4-72 tracking

What is 4-72?

4-72, officially named Servicios Postales Nacionales S.A., is Colombia's official postal operator. Founded in 2006, this state-owned company was created to succeed Adpostal, the former state postal service that was being liquidated at the time. The name 4-72 refers to the approximate geographical coordinates of Colombia's center, namely 4 degrees North latitude and 72 degrees West longitude, symbolizing the company's national and central role in the Colombian logistics landscape.

As the postal operator designated by the Colombian State, 4-72 reports to the Ministry of Information and Communications Technologies (MinTIC). The company operates as an industrial and commercial state enterprise, with administrative, financial, and budgetary autonomy. Its capital is entirely public, giving it the responsibility to provide universal postal service throughout the national territory, guaranteeing all Colombian citizens access to basic postal services, including those in the most remote areas of the country.

• Date of creation: 2006, with adoption of the 4-72 commercial brand in 2008
• Legal status: Colombian public company (Sociedad Anónima de capital público)
• Headquarters: Bogotá, Colombia
• Supervisory authority: Ministry of Information and Communications Technologies (MinTIC)
• National coverage: More than 1,425 destinations across all 32 Colombian departments
• Staff: Approximately 4,600 employees and collaborators

4-72 holds a strategic position in the Colombian economy by providing not only traditional mail distribution, but also express courier services, parcel delivery, money transfers, and logistics solutions for e-commerce. The company represents Colombia in international postal bodies, notably the Universal Postal Union (UPU) of which it is a member, as well as the Postal Union of the Americas, Spain and Portugal (UPAEP). This dual membership allows it to participate in the global postal network and guarantee mail delivery to more than 193 countries worldwide.

Over the years, 4-72 has modernized its infrastructure and processes to meet the challenges of e-commerce and digitalization. In 2015, the company inaugurated an automated postal processing center in Bogotá, equipped with cutting-edge technologies imported from South Korea, France, and Germany. This center can process up to 7,200 documents and 4,000 parcels per hour, multiplying productivity compared to previous manual methods. More recently, a major restructuring plan was approved with an injection of several tens of billions of Colombian pesos to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of the national postal operator.

Which countries does 4-72 deliver to?

4-72 provides particularly extensive geographical coverage, both within Colombian national territory and internationally. In Colombia, the carrier serves all 32 departments of the country and reaches more than 1,425 destinations, including the most isolated municipalities, villages (veredas), and hamlets (corregimientos). This comprehensive coverage is guaranteed by 4-72's status as the universal postal operator, which legally requires it to ensure access to postal services throughout the national territory.

4-72's physical network relies on nearly 200 post offices directly managed by the company, distributed across departmental capitals and major cities. In addition to these company-owned agencies, there are more than 900 partner contact points, called allied or franchised points, operated by local merchants under the 4-72 brand and standards. In total, the company has more than 1,200 service points across the country, ensuring maximum proximity to users, even in rural areas with low population density.

• National coverage: 32 Colombian departments, more than 1,425 destinations including all municipalities
• Company-owned post offices: Approximately 200 agencies directly managed by 4-72
• Partner points: More than 900 allied points and affiliated postal counters
• International coverage: 193 countries served via the Universal Postal Union network
• Regional partners: Collaboration with IPOSTEL (Venezuela), postal services of Ecuador and Brazil for cross-border shipments

Internationally, 4-72 relies on Universal Postal Union agreements to deliver mail and parcels to 193 countries worldwide. International shipments pass through the international exchange center in Bogotá, located near El Dorado Airport, before being sent by air to their destination. Once they arrive in the destination country, parcels are handled by the local postal operator for final delivery. Thus, a parcel sent to France will be delivered by La Poste, while a shipment to the United States will be delivered by USPS.

4-72 has also developed specific bilateral partnerships with certain neighboring countries. Following the reopening of postal relations between Colombia and Venezuela, the company established an agreement with IPOSTEL to restore ground mail transit between the two countries. Similar connections exist with Ecuador and Brazil to facilitate cross-border exchanges. Furthermore, 4-72 aims to position Bogotá as a regional logistics hub for e-commerce in Latin America, developing a continental sorting center project that would redistribute parcels to other countries in the region.

What are 4-72's services and delivery times?

4-72 offers a complete range of postal and logistics services tailored to the needs of both individuals and businesses. From traditional mail to express courier services, including e-commerce solutions and money transfers, the Colombian postal operator provides a variety of services to meet all shipping situations.

Delivery times vary according to the type of service chosen and the shipment destination. For domestic shipments, the standard delivery time ranges from 2 to 7 business days depending on whether the destination is urban, regional, or located in a special access zone. Express services can reduce these times to 1-3 business days for main destinations. For international shipments, delivery times largely depend on the destination country and can range from 5 to 21 days depending on geographical distance and customs procedures.

• National Mail (Correo Nacional): Distribution of letters, documents, and postcards throughout Colombia. Includes ordinary mail and certified mail with proof of delivery. Delivery time of 2 to 5 business days.
• Encomienda Nacional: National parcel shipping service for packages up to 30 kg. Delivery times of 2 days (urban), 3-7 days (regional/national), or up to 10 days for special destinations.
• Express Time: National express courier service for urgent shipments from 0 to 70 kg. Reduced delivery times of 1 to 3 business days with enhanced tracking.
• Paquetería and Paquetería Empresarial: Solutions for businesses with capacities of 50 kg (standard) to 150 kg (business) physical weight.
• Encomienda Internacional: International parcel shipping up to 30 kg. Delivery times of 5 to 15 business days depending on destination.
• EMS (PostExpress): International express service with accelerated delivery times. 3-5 days to neighboring countries (Peru, Ecuador), 6-10 days to North America and Europe.
• Exportafácil: Simplified export program for SMEs, allowing shipment of goods worth up to 5,000 USD with streamlined formalities.

The Exportafácil service deserves special attention as it is a valuable solution for small and medium-sized Colombian businesses wishing to start exporting. This program allows products to be shipped abroad with simplified customs formalities and support tailored to entrepreneurs' needs. Shipments can reach a declared value of 5,000 US dollars, which covers most needs of local artisans and merchants wanting to access international markets.

4-72 also offers postal financial services, including giros postales (postal money orders) for sending and receiving money. In partnership with MoneyGram, the company offers international transfers to more than 192 countries. The Correogiros service allows transfers to Cuba, Chile, Panama, Peru, Spain, Uruguay, and the Dominican Republic. Maximum amounts authorized are 10 million Colombian pesos for MoneyGram and 5 million pesos for Correogiros.

What are 4-72's rates and maximum accepted dimensions?

4-72 rates vary according to the type of service, weight, dimensions, and destination of the shipment. The company applies a calculation based on billable weight, which corresponds to the higher of either the actual weight (weighed on a scale) or the volumetric weight (calculated from the parcel's dimensions). This method allows for fair pricing of bulky but lightweight shipments that take up space in transport vehicles.

Volumetric weight is calculated using the formula: Length x Width x Height (in centimeters) divided by 5,000. The result obtained is compared to the actual weight, and the higher figure is used as the basis for pricing. This practice is standard in the transportation industry and helps optimize the filling of vehicles and freight aircraft.

• Encomienda Nacional: Up to 30 kg. Maximum dimension of 1.05 meters for the longest side. The girth sum must not exceed 2 meters, meaning a total length + girth of maximum 3.05 meters.
• Express Time: From 0 to 70 kg per shipment. Maximum length of 120 cm per side. Pricing based on volumetric weight calculated by the formula L x W x H / 5,000.
• Paquetería: Up to 50 kg physical weight and 200 kg volumetric weight.
• Paquetería Empresarial: Up to 150 kg physical weight and 800 kg volumetric weight.
• Encomienda Internacional: Up to 30 kg. Maximum length of 1.20 meters. The sum of length and largest girth must not exceed 3 meters.
• EMS International: Maximum 30 kg (physical or volumetric weight). Maximum length of 1.20 meters.

For shipments entering Colombia through the postal network (imports), DIAN regulations (Colombian tax and customs administration) impose specific limits. Weight must not exceed 50 kilograms, and dimensions cannot exceed 1.50 meters for each side, with a maximum length plus girth sum of 3 meters. These restrictions apply particularly to purchases made on international e-commerce sites and delivered to Colombia via the postal network.

Exact rates are available on the official 4-72 website and vary regularly according to market conditions. The company offers an online quotation tool allowing customers to obtain an estimate of their shipment cost based on weight, dimensions, and destination. For businesses with large volumes, 4-72 offers the possibility of negotiating preferential rates under commercial contracts with credit systems.

Regarding merchandise restrictions, 4-72 applies the international rules of the Universal Postal Union prohibiting the shipment of dangerous, flammable, explosive products, drugs, and illicit substances. Fragile, perishable, or delicate items may be accepted but do not benefit from standard insurance coverage. It is recommended to consult the list of prohibited items before making a shipment, particularly for international destinations where additional restrictions may apply.

What are 4-72's delivery options?

4-72 offers several delivery methods to adapt to different situations and recipient preferences. From traditional home delivery to automated pickup solutions, the Colombian postal operator has developed a diverse offering allowing parcels to be received conveniently and securely.

Home delivery is the main distribution method for parcels and registered mail. The postal worker or 4-72 delivery agent presents themselves at the address indicated by the sender to hand over the shipment to the recipient or an authorized person. In case of absence, a delivery notice is left indicating how to retrieve the parcel, usually by going to the nearest post office or scheduling a new delivery attempt.

• Home delivery: Direct distribution to the recipient's address by a 4-72 agent. Possibility of handover to an authorized person in case of absence of the main recipient.
• Agency pickup: The parcel is deposited at a 4-72 office where the recipient can come to collect it upon presentation of an ID and the availability notice.
• Sr. Pack (Lockers): Automated locker system initially available in Bogotá. The recipient retrieves their parcel 24/7 using a pickup code sent by SMS or email.
• Casillero Virtual: Virtual address service in the United States allowing Colombians to buy from American websites and receive their consolidated purchases in Colombia.
• Partner points: Network of more than 900 allied points where parcels can be dropped off or picked up.

The Sr. Pack service represents a notable innovation in 4-72's offering. It is an automated locker system allowing recipients to retrieve their parcels at any time, without depending on post office opening hours. To use this service, the customer must activate the option on their 4-72 Casillero Virtual account and choose the Sr. Pack machine closest to their home or workplace as the delivery point. Lockers are available in three different sizes to accommodate parcel dimensions. If a package exceeds the dimensions of available lockers, it is automatically redirected to the recipient's home or the main pickup center.

The Casillero Virtual (virtual mailbox) is a service particularly appreciated by Colombian consumers fond of online shopping on American websites. 4-72 provides a delivery address in Miami where customers can have their purchases shipped. Once the parcels are received, they are grouped together and shipped to Colombia, allowing savings on shipping costs and simplifying import formalities. This service includes basic insurance covering shipments up to 100 US dollars, with the option of purchasing additional coverage for higher-value purchases.

Regarding notifications, 4-72 informs recipients of their parcel's progress through various channels. Online tracking on the company's website allows viewing the history of completed stages. Email or SMS notifications can be activated to receive automatic alerts during important status changes: out for delivery, unsuccessful attempt, available at office, etc. These tracking features help improve the customer experience by providing complete visibility of shipment journeys.

What should I do if my 4-72 parcel is lost or damaged?

In case of loss or damage occurring during the transportation of a parcel by 4-72, customers have several avenues of recourse to assert their rights and obtain compensation. The Colombian postal operator has established a structured claims management system, governed by national legislation and international postal conventions.

The claims procedure begins with filing a request with 4-72's Peticiones, Quejas y Reclamos (PQR) service. This can be done online through the company's official portal, by telephone via the national line 01800 011 1210, or directly at a 4-72 agency. The legal deadline for filing a claim is generally 30 days from the date of shipment for domestic parcels and 6 months for international shipments.

• Processing time: In accordance with Law 1369 of 2009, 4-72 has 15 business days to process and resolve claims relating to domestic shipments.
• International shipments: Processing of international claims may take up to 2 months, in accordance with the provisions of the Vienna Convention of the Universal Postal Union.
• Possible appeals: In case of disagreement with the decision, the customer may file an appeal for reconsideration (reposición) or appeal (apelación).
• Higher authority: If internal appeals are unsuccessful, the customer may refer the matter to the Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC) for arbitration.

To compile a complete claim file, several documents are required. The customer must provide the shipment tracking number, a copy of their ID, the shipping receipt or proof of deposit, as well as the commercial invoice detailing the value of the transported goods. In case of damage, photographs of the parcel and its packaging in the condition received are essential. If the merchandise is damaged, it may be requested to keep the postal item and present it for inspection.

Regarding compensation, 4-72 offers basic insurance at no additional cost for shipments with a declared value not exceeding 100 US dollars. However, this coverage does not apply to fragile, perishable, or delicate goods. For shipments worth more than 100 USD, an insurance premium of 1% of the declared value is charged, then guaranteeing full coverage of the product in case of loss or damage.

The compensation amount depends on several factors: the declared value of the shipment, the type of service used, and the circumstances of the loss. For shipments without a declared value, compensation is calculated according to a flat-rate schedule defined by postal regulations. It is therefore strongly recommended to declare the actual value of goods when shipping and to take out additional insurance for valuable items.

In addition to the standard claims procedure, customers can directly contact 4-72 customer service for information on the status of their shipment before initiating a formal claim. It frequently happens that a parcel reported as lost is simply delayed or awaiting customs clearance for international shipments. Checking the tracking status often helps alleviate concerns before beginning an administrative procedure.

Does 4-72 handle international shipments and customs formalities?

4-72 fully manages international shipments and assists its customers with customs formalities related to importing and exporting goods. As the official postal operator and member of the Universal Postal Union, the company is authorized to process international postal flows and make customs declarations on behalf of its customers.

For exports from Colombia, 4-72 offers the Exportafácil program, a simplified system allowing individuals and SMEs to ship goods abroad with streamlined formalities. This service is suitable for shipments with a maximum value of 5,000 US dollars and includes assistance with preparing required customs documents. Documents to be provided include a commercial invoice with values expressed in dollars, a copy of the sender's ID (or legal representative for a company), a letter of responsibility, and the Exportafácil declaration.

• Maximum value for postal imports: 2,000 US dollars (declared FOB value)
• VAT exemption threshold with the United States and South Korea: 200 dollars for non-commercial shipments
• Documents required for import: DIAN letter, copy of recipient's ID, proof of customs duty payment
• Tax rates: VAT of 10% to 19% depending on the nature of imported goods
• Exemptions: Books benefit from full exemption; computers have a 5% customs duty with VAT above 799 dollars

For imports into Colombia, shipments passing through 4-72's postal network are subject to inspection by DIAN (Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales), the Colombian tax and customs administration. International parcels are inspected at the postal exchange center at El Dorado Airport in Bogotá, where customs agents verify declaration compliance and carry out necessary assessments for calculating duties and taxes.

When a shipment is subject to customs duty payment, 4-72 notifies the recipient and indicates the steps to follow to regularize the situation. The customer must then pay the taxes calculated by DIAN (generally between 10% and 19% of the declared value depending on the nature of products) before the parcel is released for final delivery. Payment can be made online through the DIAN portal, then the recipient must send 4-72 the proof of payment along with required documents (DIAN letter and copy of ID) to schedule delivery.

However, there are tax exemptions for certain categories of shipments. Trade agreements between Colombia and the United States as well as South Korea allow shipments worth 200 dollars or less to benefit from VAT exemption, provided they are not intended for commercial use. This provision is particularly advantageous for individuals making online purchases on American sites such as Amazon, eBay, or specialty stores.

To facilitate international purchases, 4-72 offers its Casillero Virtual service which provides Colombian customers with a delivery address in the United States. Purchases made on American websites are shipped to this address, then 4-72 handles grouping them and shipping them to Colombia while managing all customs formalities. This service considerably simplifies the import process for consumers and allows savings by consolidating multiple purchases into a single shipment.

Understanding tracking statuses

When tracking a 4-72 parcel online, various statuses may appear to inform you of your shipment's progress at each stage of its journey. Here are the main statuses and their meanings: