International parcels travel with at least two companies: one in the sending country and one in yours. Tracking shows the journey in stages, and the quiet gaps between them are what worry most people. Paste your number above to see the latest scan.
The usual journey
- Accepted in the origin country by the post office or courier.
- Export processing: sorted at an international hub and handed to an airline or ship.
- In flight or at sea: often no scans for days.
- Arrival and import customs in the destination country. See held at customs.
- Handed to the local carrier, which delivers it like any domestic parcel.
Same number or a new one?
Postal parcels use the international format of two letters, nine digits and a country code, such as RR123456789GB. That number works with both postal services, so if the sender’s side stops updating, try the same number with your own post office: USPS, Royal Mail, Canada Post or Australia Post.
Express couriers like DHL, FedEx and UPS deliver end to end with one number. Online marketplaces such as AliExpress, Temu and SHEIN often use consolidators that hand over to a local courier with a new number; the app usually shows both.
Normal timings
- Express (DHL, FedEx, UPS): 2 to 5 working days.
- Tracked postal services: 1 to 3 weeks.
- Economy services from China: 2 to 5 weeks.
When to act
If there has been no new scan for 10 to 14 days on a postal parcel, or 5 days on an express parcel, contact the sender with the tracking number. For parcels from the UK, see Royal Mail international tracking.
Frequently asked questions
Can I track an international parcel with the same number?
Usually yes. Postal parcels keep the same number (for example LK123456789CN) in both countries. Some economy services give a new local number at the destination.
Why does international tracking stop updating?
Between the export scan and the arrival scan the parcel is on a plane or ship, or waiting for a flight. Gaps of a week are common.
How long does international shipping take?
Express services take 2 to 5 days; postal and economy services usually 1 to 4 weeks.