MailAmericas tracking

Cross-border logistics for emerging markets

MailAmericas is a private logistics company specializing in cross-border routing solutions. It provides alternative solutions for international e-commerce, as well as for the distribution of printed materials, publications, and direct marketing mail. The company primarily operates in emerging markets, serving Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe. Known for its innovative approaches and strong IT infrastructure, MailAmericas offers advanced parcel tracking services and optimized processing of logistics information, while deploying delivery modes adapted to local specificities. Over time, the company has expanded its network by integrating various private partners (airlines (passenger and cargo flights), freight forwarders, 3PL providers, and last-mile delivery companies: to build a comprehensive "Alternative Delivery Solutions" (ADS) network covering vast geographical areas.

MailAmericas' stated mission is to offer tailored, affordable, and reliable logistics solutions to online platforms, international retailers, and postal operators for the efficient routing of parcels and mail worldwide.

Origins and evolution of the company

Founded in New York in 1991 by Tomás H. Miguens, MailAmericas started in the private mail sector, initially focusing on postal flows between North America and Latin America. During the 1990s, the company built expertise in the international distribution of mail and publications to Latin American markets. With the rise of e-commerce at the turn of the 2000s and the gradual decline of printed mail volumes, MailAmericas evolved its strategy to focus on the logistics of small parcels from cross-border e-commerce.

Since 2000, MailAmericas has closely collaborated with national postal operators (known as designated operators of the Universal Postal Union) to develop reliable international parcel delivery services. The company has gradually expanded its reach beyond Latin America: it established a dedicated subsidiary in Africa (under the Mailafrica brand) active for over twenty-five years and has established a presence in Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe to cover an increasingly wide global network. In 2022, MailAmericas joined the Universal Postal Union's Advisory Committee, marking recognition of its role in the international postal ecosystem. In January 2023, the company announced a strategic partnership with Ethiopian Airlines to develop e-commerce services between Africa and the Middle East, using Addis Ababa as a regional sorting hub. This partnership illustrates MailAmericas' approach of partnering with major transport players to expand its reach and enhance its logistics capabilities.

Scope of the global network

MailAmericas relies on a global network covering more than sixty-five countries. The company has a particularly strong presence in Latin America (over twenty countries served), Africa (about fifteen countries), Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe. Historically focused on emerging markets, MailAmericas has helped open these regions to international online commerce by providing reliable postal links where traditional channels were limited. Thanks to its extensive network, the transit times for many shipments to these destinations have been significantly reduced compared to traditional postal routes.

The MailAmericas network is based on collaborations with more than sixty postal and logistics operators worldwide. The company partners with the national posts of many countries (for example, Correos in Brazil, 4-72 in Colombia, Correos de Chile, Correos de México, La Poste in France, or Swiss Post, among others) to ensure local parcel distribution. At the same time, MailAmericas integrates private carriers into its network when advantageous to improve coverage or delivery speed. This hybrid model, combining public posts and private couriers, allows MailAmericas to offer wide geographical reach while maintaining the reliability of final delivery.

In addition to national partnerships, MailAmericas benefits from agreements with international carriers. Access to commercial air networks gives it the ability to efficiently transport shipments over long distances. For example, the agreement with Ethiopian Airlines provides privileged access to the airline's extensive service in Africa and the Middle East. This type of collaboration strengthens the connectivity of the MailAmericas network and allows it to optimize routing to reach distant destinations.

Logistics service offering

MailAmericas offers a comprehensive range of logistics services covering the entire shipping cycle, from initial pickup to final delivery. Historically, the company has been known for its bulk mail and printed material distribution services (such as magazines, advertising catalogs, or direct marketing mailings) internationally. These traditional mail services continue to be offered in some regions, but MailAmericas' activity has largely refocused on the routing of parcels from e-commerce.

In the e-commerce field, MailAmericas provides cross-border B2C solutions tailored to small parcels. It handles international shipping for online sales sites and sellers, offering several logistics options depending on urgency and budget. For example, the carrier offers both express air delivery services and economical solutions for non-urgent shipments. MailAmericas manages the entire chain: collecting parcels from the merchant's warehouses, consolidating shipments, temporary storage, air transport to the destination country, customs clearance management, and last-mile distribution.

Beyond pure transport, MailAmericas offers tailored logistics support. The company can handle customs procedures on behalf of its clients, preparing the necessary documentation and coordinating the clearance of goods upon arrival. It also offers warehousing and local distribution services when required, relying on its regional sorting centers. Throughout the process, traceability is ensured through the company's digital tools, guaranteeing both shippers and recipients visibility on the status of their shipment.

In summary, MailAmericas' services encompass: parcel pickup and consolidation, international shipping (mainly by air), shipment customs clearance, final delivery (home or pickup point), and real-time online tracking. This comprehensive offering allows e-commerce players to delegate the entire international logistics to a single provider, capable of connecting different continents while relying on local postal networks for final distribution.

Parcel shipping process

When a merchant or e-commerce platform entrusts a parcel to MailAmericas, it is registered in the system and assigned a unique tracking number. The parcel is first routed to an origin warehouse or regional collection center where it is handled. It is weighed, labeled, and grouped with other shipments destined for the same geographical area. This consolidation optimizes international transport by sending batches of parcels together to the appropriate sorting centers.

Once prepared, the parcel leaves the origin center and is transported to a main logistics platform. This sorting center may be located in the shipping country or on another continent, depending on the optimal route. For example, a parcel shipped from Asia to Latin America may transit through an Asian sorting center and then a regional sorting center in America before reaching its destination. Upon arrival at the main logistics center, the parcel is scanned and sorted for its next stage. MailAmericas may conduct security and compliance checks at this stage, particularly to verify the customs documentation accompanying the shipment.

The parcel is then shipped to the destination country. International transport is generally by air. MailAmericas uses either commercial passenger flights (aircraft hold) or dedicated cargo flights, depending on agreements in place and urgency. During this transport phase, the parcel's status is updated to indicate that it is in air transit to the destination.

Upon arrival in the recipient country, the parcel goes through local customs. The destination country's customs authorities receive the shipment for inspection. MailAmericas or its local partner provides the necessary information for customs clearance (invoices, content descriptions, etc.). If customs duties or taxes are applicable, they must be paid in accordance with the country's regulations. Once customs checks are completed and the parcel is cleared, it is released for final delivery.

After customs clearance, the parcel is placed in the internal distribution circuit of the destination country. In many cases, MailAmericas entrusts the parcel to the national postal operator of the country, which takes charge of the final delivery phase. Alternatively, in some markets, a private partner carrier may handle the last mile. The parcel is then directed to the local distribution center or the agency closest to the recipient's address. From there, it will be handed over to a delivery person (postal worker or courier) for delivery to the recipient.

If the recipient is present at the indicated address, the parcel is handed over in person against signature (according to local practices) or deposited in their mailbox if it is a delivery without a required signature. In case of absence during the delivery person's visit, a delivery notice is usually left. Depending on local arrangements, the parcel may be held at the nearest post office or local distribution center, awaiting the recipient's pickup. Online tracking will then indicate that the parcel is awaiting pickup, possibly with a note on the issuance of a first notification. If the parcel is not claimed within the allotted time or if the delivery address proves incorrect, the parcel is returned to the original sender. MailAmericas manages the return in reverse shipping, routing the return package through its network to the return address provided by the sender.

Sorting centers and strategic warehouses

To support its international activity, MailAmericas has a logistics infrastructure spread across several continents. The company operates strategically located sorting centers and warehouses to facilitate shipment transit. In America, MailAmericas has facilities in the United States (notably in New York, Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles) that serve as hubs for intercontinental shipments. These American sorting centers are essential for consolidating parcels from Asia and North America before redistributing them to Latin America, for example.

In Latin America, MailAmericas has logistics centers in Argentina (where its headquarters are located in Buenos Aires), Colombia, and Mexico. This local presence facilitates regional distribution and integration with the postal services of each of these countries. In Europe, the company relies on sorting centers located in London (United Kingdom) and Warsaw (Poland), which act as gateways for parcels destined for Eastern Europe and other neighboring European countries. In Asia, MailAmericas has established logistics bases in China (notably in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou) to centralize the considerable volumes of parcels from Asian e-commerce platforms.

This infrastructure of multiple sorting centers allows MailAmericas to streamline shipping routes. Parcels are directed to the optimal sorting center based on their origin and final destination, avoiding unnecessary detours and speeding up delivery. For example, a parcel shipped from China to Africa can transit directly via an Asian sorting center and then an African sorting center, minimizing intermediate steps. Similarly, a shipment from Eastern Europe to South America can be routed via the Warsaw sorting center and then consolidated on a flight departing from New York or Miami. By centralizing sorting at these strategic locations, MailAmericas manages to reduce delivery times and unit shipping costs through economies of scale.

MailAmericas' logistics infrastructure is designed to handle very large volumes of shipments. Currently, the MailAmericas network manages over 3.5 million parcels per month on average. The company's sorting centers are equipped with automated systems and scanners to ensure fast and reliable processing. Each parcel that transits through a sorting center is scanned at entry and exit, feeding the tracking system in real-time. Moreover, the redundancy of sorting centers on different continents offers flexibility: in case of saturation or disruption on a specific route, shipments can be rerouted via another logistics center in the network to avoid delays. This infrastructure resilience helps maintain service continuity even in the face of unforeseen events (peak periods, customs issues, weather conditions, etc.).

Technology and parcel tracking

One of MailAmericas' major strengths lies in its advanced technology platform, which supports all logistics operations. The company has developed a robust IT system for managing and tracking shipments. Each parcel handled is recorded in a central database, and all stages of its routing are updated in the system in real-time. This solid IT infrastructure ensures complete traceability of shipments, from label creation to final delivery.

MailAmericas uses cutting-edge software solutions to optimize routes and transit times. Through automation and data analysis, the system can choose the most efficient route for each parcel based on its destination, cost, and desired timeframe. The company has thus implemented a multi-carrier platform that allows it to select the most suitable local transport partner in each destination country (national post or private courier), based on performance criteria. This intelligent approach ensures that each shipment takes the most reliable and fastest available route.

On the user experience side, MailAmericas offers user-friendly digital tools. Shippers have integration modules (API and others) to connect their online sales systems to the MailAmericas network, facilitating the printing of shipping labels and the automated sending of tracking information. For recipients, MailAmericas offers a web tracking portal where they simply enter the tracking number to get the current status of the parcel. A dedicated mobile app is also available, allowing users to track all their shipments in real-time from a smartphone and receive push notifications for each status update.

The focus on IT infrastructure translates into increased reliability and better transparency. MailAmericas customers can closely monitor the progress of their parcels and anticipate delivery. In case of anomalies or delays, the information recorded in the system allows for quick response and proactive communication with shippers and recipients. Moreover, the centralization of logistics data within the platform helps MailAmericas analyze trends and continuously improve its processes (for example, by identifying congestion points or adjusting routes based on past performance). Overall, investment in technology is a key element that allows MailAmericas to offer quality service, with full visibility over the supply chain.

Strategic collaborations and alliances

MailAmericas has built its success largely on its ability to collaborate with other players in the postal and logistics sector. The company acts as a partner for many national posts, helping them extend their reach beyond their borders. By working hand in hand with these designated operators, MailAmericas helps adapt traditional postal services to the demands of international online commerce (digital tracking, faster deliveries, facilitated returns, etc.). This cooperation often takes place within the framework of global programs, under the aegis of the Universal Postal Union or through specific bilateral agreements between MailAmericas and each post.

In parallel, MailAmericas enters into partnerships with private transport and logistics companies to complement its offering. The agreement with Ethiopian Airlines, for example, allows it to benefit from the airline's extensive network in Africa and the Middle East, thus improving the connectivity of its service to these regions. Similarly, MailAmericas can rely on other air or sea carriers as needed, to always have sufficient shipping capacity, even during periods of high demand.

On the side of major online sales platforms, MailAmericas is a recognized player in the logistics chain. Many parcels shipped from international marketplaces such as AliExpress, Wish, or eBay use the MailAmericas network to be delivered to end customers. In this context, MailAmericas cooperates with the logistics intermediaries of these platforms - for example, Cainiao for shipments from the Alibaba group, or providers like Pitney Bowes for certain global shipping programs. These collaborations ensure a smooth transition of parcels between sellers' warehouses, MailAmericas processing centers, and local postal networks.

In sum, MailAmericas' strategy is based on an ecosystem of international collaborations. By combining the advantages of public networks (national posts present even in remote areas) and the efficiency of private operators (flexibility, modern technologies), MailAmericas manages to offer a service combining wide coverage and performance. This position as a privileged intermediary between the different links of postal transport gives it a unique role in the current logistics landscape.

Adapted delivery options

The delivery methods for parcels handled by MailAmericas are adapted to the practices of each recipient country, with the aim of ensuring efficient delivery to the final recipient. In most cases, the final delivery is carried out by the postal operator of the destination country. The parcel, after being cleared and sorted locally, is entrusted to the local post's distribution service: a postal worker then makes the round and delivers the parcel to the indicated address, as for national mail.

In some countries or for certain shipments, MailAmericas may use a private provider for the last mile. This choice depends on performance criteria or the nature of the parcel (for example, a specialized carrier may be used for bulky parcels or to speed up delivery in a large city). Whether it is the national post or a private courier, the recipient sees no major difference: the tracking simply indicates which local entity has taken over, and the parcel is brought to their home or usual delivery point.

When the delivery person arrives, if the recipient is absent or inaccessible, the standard procedure applies. Generally, a delivery notice is left in the mailbox or on the door, informing the recipient of the delivery attempt. The notice specifies where and when to pick up the parcel. Often, the parcel is deposited at the nearest post office or carrier agency, where it is kept for a certain number of days awaiting pickup by the recipient. MailAmericas aligns with local practices: for example, the first availability notice may be followed by a second reminder after a few days if the parcel is still not claimed.

MailAmericas' online tracking reflects these delivery steps. Thus, the recipient can see if their parcel is "in distribution" (i.e., in the hands of the postal worker or delivery person for the day's round), or if it has been "held at the post office" following an absence. In the latter case, the tracking information will indicate that the parcel is "ready for pickup," possibly accompanied by a note that it is the first notification. The recipient thus knows they must go to the pickup point with identification and their tracking number to retrieve their package.

If for any reason the delivery cannot be completed (parcel refused, address not found, holding period exceeded), MailAmericas then organizes the return of the parcel to the original sender. The tracking will go through statuses indicating the package's return. The parcel travels in reverse through the logistics network to return to the provided return address (often a merchant's warehouse). Once the return is completed, the final status confirms that the parcel has been returned to the sender. This return process closes the delivery cycle while keeping the recipient and sender informed of the resolution (delivery failure and return to the sender).

Parcel tracking system

MailAmericas offers its customers detailed tracking of each shipment, accessible online. As soon as a parcel is handled, a tracking number is generated and communicated. MailAmericas tracking numbers generally consist of 13 alphanumeric characters: they start with two letters, followed by nine digits, and end with two letters (for example: EE123456789MU or LE123456789MH). This format complies with the international standards of the Universal Postal Union, meaning that often the same number can be recognized by the destination country's postal system. The final letters "MU" or "MH" specifically identify MailAmericas as the issuing operator.

Thanks to this unique tracking number, the recipient can track their parcel's routing in real-time. The MailAmericas website features a tracking interface where the user enters their number to see the list of updated statuses. Additionally, the MailAmericas mobile app allows users to group all ongoing parcel tracking and be instantly alerted to new updates. At each key stage of the journey (handling, departure in transit, arrival in a country, customs clearance, distribution, etc.), the status is updated in the system. The recipient is thus continuously informed of the location of their package.

Tracking also plays a central role in case of problems. If a parcel seems stuck at a stage or if a delay occurs, the recipient can consult the latest statuses to understand the situation (for example: "Held in customs" or "Insufficient address"). MailAmericas' customer service, or that of the online seller, can rely on this information to provide assistance and resolve the issue. Furthermore, once delivery is made, the tracking indicates the "delivered" status with the date and time of distribution. In case of dispute (parcel not received while marked delivered), MailAmericas can provide proof of delivery or details such as the signer's name or the exact delivery location, to clarify the situation.

The MailAmericas tracking system is therefore designed to be transparent and useful to the final recipient. Below is a list of the main tracking statuses that may appear during the journey of a MailAmericas parcel, accompanied by their simplified meaning for the user.

Interpretation of tracking statuses