features that will help you monitor how your package is making its way to its destination point. This will allow you to monitor the progress of transit, customs, and delivery of the parcel through the entry of your USPS tracking numbers.

2. Does USPS tracking work outside of the USA once the package has reached its destination?

This is because USPS tracking usually works even after the package has arrived at its destination. Even the local mailmen have been known to use this tracking number, if you call them up, they will know that the package has been delivered.

3. What does it mean when my parcel is in customs?

Foreign packages might not come until a customs inspection or document verification, or during import processing procedures. Customs clearance can take longer than expected by some countries or types of shipments, so don’t be surprised if it gets delayed.

4. How can USPS tracking be updated?

Tracking updates are given whenever the USPS package passes a new scan at a processing center, transit center, or delivery center. If you’re sending internationally, changes could happen less often because of customs clearance and the change of postal providers.

5. What Should I Do If My USPS Tracking Numbers Doesn’t Work?

Make sure that you entered your tracking number correctly, and wait a little bit, because in most cases the information appears in the system within one day. If not, contact USPS or the shipper after 24-48 hours of waiting.