A tracking number is a barcode identifier that follows your package from origin to delivery. Every facility scan creates a timestamped event linked to that number. Enter it on any carrier website — or on ParcelsZen — and you retrieve the complete scan history in near real-time.
Enter any tracking number on ParcelsZen and our system automatically identifies the carrier and retrieves the latest tracking information — no need to memorize formats.
What Does a Tracking Number Actually Do?
When a package enters a carrier's network, it is assigned a unique tracking number (usually as a barcode printed on the shipping label). Every time the package passes through a facility — being picked up, sorted, loaded onto a truck, or delivered — a scanner reads the barcode and creates a timestamped 'event' record.
These events are uploaded to the carrier's database in near real-time. When you enter a tracking number on ParcelsZen or a carrier website, you're retrieving this sequence of events.
UPS Tracking Number Format
- Format: 18 characters, always starts with '1Z'
- Example:
1Z999AA10123456784 - Structure: 1Z + [6-char account] + [2-char service level] + [8-char package identifier] + [1 check digit]
The '1Z' prefix is always present, making UPS numbers among the easiest to identify at a glance.
FedEx Tracking Number Formats
FedEx uses several formats (pure numeric strings — no consistent prefix):
- 12 digits: e.g.,
123456789012(FedEx Express) - 15 digits: e.g.,
123456789012345(FedEx Ground) - 20 digits: e.g.,
61299998820821171811(FedEx SmartPost) - 22 digits: FedEx SameDay
USPS Tracking Number Formats
- 22 digits starting with 9400/9205/9261: Priority Mail (9400), Priority Mail Express (9270), Certified Mail, USPS Tracking
Example:9400111899223397889797 - International format: 13 characters — two letters + 9 digits + two letters ending in 'US'
Example:EA123456789US - Domestic with letters: Starting with 94 or 92 followed by 20 digits
Track Any Number Instantly
Enter your tracking number on ParcelsZen — carrier identified automatically, no guessing needed.
Track Your PackageDHL Tracking Number Formats
- DHL Express: 10-11 digit numeric — e.g.,
1234567890 - DHL eCommerce: Starts with GM, JD, or other alpha prefixes — e.g.,
GM60899980095 - DHL GlobalMail: Starts with GM
- DHL Parcel (European): Various formats depending on country
Canada Post Format
- Domestic: 16 digits — e.g.,
1234 5678 9012 3456 - International air mail: 13 characters ending in 'CA' — e.g.,
RA123456789CA
Royal Mail Format
- 13 characters ending in 'GB' — e.g.,
RY123456789GB - Starts with two letters (RT, RW, RY, RM, etc.) followed by 9 digits and 'GB'
Chinese Carrier Formats
- China Post / ePacket: 13 characters ending in 'CN' — e.g.,
EA123456789CN - EMS: Starts with 'E' or 'C' followed by 9 digits and 'CN'
- Yanwen: Alphanumeric, often starts with Y or a numeric sequence
Starts with 1Z = UPS | Starts with 9400/94 = USPS domestic | Ends in US = USPS international | Ends in GB = Royal Mail | Ends in CA = Canada Post international | Ends in CN = Chinese carrier | 12-20 pure digits = likely FedEx
Frequently Asked Questions
Identify Your Carrier Instantly on ParcelsZen
Enter any tracking number on ParcelsZen — carrier identified instantly, no format memorisation needed. If you want to verify a number is correct before a package ships, enter it anyway. The format check alone confirms whether you've copied it accurately.
- UPS: 18 chars, starts with 1Z — e.g., 1Z999AA10123456784
- USPS domestic: 22 digits, starts with 9400/94 — e.g., 9400111899223397889797
- USPS international: 13 chars, ends in US — e.g., EA123456789US
- FedEx: Pure numeric 12, 15, or 20 digits
- DHL Express: 10-11 digits | DHL eCommerce: starts with GM/JD
- Royal Mail: 13 chars, ends in GB — e.g., RY123456789GB
- Canada Post: 16 digits domestic | 13 chars ending CA for international
- China Post / ePacket: 13 chars, ends in CN — e.g., EA123456789CN