Why did my Aliexpress tracking number change during transit?

It’s common for an Aliexpress tracking number to change while the package is in transit, especially for international shipments. This usually happens because multiple logistics companies handle different stages of the delivery.

1. The package was transferred to a new carrier.
Aliexpress shipments often move from a Chinese logistics provider (Cainiao, China Post, SunYou, YunExpress, 4PX) to a local carrier in your country. When this handoff happens, a new domestic tracking number may be created.

2. The original tracking number was only valid in the origin country.
Export tracking numbers are often used only within China. Once the parcel reaches the destination country, the local carrier assigns a new code for final delivery.

3. Economy shipping services use several internal numbers.
Budget methods like Cainiao Super Economy or Saver Shipping sometimes generate multiple internal IDs before the final public tracking number appears.

4. Consolidation and sorting relabeling.
When parcels arrive at large sorting hubs, they may be relabeled to improve routing efficiency, resulting in a new tracking number.

5. Combined shipping orders receive updated identifiers.
If a seller combines multiple items into one package, the shipment may be assigned a new master tracking number during consolidation.

In most cases, both numbers are valid, but only the most recent one will show the final delivery updates.