Tracking Packages Internationally
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Tracking Process
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Large shipping companies have what are called "hubs" all over the world where shipping employees connect to keep items moving. At each hub or connecting point, your package is scanned and then loaded onto the next vehicle. The most likely chain of events for an overseas international shipment would be truck to airport (or boat for non-express shipments) then to truck again. Even in a land-only international shipment (such as U.S. to Canada), your shipment will most likely be transferred to one or more additional vehicles before reaching your final destination. Your international package will be scanned at each of these locations and the information is then transmitted through the shipper's computer system, which is automatically connected to the customer interface (phone system or Internet account). This process allows you to track what is going on internationally.
FEDEX
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Federal Express (FEDEX) has a convenient and accurate system for tracking international shipments that mimics that of a domestic shipment. You simply go to the FEDEX home website and type in the tracking number for your shipment in the "Track>Track Shipments" box towards the middle of the page. You can type in as many international tracking numbers as you'd like. Businesses that perform many international FEDEX shipments regularly will find value in signing up for FEDEX's "My Global Trade Data" application. This service gives up-to-the minute information about the progress of international shipments.
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UPS
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As with FEDEX, United Parcel Service (UPS) allows you to track your international shipments by entering your tracking information on the front page of the site. UPS also has a convenient "Quantum View" application for customers that ship a high volume of packages. This application allows you to get consistent updates about the progress of your international shipments.
USPS
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The United States Postal Service (USPS) has a more diverse offering of international shipping products, including first class international letter mail, however, the United States Postal Service (USPS) tracking services are somewhat limited as compared to FEDEX and UPS. The USPS generally only offers international shipment tracking when you purchase express mail service and regular priority mail international (PMI) shipments. With flat rate international priority mail or other more affordable shipment methods like first class internatinoal, there is no telling where your international shipment is in the world after it leaves US borders because signature and delivery confirmations are not scanned. So if you want to track internationally using USPS, your best bet is to go with their Global Express Mail options or PMI.
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