Parcel Tracking Guide: Track Any UK Delivery

Where to Find Your Tracking Number

Your tracking number is on the booking confirmation email, the printed receipt, or the shipping label itself. If you bought something online, the seller usually sends the tracking number once the item is dispatched. Tracking numbers look different for each courier:

Use our universal tracking tool to track parcels from any courier in one place.

How Tracking Works

When your parcel moves through the delivery network, it is scanned at each stage — collection, sorting hub, local depot, out for delivery, and delivered. Each scan creates a tracking event with a timestamp and location. Some couriers like DPD offer GPS-level live tracking on delivery day, while others like Royal Mail only scan at major points.

Common Tracking Statuses Explained

Pre-Transit / Label Created

The label has been printed but the courier has not collected or received the parcel yet. If this status lasts more than 2-3 days, contact the sender — they may not have dropped it off.

In Transit / At Sorting Hub

Your parcel is moving through the courier's network. It may pass through 2-4 sorting hubs depending on the distance. This is normal and no action is needed.

Out for Delivery

The parcel is on the delivery van. DPD gives you a one-hour delivery window. Evri gives a broader window. Royal Mail does not give a window — delivery is typically between 7am and 3pm. UPS and FedEx deliver until 7pm.

Delivered / Left in Safe Place

The parcel has been delivered. If it says "left in safe place" but you cannot find it, check behind bins, in the porch, and with neighbours. If still missing, contact the courier within 24 hours.

Delivery Attempted / Card Left

The courier tried but no one was home. You will usually get a card with options to rearrange, collect from a depot, or redirect to a neighbour. Most couriers attempt delivery twice before returning to sender.

Held at Customs

For international parcels, this means the parcel is waiting for customs clearance. The recipient may need to pay import duty. See our customs guide for details.

Exception / Delayed

Something unexpected happened — bad weather, vehicle breakdown, incorrect address, or damaged packaging. The courier is usually resolving it. If this status persists for more than 2 days, contact them.

Tracking Not Updating?

Before panicking, know that tracking delays are common and usually harmless:

• Royal Mail: Updates can lag 24-48 hours behind the actual parcel movement
• Evri: Known for gaps in tracking between collection and the local depot
• International parcels: Tracking often goes dark when the parcel transfers between countries. It will update once it arrives in the destination country
• Weekends: Most couriers do not update tracking on Sundays

If tracking has not updated for more than 5 working days (domestic) or 14 working days (international), contact the courier to open an investigation.

What to Do if Your Parcel Is Lost

1. Wait the recommended time — Royal Mail says 10 working days (domestic), 25 working days (international)
2. Contact the courier with your tracking number and booking reference
3. If you are the recipient and bought from a retailer, contact the seller — they are responsible under the Consumer Rights Act until the item reaches you
4. If you are the sender, file a compensation claim. See our insurance guide for coverage limits

Courier Tracking Comparison

Track Your Parcel Now

Use our free parcel tracking tool to check the status of any parcel, from any courier, in one place.