UPS Tracking: Track Your UPS Parcel Live

UPS tracking number format

Format	Used for
1Z followed by 16 letters and digits (18 characters)	Standard UPS parcel number, for example 1Z999AA10123456784
T followed by 10 digits	Some UPS freight and pallet shipments
9 digits or a reference number	Shipper references and older freight numbers

About UPS tracking

UPS delivers in more than 200 countries and almost every UPS parcel number starts with 1Z. The six characters after 1Z identify the shipper account, the next two show the service level, and the last eight identify the package itself.

If the sender gave you a number without 1Z, it is usually an order or reference number. Ask the seller for the UPS tracking number, or use the reference search on the UPS site.

When you track here, we open the official UPS page with your number already filled in, so you always see the carrier's own latest scan.

Where to find your UPS tracking number

Your UPS number is in the shipping confirmation email from the shop, usually under "Track your order" or "Tracking number". On the parcel itself it is printed under the large barcode on the UPS label, starting with 1Z. If you dropped the parcel off yourself, it is on the receipt from the UPS Store or Access Point.

UPS services you can track

UPS GroundDay-definite delivery inside the US, usually 1 to 5 business days depending on distance.

UPS Next Day Air and 2nd Day AirTime-definite air services for urgent US deliveries.

UPS Worldwide Express, Saver and ExpeditedInternational services. Express is fastest, Expedited is the cheaper option for less urgent parcels.

UPS Ground Saver (formerly SurePost)Economy service for light parcels. The last mile can be handled by the local post office.

How to track a UPS parcel

Find the number. Look in the shipping email, the order page or the receipt. A UPS number looks like 1Z999AA10123456784.
Paste it above. UPS is selected for you on this page. Spaces and dashes are removed.
Read the status. Check the latest scan and the history. If nothing has changed for a while, see the tips below.

UPS tracking status meanings

Label created / Shipment information receivedThe sender made a label and told the carrier a parcel is coming. The carrier does not have the parcel yet. Wait one to two days for the first scan. If nothing changes after three working days, ask the sender whether it was handed over.
In transitThe parcel is moving through the carrier network, by truck, plane or both. Gaps of a day or two between scans are normal, longer for international parcels.
Held at customs / Customs clearanceThe destination country is checking the parcel. Duties, taxes or documents may be needed. Watch for a message from the carrier about payment. Only pay through the carrier's official website.
Out for deliveryThe parcel is on the delivery vehicle today. Keep your phone on and someone at the address if possible.
Delivery attemptedThe driver came but could not deliver, for example nobody was home or access was blocked. Check the card or message left, then rebook delivery or collect it.
Exception / DelayedSomething stopped the normal route: weather, an address problem, damage or a missed connection. Most exceptions clear on their own within a day or two. Contact the carrier if nothing changes in 48 hours.
DeliveredThe carrier recorded the parcel as handed over or left at the address. If you cannot find it, check safe places and neighbours, then contact the sender within 24 hours.

Every tracking status explained

Common UPS tracking problems and fixes

Stuck on "Label created"

The shop printed the label but UPS has not scanned the parcel. Give it two business days. If it still has no first scan, the parcel probably has not left the shop, so ask the seller when it was handed to UPS.

Marked delivered but not there

Check porches, garages, side doors and neighbours, and look for a UPS InfoNotice. If you signed up to UPS My Choice, the delivery photo often shows where it was left. If you still cannot find it after 24 hours, contact the sender, because the shipper usually files the claim.

Address or delivery exception

UPS could not deliver because of the address, access or a closed business. Correct the details in UPS My Choice or ask the sender to do it. The parcel is usually tried again on the next business day.

Tips for UPS parcels

Remove spaces before you paste the number. 1Z 999 AA1 0123 4567 84 and 1Z999AA10123456784 are the same parcel.
A new label can show "Label created" for a day or two before the first scan. That only means UPS has not collected the parcel yet.
UPS My Choice (free) lets you change the delivery day or send the parcel to a UPS Access Point.

Getting help with a UPS delivery

For changes to a delivery, use UPS My Choice or the official UPS website. For a lost or damaged parcel, start with the sender: they are the UPS customer and can open an investigation or claim faster than the receiver.

UPS tracking FAQ

What does 1Z mean in a UPS tracking number?

Every standard UPS parcel number starts with 1Z. The characters after it identify the shipper account, the service and the individual package, so 1Z2, 1Z7 or 1ZW are all normal UPS numbers.

How long is a UPS tracking number?

A standard UPS tracking number has 18 characters: 1Z plus 16 letters and digits.

Why is my UPS tracking not updating?

Tracking can pause while a parcel is on a truck or plane between scans. If nothing changes for more than 48 hours on a domestic delivery, contact the sender or UPS with your number.

Can I track UPS without a tracking number?

Yes, the sender can share a reference number, or you can sign up to UPS My Choice to see parcels addressed to you.

UPS Tracking