Estafeta tracking

What is Estafeta?

Estafeta is a leading Mexican logistics integrator, specializing in courier, parcel, and supply chain management services. Founded on August 8, 1979 by German entrepreneur Gerd Grimm, this company distinguished itself as the first private enterprise to offer door-to-door mail and parcel delivery service in Mexico. Today, Estafeta remains a 100% Mexican company and is one of the major players in the national logistics sector, with over 45 years of experience in goods transport and distribution.

Estafeta's history began modestly, with a single vehicle and two employees handling around a hundred shipments during its first month of operations. Over the decades, the company experienced remarkable growth, developing the most extensive network of agencies in Mexico. During the 1980s, Estafeta rapidly expanded its presence by establishing a network of agencies gradually covering the entire national territory. This period also marked the creation of its first land transport subsidiary, Operadora Terrestre, laying the foundations for the development of Grupo Estafeta.

In the late 1990s, the company officially launched its national courier and parcel service, reaching 430 agencies across the country. This decade also saw the introduction of real-time electronic shipment tracking, making Estafeta a pioneer in Mexico in the field of parcel traceability. In 2000, to strengthen its transport capabilities, Estafeta created its own air freight company, Estafeta Carga Aérea, which began operations with regular cargo flights to several Mexican cities. This air fleet allowed the company to extend services to international deliveries by 2002.

• Founding date: August 8, 1979, marking the beginning of private door-to-door delivery in Mexico
• Founder: Gerd Grimm, German entrepreneur who established his company in Mexico
• Headquarters: Mexico City, Mexico, with offices at Avenida Insurgentes Centro No. 40, Tabacalera district
• Legal status: Private Mexican company operating under the name Mexicana de Estafeta S.A. de C.V.
• Market positioning: Leader in the Mexican express courier market and full logistics integrator

During the 2000s and 2010s, Estafeta evolved from a simple courier company to an integrated logistics provider. It notably opened a Logistics Solutions division to offer comprehensive services across the entire supply chain. Under the leadership of Ingo Babrikowski and then Jens P. Grimm, the company strengthened its structure and invested heavily in new infrastructure. In 2019, Estafeta was awarded the National Logistics Prize in Mexico, a prestigious recognition that reflects its central role in the sector. In 2020, the company concluded a strategic alliance with American giant UPS, connecting its vast land network to UPS's global air infrastructure and opening access to over 220 countries for its Mexican clients.

What countries does Estafeta deliver to?

Estafeta ensures particularly extensive geographic coverage, both throughout Mexican territory and on an international scale. In Mexico, the carrier has the most extensive distribution network in the country, with a presence in all 32 states of the federation. The company operates more than 1,000 agencies and sales points across the national territory, ensuring rapid deliveries even to the most remote areas and rural communities.

Estafeta's territorial network in Mexico is based on a zoning system that divides the country into different delivery zones. This organization optimizes delivery times and shipping costs based on the distance between the point of origin and the final destination. From major metropolitan areas like Mexico City, Guadalajara, or Monterrey to more isolated localities, Estafeta guarantees complete national coverage with delivery frequencies adapted to each region.

On the international front, Estafeta offers shipping solutions to the entire world thanks to its strategic partnership with UPS and agreements with over 25 international airlines. The company connects Mexico to over 220 countries and territories around the globe. Customers can ship both small parcels and voluminous freight, for both export and import, benefiting from simplified cross-border logistics.

• Mexico: Complete coverage of all 32 states of the Mexican Republic, including urban, suburban, and rural areas
• United States: Privileged connection with the American market, particularly via Miami and border cities such as Laredo in Texas where Estafeta has a subsidiary
• Canada: Deliveries assured throughout Canadian territory via the UPS partner network
• Latin America: Service to major countries in Central and South America, with customs procedures adapted to each destination
• Europe, Asia and rest of world: Over 220 countries and territories served through international alliances

The strategic alliance with UPS, signed in 2020, represents a major turning point for Estafeta's international capabilities. This partnership makes it possible to combine Estafeta's Mexican land network with UPS's global air infrastructure. In practical terms, a parcel shipped via Estafeta can use UPS flights to quickly cross borders, thus benefiting from the reliability of integrated end-to-end transport. This collaboration proves particularly advantageous for small and medium-sized Mexican businesses wishing to export their products, as they can access a global logistics network while maintaining a single local contact for depositing and tracking their shipments.

What are Estafeta's delivery services and timeframes?

Estafeta offers an extensive range of logistics services, adapted to the different needs of both individuals and professionals. Its historical core business remains express courier and parcel service across the entire Mexican territory, with the handling of document shipments and parcels of all sizes. The company distinguishes several service levels according to customer urgency and budget, allowing everyone to find the solution best suited to their requirements.

For domestic shipments in Mexico, Estafeta structures its offering around three main types of services. The express service allows for fast delivery with guaranteed timeframes, while the standard service offers excellent value for less urgent shipments. The company has developed these services to meet growing consumer and business expectations for speed and reliability in parcel delivery.

• Estafeta Next Day: Express service guaranteeing delivery the next business day, between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., ideal for urgent shipments requiring rapid delivery
• Estafeta Two Days: Intermediate service with guaranteed delivery within two business days after pickup, offering a good balance between speed and cost
• Ground Service (Standard): Economical option with delivery timeframes of 3 to 5 business days depending on the geographic zone, particularly suitable for non-urgent shipments
• LTL Service (Less Than Truckload): Transport of palletized goods in consolidated shipments, with scheduled ground routes connecting major points in Mexico
• FTL Service (Full Truckload): Full truck rental for large volumes, guaranteeing dedicated delivery without transfer of cargo

On the international front, Estafeta offers courier and parcel services to over 220 countries thanks to its partnership with UPS. The Global Express service ensures delivery timeframes of 1 to 3 business days to the United States and Canada, and 2 to 5 business days to the rest of the world. These timeframes are guaranteed except when shipments are subject to extended customs inspection. For imports from the United States, the Merkalink service allows Mexican consumers to easily import their online purchases with timeframes of 2 to 5 business days after customs clearance.

Regarding weekend and holiday deliveries, Estafeta concentrates its operations mainly on business days from Monday to Friday. However, certain agencies and service points remain open Saturday mornings to allow customers to drop off or pick up their parcels. Home deliveries are generally carried out Monday through Friday, although special services may be negotiated for business clients with specific needs. The company adapts its delivery frequencies based on geographic zones, with more frequent passages in large urban areas.

What are Estafeta's rates and maximum accepted dimensions?

Estafeta rates vary depending on several determining factors: the weight of the parcel, its dimensions, the distance to be traveled between origin and destination, as well as the type of service chosen. The company uses a zoning system that divides Mexico into different tariff zones, so a local shipment within the same metropolitan area will always be less expensive than a shipment crossing several regions of the country.

To calculate the applicable rate, Estafeta takes into account both the actual weight of the parcel and its volumetric weight, systematically billing for whichever is higher. Volumetric weight is calculated by multiplying the three dimensions of the parcel (length × width × height in centimeters) and then dividing the result by the applicable dimensional factor. This method ensures fair pricing for bulky but lightweight parcels that occupy significant space in transport vehicles.

• Prepaid ground label: Average price of approximately 150 MXN per shipment for standard service
• Prepaid next day label: Average price of approximately 374 MXN per shipment for next day express service
• Dimensional surcharges: Between 15 and 24 pesos additional per 500-gram increment beyond standard thresholds
• Custom quotation: Ability to obtain a free quote via the online quotation tool, by phone or via WhatsApp at 55 5270 8300

Regarding maximum dimensions and weight accepted, Estafeta establishes clear limits to ensure safe handling of parcels. For national courier and parcel services, a standard parcel must not exceed 100 cm in length, 100 cm in width, and 100 cm in height, with a maximum weight of 68 kg. Document envelopes are limited to 1 kg and dimensions of 20 × 20 × 10 cm. For larger parcels, dimensions can extend to 115 × 115 × 150 cm with a maximum weight of 70 kg, subject to applicable surcharges.

For international shipments, the maximum weight allowed is 68 kg per parcel. A shipment is considered oversized when the sum of length plus girth (calculated as 2 × width + 2 × height) exceeds 330 cm, without however exceeding the maximum limit of 419 cm. Oversized parcels are automatically subject to a minimum rate corresponding to 40 kg, regardless of their actual weight. Certain restrictions also apply to the types of goods accepted, with dangerous, perishable, or high-value items potentially requiring specific shipping conditions or being refused.

What are Estafeta's delivery options?

Estafeta provides its customers with a variety of flexible delivery options, designed to adapt to the different lifestyles and constraints of recipients. Whether for home delivery, pickup points, or customized services, the Mexican carrier offers solutions allowing parcels to be received in the best possible conditions.

Home delivery is the main option offered by Estafeta. The driver goes directly to the address indicated on the shipping bill and delivers the parcel to the recipient or to a person authorized to receive it. Delivery hours generally extend from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on business days. If the recipient is absent during the first delivery attempt, Estafeta automatically makes a second delivery attempt the next business day, thus providing a second chance for reception without any additional action required by the customer.

• Home delivery: Delivery of the parcel to the destination address, with signature by the recipient or an authorized third party confirming successful receipt
• PUDO pickup points: Over 2,500 partner pickup points distributed throughout Mexico, including convenience stores such as Circle K, 7-Eleven, grocery stores, stationary shops, and dry cleaners
• Agency pickup: Ability to collect your parcel from one of the 1,000 Estafeta agencies after a failed delivery attempt or upon prior request
• Delivery rescheduling: Service allowing you to modify the delivery date or address via the customer portal or virtual assistant
• Home collection: Pickup service at home or at business premises for shippers, schedulable online or by phone

The PUDO pickup point network represents a particularly convenient alternative for recipients unable to be present at their home. These points consist of Estafeta partner retailers who agree to receive and temporarily store parcels on behalf of recipients. The network has over 2,500 locations throughout Mexico, including well-known brands such as Circle K and 7-Eleven, as well as many neighborhood stores such as grocery stores, stationary shops, and dry cleaners. Customers can choose to have their parcel delivered directly to a PUDO when ordering online, or request rerouting to a pickup point after a failed delivery attempt.

Estafeta has developed several communication channels to allow customers to manage their deliveries. The online platform Mi Estafeta offers a personal space to track shipments, edit labels, and manage delivery preferences. The virtual assistant Beatriz, nicknamed Bety, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to instantly respond to common requests such as parcel tracking, locating a drop-off point, or scheduling a pickup. This conversational artificial intelligence allows immediate assistance to be obtained without phone waiting time for simple requests. Furthermore, customers can interact with Estafeta via WhatsApp at number 55 5270 8300 to obtain quotations, track their parcels, or report incidents.

What should I do if my Estafeta parcel is lost or damaged?

Estafeta has implemented a structured compensation process to address situations where a parcel is lost, damaged, or stolen during shipment. The company is committed to providing a rapid and transparent response to any inconvenience that occurs during transport. The claims procedure follows specific steps that the shipper must follow to obtain effective handling of their request.

It is important to note that all compensation procedures must be initiated by the shipper of the parcel, not by the recipient. This rule is explained by the fact that it is the shipper who contracted the transport service and who has the original shipping documents necessary for processing the claim. The recipient who notices a problem must therefore contact the shipper so that the latter initiates proceedings with Estafeta.

• Timeframe for damage or theft: The report must occur within a maximum of 2 business days after the delivery date for courier and parcel services (M&P), or 8 business days for freight transport services (LTL)
• Timeframe for other reasons: For any other reason (excessive delay, loss, etc.), the claims deadline is 30 calendar days from the parcel pickup date
• Claims contact: Call customer service at 800 378 2338 to report the incident and open a compensation file
• File tracking: Consult the progress of the claim via the dedicated online compensation portal

When receiving a parcel showing visible damage, it is strongly advised to immediately take photos of the closed packaging before opening, then of the contents once the box is opened. This photographic documentation will allow Estafeta to quickly assess the situation and expedite the handling of the claim. It is also recommended to annotate on the delivery slip the mention "Received with damage" before signing, the driver being unable to refuse this annotation from the recipient. The parcel and its contents must be preserved as the company may ask to examine them to confirm the damage.

Regarding compensation amounts, Estafeta applies a basic coverage limited to 30 times the Updated Measurement Unit (UMA) in force in Mexico City. This basic compensation applies only when the internal investigation concludes Estafeta's responsibility, particularly in cases of theft, damage, destruction, or parcels not recovered. To benefit from more extensive coverage, customers can subscribe to the optional insurance offered by Estafeta. The premium for this optional insurance represents 1.25% of the declared value of the contents, with a minimum of 15 pesos per shipment. In case of loss, a 20% deductible on the declared value remains the customer's responsibility. Compensation cannot exceed either the value declared at the time of subscription, nor the invoiced value of the contents if it is lower.

Certain situations exclude any possibility of compensation. These include the theft of goods during a vehicle robbery if optional insurance was not purchased, the shipment of articles prohibited by the general transport conditions, or inadequate or insufficient packaging that contributed to the damage of the contents. In case of persistent disagreement with Estafeta's decision, Mexican consumers can contact PROFECO (Procuraduría Federal del Consumidor), the government agency for consumer protection that can serve as a mediator between the customer and the transport company.

Does Estafeta handle international shipments and customs procedures?

Estafeta offers a comprehensive range of international services allowing shipment of parcels and freight to over 220 countries and territories worldwide. The company has developed particular expertise in cross-border exchanges, particularly with the United States which is Mexico's primary trading partner. Thanks to its strategic alliance with UPS and its own air infrastructure, Estafeta efficiently connects the Mexican economy to international markets.

For shipments to the United States and Canada, Estafeta offers the Global Express service with delivery timeframes of 1 to 3 business days. To the rest of the world, timeframes vary from 2 to 5 business days depending on the destination. These timeframes are guaranteed under normal shipping conditions but may be extended in case of in-depth customs inspection. The company operates its own fleet of six Boeing 737 cargo planes that operate regular flights between major Mexican cities and Miami, thus constituting a strategic hub for connections to the United States and beyond.

• Global Express: International express courier service to over 220 countries, with real-time tracking and guaranteed timeframes
• Crossborder: Complete solution for importing from the United States, including reception, customs clearance, and final delivery to Mexico within 24 to 48 hours for customs clearance plus the timeframe of the chosen delivery service
• Merkalink: Service dedicated to individuals to import their online purchases from the United States to Mexico with timeframes of 2 to 5 business days after import
• Freight Forwarding: Management of maritime and air transport for shipments of bulky freight
• International LTL services: Transport of palletized goods with customs clearance included or optional depending on needs

Regarding customs procedures, Estafeta has its own team of licensed customs brokers (agentes aduanales) who assist customers in their import and export procedures. This internal expertise significantly simplifies the passage of goods at borders. The company offers a customs clearance service (despacho aduanal) that can be included in certain offers or subscribed to as an option depending on needs. Type A1 individual customs clearance is available in the customer's name for shipments requiring specific customs classification.

The documents required for an international shipment vary depending on the country of destination. Generally speaking, a commercial invoice (carta factura) describing the contents and its value is mandatory for all shipments. Certain countries impose additional requirements: Peru and Brazil require the indication of the recipient's tax ID number, El Salvador requires an original invoice signed by the shipper, and Venezuela requires four copies of the invoice signed in blue ink. Estafeta strongly recommends including on the shipping label the complete address as well as a 24-hour contact phone number, both for the shipper and recipient, to facilitate possible contacts if needed.

It should be noted that the basic service does not include customs duties and import taxes which remain the responsibility of the recipient at the time of delivery. In many countries, the recipient must pay local VAT and any customs duties calculated on the declared value of the goods before being able to collect their parcel. To avoid unpleasant surprises, Estafeta recommends that shippers inform their recipients of this particularity and accurately declare the actual value of the contents to allow correct calculation of applicable taxes.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track an Estafeta parcel online, different statuses may appear as it travels. Estafeta's tracking system records each stage of the parcel's journey, from initial pickup to final delivery to the recipient. Here are the main statuses you may encounter and their meaning:

Each status change corresponds to a barcode scan on the parcel, performed by Estafeta staff at each handling stage. This system ensures real-time traceability allowing both shipper and recipient to precisely track their shipment's journey. In case of unusual status or incident, it is recommended to contact Estafeta customer service at 800 378 2338 or via virtual assistant Bety to obtain additional information about your parcel's status.