Mercado Libre tracking

Electronic commerce and logistics in Latin America

Mercado Libre is the leading e-commerce platform in Latin America. In addition to its role as an online marketplace, the company has established itself as a major logistics player in the region. Over the years, Mercado Libre has developed its own transportation organization, called Mercado Envíos, to improve parcel delivery and offer a reliable large-scale distribution service.

Faced with the challenges posed by vast distances and sometimes limited infrastructure in Latin America, Mercado Libre has invested heavily in logistics to ensure efficient deliveries. This focus on transportation allows it to have more control over the shipping chain, reduce delivery times, and guarantee an optimized customer experience with every order.

Logistics organization of Mercado Libre - Mercado Envíos - Transportation service

Mercado Envíos is the specialized unit of Mercado Libre dedicated to logistics and parcel transportation. Launched in 2013, this service was created to improve delivery times and reliability on the platform. By integrating logistics within its operations, Mercado Libre closely controls the journey of parcels, reducing reliance on third-party carriers and limiting delays.

Over the past decade, the company has significantly expanded its logistics network. Mercado Envíos now operates in most countries where Mercado Libre is present, relying on strategically located distribution centers, storage warehouses including fulfillment centers, and a fleet of delivery vehicles. This integrated infrastructure allows for services such as same-day express delivery in certain metropolises, thanks to route optimization and internal shipment management.

Mercado Envíos embodies Mercado Libre's proactive logistics strategy. By internally managing a large part of the shipping process, the company ensures better visibility at each stage of transportation. Preparation, collection, and distribution times are closely monitored, and Mercado Libre's internal systems are connected to various logistics partners to efficiently coordinate operations. The goal is to ensure that products sold on the platform reach buyers as quickly as possible and in optimal conditions.

Partner carriers by country - Mercado Libre logistics network

In each country where Mercado Libre operates, Mercado Envíos collaborates with a network of local and international carriers to transport parcels. The choice of carrier depends on the region, the size of the parcel, and the type of service required. Here are some of the main partner carriers used by Mercado Libre in Latin America

• Mercado Envíos: This is the internal logistics service managed by Mercado Libre. When this shipping method is used, Mercado Libre handles the delivery from end to end. Parcels shipped via Mercado Envíos receive a specific tracking number usually starting with ML , indicating direct handling by the platform.
• Correo Argentino: In Argentina, the national postal service Correo Argentino is frequently used for deliveries. This carrier ensures distribution throughout the Argentine territory. Tracking numbers for shipments via Correo Argentino generally combine letters and numbers, following the standard format of international postal tracking.
• DHL: For international shipments, Mercado Libre uses global carriers such as DHL. This provider is often used to transport parcels between different countries when the sale involves a seller and a buyer in different countries. DHL tracking numbers are alphanumeric and usually start with a few letters followed by numbers.
• OCA: OCA is a private courier company very present in Argentina. Many Argentine sellers on Mercado Libre choose OCA to ensure their deliveries. The format of OCA tracking numbers can be purely numeric or mix letters and numbers, depending on the service used.
• Andreani: Andreani is another major logistics player in Argentina. This private carrier is used to ship certain parcels sold on Mercado Libre, particularly to specific destinations. Andreani tracking numbers generally present a mix of letters and numbers, reflecting their system's internal references.
• UPS: This international carrier is also a partner of Mercado Libre, especially for shipments to or from abroad. UPS ensures fast and secure deliveries over long distances. UPS tracking numbers are typically composed of a series of letters and numbers, allowing precise tracking of the parcel's journey through various logistics sorting centers.

In Brazil, for example, Mercado Libre relies on both the national postal service Correios and many private carriers to cover the entire territory. Similarly, in Mexico, the platform collaborates with logistics partners such as DHL Express, FedEx, or local couriers to efficiently transport parcels to all regions. By adapting its partnerships to each market, Mercado Libre manages to guarantee optimized logistics in each country.

These examples illustrate the diversity of Mercado Libre's logistics partners. Depending on local agreements, the platform may also collaborate with other carriers, including national postal services or regional private couriers, to ensure complete coverage even in remote areas.

Delivery options offered - Choices for buyers

To meet the varied needs of buyers, Mercado Libre offers several delivery options that differ in speed and pickup modality. The main options available include

• Standard delivery: This is the default option for most items. The parcel is shipped via the standard road transport network, and sometimes by air depending on the distance, and delivered to the buyer's address. The timeframe generally corresponds to that of a postal service or a standard carrier, offering a balance between affordable cost and reasonable speed.
• Express delivery: For buyers wishing to receive their order more quickly, an express option is often offered on eligible products. This formula prioritizes accelerated shipping methods dedicated flights, priority processing, etc. to significantly reduce transport time. Express delivery generally incurs higher fees but allows the parcel to be received in a much shorter time compared to standard shipping.
• Pickup point: Also called delivery to a relay point, this mode allows the buyer to collect their parcel at a defined location rather than at their home. Mercado Libre has a network of partner pickup points convenience stores, post offices, or automated lockers where parcels can be dropped off. This option is ideal for people who cannot be present at their delivery address during the day or who prefer to avoid the risk of missed delivery. Once the package is delivered to the chosen pickup point, the buyer is notified and can collect it within a specified timeframe by presenting an ID or a pickup code.

The available options depend on the size and weight of the item, the location of the seller and the buyer, as well as the local logistics agreements in place. Mercado Libre clearly displays these choices during the order process, allowing customers to select the modality that best suits them in terms of cost and speed.

Shipment tracking and tracking numbers - Transparency and traceability

Mercado Libre provides an online tracking system for all orders shipped via its platform. As soon as a seller hands over a parcel to the carrier or to Mercado Envíos, a unique tracking number is generated and communicated to the buyer. This number, composed of letters and/or numbers depending on the carrier, allows the package to be identified throughout its journey.

Buyers can then check the progress of their delivery by going to the My Purchases section of their Mercado Libre account. The shipment status is updated in real-time, from initial preparation to final delivery. Each status change parcel pickup, in transit, delivery in progress, etc. is recorded and visible, offering complete transparency on the shipping process. Additionally, the platform generally sends automatic notifications to the buyer via the mobile app or by email at each important stage, so they are informed without having to manually check the tracking.

Furthermore, for some deliveries made via the Mercado Envíos network, especially in urban areas, the tracking offers a real-time interactive map when a parcel is out for delivery. The buyer can thus visualize the approach of the delivery person on a map, providing an additional level of information and reassurance about the imminent delivery.

The format of tracking numbers varies depending on the carriers involved. For example, a shipment managed by Mercado Envíos has an identifier starting with ML followed by numbers, while a parcel shipped via DHL or UPS will have an alphanumeric code specific to these companies. Regardless of the carrier, Mercado Libre standardizes the tracking display on its site, translating shipping information into clear and understandable statuses for the user.

In case of questions or unusual delays, the buyer has the option to contact the seller via Mercado Libre messaging or to directly consult the carrier's website with the provided tracking number for more details. However, in most cases, the Mercado Libre portal is sufficient to effectively track the shipment, as it centralizes all location data and unifies them under a coherent presentation.

Cross-border shipments - International sales on Mercado Libre

Although most sales on Mercado Libre take place within the same country, the platform also supports cross-border shipments in certain cases. Mercado Libre has implemented an international sales program allowing sellers located outside the buyer's country for example, sellers based in the United States to offer their products while relying on the Mercado Envíos infrastructure for delivery. In this context, Mercado Libre collaborates with international carriers to transport parcels to the destination country while simplifying import procedures.

Specifically, when an order needs to cross a border, Mercado Libre handles the printing of international shipping labels and works closely with providers such as DHL or MailAmericas to ensure air transport and customs clearance. Customs formalities are handled in advance, often under the Delivered Duty Paid - DDP - principle: duties and any taxes are paid in advance, so the buyer has no additional fees to pay upon delivery. This process greatly simplifies the cross-border experience by avoiding customs-related delays and providing full visibility on international tracking.

International sales on Mercado Libre remain limited to certain target markets notably Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Argentina and are only offered to approved sellers under the "Global Selling" program. This invitation-only program ensures that international sellers meet the platform's standards and that cross-border logistics are mastered from end to end, thus guaranteeing smooth delivery to customers abroad.

Logistics infrastructure of Mercado Libre - Distribution network in Latin America

To support its growing shipping network, Mercado Libre has developed an impressive logistics infrastructure across Latin America. The company has dozens of logistics centers and warehouses strategically distributed in key markets Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, etc.. These facilities serve as hubs sorting centers for receiving, sorting, and sending parcels to their final destinations. Some are true regional distribution centers, handling considerable volumes of orders each day.

Modernization is at the heart of this infrastructure: Mercado Libre invests in automation technologies to optimize package sorting and order preparation. For example, automated conveyors, scanning systems, and route optimization software help accelerate the logistics flow while reducing the risk of error. Additionally, the company is experimenting with the use of robots and self-guided vehicles in some warehouses to further improve supply chain efficiency.

Alongside land warehouses, Mercado Libre has developed its own air transport capacity to speed up long-distance deliveries. Notably, the air fleet named Meli Air operates dedicated cargo planes. Initially launched in Mexico, this fleet includes several aircraft connecting the country's main sorting centers, allowing for 24-hour deliveries on many routes. In Brazil, Mercado Libre has partnered with the local company Azul Cargo Express, which has become an exclusive partner for Mercado Libre's air freight in the country. Thanks to these planes and air partnerships, the platform can quickly transport goods over long distances while bypassing the uncertainties of road transport.

Finally, Mercado Libre's land fleet has also significantly expanded. The company operates or charters thousands of delivery vans and trucks in Mercado Libre colors, as well as an increasing number of electric vehicles in an ecological approach for the last mile. For example, in Brazil, several thousand vehicles including many electric utility vehicles are mobilized to ensure local distribution in major cities. By integrating these logistics resources (both air and land) Mercado Libre controls a large part of the delivery chain, allowing it to continuously improve the speed, reliability, and quality of service offered to platform users.

To further increase its distribution capabilities, Mercado Libre has also launched a collaborative delivery service called Mercado Envíos Extra. Available in certain metropolises, this program uses independent couriers connected via a mobile app, similar to ride-sharing or meal delivery platforms. When an order requires fast delivery over a short distance, it can be entrusted to one of these partner couriers, streamlining the logistics flow on the last mile. Mercado Envíos Extra thus brings more flexibility to Mercado Libre's network while reducing delays for local deliveries.

Integration with the marketplace and third-party sellers - Simplification of processes

Mercado Libre's logistics offering is fully integrated into its online sales platform, benefiting both buyers and third-party sellers. When a seller lists a product on Mercado Libre, they have the option to activate Mercado Envíos for shipping. If this option is chosen, the order creation immediately generates a prepaid shipping label with all the necessary information buyer's address, chosen delivery mode, etc.. The seller only has to print this label and drop off the parcel with the indicated carrier or schedule a pickup if available. This automation greatly simplifies the logistics process for the seller.

On the buyer's side, the integration is just as seamless. As soon as the order is confirmed, an estimated delivery date is displayed based on the chosen option and the distance to be covered. The buyer can track the delivery progress directly from their account, without having to consult external sites. All tracking information is grouped in a single interface, even if several carriers are involved during the journey.

Mercado Libre also offers sellers an order fulfillment service called Mercado Envíos Full often nicknamed Mercado Full. This service, similar to Fulfillment by Amazon - FBA, allows sellers to store their products in advance in Mercado Libre's warehouses. When a sale is made on the marketplace, Mercado Libre then takes care of picking the item from the warehouse, packaging it, and shipping it to the final customer via its own logistics network. The advantage for sellers is multiple: time savings, better delivery times as the items are already stored near high-demand areas, and improved visibility of their offers. Indeed, products eligible for Mercado Envíos Full are marked as having express delivery, which can encourage buyers to prefer them. For Mercado Libre, this system ensures quality control over packaging and shipping, reinforcing user confidence in receiving their purchases in good condition.

Finally, the logistics integration also includes customer service and the management of unforeseen events. In case of loss or damage to a parcel, Mercado Libre acts as an intermediary between the seller, the carrier, and the buyer to resolve the issue refund, product reshipment, etc.. The platform centralizes claims and monitors the performance of carriers as well as sellers in terms of delivery times and quality. This global supervision allows identifying areas for improvement and adjusting logistics processes to maintain a high level of service across the entire chain.

Shipment tracking statuses - Progress information

When tracking a parcel on Mercado Libre, different statuses are displayed to inform about the delivery progress. Here are the main statuses used on the platform and their meaning in English