International Parcel Tracking | How does it work?

What does the tracking status mean? Quick guide about the tracking statuses

Consolidation? Hub scan? If you are not sure what each tracking status means, we have compiled a list with an explanation for the most common statuses and updates displayed by the couriers tracking systems.

The most common tracking statuses

• Info received / Registered parcel data, parcel not dispatched yet / Pre-advice – the order was placed and registered in the system of the chosen logistics company.
• Collection request dispatched to courier / Label produced / In pick-up – the shipment is scheduled to be picked up during the day.
• Pick-up / Driver’s Pick-up – the parcel was successfully collected.
• Shipment departed from facility – the package is in transit.
• In transit – the parcel was picked up, and it is on the way to the destination.
• Hub scan – the shipment is in the hub, waiting to be scanned and sorted for further transport.
• Consolidation – parcels with far-away destinations sometimes pass through other depots on their way, called “consolidation nodes”. During the consolidation process, the parcels will be sorted by their destination.
• System return – it could mean that the parcel has arrived in the wrong depot due to an internal forwarding or postcode error. This status also appears when the delivery was unsuccessful due to the absence of the receiver. In such cases, the parcel is forwarded to another depot or returned to the sender after 7 days of storage in a local depot.
• In customs clearance – the parcel is currently being processed for customs clearance.
• Inbound – all parcels that arrive at a recipient depot during the day are scanned there. An “inbound” status means that the parcel should be out for delivery soon.
• Shipment ready for dispatch from a warehouse – The shipment was prepared and it is ready to move out of the warehouse.
• Out for delivery – the carrier is about to deliver the shipment during the day.
• Delivered, POD Available – the shipment was successfully delivered. Proof of delivery (POD) is available upon request.

Tracking statuses for failed parcel collection

These package statuses may appear in the tracking system in case of unsuccessful parcel pick-up. Please have in mind that the number of collection attempts and other working policies may differ depending on the courier company and country.

In the following situations, the courier driver will attempt to collect the parcel again on the next working day. In some cases, the order will have to be rebooked if the customer wants another pick-up attempt.

• Sender not present, notified first/second time – the parcel was not successfully collected because the sender was not present at the pick-up address.
• Closed – the parcel was not successfully collected because the pick-up location (for example a store, hotel or an office) was closed.
• Lack of time – the parcel was not successfully collected due to external circumstances.
• Not present / Not informed – the parcel was not successfully collected because either there was nobody present or the person at the pick-up address was not informed about the collection.
• Parcel not ready for shipping – the parcel was not successfully collected because it was not ready for shipping.

In the following cases, the order is automatically cancelled and needs to be rebooked if the customer decides for another pick-up attempt.

• Wrong address – the parcel was not successfully collected due to a wrong or incomplete pick-up address.
• Access code required – the parcel was not successfully collected because an entry access code is required. In most cases, the customer will be contacted to provide the required information.
• Not in compliance with the system – the parcel is not in accordance with the booking order. It can be either oversized, overweight or on a pallet.
• Parcel shipped by other means – the parcel was not successfully collected because it was shipped by other means/another courier service.
• Customer has less/more than collection requests ordered – the parcel was not collected because the customer had more or fewer packages than specified in the order. For shipping extra parcels, an additional order needs to be placed.
• Delay due to unknown reason – the parcel was not successfully collected due to external circumstances that prevented the courier from reaching the pick-up location.

Tracking statuses for unsuccessful parcel delivery attempt

These are the most common parcel tracking statuses when the delivery attempt is not successful.

• Not informed about the delivery / Refused the package – the recipient did not accept the shipment.
• Digicode/Access code required – the parcel was not delivered because an entry access code is required, which should be provided by the customer.
• Consignee not present, notified first/second time – parcel was not delivered successfully because nobody was present at the delivery address. Depending on the country, the courier may attempt a second delivery, or the parcel can be taken to the closest warehouse or Parcel Shop. The courier will leave a notification with the required information, and the customer is advised to contact the courier company for further assistance.
• In warehouse / Delivered to Parcel Shop – the parcel is stored at the designated parcel depot/warehouse, and the recipient should collect it personally.
• Return to sender – a shipment can be returned to the sender if the delivery address is incorrect, insufficient or does not exist. It might also be returned if the consignee has moved without providing a forwarding address, the package is refused by the receiver or the receiver failed to collect the item from the warehouse during the stipulated retention period.