MRW tracking

Express courier in Spain since 1977

MRW is a Spanish-origin courier and logistics transport company, specializing in national and international express delivery services. Founded in 1977, MRW has established itself as one of the leading carriers in Spain thanks to its extensive franchise network and variety of services. Its professional positioning and neutral approach make it a reference player for the fast delivery of parcels, whether for private customers or companies from various sectors.

History and development

Foundation and beginnings: MRW was founded in 1977 in Barcelona by Francisco Martín Frías, Ramón Martín Frías, and Javier Llaquet. Originally, the company (initially called Mensajeros Radio) operated as a small local courier business. Very quickly, it experienced sustained growth by innovating in the urgent transport sector (notably by introducing door-to-door delivery at a time when customers often had to travel to pick up their parcels. This customer convenience-focused orientation marked a turning point in the courier market in Spain.

Growth and expansion: In the 1980s, MRW expanded its network nationwide. In 1988, the letter "W" (for Worldwide) was added to the MRW acronym, reflecting the company's international ambition. Faced with increased competition in the early 1990s, MRW adopted a franchise model in 1991: many franchised agencies emerged across Spain and Portugal, allowing for rapid expansion while locally involving entrepreneurs. This strategy paid off and made MRW one of the most extensive courier networks in the Iberian Peninsula.

Current position: Over the decades, MRW has diversified its services and strengthened its infrastructure to support its growth. The company is now fully established as a leader in urgent transport in Spain, with a presence also in Portugal, Andorra, and Gibraltar. It has handled tens of millions of shipments per year and stands out for its 100% Spanish capital. Internationally, MRW relies on partnerships to serve other regions of the world. Although its own footprint is concentrated in Europe (about 45 countries covered), its network of correspondents allows it to offer shipping solutions to many global destinations. MRW continues to evolve by focusing on technological innovation and customer satisfaction, guarantees of its longevity and reputation.

Delivery services offered

MRW offers a wide range of transport services to meet the needs of its customers, whether it is ultra-urgent shipments, economical deliveries, or specialized services. The main types of services offered include:

• National express deliveries: MRW has several options for domestic shipments in Spain (and neighboring areas), differentiated by their speed. For example, the MRW Urgent service guarantees priority handling and very fast delivery of critical parcels. The MRW 13:30 service ensures express delivery the next business day, before early afternoon, ideal for recipients who need to be delivered the next morning. Conversely, standard formulas like MRW 48/72 offer delivery in a few business days (typically within two to three days) for less urgent shipments, while the MRW Economy option favors a competitive rate with a slightly longer distribution time. This segmentation allows customers to choose the best time/cost compromise for each shipment.
• International deliveries: MRW extends its services beyond national borders. The carrier handles shipments abroad by relying on its own Iberian network and agreements with partner carriers. International shipments mainly cover Europe (MRW has a direct presence in many European countries), but can also reach other continents through these logistical partnerships. Thus, a company or individual can ship a parcel with MRW to about 45 different countries. Export formalities, including customs management when necessary, are integrated into the service to simplify the customer experience.
• E-commerce logistics: Aware of the rise of online commerce, MRW has developed specific solutions for Internet sales sites and e-commerce businesses. The carrier offers dedicated services covering the entire logistics chain: order and stock management on behalf of merchants, shipment preparation, and "last mile" delivery to the final customer. MRW also offers innovative features appreciated in the e-commerce sector, such as the possibility of organizing a product exchange (for example, retrieving an item returned by a customer while simultaneously delivering the replacement product) or even direct pickup of parcels from a third-party supplier for delivery to the final customer (which facilitates models like dropshipping or online marketplaces). In addition, the company ensures integration with major e-commerce platforms to automate the printing of shipping labels and parcel tracking for online stores.
• Specialized services by sector: MRW also offers tailor-made services for certain sectors requiring special attention during transport. For example, in the health field, MRW handles sensitive medical shipments (biological samples, medicines, medical equipment) ensuring compliance with strict time and sometimes temperature conditions. For the automotive industry, the carrier organizes the expedited delivery of critical spare parts to minimize downtime. The fashion sector also benefits from adapted services to ship textiles or accessories in coordination with collection or promotional event schedules. Furthermore, MRW has developed a specific service for the transport of pets, known as MRW Mascotas (launched in 1999), allowing the secure transport of live animals under the supervision of trained professionals. These specialized offers illustrate MRW's ability to meet the unique needs of various clients, going beyond standard delivery.

Infrastructures and logistical capabilities

To ensure the efficiency of its deliveries, MRW relies on a robust logistical infrastructure and an extensive network across the territory:

• Network of franchised agencies: MRW has hundreds of local agencies spread across Spain and Portugal (as well as in Andorra and Gibraltar). These agencies, mostly managed as franchises, serve as regional hubs for the collection and distribution of shipments. This tight territorial network allows for shorter distances to the final customer and offers a local service. MRW agencies welcome customers wishing to drop off or pick up parcels and coordinate delivery rounds in their area.
• Sorting centers and logistics platforms: The carrier has about sixty strategically located logistics platforms (regional sorting centers and distribution sorting centers) to streamline parcel transit. These platforms, located notably near major cities and transport hubs (for example in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, etc.), centralize shipments in transit each night to quickly redistribute them to their final destination. The optimized location of these sorting centers reduces travel times and ensures excellent delivery speed, even for long-distance shipments within the MRW network.
• Vehicle fleet: MRW operates a substantial fleet of vehicles to transport parcels at each stage. This includes light utility vehicles and vans for local and regional deliveries, heavy trucks to transport cargo between logistics platforms, and occasionally motorcycles or specialized vehicles for ultra-urgent missions in urban areas. The rigorous maintenance of this fleet and driver training ensure safe and reliable transport of goods. MRW also invests in renewing its vehicles to improve efficiency and, where possible, reduce its environmental impact (for example by deploying low-emission vehicles on urban routes).
• Information systems and traceability: MRW's physical infrastructure is complemented by efficient computer systems managing all logistical operations. Each shipment is recorded in the central system as soon as it is taken over, allowing for digital tracking at each stage (sorting, transit, delivery, etc.). Sorting centers are equipped with scanners and routing software that optimize parcel routing in real-time. Thanks to these tools, MRW can provide customers with precise and up-to-date tracking information while improving productivity (better route management, volume anticipation, exception management in case of incidents).
• Pickup and drop-off points: In addition to home delivery, MRW offers customers the option to pick up their shipments at its agencies or affiliated relay points. This pickup point system provides additional flexibility for recipients who can choose the place and time that suits them to pick up a parcel (for example, at the end of the day near their workplace). Conversely, shippers also have the option to drop off their parcels at an MRW point if they prefer this option to home pickup. This flexibility in handling and delivery helps improve service accessibility for all users.

Specifics of transport with MRW

As an express carrier, MRW emphasizes reliability, flexibility, and transparency throughout the shipping process:

• Custom pickup: MRW offers pickup solutions tailored to its clients' constraints. A shipper can request a home pickup: an MRW courier will then collect the parcel directly at the customer's address (or choose to drop off the package themselves at the nearest MRW agency. This duality of options allows adaptation to both companies shipping large volumes (who appreciate scheduled pickup) and individuals who may prefer a one-time drop-off.
• Delivery options: Similarly, upon arrival, the recipient has several options to receive their shipment. The standard formula is home delivery: an MRW delivery person goes to the indicated address (residential or professional) to hand over the parcel in person. Alternatively, the recipient can opt for delivery to an MRW relay point, i.e., decide that their parcel will be delivered to an agency or pickup point in the network where they can collect it themselves. This option, often used in e-commerce, allows bypassing the constraints of absence at home during the courier's visit. MRW also strives to offer delivery slots as precise as possible and, in some cases, the possibility of rescheduling a delivery to a later date if the first attempt fails (in coordination with the recipient).
• Traceability and transparency: At each stage of transport, MRW ensures complete traceability of shipments. Each parcel is assigned a unique tracking number (see section below) upon creation, which allows it to be located in the network. Shipper and recipient customers can track the progress of the delivery in real-time via the MRW website or mobile app, simply by entering the tracking number. The tracking system indicates the successive statuses of the parcel (pickup, in transit, out for delivery, etc.), offering full visibility on the journey. In addition, MRW often sends proactive notifications: for example, SMS or email alerts - to inform that a parcel is on its way or to specify a delivery slot. This transparency in information reassures customers and allows anticipating potential unforeseen events.

MRW tracking numbers

Each shipment processed by MRW is associated with a tracking number (or shipment number) that allows its identification and tracking in the system. This tracking number generally takes the form of a short alphanumeric code. Typically, MRW tracking numbers consist of 9 or 10 characters combining letters and numbers. Often, they start with two letters followed by a series of numbers. For example, an MRW number could be in the format AB1234567 or CD98765432 depending on the case.

The exact structure may vary slightly depending on the type of service used or the shipment route. For purely domestic shipments, the format described above is the most common. However, for some international shipments where MRW collaborates with a foreign logistics partner, the tracking number may adopt the partner network's format (which explains why some codes may be longer or structured differently). In any case, the assigned number is always communicated to the shipper at the time of shipment and serves as a unique reference to access tracking information.

On the tracking management side, MRW provides easy-to-use tools. By entering the tracking number on the MRW website (Tracking section), the customer instantly obtains the latest known status of their parcel and the history of the steps already completed. The system is updated in real-time as soon as a new step is reached (for example when a parcel leaves a sorting center or is out for delivery). In case of a problem (incorrect address, recipient absent, etc.), the online tracking will display an explicit status allowing the customer to understand the situation and contact MRW if necessary. The tracking number is thus the central tool for MRW shipment traceability, ensuring accessible and up-to-date information for all stakeholders in a shipment.

MRW tracking statuses

When checking the tracking, different statuses may appear to indicate the parcel's situation. Here are the main known MRW tracking statuses, translated into English, along with their description: