I-parcel tracking

What is I-parcel?

I-parcel is an international carrier specializing in cross-border e-commerce logistics. Founded in 2005 in the United States, this company was created on the principle of combining cutting-edge technology with consumer-oriented logistics to enable online retailers to offer their products to international buyers in the most user-friendly and cost-effective way possible. The founders of I-parcel, from the "asset-light" logistics sector (light asset model), identified a crucial market need: enabling e-merchants to offer a localized shopping experience to their international customers.

In October 2014, I-parcel was acquired by UPS, the American parcel delivery giant, strengthening its integration into one of the world's largest logistics networks. This acquisition allowed I-parcel to enhance UPS's international cross-border logistics capabilities from the United States and the United Kingdom to over 100 countries. With the support of the UPS group, I-parcel now benefits from strategic partnerships and globally recognized logistics expertise, enabling it to offer reliable and optimized services to online merchants of all sizes.

I-parcel's founder, Will Gensburg, and his associates each had more than 20 years of experience in the international logistics sector before launching the company. This in-depth expertise enabled them to build a logistics network specifically designed to facilitate e-commerce traffic, offering the most economical fully traceable express air delivery service on the market. I-parcel is an IATA-approved freight forwarder (International Air Transport Association), which demonstrates its professionalism and compliance with international air transport standards.

• Date of creation: 2005, in the United States, with an innovative vision for international e-commerce logistics
• Acquisition by UPS: October 2014, integrating I-parcel into the American delivery giant's global network
• Headquarters: Burlington, United States, with strategically located operational centers
• Founder: Will Gensburg, entrepreneur specialized in international logistics
• Worldwide coverage: Over 100 countries served worldwide
• Positioning: Specialist in cross-border logistics for e-commerce

I-parcel positions itself as a true bridge between merchants and international customers in the e-commerce ecosystem. Its role goes beyond simply shipping parcels and includes simplifying international sales for e-merchants. By offering sellers an integrated solution, I-parcel helps them increase their cross-border sales without additional complexity. For end consumers, I-parcel enables shopping on foreign sites while enjoying a local experience with the country's currency, taxes included, and clear delivery tracking.

Which countries does I-parcel deliver to?

I-parcel operates a particularly extensive international distribution network, connecting online merchants primarily based in the United States and the United Kingdom to customers spread across over 100 countries worldwide. This exceptional geographic coverage allows e-merchants to sell their products internationally as if they were selling locally, without having to deploy their own logistics infrastructure in each targeted region.

I-parcel's distribution network is organized around operational centers strategically positioned to optimize logistics flows. In the United States, the company has export centers in New Jersey, California, and Indiana. In the United Kingdom, an operational center efficiently serves the European market and beyond. This geographic footprint allows I-parcel to effectively cover North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and South America.

• North America: Complete coverage of the United States, Canada, and Mexico from American export centers
• Europe: Service to all European countries from the British hub, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and the Nordic countries
• Asia-Pacific: Delivery to major Asian markets such as China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia
• Middle East: Service to Gulf countries and the Near East for international online purchases
• Latin America: Coverage of major South American and Central American markets
• Africa: Delivery to major African economies according to available destinations

Once shipments arrive in the destination country, I-parcel collaborates with local partners to ensure the final mile of delivery to the recipient. These partners may be national postal services or locally recognized private carriers. This hybrid approach allows I-parcel to optimize delivery costs while guaranteeing efficient distribution in each country, even in the most remote areas.

The I-parcel platform connects merchants to over 100 million potential buyers worldwide through an integration that offers a localized appearance and user experience on merchants' websites. This approach allows consumers in over 100 countries to shop online in the United States and the United Kingdom as if they were buying in their own country, with an interface in their local language and prices in local currency.

What are I-parcel's shipping services and delivery times?

I-parcel offers a range of logistics services designed to facilitate international shipments efficiently and transparently. The company distinguishes itself through its specialization in cross-border e-commerce logistics, offering solutions tailored to the needs of e-merchants and their international customers. As an IATA-approved freight forwarder, I-parcel operates the largest "asset-light" international delivery network dedicated strictly to consumer deliveries.

I-parcel's main service is standard international shipping, which prioritizes economical and reliable options for transporting goods from one country to another. This service ensures delivery within reasonable timeframes while maintaining reduced costs, which is particularly suitable for medium-value shipments. Parcels are consolidated at I-parcel centers and then shipped to the destination country, benefiting from a shared shipping rate that reduces costs for merchants and their customers.

• Standard International Service: Delivery time generally between 7 and 14 business days depending on the destination and customs procedures
• Expedited International Service: Reduced time to approximately 3 to 7 business days for priority shipments
• Express Delivery: Accelerated delivery options in 2 to 5 business days for urgent shipments
• Economy Service: Reduced-cost solution for less urgent shipments, with delivery times ranging from 5 to 20 days

Delivery times with I-parcel can vary depending on several factors. The type of service chosen is the first determining criterion. The geographic destination also significantly influences transit times, with deliveries to Western Europe generally being faster than those to more distant or less well-served destinations. Customs clearance procedures can add additional delays, as can local holidays, exceptional weather conditions, or regional logistics disruptions.

For e-commerce merchants, I-parcel offers the possibility of providing their customers with international deliveries in as little as 5 to 12 days. This service speed allows online stores to be competitive in the international market while maintaining reasonable shipping costs for their foreign customers. Full traceability of shipments allows consumers to track their parcel at each stage of the journey, from initial dispatch to final delivery.

What are I-parcel's rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

I-parcel, as a UPS subsidiary specializing in cross-border e-commerce, applies a pricing policy oriented toward competitiveness and accessibility for international shipments. The company's business model is based on parcel consolidation and logistics flow optimization, which allows it to offer advantageous shared rates to merchants and their customers. Shipping fees are generally calculated based on weight, dimensions, destination, and the type of service selected.

The calculation of I-parcel rates takes into account several essential parameters. As with most international carriers, volumetric weight (or dimensional weight) may be applied if the parcel is bulky but light. This calculation compares the actual weight to the volumetric weight and charges based on whichever is higher. This approach ensures fair pricing for light but bulky items, such as voluminous clothing or large boxes containing light products.

• Maximum weight: Compliant with UPS standards, generally up to 70 kg per parcel depending on destinations
• Maximum dimensions: Up to 419 cm in length and combined girth
• Volumetric weight: Calculated according to the standard formula (Length x Width x Height / divisor factor)
• Oversized parcels: Surcharges may apply for parcels exceeding certain weight or dimension thresholds

For parcels exceeding 31.5 kg, a special heavy parcel label may be required in accordance with UPS procedures. Dimension and weight restrictions may vary depending on the destination countries and applicable local regulations. Some destinations may have stricter limitations due to constraints from local delivery partners or specific customs regulations.

Regarding restrictions on shipment contents, I-parcel applies standard international regulations for air transport. Dangerous goods, flammable materials, illegal products, and items subject to import restrictions are generally prohibited. Merchants using I-parcel's services must ensure that their products comply with the customs regulations of destination countries, including those concerning intellectual property rights and product safety standards.

What are I-parcel's delivery options?

I-parcel offers various delivery options to meet international consumers' expectations for flexibility and convenience. As a specialist in last-mile international logistics, the company relies on a network of local partners to offer different delivery methods in each destination country.

Home delivery is the main option offered by I-parcel. The parcel is delivered directly to the address provided by the recipient, whether it's their personal home or workplace. This option is particularly suitable for consumers who can receive their parcels during standard delivery hours or who have a secure place for deposit if absent.

• Home delivery: Parcel delivery to the recipient's address during the local partner's delivery hours
• Parcel locker delivery: Possibility to pick up the parcel at a service point or partner store depending on the country
• Automated lockers: In some countries, deposit in secure lockers accessible 24/7
• Delivery rescheduling: Option to postpone delivery if absent, depending on local partner possibilities

Available delivery options depend largely on the local partners with which I-parcel collaborates in each destination country. The partner may be the national postal service (such as La Poste in France, Royal Mail in the United Kingdom, USPS in the United States) or a local private carrier. Each partner has its own delivery options, which may include parcel locker delivery, automated locker deposit, or delivery rescheduling.

In case of unsuccessful delivery attempts (recipient absent, incomplete address, or access impossible), the process of retry or placement at a parcel locker is managed as part of I-parcel's service. The recipient can generally be contacted to arrange a new delivery attempt or pick up their parcel at a designated pickup point. Email or SMS notifications allow the recipient to stay informed of their delivery status and available options.

I-parcel also offers proactive notification features throughout the parcel's journey. Buyers can receive alerts at each key stage of delivery, from initial dispatch to final distribution. This logistics transparency allows consumers to plan parcel receipt and make necessary arrangements to be present at delivery time.

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

In case of a problem with an I-parcel shipment (loss, damage, or missing contents), it is important to act quickly to maximize the chances of a favorable resolution. I-parcel, as a UPS subsidiary, has a dedicated customer service for claims and exceptional situations. The claims procedure must generally be initiated within a reasonable timeframe after discovering the problem.

The first step is to contact I-parcel customer service to report the problem. The recipient or sender must provide the parcel's tracking number and a detailed description of the problem encountered. In the case of a damaged parcel, it is strongly recommended to keep the original packaging, the parcel, and its contents, as these elements may be necessary for claims evaluation.

• Claims deadline: Generally 60 days from the expected shipment date for lost or damaged parcels
• Required documents: Tracking number, proof of value (invoice, receipt), photos of damage if applicable
• Retaining evidence: Keep the packaging and damaged contents until the case is resolved
• Processing time: Resolving a claim generally takes 8 to 10 business days, unless further investigation is required

For parcels of significant value, I-parcel and partner merchants can offer supplementary insurance options at the time of purchase. This insurance generally covers the declared value of goods in case of total loss or irreparable damage. Compensation conditions vary depending on the merchant's policy and the level of coverage purchased. It is recommended that buyers check available insurance options before finalizing their international order.

In most cases, claims processing goes through the original merchant, who acts as an intermediary with I-parcel. The end consumer should therefore first contact the customer service of the e-commerce website where they made their purchase. The merchant will then initiate the claims procedure with I-parcel if necessary and can offer a refund, product replacement, or another solution according to their business policy.

For significant delivery delays, I-parcel offers customer support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to inquiries about shipment status. Teams can provide additional information on parcel status, identify any blockages (such as prolonged customs inspection), and help resolve issues such as incomplete delivery addresses or missing documents.

Does I-parcel handle international shipments and customs procedures?

The handling of customs procedures is one of I-parcel's main strengths in the field of cross-border e-commerce. As an international transit specialist, I-parcel handles all the complex customs procedures that accompany cross-border shipments, significantly simplifying the shopping experience for international consumers and lightening the administrative burden for merchants.

I-parcel handles customs clearance of goods on export and import by calculating in advance the applicable customs duties and VAT. Its technology platform is capable of displaying the total price to international customers at the time of purchase, including the product price, shipping fees, and all import taxes. This approach, known as "Fully Landed Cost" (all-inclusive price), ensures that the buyer knows the exact amount they will have to pay, without surprises at delivery.

• Automatic calculation of duties and taxes: The I-parcel platform calculates customs duties and VAT based on the tariff code (HS code), country of origin, and declared value
• DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) option: Taxes and duties can be prepaid by the shipper, avoiding any formalities for the recipient
• Calculation fees: An administrative fee of 10% of the total duties and taxes calculated applies when using the I-parcel cost calculator
• Shipping documents: I-parcel automatically generates the necessary customs declarations and export documents

The customs clearance process is managed transparently by I-parcel. When the parcel arrives in the destination country, it is presented to local customs authorities for inspection and validation. If all documents are in order and taxes have been prepaid, the parcel is quickly released and transferred to the local carrier for final delivery. This process can take from a few hours to several days depending on the country, the volume of parcels processed, and any random inspections.

In case of customs retention for thorough inspection or missing documents, I-parcel manages communication with authorities and can request additional information from the shipper or recipient if necessary. Some countries require identification documents (KYC procedure - Know Your Customer) to validate the import of certain products. In this case, the recipient will be contacted to provide the required documentation before delivery can resume.

For merchants, I-parcel offers a complete international sales management solution including currency conversion, automatic calculation of import taxes by country, and generation of customs documents. This automation allows e-merchants to sell internationally without having to master the regulatory subtleties of each market. The platform handles administrative complexity, leaving the merchant free to focus on their core business activity.

Import and export restrictions vary depending on the destination countries. Certain products may be subject to prohibitions or specific regulations (food products, cosmetics, electronics, textiles, etc.). I-parcel ensures it informs merchants of applicable restrictions and can block non-compliant shipments before dispatch. This preliminary verification avoids costly returns and customs seizures that could result from shipping prohibited products to certain destinations.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track an I-parcel shipment online, different statuses may appear. Here are the main statuses and their meanings: