SDA tracking

What is SDA?

SDA, acronym for Servizi Doganali Associati (sometimes also interpreted as Shipping and Delivery Agency), is an Italian express courier specialized in parcel delivery and logistics. Founded in 1984 in Rome, this company quickly established itself as a major player in the messaging sector in Italy. Since 1998, SDA has been a fully-fledged subsidiary of the Poste Italiane group, the historical Italian postal operator, which gives it a unique strategic position on the national and international market.

The integration of SDA within Poste Italiane has allowed the courier to benefit from unrivaled logistics infrastructure in Italy. This synergy between the traditional postal network and SDA's express messaging capabilities offers both individual and professional customers a complete range of shipping solutions. The Poste Italiane group, whose headquarters are located in Rome, employs tens of thousands of employees across the country, of which approximately 1,300 people work directly within the SDA Express Courier structure.

Over the decades, SDA has built a reputation for reliability and operational efficiency. The courier handles millions of parcels each year, notably supporting the exponential growth of e-commerce in Italy. Its market positioning is based on the combination of exceptional territorial coverage and a range of services adapted to all needs, from urgent shipments to complex logistics solutions for businesses.

• Founding date: 1984, in Rome, with initial specialization in associated customs services and express messaging
• Parent company: Poste Italiane S.p.A., the Italian national postal group, which acquired full ownership in 1998
• Headquarters: Rome, Italy, with administrative offices also in Zingonia in the province of Bergamo
• Workforce: Approximately 1,300 direct employees within SDA Express Courier, supported by the broader Poste Italiane network
• Infrastructure: Approximately 90 distribution centers and agencies, 5 main sorting centers and 2 international platforms
• Fleet: More than 5,600 vehicles dedicated to parcel collection and distribution

A major reorganization took place on November 1, 2019, leading SDA to refocus its activities on a role as an internal logistics operator for Poste Italiane. Express messaging services were gradually integrated into the Italian postal portfolio, while SDA continues to manage logistics processes behind the scenes including sorting, routing and parcel distribution on behalf of the group. More recently, since July 1, 2024, a partial spin-off operation transferred certain integrated logistics, FTL/LTL transport and technical courier activities to the new entity Poste Logistics S.p.A. The operational functionalities of the ex-SDA Express Courier express mail services are now managed via the Poste Italiane website.

Which countries does SDA deliver to?

SDA ensures particularly extensive geographic coverage, covering the entire Italian territory as well as a vast network of international destinations. In Italy, the courier serves all regions, from major cities such as Rome, Milan, Naples or Turin to the most remote rural areas and the islands of Sardinia and Sicily. This dense territorial network allows SDA to guarantee reliable delivery times across the entire national territory, six days a week.

SDA's logistics network relies on approximately 90 operational units strategically deployed across the Italian peninsula. These distribution centers and agencies ensure a local presence for the collection and delivery of parcels in each province. In certain isolated or low-frequency distribution areas, deliveries may be grouped on certain days of the week rather than daily service, but SDA ensures reaching each destination with planned regularity and announced timeframes.

Internationally, SDA offers shipping solutions to a very large number of destinations around the world. Thanks to Poste Italiane's International Express offer managed by SDA, parcels can be shipped to more than 200 countries and territories. This worldwide coverage is made possible by strategic partnerships with leading international couriers as well as by Universal Postal Union agreements that allow the use of each destination country's national postal networks.

• Metropolitan Italy: Complete coverage of all regions, provinces and municipalities of the continental Italian territory
• Italian islands: Full service to Sicily, Sardinia and small Italian islands with adapted timeframes
• European Union: Delivery to all EU member countries with one-day timeframes for major destinations
• Non-EU Europe: Coverage of the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway and other European countries
• North America: United States and Canada with 2 business day timeframes for express service
• Rest of world: More than 200 countries served including Asia, Africa, Oceania and Latin America

For European shipments in particular, SDA offers the RoadEurope service which allows the sending of parcels and pallets to major European countries via optimized road transport. This service, developed in collaboration with the Eurodis network, offers an economical alternative to air freight for non-urgent shipments to European destinations. Delivery times for this service are generally 2 to 4 business days to major European capitals.

It should be noted that certain restrictions may apply depending on the destinations. For example, Switzerland does not allow shipments between individuals and requires that shipments be made between entities having a VAT number. Similarly, food products are generally not accepted to countries outside the European Union. Customers are invited to consult the specific conditions applicable to each destination before making their shipment.

What are SDA's shipping services and delivery times?

SDA offers a complete range of delivery services adapted to the different needs of shippers, whether individuals or professionals. For domestic shipments in Italy, the courier offers several service levels allowing you to choose between speed and economy. Standard express service guarantees delivery in 24 hours over most of the Italian territory, while deferred options are available for less urgent shipments with timeframes of 2 to 3 business days.

Delivery times vary depending on the type of service chosen and the destination. For domestic shipments in Italy, SDA generally guarantees delivery in 1 to 2 business days after the parcel departs. This timeframe can be extended to 2-3 days for remote areas or islands. The courier also offers scheduled delivery options, allowing guaranteed distribution before a certain time of day, particularly for professional shipments requiring maximum punctuality.

• Poste Delivery Express: Express service with 1 business day delivery over most of the Italian territory, ideal for urgent shipments
• Poste Delivery Standard: Standard service with 2-3 business day delivery, offering excellent value for non-urgent shipments
• Poste Delivery Web: Economic service with 3 business day delivery, particularly suitable for e-commerce shipments
• International Express: International express service with 1 day timeframes for the EU, 2 days for USA/Canada and 2-3 days for the rest of the world
• RoadEurope: Economic land service to Europe with 2 to 4 business day timeframes

In addition to these general offerings, SDA has developed specialized services to meet particular logistics needs. The 2ruotExpress service is dedicated to the secure transport of motorcycles, scooters, sporting equipment or other bulky items. Shipments are placed in adapted transport structures such as special cages or pallets, and benefit from particular monitoring with real-time geolocation throughout the journey.

The PharmaExpress service meets the strict requirements of the pharmaceutical and biomedical sectors by enabling the shipping of medicines, vaccines, samples or other health products under temperature control. Parcels travel in insulated or refrigerated packaging to ensure the cold chain is maintained until final delivery. This service is particularly prized by laboratories, pharmacies and healthcare facilities.

The Capi Appesi service is an innovative solution for the fashion sector, enabling delivery of hanging clothes. SDA handles the transport of clothes on hangers up to 120 cm in height for standard parcels and up to 260 cm for special formats, ensuring appropriate handling to preserve garments. This option is notably used by ready-to-wear brands and boutiques to transport collections without folding them.

Finally, the Round Trip service is intended for businesses requiring bidirectional logistics exchanges. When a parcel is delivered to the recipient, SDA can collect a signed document, a used item or a product to return on site, then send it back to the original sender. This synchronized exchange service optimizes logistics returns and facilitates the return or exchange processes for professional customers.

What are SDA's rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

SDA rates vary according to several factors including the weight of the parcel, its dimensions, the destination and the service level chosen. The courier uses a pricing system based on volumetric weight, which takes into account both the actual weight and the size of the parcel. This calculation method makes it possible to establish fair rates reflecting the actual transport costs, whether the parcel is light but bulky or small but heavy.

For standard shipments via Poste Delivery Standard, weight and dimension limits are defined precisely. The maximum weight allowed is 20 kg per parcel, with the maximum length of the longest side limited to 1 meter. The sum of the length of the longest side and the perimeter measured perpendicular must not exceed 3 meters. These characteristics suit the vast majority of current shipments, whether small parcels or medium-sized packages.

• Poste Delivery Standard: Maximum weight of 20 kg, maximum length of one side of 100 cm, perimeter plus length up to 3 meters
• Poste Delivery Express and Web: Maximum weight of 30 kg, dimensions up to 100 cm per side, sum of three sides not exceeding 150 cm
• Voluminoso Service: Maximum weight of 30 kg, sum of three dimensions up to 220 cm
• Crono Internazionale: Maximum weight of 30 kg, maximum length of 150 cm, sum of three sides limited to 225 cm
• Extralarge Service: No weight or dimension limits, up to 300 kg and 180 cm in height for the largest shipments

The Extralarge service deserves special attention as it is SDA's solution for non-standard shipments. This national express service allows you to ship items ranging from documents to entire pallets, without weight or dimension limitations. Shipments can be single or multi-piece, with weights up to 300 kg and heights up to 180 cm. Delivery is guaranteed within 2 business days over most of the Italian territory.

An Oversized (Fuori Sagoma) surcharge may be applied when a parcel has irregular dimensions or shape. This particularly concerns cylindrical, pyramidal shapes or items not packaged in boxes suitable for standard shipment. This surcharge covers the additional handling costs necessary to process these atypical parcels in the logistics network.

Regarding indicative rates, shipping costs with SDA remain competitive compared to other express couriers on the Italian market. Prices vary depending on weight, dimensions and distance to travel. To obtain a precise quote, it is recommended to use the rate calculator available on the Poste Italiane official website or to contact the sales department directly for professional customers with regular shipping needs.

What are SDA's delivery options?

SDA offers a variety of flexible delivery options allowing recipients to receive their parcels according to their preferences and constraints. Home delivery remains the standard option, with the parcel being handed over directly to the address provided by the shipper. The driver hands over the parcel against the recipient's signature, thus ensuring traceability and security of each delivery.

For recipients unable to be present when the courier passes, SDA has developed an extensive network of alternative pickup points. The PuntoPoste network includes thousands of collection points distributed across the entire Italian territory, including post offices, partner stores and automated lockers. These pickup points offer maximum flexibility by allowing parcel pickup at extended hours, including outside traditional business hours.

• Home delivery: Parcel delivery to the recipient's address against signature, standard option included in all services
• Post office delivery: Possibility to pick up the parcel at the nearest post office in case of absence or on request
• PuntoPoste points: Network of partner stores allowing parcel pickup during store opening hours
• PuntoPoste automated lockers: Secure compartments accessible 24/7 for autonomous parcel retrieval
• Appointment delivery: Ability to set a specific date and time slot for delivery
• Evening or Saturday delivery: Options available for recipients unavailable during business hours

PuntoPoste automated lockers are a particularly convenient solution for people with busy schedules. These secure lockers are installed in easily accessible locations such as shopping centers, gas stations or parking lots. The recipient receives a unique code by SMS or email allowing them to open the locker and pick up their parcel at any time, day or night.

SDA also offers the possibility to reschedule a delivery in case of absence or unexpected circumstances. Via the dedicated MySDA portal or the Poste Italiane website, recipients can request a new delivery date, change the delivery address or opt for collection at a relay point. This flexibility is particularly appreciated by online buyers who can thus adapt delivery to their personal constraints.

The Smart Alert service improves the delivery experience by sending proactive notifications to recipients. Messages by SMS or email inform of each key step in the parcel's journey, from pickup to delivery scheduling. This communication allows recipients to anticipate the arrival of their parcel and organize accordingly. SMS sending is a paid service while email notifications are free.

For professionals and e-commerce merchants, SDA offers complete logistics solutions including product storage, order preparation (pick and pack), delivery management and return processing. These integrated services allow online sellers to delegate their entire supply chain to a single partner, thus simplifying their business and improving their customers' experience.

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

In case of loss or damage to a parcel entrusted to SDA, a structured claims procedure allows shippers and recipients to assert their rights and obtain compensation if applicable. It is essential to act quickly as the timeframes for filing a claim are governed by regulations and the courier's general terms.

For damaged parcels, the first step is to accept the parcel under reserve at the time of delivery. This reserve notation, written on the delivery slip, allows the recipient to preserve the possibility of claiming later if damage is found in the contents. It is strongly recommended to note precisely the nature of apparent damage on the packaging and to take photographs as proof.

• Timeframe to report visible damage: Immediately upon receipt, by accepting the parcel with reserve noted on the slip
• Timeframe for non-apparent damage: 8 calendar days from receipt for domestic Italian transport
• Timeframe for loss: 48 hours from the initially announced expected delivery date
• Processing time: At least 30 days for claim review
• Compensation timeframe: Up to 90 days after opening the claim for possible reimbursement payment

To initiate a claim, several channels are available. The simplest way is to use the online claim form accessible on the Poste Italiane website. Customers can also send their claim by registered mail to SDA Express Courier – Viale Europa n.175 – 00144 Roma. Sending by PEC (Italian certified electronic mail) or by fax is also accepted, provided you use the official claim form downloadable from the website.

The documentation to provide to support a claim includes several essential elements. You must provide the waybill number (LDV) of the shipment, a detailed description of the contents and packaging, as well as photographs of the outer and inner packaging. In case of damage, photos of the damaged product are essential. To justify the value of the goods, a purchase invoice, sales invoice or repair quote must be provided.

Regarding compensation amounts, shipments can be insured upon request. For international shipments, insurance is available up to a limit of 1,500 euros. Upon specific request, this coverage can be extended up to a maximum of 50,000 euros for shipments of significant value. In the absence of subscribed insurance, compensation is limited to the legal limits provided by goods transport regulations.

If the claim does not succeed or if the response provided by SDA does not satisfy the customer, further remedies exist. AGCOM (Autorità per le Garanzie nelle Comunicazioni), the Italian communications regulatory authority, is competent to resolve disputes between users and postal operators. A conciliation procedure can be initiated with this body, which must result in a resolution within 60 days following the filing of the case.

Does SDA handle international shipments and customs procedures?

SDA, as a subsidiary of Poste Italiane, offers a complete range of international shipping services to more than 200 countries worldwide. The courier handles the entire logistics process, from parcel collection in Italy to final delivery at destination, including the management of customs procedures for shipments outside the European Union.

For shipments to European Union countries, procedures are simplified thanks to the common economic area. Parcels circulate freely between member states without systematic customs control. Only certain goods subject to specific regulations such as alcohol, tobacco or pharmaceutical products may be subject to special checks. Delivery times to major European capitals are one business day for express service.

• CN22 Declaration: Simplified form for low-value shipments to non-EU countries
• CN23 Declaration: Complete mandatory customs declaration for shipments containing goods to countries outside the EU
• Commercial Invoice: Document required for commercial nature shipments intended for sale
• Free Export Declaration: Necessary for shipments whose value exceeds 1,000 euros
• Certificate of Origin: May be required depending on destination countries and applicable trade agreements

For destinations outside the European Union, parcels must be accompanied by appropriate customs documentation. The CN23 customs declaration is integrated into the waybill for most services, except for Poste Delivery International Express and Poste Deliverybox International Express where it must be attached separately. These forms must be completed completely, accurately and legibly to avoid any customs delay.

Customs duties and import taxes are generally the responsibility of the recipient in the delivery country. However, for the International Express service, customs clearance fees are included in the transport rate, thus simplifying procedures for both shipper and recipient. SDA assists its customers in preparing required documents through a dedicated section on its website that details necessary forms according to each destination.

Poste Italiane and SDA have developed close collaboration for customs operations management. As the national postal operator, Poste Italiane benefits from specific agreements with Italian customs authorities facilitating the processing of international shipments. If a parcel is delayed in customs, shippers and recipients can contact number 803.160 to obtain information on the reason for the delay and the steps to take.

Customs clearance times are generally quick, on the order of a few days in most cases. However, delays can occur if documentation is incomplete or if the parcel contents require additional verification. Goods subject to restrictions, such as products requiring authorization from the Ministry of Cultural Heritage for artworks, are subject to specific procedures with additional fees.

An important development concerns shipments to the United States. Following a U.S. executive order on July 30, 2025 modifying the customs regime applicable to parcels, Poste Italiane reactivated shipments to the USA as of December 1, 2025 via business and online channels. For these shipments, the use of a specific customs rights management service is now mandatory.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track an SDA parcel online, different statuses may appear as it travels. Each shipment is identified by a unique tracking number, typically consisting of 13 alphanumeric characters. This code may take the form EE123456789IT (two letters, nine numbers, ending in IT for Italy) or a mixed sequence like 9900024312E79. Here are the main statuses and their meanings: