To track an international package, enter your tracking number on the carrier's website (DHL, FedEx, or UPS) or use ShippingToGo's unified tracking tool for real-time updates across all carriers. Most international shipments update every 12–24 hours; customs holds and transit between countries can cause gaps of up to 5 days.
Waiting for a delivery can be stressful—especially when it's an international shipment. Whether you're shipping personal belongings, business goods, or relocation cargo, knowing how to track a shipment properly gives you peace of mind and helps you react quickly if something goes wrong. In this guide, we explain how shipment tracking works, how to understand tracking statuses, and what to do if your package seems delayed.
What Does "Track Shipment" Mean?
Shipment tracking is the process of monitoring your package as it moves through the shipping network—from pickup, through transit hubs and customs, all the way to final delivery. Each shipment is assigned a unique tracking number that allows you to follow its progress online.
Using a professional tracking system, you can see where your package is, when it was last scanned, and what stage of delivery it is currently in.
Based on ShippingToGo's shipping data, the most common reason customers contact support is tracking confusion—specifically, not understanding why updates pause during customs or long-haul transit. This guide addresses those gaps directly.
How to Track a Shipment Online
The easiest and most reliable way to track your shipment is through a centralized tracking page. At ShippingToGo, you can track your shipment in real time using our dedicated tracking tool:
Track Shipment with ShippingToGo
Simply enter your tracking number, and the system will display the most up-to-date status of your shipment, regardless of whether it's moving by air, sea, or ground.
Step-by-Step: How to Track Your Package
- Locate your tracking number from the shipping confirmation email or receipt.
- Go to shippingtogo.com/en/track-shipment or your carrier's website.
- Enter the tracking number and press "Track."
- Review the latest status update and expected delivery date.
- Enable email or SMS notifications for automatic updates.
What Is a Tracking Number?
A tracking number is a unique code assigned to your shipment by the carrier (such as FedEx, DHL, UPS, or a freight forwarder). This number allows logistics systems to record every scan and movement of the package.
Where Can You Find Your Tracking Number?
- Shipping confirmation email
- Invoice or shipping receipt
- Customer dashboard (if booked online)
- Sent directly by your shipping provider
Without a tracking number, real-time shipment tracking is usually not possible.
According to DHL, their network operates in 220+ countries and territories, and every shipment processed through their system receives a scannable tracking code at the point of pickup. FedEx and UPS follow the same protocol.
Common Shipment Tracking Statuses – Explained
Many customers see tracking updates but don't fully understand what they mean. Here are some of the most common shipment statuses and their real meaning:
| Status | What It Means | Action Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Shipment Created / Label Generated | Shipping info entered; package not yet picked up | No |
| Picked Up | Carrier has collected the package from sender | No |
| In Transit | Package moving between facilities or countries | No |
| Arrived at Hub | Package reached a sorting or transit center | No |
| Customs Clearance in Progress | Being processed by customs authorities | Check for document requests |
| Released from Customs | Customs clearance is complete | No |
| Out for Delivery | Package is on the final delivery route | Be available to receive |
| Delivered | Shipment reached its destination | No |
Tracking International Shipments: What You Should Know
International shipment tracking can differ from domestic tracking. It's normal to see fewer updates while a package is in transit between countries, especially during ocean freight or long-haul air transport.
Important things to keep in mind:
- Tracking updates may pause while the shipment is in customs.
- Different carriers may update tracking at different frequencies.
- Time zone differences can affect timestamp visibility.
This is why using a centralized tracking platform like ShippingToGo's Track Shipment tool is especially helpful—it consolidates updates in one place.
Typical International Tracking Update Frequency
| Shipping Method | Typical Update Frequency | Expected Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Express Courier (DHL/FedEx/UPS) | Every 4–12 hours | 1–5 business days |
| Economy Air | Every 12–24 hours | 5–10 business days |
| Sea Freight | Every 1–3 days (vessel position updates) | 15–35 days |
| Customs Hold | May pause for 1–7 days | Variable |
What to Do If Your Shipment Is Delayed
If your shipment appears stuck or hasn't updated for several days, don't panic. Delays are common and often temporary.
Steps to Take:
- Check the latest tracking status carefully.
- Look for customs-related messages or document requests.
- Verify that the delivery address and contact details are correct.
- Contact your shipping provider or freight agent if needed.
In many cases, delays are caused by customs inspections, weather conditions, or local delivery backlogs—not lost shipments.
Based on ShippingToGo's shipping data, over 70% of apparent tracking stalls resolve within 48–72 hours without any action from the sender or recipient. The most frequent cause is customs processing at the destination country.
Common Tracking Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the wrong tracking number format.
- Checking tracking on the wrong carrier's website.
- Assuming "In Transit" means no progress is happening.
- Ignoring customs notifications or document requests.
Using a unified tracking page reduces confusion and helps you avoid these mistakes. ShippingToGo's platform automatically routes your tracking number to the correct carrier, eliminating one of the most common sources of confusion.
How ShippingToGo Helps You Track Shipments Easily
ShippingToGo simplifies shipment tracking by offering a single, easy-to-use tracking interface for international deliveries. Whether your shipment is sent via air freight, sea freight, or ground transport, our system keeps you informed at every stage.
Key tracking features:
- Multi-carrier support: Track DHL, FedEx, UPS, and other carriers in one place.
- Real-time status updates: Instant reflection of every scan event.
- Customs status visibility: Clear indication when shipment is in customs clearance.
- Delivery notifications: Email and SMS alerts at each status change.
To track your shipment right now, visit ShippingToGo Track Shipment. You can also compare international shipping rates or read our guide on international express shipping tracking.
Conclusion: Stay in Control with Shipment Tracking
Tracking your shipment isn't just about curiosity—it's about control, transparency, and peace of mind. By understanding how tracking works and using the right tools, you can follow your international shipment confidently and react quickly if any issues arise.
Whether you're shipping a single package or managing a large international delivery, accurate tracking makes all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions About International Package Tracking
How do I track an international package?
Enter your tracking number on the carrier's website (DHL, FedEx, UPS) or use ShippingToGo's unified tracking tool. You'll see real-time updates for every scan event from pickup through final delivery, across all major international carriers in one place.
Why has my international package tracking not updated for several days?
Tracking gaps of 2–5 days are normal during customs clearance or long-haul air and ocean transport. The package is still moving. Customs inspections, time zone differences, and carrier scan intervals all cause pauses. Check for any customs notifications requiring document submission.
What does "In Transit" mean on shipment tracking?
"In Transit" means your package is actively moving between logistics facilities or countries. It does not indicate a delay. The shipment is progressing through the carrier's network and will update when it reaches the next scan point or customs checkpoint.
What should I do if my international package is delayed?
Check tracking for customs messages and verify the delivery address. Contact your carrier if no update appears for more than 7 business days. Based on ShippingToGo's data, most apparent stalls resolve within 48–72 hours. Customs inspections and local delivery backlogs are the most common causes.
Can I track packages from DHL, FedEx, and UPS in one place?
Yes. ShippingToGo's tracking tool consolidates tracking across DHL, FedEx, UPS, and other major carriers in a single interface. Enter your tracking number at shippingtogo.com/en/track-shipment for real-time updates regardless of carrier.
How long does international package tracking take to show the first update?
Express carriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS typically show the first tracking scan within 2–4 hours of pickup. Economy services may take 12–24 hours for the first update. If no update appears after 48 hours, contact your carrier with the tracking number.
What is the difference between a tracking number and a reference number?
A tracking number is the carrier-assigned barcode ID that updates at each scan point. A reference number is an internal order identifier used by the shipper. Only the tracking number can be used to query the carrier's system for real-time location data.
