An Post tracking
How to track my An Post package?
Ordertracker provides a simple solution to track your An Post packages. To begin, you'll need a An Post tracking number provided by the sender or the retailer.
Enter your tracking number in the above field and hit "enter." Our tracker will then fetch the latest tracking details for your package.
You'll see a timeline showing your package's journey, including its current location, transit history, and expected delivery date. This keeps you informed about your An Post package in real time.
Where can I find my An Post tracking number?
Finding your An Post tracking number is usually simple. When you buy an item online or send a package, the tracking number is typically given by the online store or sender. If you're the recipient, the sender often provides it via email, text, or on the order confirmation page.
For online purchases, log in to your store account to find the tracking number in your order history or tracking section. You can also find it in shipping notifications sent to your email or phone.
Once you have the tracking number, you can easily use Ordertracker to monitor your package's progress. This tool shows your package's journey and estimated delivery date.
Why isn't my An Post package moving in the package tracking history?
Dealing with a An Post package that appears stuck in tracking can be frustrating. Yet, there are steps to tackle this. If you've been using Ordertracker and see no progress, start by being patient. Delays, like customs or logistical issues, can arise.
If the delay remains, contact An Post or the sender for specifics. They can offer insight or investigate. Keep your tracking number ready for a smoother process. Sometimes, misrouting or address errors cause delays. Confirm the details provided to you by the sender. Remember, An Post customer service or the sender can help resolve shipping delays.
When I track my An Post package, why does it show as "returned"?
If you're tracking your An Post package and it's marked as "returned", this usually means that the package has been sent back to the sender or the shipment origin location for a specific reason. There are a few common explanations for why a An Post package might be labeled as "returned":
An unclear or inaccurate address from sender or recipient might lead An Post to be unable to deliver, resulting in a return.
If multiple delivery attempts fail, An Post may return the package instead of holding it indefinitely.
If the recipient doesn't collect the package within a timeframe from a post office or delivery center, An Post might return it.
International packages can be return due to customs problems like missing or incorrect documents.
If your An Post package is "returned" in tracking, contact the sender or An Post customer service. This clarifies the return reason and lets you explore solutions like resending or refunding. Please note that return procedures can vary based on An Post policies and circumstances.
Why does the An Post parcel tracking timeline indicate that my order cannot be found?
When your An Post parcel tracking lacks information, it may indicate a "cannot be found" message. This happens for a few reasons:
Ensure your tracking number is accurate. Even a small mistake can prevent the system from recognizing your package.
Sometimes, tracking details might be slower to update in An Post system. Wait and check again later for potential updates.
If the package was recently sent, it might not be processed by An Post yet. Tracking should appear shortly.
About An Post
An Post is the state-owned provider of postal services in Ireland. With a history dating back over 400 years, An Post has been serving the Irish community by delivering mail and providing various postal services. It offers both domestic and international mail delivery, as well as additional services such as parcel delivery, banking, and bill payment. An Post plays a vital role in connecting people and businesses across Ireland and facilitating communication and commerce.
How to contact An Post?
If you are experiencing issues with the delivery process managed by An Post, please do not hesitate to contact their customer support.
National postal service of the Republic of Ireland
An Post is the national postal service of the Republic of Ireland, a public company responsible for providing universal postal service throughout the Irish territory. Created in the early eighties during the reorganization of the former Posts and Telegraphs, An Post (whose name means The Post in Irish) has established itself as an essential pillar of the country's communication and logistics. As a wholly state-owned company, An Post's mission is to provide reliable and accessible postal services to all citizens, whether they reside in urban or rural areas.
The company operates the most extensive network of post offices in Ireland, playing a leading economic and social role in local communities. With several decades of activity, An Post is now one of the largest employers in the country. Its historic headquarters, the General Post Office in Dublin (an emblematic site of national history) testifies to the heritage and rootedness of the Irish post in the daily lives of the inhabitants. An Post continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of individuals and businesses, while maintaining its public service vocation at the heart of its activities.
An Post's mission revolves around values of service, trust, and innovation. The company is committed to acting for the common good and improving the quality of life in Ireland, both for current and future generations. Concretely, this translates into the desire to connect every household and business in the country, support local economic activity, and maintain a universal postal link. While modernizing its offerings in the digital age, An Post ensures to remain a reliable local service for the entire population. As such, in addition to traditional postal services, An Post post offices also offer some basic financial services and the distribution of public benefits, reinforcing the indispensable role of the company in the daily lives of citizens.
Logistics Network and Territorial Coverage
An Post's logistics network is sized to effectively cover the entire Irish territory. The routing of mail and parcels is organized around several sorting centers and regional platforms. Dublin houses the country's main postal sorting center, complemented by other major sites such as the Athlone sorting center (serving the West of Ireland) and the Portlaoise logistics platform. The latter, located in the center of the country, serves as a national sorting center for parcel processing, including those destined for or coming from abroad, thanks to the presence of customs and shipment security services on site.
Once sorted, shipments are directed to a vast network of local distribution centers. An Post has a dense network of delivery depots and post offices throughout the country, ensuring complete territorial coverage. Even isolated rural areas and island communities receive regular postal service, demonstrating An Post's commitment to serving every citizen and business without exception. Postal workers and agents travel daily through towns and countryside to deliver mail to the most remote localities.
An Post's logistics network is sized to effectively cover the entire Irish territory. The routing of mail and parcels is organized around several sorting centers and regional platforms. Dublin houses the country's main postal sorting center, complemented by other major sites such as the Athlone sorting center (serving the West of Ireland) and the Portlaoise logistics platform. The latter, located in the center of the country, serves as a national sorting center for parcel processing, including those destined for or coming from abroad, thanks to the presence of customs and shipment security services on site.
Once sorted, shipments are directed to a vast network of local distribution centers. An Post has a dense network of delivery depots and post offices throughout the country, ensuring complete territorial coverage. Even isolated rural areas and island communities receive regular postal service, demonstrating An Post's commitment to serving every citizen and business without exception. Postal workers and agents travel daily through towns and countryside to deliver mail to the most remote localities.
Postal Services in Ireland and Internationally
The range of services offered by An Post covers all shipping needs, both nationally and internationally. In Ireland, the postal service handles both ordinary mail (letters, cards, documents) and parcels of small or large size. For individuals and businesses alike, An Post offers shipping options tailored in terms of speed, tracking, and security.
- Standard national mail and parcels: The ordinary postal service allows sending letters, documents, and packages throughout the Irish territory. These standard shipments benefit from reliable and regular distribution thanks to the national postal network.
- Domestic express service (Express Post): For urgent shipments to the national territory, An Post offers the Express Post service which ensures priority routing of mail and parcels. This fast service includes online tracking and provides delivery confirmation, thus offering enhanced traceability and a better guarantee of distribution.
- Registered mail: Whether nationally or internationally, the registered mail option provides additional security. The shipped item (letter or parcel) is delivered to the recipient against their signature, and its journey is tracked step by step. This service, which provides proof of deposit and delivery, is preferred for sending official documents or valuable items as it offers increased insurance and accountability.
- International services: An Post also delivers mail and parcels abroad, serving over two hundred destinations worldwide. The standard international service allows sending letters, documents, and packages to many countries. For increased speed needs, priority and express options are available: for example, Express Post International or the international courier service ensure faster routing with detailed shipment tracking. Similarly, international registered mail guarantees secure delivery against signature by the destination country's post. Thanks to cooperation between An Post and foreign operators, transit times are optimized and international shipments are made with full reliability.
Partnerships and International Cooperation
On the international stage, An Post operates in close collaboration with other postal services around the world. As a member of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), the Irish operator is part of the global postal network that allows a letter or parcel sent from Ireland to reach over 190 countries and, conversely, to route foreign mail to Irish recipients. Concretely, An Post works hand in hand with its foreign counterparts to ensure the continuity of postal service beyond borders: for example, a parcel sent from Ireland to the United States will be handled upon arrival by the US Postal Service, while a letter to the United Kingdom will transit lastly via Royal Mail. This global network ensures that sorting, transport, and delivery standards are respected from one country to another, ensuring a smooth experience for senders and recipients.
An Post also participates in international programs aimed at improving the efficiency of cross-border postal exchanges. The group notably adheres to the EMS (Express Mail Service) which coordinates express shipments between postal operators worldwide, allowing it to offer fast and end-to-end tracked international deliveries. Moreover, An Post's tracking IT systems are interconnected with those of many other postal operators: the exchange of real-time tracking data ensures that customers can follow their international shipments throughout their journey, from deposit in Ireland to final distribution by the local postal partner. Thanks to these partnerships and this integration, An Post fully integrates into the global logistics network and guarantees its clientele optimal reliability and visibility for international shipments.
Tracking Number Format
An Post uses a standardized format for its shipment tracking numbers, in accordance with international UPU standards. Generally, the tracking number consists of two letters at the beginning of the code (indicating the shipment category), followed by nine unique digits, then the country code "IE" corresponding to Ireland at the end of the chain. This standard format allows immediate identification of the shipment's origin and nature. For example, a parcel sent via an express service will have a number starting with letters such as "EE" and ending with "IE", while registered mail may start with "RN" or "RR", always followed by the numeric series and the suffix "IE". Thanks to this uniform coding, postal and tracking systems worldwide easily recognize An Post shipments and can exchange tracking information, facilitating precise tracking of letters and parcels throughout their routing.
Recent Innovations and Major Projects
In recent years, An Post has undertaken significant modernization efforts to adapt its services to technological developments and sustainability challenges. On the digitalization front, the postal operator has launched new digital solutions designed to simplify the user experience. For example, An Post recently introduced the country's very first digital stamp (an innovation that allows users to frank their mail via a code purchased online. Concretely, the user can purchase an alphanumeric stamp code at any time on the An Post mobile app, then write this 12-character code on their envelope or parcel. This system avoids the use of the traditional physical stamp and offers modern features) the digitally franked mail benefits from electronic tracking and a delivery confirmation sent by notification (SMS or email) to the recipient. This type of initiative is part of An Post's digital transformation, which also offers various online services via its website and app (real-time shipment tracking, postage rate calculation, mail redirection reservation, postal code locator, etc.), to make postal services more accessible and convenient in the e-commerce era.
In parallel, An Post has placed sustainability at the center of its strategy. The company has committed to a progressive ecological transition of its operations to reduce its carbon footprint. It was one of the first postal operators to convert all its urban delivery routes to emission-free transport modes. In Dublin, for example, the distribution vehicle fleet has been fully electrified to eliminate local emissions in the city center. This "zero-emission" approach initiated in the capital is now extending to other major Irish cities. Additionally, An Post is modernizing its heavy vehicle fleet by adopting alternative fuels: traditional diesel trucks are gradually being replaced or converted to cleaner fuels (such as renewable HVO biodiesel) to significantly reduce pollution related to long-distance mail transport. Simultaneously, the company invests in green infrastructure: for example, installing solar panels on the roofs of some logistics centers - and optimizes its route itineraries to improve its energy efficiency. An Post has set ambitious environmental goals, with the declared ambition of achieving carbon neutrality in its activities in the near future, while contributing to global initiatives to combat climate change.
The technological modernization of the postal network is finally a major focus of An Post's recent projects. To cope with the rise of e-commerce and the growing volumes of parcels to be processed, the company has invested in new automated sorting capacities. In Dublin, An Post inaugurated a vast ultra-modern parcel sorting center (the Dublin Parcel sorting center), equipped with high-speed automated sorting systems capable of sorting tens of thousands of packages per hour with increased efficiency. Similarly, the Portlaoise processing center has recently been equipped with a next-generation sorting system integrating high-speed conveyors and three-dimensional vision technology, capable of automatically identifying and directing parcels of all sizes. These investments in automation and robotics have significantly increased An Post's processing capacity while improving operational reliability. Now, even during peak periods (for example during the holiday season), mail and parcels are processed faster and with fewer routing errors. By adopting these innovations, An Post strengthens its logistical competitiveness in the face of modern market challenges and ensures its clientele an ever more efficient service.
Shipment Tracking Statuses
An Post's online tracking platform allows real-time knowledge of a shipment's status at each stage of its journey. Each tracking update is displayed as a short status, indicating the exact situation of the parcel or mail. Below, a table summarizes the main tracking statuses used by An Post and their meaning in English:
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Shipment information received | The electronic shipment information has been transmitted to An Post by the sender, but the parcel has not yet been physically taken over by the postal network |
| Taken over by An Post | The shipment has been accepted by An Post and integrated into its network (usually upon deposit at the post office or a postal point) |
| In sorting process | The shipment is being processed in a postal sorting center, where it is classified and directed to its next destination in the network |
| In transit | The shipment is progressing in the routing network: it is between two logistical stages and is en route to the next distribution center or to the destination country |
| Sent to destination country | The shipment has left the Irish territory and is en route to the destination country abroad. It is therefore traveling to its international destination |
| Arrived in destination country | The shipment has arrived in the recipient's country and has been taken over by the local postal service of that country for further transport |
| In customs clearance process | The shipment is being examined by the customs services of the destination country. It is temporarily held for customs checks and will be released once the formalities are completed |
| Customs fees to be paid | Customs duties or import taxes have been applied to this shipment. A notice has been sent to the recipient to pay the required fees before delivery can resume |
| Customs fees paid | Any customs fees have been paid by the recipient. The shipment can therefore be released by customs and its routing to the recipient will resume normally |
| Customs fees refused | The recipient has chosen not to pay the customs fees or taxes claimed. Consequently, the shipment will not be delivered and will be returned to its original sender |
| Taken over by local post | The shipment has been handed over to the partner postal service in the destination country. The recipient's local post now has the responsibility for the final distribution of the shipment |
| In preparation for delivery | The shipment has arrived at its final distribution center and is being prepared for the delivery round. It has been sorted in the local delivery agency awaiting handover to the delivery person |
| Out for delivery | The shipment has been entrusted to the delivery person (postman or courier) and is currently on the road to be imminently delivered to the recipient |
| Delivered | The shipment has been successfully delivered to the recipient's address. The delivery is therefore completed and confirmed in the tracking system |
| Delivery attempt made | A delivery agent has presented themselves at the recipient's address but was unable to hand over the shipment (for example due to the recipient's absence). A notice has been left, inviting the recipient to schedule a new delivery or to collect their parcel at a collection point |
| Available for pickup | The shipment, which could not be delivered directly, is now available at a designated pickup location. The recipient can come to collect it, typically at the local post office or a designated agency, upon presentation of an ID and the notice of passage |
| Return to sender in progress | The shipment could not be delivered to the recipient and is starting its return to the original sender. It is in return transit and will be returned to the initial sender |
| Returned to sender | The shipment has completed its return journey and has been sent back to its sender. The recipient not having received the parcel, it eventually returned to the original shipping address |
| Routing error corrected | The shipment was initially directed to the wrong distribution center or logistical route. A correction has been made: the parcel has been redirected to the correct sorting or delivery site, and its routing to the recipient resumes its normal course |