How to Check for Mail Delivery

Find out where your mail is along the route.

Mail tracking allows the sender and those expecting a delivery to not only see when their item will arrive, but to know exactly where the item is during its trip. As the item moves from the shipping location to a truck or airplane, it gets scanned into the company's database. This updates the trip information for anyone with the tracking number to check on the delivery status of his mailed item. This helps businesses and individuals plan for a shipment and feel confident that a package has not been lost.

Things You'll Need

• Tracking number

Instructions

1. Go to the website of the shipping company that was used. This information is usually found with the tracking receipt or can be provided to you by the sender.

2. Go to the package tracking section of the website. Most shipping companies have this on its main front page after you select your location. Look for the words "track" or "tracking." The U.S. Postal Service refers to this number as a "label (or receipt) number." UPS refers to it as a "track (or InfoNotice) number" while FedEx calls the number a "tracking (or door tag) number."

3. Fill in the tracking number as requested. This number is usually several digits long, consists of numbers and letters, and must be entered accurately. Upon entering, you will be given the status and history of your package.

Tips & Warnings

• If the item was shipped within the last 24 hours, the information may not yet be available.

Resources

• U.S. Postal Service: Tracking Info
• UPS: Tracking Info
• FedEx: Tracking Info