A UPS tracking number is 18 characters long and starts with 1Z. The next six characters identify the shipper account, two characters show the service, and the last eight identify the package and include a check digit. Paste it into the tracker above to see where it is.
The parts of a 1Z number
Part
Example
Meaning
Prefix
1Z
Marks a UPS small parcel number
Shipper number
999AA1
The sender’s six character UPS account
Service code
01
The service level, such as Next Day Air or Ground
Package number
2345678
Identifies this parcel
Check digit
4
Lets systems catch typing mistakes
Why numbers start with 1Z2, 1Z7, 1Z3 or 1ZW
People often search for “1Z2 tracking number” or “1Z7 tracking number” as if these were different services. They are not. The character after 1Z is simply the first character of the sender’s account number. Two parcels from the same shop usually start the same way.
Other UPS formats
T followed by 10 digits: some UPS freight and pallet shipments.
A long number of 22 or more digits starting with 92: UPS SurePost or Ground Saver parcels that the post office delivers at the end.
A shop reference or order number: not a tracking number, ask the seller for the 1Z code.
Common typing mistakes
The letter O and the digit 0, and the letter I and the digit 1, are easy to swap. UPS numbers can contain both letters and digits, so copy and paste instead of typing whenever you can.
Frequently asked questions
What does a UPS tracking number look like?
A standard UPS tracking number has 18 characters and starts with 1Z, for example 1Z999AA10123456784.
Why does my UPS number start with 1Z2, 1Z7 or 1ZW?
The six characters after 1Z are the shipper's UPS account number, so the third character depends on who sent the parcel. 1Z2, 1Z3, 1Z7 or 1ZW are all normal UPS numbers.
Is 1Z999AA10123456784 a real UPS number?
It is the well known sample number UPS uses in its documentation and for testing. It does not belong to a real parcel.
Do all UPS tracking numbers start with 1Z?
Almost all small parcel numbers do. UPS freight, Mail Innovations and SurePost parcels can use other formats.