Amazon tracking
Amazon is a global e‑commerce marketplace and logistics ecosystem known for vast selection, competitive pricing, and flexible delivery options. Whether your order is shipped by Amazon’s own network or by an external carrier, robust tracking helps you see where your package is, when it is likely to arrive, and what to do if something changes. Because Amazon serves many countries and uses multiple carriers, the tracking experience can vary by region, item, and delivery service, but the steps below will help you find and interpret updates quickly.
How to track a Amazon order?
Track via Amazon account
Sign in and go to Your Orders.
Select the item you want to track.
Click or tap “Track package” (wording may vary by region).
View the carrier name, tracking number (if available), delivery window, and the latest scan events.
Track via the Amazon app
Open the Amazon app and go to Your Orders.
Choose the order and select “Track package.”
Follow the shipment on the map if supported for your delivery, or read the event timeline and estimated delivery date.
Track via the courier website
Identify the carrier listed in Your Orders or the shipping email (for example, Amazon Logistics, USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, or a regional partner - varies by country and service).
Visit the carrier’s official tracking page.
Enter your tracking number exactly as shown. If the shipment changes hands, try both the original and the last‑mile carrier sites.
Track via third‑party tools (InstantParcels)
Copy your tracking number from Your Orders or your shipping notification.
Paste it into a universal tracker to consolidate cross‑carrier events, which is especially useful for multi‑leg or international routes.
You can also track your package to auto‑detect carriers and view updates in a single timeline.
Where to find your Amazon tracking number?
Order confirmation email
Amazon typically sends an order acknowledgment. A later dispatch/shipping email often includes a tracking link or the carrier reference once available.
Order history page (Your Orders)
Open Your Orders, select the order, and choose “Track package.” The carrier and tracking number (if supported) usually appear there.
Shipping notification
Amazon may send a separate dispatch email, push notification, or SMS containing a tracking button or the tracking ID.
Seller messages (if marketplace)
For items sold by third‑party sellers, the seller may share the tracking number via Buyer‑Seller Messaging or in the order details. Formats and timing can vary by seller and carrier.
Reminder
Your Amazon order number is different from a carrier tracking number. To see scans, use the carrier tracking ID shown in Your Orders or the shipping email.
Tracking Amazon international orders
Multi‑carrier journeys
International orders often move through several checkpoints: origin processing, export clearance, linehaul (air or ground), import customs, and handoff to a local carrier for final delivery. Tracking may update in batches during these transitions.
Customs handling
Depending on destination and item value/category, import checks may occur. Tracking may show “customs clearance in progress,” “awaiting documentation,” or similar wording until released. Duties/taxes handling varies by country and order configuration.
Local re‑labeling
When a parcel is handed to a domestic carrier in the destination country, a new local tracking number may be assigned. If two identifiers appear in Your Orders, try both to capture all events.
Expected gaps
Limited updates during long linehaul segments or carrier handoffs can be normal. Visibility usually improves after the next facility scan or after import processing completes.
Delivery preferences and pickup
In some regions, international parcels may route to access points, pickup shops, lockers, or parcel rooms for collection. Tracking typically indicates when the package is ready and how long it will be held.
Amazon shipping options and delivery times
Service availability varies
Options depend on your address, the item, inventory location, and the carrier network. Amazon may offer Standard, Expedited, and faster services, with the fastest options typically available to eligible addresses.
Faster options in eligible areas
Some regions support Same‑Day, One‑Day, or Two‑Day delivery on eligible items, especially for members with faster‑delivery benefits. Availability and cut‑off times vary.
Consolidated and scheduled options
In select regions, you may see consolidated day options or scheduled delivery windows for large and bulky items. These are shown at checkout when supported.
Standard delivery windows
Standard shipping estimates are displayed on product pages and during checkout. The exact dates take into account the item’s handling time, your location, and the carrier’s capacity.
What influences delivery time
Carrier network performance, weather, peak seasons, address accuracy, customs (for cross‑border orders), and whether someone must be present to sign can all affect timing.
Tracking visibility by service
Faster services often include more granular scans and live map updates in some areas. Some economy services provide milestone‑based tracking with less frequent updates.
Amazon tracking number formats
Service or carrier | Typical format style | Example(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Amazon Logistics (some regions) | Alphanumeric starting with TBA | TBA123456789012 | Used by Amazon’s own delivery network in certain countries. These can be tracked in Your Orders and may not resolve on every external carrier site. |
UPS | Alphanumeric beginning with 1Z | 1Z999AA10123456784 | Common format for UPS shipments. Can be tracked on UPS’s site and in Your Orders. |
FedEx | All numeric; length varies by service | 12, 15, or 20 digits | FedEx tracking IDs are typically numeric. Some services also show a door tag or reference number. |
DHL Express | All numeric waybill | 10 digits | Express international shipments often show a 10‑digit waybill. Not to be confused with DHL eCommerce references. |
DHL eCommerce / Global Mail | Alphanumeric; may include prefixes | GMxxxxxxxxxxxx; long numeric | These shipments may hand off to a local postal operator for final delivery, with a second local tracking ID. |
USPS (United States) | Long numeric; inbound international may use UPU S10 | 22–34 digits; LX123456789US | US domestic labels are often long numeric strings; inbound international mail can appear in S10 format ending in US. |
Royal Mail (United Kingdom) | UPU S10 | AA123456789GB | Two letters + 9 digits + GB for many tracked postal services. Availability varies by product and service. |
Canada Post | UPU S10 | AA123456789CA | Tracked postal shipments typically follow S10; visibility improves as scans occur domestically. |
Australia Post | UPU S10 | AA123456789AU | International and tracked services often use S10; the final two letters indicate the country code. |
Regional couriers (varies by country) | Numeric or alphanumeric | Varies | Local partners may assign proprietary formats. When a new local number appears, try tracking both the original and the local reference. |
International postal (general) | UPU S10: two letters + 9 digits + two letters | RX123456789XX; LP123456789XX | Widely used by national postal operators. The final two letters often indicate the issuing postal authority’s country. |
Note: Formats differ by region and service. Copy the ID exactly as shown in Your Orders; you can usually omit spaces when searching.
Understanding Amazon tracking status updates
Status | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
Order placed | Your order has been received and is being prepared for fulfillment. | No action needed. You’ll be notified when the item ships. |
Preparing for shipment | The item is being picked, packed, or awaiting a label. | Allow time for processing. Tracking appears after the carrier’s first scan. |
Label created | A shipping label has been generated; the carrier has not yet scanned the package. | Updates may take time. Check back after the next pickup or facility scan. |
Shipped | The parcel has been handed to the carrier or the first scan was recorded. | Monitor progress in Your Orders or on the carrier site. |
In transit | The package is moving between facilities or hubs. | Gaps can be normal during linehaul. Updates resume at the next facility. |
Arrived at carrier facility | The parcel reached a processing center along the route. | No action needed. Next, look for “Departed” or a transfer scan. |
Departed carrier facility | The parcel left a processing center and continues to the next hub. | Check for subsequent arrival scans or an estimated delivery window. |
Out for delivery | A driver has the package and will attempt delivery today. | Be available or update delivery preferences if offered by the carrier. |
Delivery attempted | The courier tried to deliver but could not complete it. | Follow the instructions to reschedule, arrange pickup, or provide access details. |
Delivered | The package was delivered to your address, a safe location, or a pickup point. | If you cannot locate it, check delivery photos or notes and ask neighbors or building management. |
Customs clearance in progress | The shipment is undergoing import checks in the destination country. | Provide any requested information or payment to the carrier if contacted. |
Delay in transit | An unexpected event (weather, volume, route issue) is delaying movement. | Allow extra time and watch for the next scan. Contact support if delays become prolonged. |
Address issue | The carrier flagged an incomplete or incorrect address. | Contact the carrier promptly to correct details. You can also inform Amazon if needed. |
Available for pickup | Your parcel is being held at a pickup point, locker, or access point. | Bring the required ID or code and collect before the hold period expires. |
Returned to sender | The carrier is returning the parcel (for example, repeated failed attempts or refusal at import). | Contact Amazon or the seller to discuss replacement or refund options. |
Why is my Amazon tracking not updating?
Pre‑scan period: The label is created, but the carrier hasn’t performed the first physical scan yet.
Batch data uploads: Some networks post scans in batches, so events appear after the parcel has already moved.
Long linehaul segments: Fewer scans are typical while traveling between distant hubs or countries.
Carrier handoffs: Tracking can pause when the package transfers to a different carrier or last‑mile partner.
Customs checks: Import clearance may temporarily halt updates until released.
Peak periods or weather: High demand or disruptions can slow both transit and the speed of status reporting.
Limited‑visibility services: Some economy methods show only milestone events rather than every facility scan.
Address or access problems: If the courier cannot access the location, scans may stall until a new attempt is scheduled.
New local tracking number: For international orders, a new domestic ID may appear; track that number for improved visibility.
Tips for tracking Amazon orders more effectively
Use Your Orders first: The built‑in tracker often includes the most relevant link and real‑time estimate for your service and region.
Copy the full ID: Enter the tracking number exactly as shown. Most sites accept the number without spaces.
Try the last‑mile carrier: If a new local tracking number appears, check that carrier’s site for doorstep‑level details.
Enable notifications: Email, app, and SMS alerts can warn you about delivery attempts and address issues.
Watch key milestones: Shipped, In transit, Out for delivery, Delivered. If a stage stalls beyond the usual window for your area, contact support.
Plan for peak times: Around major holidays and sales events, allow extra time and monitor updates more frequently.
Use pickup options when available: Lockers, access points, or collection shops can reduce missed deliveries.
Keep proof: Save screenshots of tracking, especially for high‑value items or when filing support tickets.
How sellers use Amazon tracking
Fulfillment models
Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA): Amazon handles storage, packing, shipping, and customer service for these items. Tracking is integrated into Your Orders and often supports detailed updates.
Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM): Marketplace sellers ship directly and provide the tracking number and carrier details. Update frequency and carriers can vary by seller.
Proof of dispatch and delivery
Tracking allows sellers to confirm movement, respond to inquiries, and investigate issues such as delays or delivery disputes.
Carrier selection
Sellers select carriers and services based on item characteristics, destination, and required delivery speed. Faster services typically include more granular scans.
Customer communication
Dispatch emails, messages, and order updates share the tracking number, estimated delivery date, and any relevant delivery instructions.
Returns and tracking on Amazon
Start your return from Your Orders
Select the item, choose a reason, and pick a return method. Available options vary by country, item category, and policy.
Labels and QR codes
Depending on the method, you may receive a printable label or a QR code for drop‑off. The return carrier typically provides a tracking ID once accepted.
Track your return
Use the carrier tracking page or Your Orders to confirm acceptance, transit, and warehouse receipt. Keep the receipt and tracking number until the refund is processed.
Refund timelines
Processing times vary by location, carrier, and payment method. Some refunds may initiate after the first return scan, while others complete after inspection.
Documentation and packaging
Follow packing instructions and include any required return authorization details to avoid delays in processing.