Austria Post tracking

Austrian postal service

Austrian Post, officially known as Österreichische Post AG, is the national postal service operator in Austria. Established in 1999 following the split of Austrian Post and Telecommunications, this company ensures the delivery of mail and parcels throughout Austria, as well as internationally. A public limited company listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange (ATX index) and majority-owned by the Austrian state through the public holding company ÖBAG (which holds just over half of the capital), Austrian Post combines the heritage of a centuries-old postal service with a modern organization focused on efficiency, logistics, and customer service. As a historical postal operator, Austrian Post is today one of the leading postal and logistics service providers in Europe, offering a comprehensive range of services from traditional mail delivery to innovative parcel delivery solutions and digital services.

Austrian Post - History and Evolution of the Austrian Postal Service

The origins of the Austrian Post date back to the Habsburg Empire. As early as the late 15th century, regular postal services connected Austrian territories to major European cities (an official postal service existed, for example, as early as 1490 between Innsbruck and Flanders). In 1722, Emperor Charles VI made the post a state monopoly, laying the foundations for a centralized postal administration within the empire. During the 19th century, the Austrian postal system modernized with the introduction of public mailboxes, postal money orders, and cash on delivery services. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw further advances: in 1875, a pneumatic mail network was established in Vienna, and in 1918 the first regular airmail service was established (between Vienna, Krakow, and Lviv). After World War II, the postal service continued to develop and innovate, notably introducing postal codes in 1966 to facilitate automated mail sorting.

The current legal form of Austrian Post results from the liberalization of the Austrian postal sector in the 1990s. In 1996, the former postal and telecommunications monopoly was dissolved to create Post und Telekom Austria (PTA). Then in 1999, as part of the gradual privatization of these activities, Österreichische Post AG was established as a separate entity, inheriting the postal services. This creation marked the transformation of the Austrian post into a modern commercial enterprise. Since its stock market introduction in 2006, Austrian Post has been among the companies in the ATX index and continues its evolution between commercial expansion and public service mission. In recent decades, the company has adapted to market changes: a decline in traditional mail volumes offset by the growth of e-commerce, diversification of services, and modernization of its network. In 2010, Austrian Post partnered with Swiss Post to create a joint venture in the field of international direct mail, illustrating its commitment to international cooperation. In 2020, the company also launched its own online bank (bank99) to expand its service offering to customers. Furthermore, in 2019, Austrian Post faced a controversy regarding customer data protection (related to the sale of marketing data) after which it strengthened its compliance and privacy measures. Despite the challenges of digital transition, Austrian Post continues to evolve by focusing on technological innovation and strategic partnerships, while relying on its rich historical heritage.

Current Organization of the Company

Austrian Post is organized into several operational divisions that reflect the diversity of its activities. The company's structure is mainly centered around three major areas:

• Mail Division: responsible for the collection, sorting, and distribution of traditional postal mail. It covers the sending of letters, postcards, documents, newspapers, and magazines, as well as addressed or unaddressed advertising mail. This division also manages related services such as registered mail (tracked mail with acknowledgment of receipt) and digital mail solutions (e.g., electronic letter or e-brief).
• Parcel & Logistics Division: dedicated to parcels, express parcels, and fast courier services. This area handles the delivery of parcels for individual and business customers, both nationally and internationally. It also includes logistics services for e-commerce, such as fulfilment solutions (e-commerce logistics management including storage, order preparation, shipping, and returns management) and the secure transport of valuables or cash through specialized subsidiaries.
• Retail & Bank Division: manages the national network of post offices and partners, as well as the financial services offered by Austrian Post. Since 2020, this division operates in collaboration with the subsidiary bank99, the bank launched by Austrian Post, which offers retail banking services (current accounts, money transfers, payment cards) available online and in postal agencies. The extensive network of contact points across the country (company-operated post offices and partner postal agencies) is attached to this division, allowing customers to access not only postal services but also basic banking services and other counter services.

In terms of governance, Austrian Post is a joint-stock company under Austrian law (Aktiengesellschaft). The company's capital is majority-owned by the Republic of Austria, through the public holding company Österreichische Beteiligungs AG (ÖBAG) which holds approximately 52.8% of the shares, thus ensuring the state a leading role in strategic decisions. The remaining capital (about 47%) is floating and held by private and institutional investors in Austria and abroad. The company is managed by an executive board (management committee) supervised by a supervisory board, in accordance with the governance model of Austrian listed companies. In terms of workforce, Austrian Post employs more than 20,000 people (nearly 28,000 employees in 2024) who operate across all its divisions and subsidiaries. The company places particular importance on service quality and the reliability of its operations, which is reflected in its organizational structure oriented towards customer satisfaction and logistical efficiency.

Services Offered for Domestic and International Shipments

Austrian Post offers a comprehensive range of postal and delivery services, both for shipments within Austria and to or from abroad. These services are aimed at individuals, businesses, and public institutions, and cover both light mail and large or express parcels. Here is an overview of the main categories of services offered:

• Mail and Letters - Domestic and International: Austrian Post handles the sending of letters and documents, with standard (ordinary postal delivery) or priority (faster delivery) options. For sensitive or important shipments, registered mail services (with tracking and delivery against signature) are available, providing proof of deposit and delivery to the recipient. Austrian Post also manages the shipment of postcards, printed materials, as well as the distribution of the press (newspapers and magazines) throughout the territory.
• Domestic Parcels - Standard Delivery: for parcels sent within Austria, the basic service ensures home delivery or pickup point delivery within the usual timeframe of a few working days. This standard service is suitable for most non-urgent shipments, with parcel tracking included and proof of delivery.
• Domestic Parcels - Express Delivery: Austrian Post offers accelerated shipping solutions for urgent parcels at the national level. By choosing a domestic express service, customers benefit from priority handling of their shipment, allowing for much faster delivery (often the next working day if the parcel is dropped off before the cutoff time). This service ensures optimized handling and transport to guarantee speed and includes real-time tracking.
• Domestic Parcels - Same-Day Delivery: in certain urban areas or for very urgent needs, Austrian Post offers a same-day delivery service. This special courier service allows, under specific conditions and at an additional cost, to deliver a parcel to the final recipient within a few hours, on the same day it is picked up, which is ideal for critical deliveries requiring extreme speed.
• Domestic Parcels - Economy Option: for less urgent national shipments, Austrian Post offers an economy service. This option provides more advantageous shipping rates by accepting a slightly longer delivery time than standard delivery. It is a popular solution for non-urgent or bulky parcels, where cost is a priority for the sender. Although the delivery time is extended, the reliability of the delivery remains assured and basic tracking is generally included.
• International Parcel Services - Standard: Austrian Post ensures the shipment of parcels to a large number of foreign countries via its standard international service. Standard international shipments are transported by land or air depending on the destination and generally arrive within variable timeframes of a few days to a few weeks depending on the country. Each international parcel receives a tracking number that allows tracking its journey, and the network of foreign postal partners takes over for the final distribution in the destination country. This basic service is suitable for regular international shipments that do not require a guaranteed timeframe.
• International Parcel Services - Express: for urgent international shipments, Austrian Post offers Express or EMS (Express Mail Service) solutions in cooperation with international postal networks. These international express shipments benefit from priority handling and accelerated transport (often by air) to significantly reduce delivery times to most global destinations. International express parcels are tracked end-to-end and often delivered against signature. This premium service is ideal for time-sensitive shipments (important documents, high-value or urgent goods).
• International Parcel Services - Economy: similar to the national economy service, Austrian Post offers an international economy shipping option (often called "Surface" or non-priority shipping) for abroad. Parcels sent via this mode are transported by slower logistical means (e.g., by land or sea transport for distant destinations) to minimize costs. The delivery time is longer (which can take a few weeks depending on the distance), but the service remains reliable and generally includes basic tracking. This option is appreciated by customers sending heavy or bulky parcels at a lower cost when there is no particular urgency.
• Registered and Insured Shipments: whether for letters or parcels, Austrian Post offers registered mail options (in Austria and internationally) to provide additional security. A registered shipment assigns a tracking number and requires a signature from the recipient upon delivery, ensuring traceability and proof of receipt. For valuable items, it is also possible to take out additional insurance that covers the contents in case of loss or damage during transport, according to the limits and conditions provided by the post.
• Special and Additional Services: in addition to its basic offers, Austrian Post offers various additional services. For example, customers can opt for mail forwarding (transferring mail to a new address in case of temporary or permanent relocation), mail holding (during extended absences, mail is held and delivered later), or delivery to pickup points (Pickup) or automated lockers. Austrian Post also offers bill payment services at its post offices, direct marketing services (printing and distribution of advertising mailings), as well as the sale of packaging products and postal supplies. All of these services aim to meet the varied needs of customers, whether it be speed, economy, security, or convenience.

Regardless of the option chosen, most shipments handled by Austrian Post are accompanied by online tracking via a unique tracking number. This tracking allows the sender and recipient to know the status of the mail or parcel at any time (pickup, in transit, out for delivery, delivered, etc.). In addition, Austrian Post provides customer services (website, mobile app, telephone service) to help users estimate shipping rates, find the postal code of a locality, locate the nearest service point, or obtain packaging advice and customs information for international shipments. By avoiding providing precise rate data or guaranteed timeframes in its generic communications, Austrian Post invites its customers to inquire directly (in agency or on its website) to obtain up-to-date information on current rates and timeframes, as these may change and depend on many factors (weight, dimensions, destination, service option chosen, times of the year, etc.).

Logistics Network and Infrastructure

To ensure the efficient collection, sorting, and distribution of millions of postal shipments each week, Austrian Post relies on an extensive logistics network and modern infrastructure spread across Austria. The country is covered by several regional postal sorting centers that form the central pillar of the company's logistics operations. On the mail side (letters), Austrian Post operates at least six major letter sorting centers, strategically located in different regions: notably in Vienna (the main national sorting center), in Upper Austria (Allhaming center), in the Salzburg region (Wals-Siezenheim), in Tyrol (Vomp center), in Styria (Graz), and in Carinthia (Villach). Each of these mail sorting centers processes considerable volumes of letters and small flat items daily, using high-speed automated sorting machines capable of identifying postal codes and directing mail to its correct destination.

Regarding parcels and express shipments, Austrian Post also has specialized logistics centers for parcels. There are at least eight main parcel sorting centers across the country, including large sorting centers located in Vienna (notably the Vienna-Inzersdorf logistics center, the largest in the country, opened in 2019), in Lower Austria (Hagenbrunn), in Upper Austria (Allhaming, adjacent to the letter center), in the Salzburg region (Wals-Siezenheim), in Styria (Kalsdorf near Graz), in Tyrol (Vomp), in Vorarlberg (Wolfurt), and in Carinthia (Wernberg). These parcel centers are equipped with state-of-the-art sorting systems provided by logistics specialists, capable of handling thousands of packages per hour. For example, the Inzersdorf sorting center in Vienna is one of the most modern in Europe, equipped with automated sorters and conveyors over several kilometers, allowing it to process a very high volume of parcels per day and support the growth of e-commerce.

In addition to sorting centers, Austrian Post operates a vast transport and distribution network. The company manages its own fleet of utility vehicles to transport mail and parcels between logistics centers and local distribution offices. This fleet includes heavy-duty trucks for intercity transport of large volumes, as well as smaller vehicles for servicing distribution centers and local delivery routes. In recent years, Austrian Post has invested heavily in sustainable mobility by gradually converting its delivery vehicles to electric engines. Austrian Post currently operates the largest fleet of electric vehicles in Austria (in 2023, it commissioned its 5,000th electric vehicle, bringing the share of electric-powered vehicles to about 50% of its entire distribution fleet. Electric utility vehicles (eSprinter vans, etc.), electric cars for rural routes, as well as electric bikes and tricycles for urban mail distribution, are deployed across the country. The stated goal is to achieve CO₂-free deliveries in major cities (such as Vienna, where all urban postal logistics are now electric) and eventually throughout the country by 2030. This commitment to electric vehicles not only reduces the ecological footprint of postal activities but also decreases noise pollution and adapts to urban low-emission zones.

The network of Austrian Post locations also includes post offices and customer contact points, which are an integral part of the service infrastructure. Austrian Post has approximately 1,700 service points across Austria, combining both company-operated post offices (about 350) and a vast network of partner postal agencies (about 1,300) located at local retailers or in municipalities. This dense network ensures easy access to postal services even in rural or remote areas, in accordance with universal service obligations. At these service points, customers can drop off or pick up their shipments (mail or parcels), purchase stamps and packaging, perform basic financial transactions (via bank99 or bill payment services), and obtain information. To complement this physical network, Austrian Post has installed automated parcel pickup lockers ("station" for 24/7 self-service collection) in various strategic locations, offering increased flexibility for deliveries and pickups outside of regular opening hours.

Finally, Austrian Post's logistics system integrates into broader transport networks for international shipments. The company cooperates with air carriers for the shipment of mail and parcels to or from other continents. For example, express or priority parcels are often put in transit by air from Vienna airport or other European sorting centers to the destination country. Similarly, for mail exchanges in Europe, Austrian Post uses regular road and rail connections in partnership with other national posts or logistics operators. These interconnections are part of the invisible infrastructure that allows a letter posted in a small Austrian village to reach an address on the other side of the world. Austrian Post, a member of the Universal Postal Union, thus relies on an international network of exchange centers and agreements with foreign posts to efficiently deliver mail and parcels beyond borders.

International Presence and Partnerships

Although most of Austrian Post's activity takes place in Austria, the company has gradually expanded internationally and engaged in strategic partnerships to extend its reach beyond its national market. Austrian Post now has a direct presence in many countries in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, mainly through subsidiaries specializing in parcel and logistics services. This international expansion aims to capture the growth of e-commerce in these regions and create an efficient cross-border distribution network. Here are some key elements of Austrian Post's international presence:

• Subsidiaries in Central and Southeastern Europe: Austrian Post has acquired or created several courier and logistics companies in neighboring or nearby countries to Austria. For example, in Slovakia, it owns Express One Slovakia s.r.o. (formerly In Time) as well as a stake in Slovak Parcel Service. In Hungary, the subsidiary Express One Hungary Kft. operates in the parcel delivery market. In the Western Balkans, Austrian Post has also invested: in Serbia, it acquired the express courier company City Express d.o.o. (local leader in 24-hour delivery) as early as 2007, also opening access to the Montenegrin market via Express One Montenegro. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the subsidiary Express One BH provides parcel services, while in Croatia it is the company Overseas Express d.o.o. (acquired in 2017) that is part of the Austrian Post group. In Slovenia, Austrian Post launched in 2022 the subsidiary Express One SI d.o.o., which has established two logistics centers (in Maribor and Ljubljana) and is developing a national parcel distribution network. Finally, in Bulgaria, the company M&BM Express OOD is also attached to the Austrian Post group. Thanks to these subsidiaries, Austrian Post is present in a total of about ten countries outside Austria, allowing it to offer more integrated intra-European parcel deliveries.
• Position in the Turkish Market and Expansion to Central Asia: one of Austrian Post's major expansions was achieved in Turkey. In 2013, Austrian Post acquired a 25% stake in the company Aras Kargo, one of the leading parcel operators in Turkey. Then, in 2020, Austrian Post exercised a contractual option to increase its stake to 80%, thus becoming the majority shareholder of Aras Kargo. This strategic acquisition allowed Austrian Post to establish a solid presence in the dynamic Turkish parcel market due to the growth of e-commerce. Through Aras Kargo (which continues to operate under its own brand in Turkey), Austrian Post has also extended its footprint to Azerbaijan. In 2023, Aras Kargo acquired 75% of the Azerbaijani company Star Express (brand Starex), specializing in the delivery of parcels from international e-commerce to Azerbaijan. This operation opens the doors to the Central Asian and Caucasus market for Austrian Post, via its Turkish subsidiary, by supporting, for example, major Turkish shippers in the fashion sector who deliver to customers in Azerbaijan. Thus, Austrian Post positions itself as a significant regional player for logistics between Europe and the Middle East.
• Partnerships with Other National Posts: Austrian Post actively cooperates with many foreign postal operators within the framework of bilateral agreements or international networks. A member of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) since its inception, Austrian Post participates in the EMS (Express Mail Service) program, which is a global cooperation for the exchange of express shipments between national posts. Additionally, in 2010, Austrian Post and Swiss Post created a joint venture aimed at consolidating their international advertising mail activities (cross-border direct mail), to offer companies a common solution for distributing mailings throughout Europe. This Swiss-Austrian partnership illustrates Austrian Post's ability to ally with counterparts to develop new services.
• Collaboration with Deutsche Post DHL Group: a notable collaboration agreement has been established with the German postal giant Deutsche Post DHL. Since 2019, Austrian Post has become the local distribution partner for DHL Parcel in Austria. Specifically, Austrian Post handles the last-mile delivery for DHL network parcels on Austrian territory. As part of this agreement, Austrian Post has integrated employees and resources from DHL Austria to strengthen its capacity. In parallel, Austrian Post and DHL also collaborate to improve parcel logistics in Central Europe: for example, they have agreed to cooperate on parcel delivery in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, relying on the strengths of the Austrian network for the last mile in these countries. This type of partnership benefits both parties by optimizing networks and avoiding infrastructure duplications.
• International Networks and Alliances: in addition to bilateral partnerships, Austrian Post participates in various international logistics and postal networks. It is a member of professional organizations such as PostEurop (association of European posts) and the International Post Corporation (IPC), which allows it to share best practices and align with common standards (interoperable shipment tracking, electronic customs, sustainable development, etc.). The company is also involved in transnational initiatives, such as the Eurodis network for parcel distribution in Europe, or real-time tracking data exchange programs between posts. These multilateral cooperations contribute to streamlining international postal traffic and improving service quality for cross-border shipments of Austrian customers.

Thanks to this multifaceted international presence: foreign-owned subsidiaries and collaborations with other operators (Austrian Post is able to offer its customers logistics solutions beyond Austria's borders. For example, an Austrian company can easily ship its products to Slovakia, Hungary, or Croatia by relying on the group's integrated network, ensuring optimized timeframes and unified tracking. Similarly, for an individual receiving a parcel ordered from abroad, Austrian Post's cooperation with international carriers ensures continuity of service from the sender to the final recipient in Austria. Austrian Post's controlled internationalization, focused on regional Europe and strategic axes such as Turkey, allows it to remain competitive against global logistics giants while maintaining its national anchorage.

Technologies and Digital Solutions

Faced with the rapid evolution of the postal sector in the digital age, Austrian Post is investing heavily in modern technologies and offering new digital solutions to improve its services. This technological transformation is taking place both internally (process automation, logistics innovation) and in the services offered to customers (online tools, mobile applications, digital products). Here are the main aspects of technological innovation within Austrian Post:

• Sorting Automation and Robotics: Austrian Post's sorting centers are equipped with state-of-the-art automated systems. High-performance sorters read the addresses and barcodes of letters and parcels to direct them almost instantly to the correct routing channel. In recent parcel centers, industrial vision and optical recognition technologies allow identifying parcels and assessing their dimensions to optimize loading. The company has also introduced innovative devices such as AutoUnloaders (automatic unloaders) that allow quickly emptying parcel containers or trucks at the dock without human intervention, thus speeding up processing. Additionally, Austrian Post is experimenting with the use of robots or autonomous vehicles for certain internal logistics tasks, aiming to improve productivity and reduce the strain on employees.
• Mobile Tools for Couriers: Austrian Post's mail carriers and parcel couriers are now equipped with the latest generation of portable terminals. In 2021-2022, Austrian Post deployed over 11,000 new ergonomic mobile devices for its distribution staff. These terminals, equipped with integrated scanners, allow couriers to scan each parcel or registered letter at each stage (pickup, delivery round, delivery attempt, actual delivery). The data is transmitted in real-time to the central system, which immediately updates the tracking status accessible to the customer. These mobile tools also provide the courier with optimized route information (route, specific customer instructions) and the ability to collect the recipient's signature directly on the screen. The introduction of these devices improves both operational efficiency and the quality of tracking provided to users.
• Mobile Application and Online Services: For customers, Austrian Post offers a range of digital services facilitating access to postal services. The Austrian Post mobile application, available on Android and iOS, allows, for example, to track shipments by scanning or entering the tracking number, locate the nearest post office or locker using geolocation, calculate postage rates, or even plan a shipment. Through the app or website, recipients can also manage the receipt of their parcels: they have the option to reschedule a delivery for a later date, choose an alternative pickup point (such as an automatic locker or a different post office), or provide drop-off instructions (e.g., authorize the courier to leave the parcel with a neighbor or in a safe place). These features are part of the flexible delivery approach that Austrian Post promotes to enhance the customer experience.
• Digital Solutions for Mail: Aware that written communication is becoming digital, Austrian Post has developed services such as the E-Brief (electronic letter). This service allows individuals and businesses to receive administratively important mail (such as statements or notifications) in electronic form via a secure platform, while ensuring the authenticity and confidentiality of the shipment, like a paper registered letter. Similarly, Austrian Post offers mail senders hybrid mail solutions where documents are electronically transmitted to the Post and then printed and physically distributed to the recipient's address, thus combining the speed of digital with the coverage of the postal network for final distribution. For businesses, Austrian Post's "Post Business Solutions" branch offers services for digitizing incoming documents, electronic mail flow management, and other tools aimed at automating and dematerializing administrative processes.
• Innovation in Philately: Digital Stamps: Austrian Post has successfully combined the tradition of postage stamps with cutting-edge technologies. In 2019, it issued the world's first Crypto Stamp (cryptographic stamp): a physical postage stamp with a digital twin recorded on the blockchain. Specifically, this stamp was sold as a collectible item including a unique identifier associated with a digital token (NFT). The presence of an NFC chip in the stamp allows it to be scanned with a smartphone and verify its authenticity and link to the digital certificate, without requiring a special application. This innovative initiative has been continued with successive editions of crypto-stamps, combining attractive philatelic designs and digital features (for example, the "Crypto stamp 3.0" featuring a whale in 2021, or the "Crypto stamp 4.0" in 2022 using NFC technology). These next-generation stamps demonstrate Austrian Post's ability to innovate in a traditional field and attract a new audience of tech-savvy collectors.
• Commitment to Sustainability through Technology: The company also leverages technologies to improve its environmental footprint. For example, Austrian Post has implemented smart load management systems for its fleet of electric vehicles, in partnership with energy specialists, to optimize the charging of its 5,000 electric vehicles without overloading the grid. It also tests sensors and IoT (Internet of Things) tools to monitor the supply chain (temperature monitoring for certain shipments, public mailbox fill sensors to optimize collections, etc.). Furthermore, Austrian Post participates in the "Green Postal Day" program and collective initiatives to share innovations in sustainable delivery, such as bike or foot delivery in city centers piloted by route optimization applications. All these measures demonstrate how technology is used for greener and more efficient logistics.

Thanks to these efforts, Austrian Post has successfully modernized its internal operations and the user experience for its customers. The company remains on the lookout for technological developments (whether it be artificial intelligence to predict volumes and improve traffic forecasts, connected locker solutions, or new e-commerce platforms) to continue fulfilling its mission effectively in an increasingly digital world. Innovation is now an integral part of Austrian Post's culture, ensuring that it can meet the changing expectations of society while maintaining the reliability that has built its reputation.

Types of Tracking Numbers and Format

When you ship a parcel or tracked mail with Austrian Post, a unique tracking number (traceability code) is assigned to your shipment. This number, also called a shipping barcode or tracking number, allows identifying the item at each stage of its journey and checking its status via online tracking tools. The format of Austrian Post tracking numbers generally follows international standards defined by the Universal Postal Union for registered mail and parcels.

In practice, an Austrian Post tracking number usually consists of a 13-character alphanumeric combination. The typical structure is as follows: two initial letters, followed by nine digits, and ending with two final letters. For example, a tracking number might be presented in the form RR123456789AT or CA987654321AT. The two letters at the beginning of the code generally indicate the type of shipment or service level: for example, "RR" at the beginning may mean a Registered shipment (letter or small registered parcel), "CA" or "CB" may designate a standard Parcel, "EA" or "EM" may be used for Express (EMS) shipments, etc. The central part with 9 digits is a unique identifier that varies for each shipment and ensures the uniqueness of the tracking number. Finally, the two final letters correspond to the country code of the shipment's origin according to the ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 standard (in this case "AT" for Austria).

This format is common to many postal operators and facilitates international tracking, as an Austrian shipment will be consistently identified when it transits abroad. However, there are other tracking formats for certain specific internal services or for particular shipments (for example, tracked mail for domestic use may have a purely numeric code or a different bar format). But for the majority of parcels and tracked letters circulating via Austrian Post, the 13-character format with the "AT" suffix applies.

Once you have your tracking number, you can enter it on the official Austrian Post website (Track & Trace section) or in the mobile application to obtain up-to-date information. At each event in the delivery journey (pickup, departure from a sorting center, arrival in a destination country, out for delivery, etc.), the status is updated in the system, which is reflected when you check the tracking. It should be noted that if your parcel is handed over to a logistics partner or the destination country's post, the same tracking number generally continues to work on the partner operator's tracking site, thanks to cooperation between posts. In short, the tracking number is your key to staying informed about the progress of your shipment within the postal network.

Sorting, Routing, and Delivery Process

The route of a shipment within Austrian Post follows a structured process in several stages, ensuring that each letter or parcel reaches its recipient in the best conditions of speed and reliability. Here is how the processing cycle of a shipment typically unfolds, from deposit to final delivery:

• Deposit and Collection: The process starts when the sender deposits their shipment with the Post. This can be done at a post office, a partner postal point, via a public mailbox (for mail), or through a scheduled pickup for business customers. Once collected by Austrian Post, each shipment is registered in the postal system. If it is a parcel or tracked letter, a tracking number is assigned, and a first scan is performed to timestamp the pickup.
• Initial Sorting and Routing to a Logistics Center: After collection, shipments are transferred to the nearest regional sorting center. For example, mail deposited in a city will be routed to the sorting center of its province or postal region. There, an initial primary sorting takes place: letters and parcels are sorted by major destination (by postal code for domestic mail, or by country for international shipments). This sorting is generally automated: sorting machines read the address or barcode and direct the item to the correct destination. At the end of this initial sorting, the mail is grouped by bag or container for a main logistics platform if it has to travel a long distance within the country.
• Transport Between Sorting Centers (Routing): Shipments sorted by destination area are then transported to the sorting or distribution center corresponding to the final destination. This transport is done by road (trucks) for domestic connections: Austrian Post has regular nightly transport lines between its centers (for example, semi-trailers shuttle every night between Vienna and other regions to exchange sorted mail). For very long or urgent connections, domestic air transport may be used, but it is rare in a country the size of Austria. In the case of international shipments, routing includes leaving Austrian territory: items are grouped at the international exchange center (usually in Vienna) where they go through export customs formalities if necessary, then are shipped by plane or truck to the destination country. Once abroad, the destination country's postal network takes over for internal transport, in partnership with Austrian Post under bilateral postal agreements or the UPU.
• Arrival at the Final Distribution Center: For domestic shipments, after inter-regional transport, bags and containers arrive at the local sorting center closest to the final destination (for example, a parcel destined for an address in Tyrol will arrive at the Vomp parcel center if it comes from the east of the country). There, a second sorting is performed, more detailed, to distribute the mail by delivery route. Specifically, machines or agents classify letters and parcels by post office or mail carrier route. Each mail carrier or courier is assigned the shipments relevant to their geographic distribution area. At this stage, for a parcel, you may see mentions on the tracking such as "Arrived at the distribution center of [locality]".
• Delivery Phase ("Last Mile"): This is the final step. Each morning (or during the day for express deliveries), mail carriers and couriers load into their vehicle (car, electric bike, van) the shipments to be delivered on their route. They then follow an optimized itinerary that covers all the addresses to be served. The mail carrier will drop the mail in mailboxes and hand over parcels in person to recipients. If a parcel or registered letter requires a signature, the courier requests it from the recipient at the time of delivery and captures it via their mobile terminal. In case of the recipient's absence, the courier leaves a delivery notice (a slip indicating that a delivery attempt was made and specifying how to retrieve the shipment). Depending on the sender's or recipient's instructions, the parcel can then be either automatically rescheduled for a new delivery attempt later or dropped off at the nearest pickup point (for example, the neighborhood post office or an automatic locker) awaiting pickup by the recipient. The delivery notice contains information to locate the shipment (and often a QR code or one-time code to retrieve the parcel from an automatic locker if applicable).
• Closure and Delivery Tracking: Once the route is completed, the mail carrier reports the final status information. If the parcel has been successfully delivered, the status is updated as "Delivered" in the system, and the cycle ends. If the parcel is pending (not delivered) following a delivery notice, it is returned to the post office or depot mentioned, where it can be picked up by the recipient against proof of identity. Austrian Post generally holds undelivered parcels for a certain period (e.g., 10 to 14 days) before returning them to the sender if no one comes to claim them. Throughout this final phase, online tracking is updated: you will see, for example, "Recipient absent - Notice left, parcel pending at post office X", then "Parcel picked up by the recipient at the counter" when they come to collect it. If the parcel is returned to the sender (unclaimed or incorrect address), the tracking will indicate a return status. The sender, on their side, is entitled to retrieve their undelivered parcel after this cycle.

This sorting and routing process is designed to be as smooth as possible, minimizing delays between each step. Austrian Post relies on both advanced computer systems (for automatic routing of shipments, tracking, and resolution of any incidents) and the expertise of its staff to ensure efficient processing. At each key stage (sorting, transport, delivery), an electronic footprint is left in the tracking system, ensuring complete and reassuring traceability for customers. In case of exceptional conditions (weather, logistical constraints, holiday periods with very high volume) that may affect timeframes, Austrian Post activates continuity plans or strengthens its teams to limit the impact on distribution. The constant goal is to meet the quality of service and reliability standards expected of a leading postal operator. Thanks to this well-oiled industrial process, the vast majority of letters and parcels entrusted to Austrian Post reach their destination within controlled timeframes and with the level of care expected.

Common Tracking Statuses