Whether you’re new to UPS shipping or have some experience, tracking your UPS shipments is straightforward. This blog will guide you through everything you need to know about UPS tracking after sending out a package.
Keep reading to discover how to find your UPS tracking number and check the status and location of your shipment easily.
How to Track a UPS Shipment?
UPS is a worldwide shipping service that offers various ways to track your packages, whether they are sent domestically or internationally.
To track your UPS shipment, start by obtaining your UPS tracking number. This number is usually provided by your shipping agent, freight forwarder, or UPS itself shortly after you send your package.
A UPS tracking number consists of 18 characters. It begins with “1Z,” followed by a 6-character shipper number (a mix of letters and numbers), a 2-digit service level indicator, and then 8 digits that identify the specific package. For example, a tracking number may look like this: 1Z9WV2060467208088.
Once you have your tracking number, you can easily check the status of your shipment using several methods.
First Option for UPS tracking—UPS website tracking page.
You can enter the 18-digit tracking number provided by UPS, freight forwarders, or shipping agents to view detailed information about your shipment below the image.
By clicking “View Details,” you can see the shipment’s information and track its progress.
Once your shipment has been delivered by UPS, you can click on “Proof of Delivery” to access all the information related to that shipment.
Second Option for UPS tracking— UPS Phone Number
For UPS domestic customer service, you can call 1-800-742-5877. Their operating hours are Sunday to Saturday, from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. EST.
For UPS international shipping inquiries, you can reach them at 1-800-782-7892, and their support is available 24/7.
Third Option for UPS tracking
Creating a UPS account allows you to track all of your packages in one spot. You will receive real-time delivery alerts and may track your packages using the UPS delivery map. You may also redirect items to a nearby UPS Access Point® for convenient collection at your preferred time. UPS provides premium services for a cost, such as delivering to a third-party location or selecting a certain delivery window for increased convenience.
Fourth Option for UPS tracking—SMS Tracking
When you create a UPS account, you can add your phone number to receive SMS notifications with real-time updates on your shipment status. By signing up, you agree to allow UPS to send these helpful alerts to keep you informed. If you work with Topshipping, our dedicated customer service team will handle the tracking of all your UPS shipments, providing you with timely updates on the status and arrival time of each package. This means you won’t need to spend valuable time tracking shipments yourself, allowing you to focus on growing your business while we manage the logistics for you.
Do all the UPS Services Offer Tracking?
UPS provides a diverse range of shipping services tailored to meet your specific needs. Whether you require reliable, time-definite deliveries or fast global shipping, UPS has you covered. With guaranteed delivery times based on the destination country, and tracking numbers available for most shipments, you’ll never be left guessing where your package is or when it will arrive.
Here are five of the most popular UPS services for eCommerce shipping:
UPS® Ground: Reliable day-definite delivery within 1-5 business days across the U.S.
UPS Worldwide Express Plus®: Morning delivery with time-definite service to over 140 countries and territories.
UPS Worldwide Express®: Fast, time-definite shipping to 140 countries and regions.
UPS Worldwide Saver®: End-of-business-day delivery to major global cities.
UPS Worldwide Expedited®: Expedited day-definite delivery to more than 220 countries and territories, ensuring swift and efficient international shipments.
With these services, UPS simplifies your global shipping needs, ensuring you can deliver to your customers with confidence and ease.
Different UPS Online Tracking Statuses
Before using the UPS package tracking feature, it’s important to understand the various tracking statuses you might encounter. Whether you’re shipping with UPS Worldwide Saver, UPS Worldwide Express, UPS Worldwide Express Plus, or any other service, knowing what these statuses mean will help you stay informed about your shipment.
Here are some common statuses you may see during tracking:
- Returning to Shipper: This means the package is being sent back to the original sender. This could happen for several reasons, such as an incorrect address, the recipient being unavailable, or other delivery issues.
Exception: This status indicates that an unexpected issue has occurred with your package, such as damage, an incorrect address, or a missed signature requirement. Because of this, the delivery date is not yet confirmed.
In Transit: This means your package is currently moving through the UPS network and is on track to be delivered by the originally promised date shown on the website.
- On Vehicle for Delivery: Your package has been loaded onto a UPS vehicle and is out for delivery. It will be delivered to the recipient by the end of the day.
Updated Delivery Date: Whether you’re tracking your package online or via phone, if you see the status “updated delivery date,” it means your shipment will take longer than originally planned and won’t arrive on the initially scheduled date.
Claim in Progress: This status indicates that the package has been lost or damaged during shipping. The sender is either in the process of receiving a refund or waiting for UPS to locate the package, during which a claim has been filed with UPS.
Delivered on: This means shipment finished delivery.
- Final Delivery Date Pending: This means UPS has received your package and is preparing to load it onto the plane for shipment. The delivery date will be updated on the website once the package is in transit.
How Long Does UPS update Tracking take?
UPS provides near real-time updates on package tracking statuses. Each time a package reaches a new location, the UPS driver or courier scans its barcode, and the tracking status is updated accordingly. However, occasional delays in barcode scanning can happen for various reasons, leading to outdated tracking information.
If you’re concerned about any delays or issues with your UPS tracking status, the best solution is to contact Topshipping. Our team will provide you with precise, up-to-date tracking details and resolve any concerns quickly and efficiently.
What should I do If the Packages don’t Arrive on time?
While UPS is known for its reliability as an international courier, occasional delivery issues can still arise due to various factors. If your package hasn’t arrived as scheduled or your tracking status hasn’t been updated, here’s what you can do to resolve the situation:
- Wait 24 hours after the expected delivery date to allow for any minor delays.
- Report the missing package directly to UPS.
- Allow UPS time to conduct a package search, which typically takes up to 10 business days.
If the package is located, UPS will reroute it to the intended recipient and notify the shipper once it’s delivered.
However, if the package can’t be found, UPS will send the shipper a damage/loss claim letter via fax, email, or mail. At this point, the shipper must submit documentation to UPS, such as the purchase order, invoice, packing list, and proof of mailing, to establish the package’s value.
UPS will review these documents and verify that the shipment’s contents comply with their shipping guidelines. If approved, UPS will compensate the shipper for the loss, usually covering up to $100 per shipment. For high-value items, it’s highly recommended to invest in cargo insurance to safeguard against any potential losses.
What TopShipping can do for your UPS shipping.
Topshipping has been a trusted freight forwarder since 2018, specializing in arranging shipments via UPS, FedEx, DHL, SF Express, as well as air freight, ocean freight, rail freight, and multimodal transportation from China to destinations across the globe.
We offer 3-5 tailored shipping solutions designed to save you money while ensuring your goods are transported safely and efficiently. While UPS is a reliable option, we can often provide faster and more cost-effective alternatives to suit your business needs.
With over 10,000 satisfied clients worldwide, Topshipping has been instrumental in helping businesses expand through seamless and reliable logistics solutions. We are ready to help you ship from mainland China to your destination, ensuring your business grows swiftly and smoothly.
