ParcelForce tracking
How to track my ParcelForce package?
To track a ParcelForce package, make sure you have the tracking number provided by the sender or the retailer. This unique code gives you access to all the information related to your shipment.
Enter this number in the search field and confirm. The most recent tracking data will be displayed automatically.
A detailed timeline then traces your package's journey: current location, completed transit stages, and estimated delivery date. This information is updated at each new stage, allowing you to follow your shipment's progress in real time.
Where can I find my ParcelForce tracking number?
The ParcelForce tracking number is automatically sent when your package is shipped. As the recipient, you receive it by email, SMS, or directly on the order confirmation page of the retailer's website.
If you cannot find it in your notifications, log in to your customer account on the website where you placed your order. The tracking number can be found in your order history or in the section dedicated to ongoing deliveries.
Once you have this number, enter it in the search field to check your delivery progress and estimated arrival date.
Why isn't my ParcelForce package moving in the package tracking history?
When your ParcelForce package tracking hasn't updated for several days, several factors may explain this delay: customs formalities for international shipments, logistical incidents, or simply a delay in updating the information.
Before taking any action, verify that the delivery address provided during the order is correct. An error or incomplete information can slow down the shipping process. If the delay persists beyond the announced timeframe, contact ParcelForce customer service or the sender with your tracking number on hand. They will be able to precisely locate your package and, if necessary, open an investigation to determine the cause of the delay.
When I track my ParcelForce package, why does it show as "returned"?
A "returned" status means that the package has been sent back to the sender. Several situations can explain this return:
The delivery driver was unable to identify the recipient due to an incorrect, illegible, or incomplete address missing essential information (apartment number, access code, etc.).
After several unsuccessful attempts and in the absence of collection within the allotted time, the package is automatically returned to its origin point.
The recipient did not collect the package from the post office or pickup point within the holding period, usually 15 days.
For international shipments, missing or incomplete documents or an incorrect value declaration can result in customs clearance refusal and the return of the package.
If your package shows this status, contact the sender or ParcelForce customer service to find out the exact reason for the return and agree on a solution: a new shipment or refund according to the seller's terms.
Why does the ParcelForce parcel tracking timeline indicate that my order cannot be found?
If no information appears when tracking your ParcelForce package, several causes are possible:
Make sure that the number entered matches exactly the one provided by the sender. A single character error prevents the package from being identified.
Tracking information is only available once the package has been picked up by ParcelForce. A delay of 24 to 48 hours may occur between the notification being sent and the first status update.
Temporary malfunctions can sometimes affect the online tracking system. In this case, try again later or contact ParcelForce customer service for assistance.
About ParcelForce
ParcelForce is a courier and logistics service provider based in the United Kingdom. It is a subsidiary of Royal Mail Group and offers a wide range of domestic and international delivery services. With a strong presence in the UK market, ParcelForce is known for its reliable and efficient parcel delivery solutions. The company focuses on providing excellent customer service and has built a reputation for timely and secure shipments.
How to contact ParcelForce?
If you are experiencing issues with the delivery process managed by ParcelForce, please do not hesitate to contact their customer support.
Express messaging in the UK subsidiary of Royal Mail
ParcelForce, also known as ParcelForce Worldwide, is a courier and logistics service based in the UK. A subsidiary of the Royal Mail postal group, this company specializes in express parcel delivery in the UK and international markets. ParcelForce has a vast network allowing it to distribute parcels throughout the UK and to most countries worldwide.
Recognized for its reliability, this carrier handles millions of shipments each year and relies on advanced tracking technologies to ensure efficient routing. Thanks to its integration into the UK postal network, ParcelForce offers numerous drop-off and collection points, making it easier for individuals and businesses to send and receive parcels.
Historical evolution and development
The origins of ParcelForce date back to 1986, when the British postal service created a separate entity dedicated to parcels. This initiative laid the foundation for the company as it exists today. In 1990, the former Royal Mail Parcels division was officially renamed "ParcelForce," marking its launch as a full-fledged parcel delivery brand. Subsequently, in 1998, the company adopted the name "ParcelForce Worldwide" to reflect the expansion of its services on an international scale.
In the early 2000s, ParcelForce refocused its business on guaranteed fast deliveries. In 2002, in particular, the group's standard parcel services were reintegrated into Royal Mail, allowing ParcelForce to focus exclusively on express shipments, such as next-day or two-day guaranteed deliveries. The company has continuously invested in modernizing its infrastructure and systems to improve its efficiency. In 2013, an expansion plan led to the opening of new sorting centers and several additional depots, strengthening ParcelForce's logistical capacity. This constant evolution has helped ParcelForce consolidate its position among the UK's leading parcel carriers.
Logistics and global reach
ParcelForce operates a "hub and spoke" logistics model. Its operations revolve around two main sorting centers located near Coventry, England: one dedicated to parcels destined for the UK, and the other for international shipments. This national sorting center, one of the largest logistics buildings in the country, uses automated sorting systems to handle a high volume of parcels per hour.
In addition to its central infrastructure, ParcelForce relies on a network of around fifty local depots spread across the UK. These depots ensure the collection and final distribution of parcels in each region. Internationally, ParcelForce delivers to over 200 countries through partnership agreements. In Europe, the company uses the network of General Logistics Systems (GLS), a subsidiary of the same group, to ensure road shipments in dozens of countries. Globally, ParcelForce is part of the Express Mail Service (EMS) postal network, allowing it to integrate with international postal services to route parcels to distant destinations.
Thanks to these partnerships and its membership in the Royal Mail group, ParcelForce is able to offer global coverage while maintaining high delivery standards. The combination of a dense local network and international alliances ensures that parcels shipped via ParcelForce can reach most regions of the world reliably.
Varied delivery options
ParcelForce offers a diverse range of delivery services to meet different needs. Among the main services offered are:
- Next-day delivery: an express service ensuring the parcel arrives the next business day. This service is suitable for urgent shipments requiring fast delivery.
- Economy delivery: a standard option for less urgent shipments, with a delivery time of a few business days. This choice offers a reliable solution at a lower cost for non-urgent parcels.
- International delivery: shipping services abroad, with a network and partners ensuring efficient routing worldwide. The transit time for international shipments varies depending on the destination and the selected service level.
- Priority express delivery: for time-sensitive shipments, a service offering priority handling and reduced transit times. This option ensures that urgent parcels receive expedited handling throughout the journey.
- Same-day delivery: available in certain regions of the UK, this service allows for parcel delivery on the day of dispatch. It is an appropriate solution for immediate or last-minute shipments over short distances.
Each of these services includes parcel tracking and, where applicable, insurance options. The shipping cost depends on the chosen service, distance, weight, and dimensions of the parcel, as well as any additional options. ParcelForce offers an online tool to estimate the cost of a shipment based on its parameters, allowing shippers to anticipate the cost before sending their parcel.
Parcel tracking system
Each parcel shipped with ParcelForce is associated with a unique tracking number. This alphanumeric code allows tracking the shipment's progress at each stage, from collection to delivery. The format of the tracking number varies depending on the service used and the origin or destination of the parcel. For example:
- Domestic deliveries: generally a 13-character code, starting with two letters, followed by nine digits, and ending with two letters (e.g.: AB123456789CD).
- International express shipments: a variable code format depending on the destination or partner carrier, often a combination of letters and numbers that can be between 12 and 24 characters long.
- "Global Priority" and "Global Value" services: tracking numbers that also follow a similar alphanumeric pattern to express shipments, combining letters and numbers of comparable length.
These format examples are indicative: the exact number may differ depending on the case. Once the tracking number is provided, the sender or recipient can enter it on the ParcelForce website (or via its mobile app) to view tracking information. The tracking system provides real-time updates on the parcel's location and its successive delivery statuses.
Interpretation of tracking statuses
The following list presents the main tracking statuses that may appear when tracking a ParcelForce parcel, along with their precise meaning:
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| The sender's address is required | We need the sender's address to process the shipment |
| The sender's address is mentioned | The sender's address is noted on the parcel |
| The recipient's address is required | We need the recipient's address to deliver the parcel |
| The recipient's address is not found | The delivery person could not locate the recipient's delivery address |
| The recipient requested to leave the item at the local post office | The recipient requested that the parcel be left at the local post office |
| The recipient requested to leave the parcel with a neighbor | The parcel will be left with a neighbor as per the recipient's request |
| The sender was advised to ship the item from the depot | The sender was advised to send their parcel from our local depot |
| The sender was advised to reschedule the shipment | The sender was advised to reschedule the shipment date |
| The sender was advised to pick up the item at the post office | The sender was advised to pick up the parcel at the local post office |
| The item has been prepared for shipment | Your parcel is ready to leave our facility |
| The item has been shipped | Your parcel has left our facility |
| The item is en route to the center | Your parcel is currently being transported to our center |
| The item is handled by the logistics system | Your parcel is currently being processed by our logistics system |
| The item is at the center and awaiting action | Your parcel is at our center and awaiting processing |
| The item has been sorted for export | Your parcel has been sorted and is ready for international shipment |
| The item has been prepared for export | Your parcel has been packed and is ready for international shipment |
| The item has been prepared for export by air | Your parcel is packed and ready to be exported by plane |
| The item has been exported from the current location | Your parcel has been sent from our country to the destination country |
| The item has been received in the destination country | Your parcel has arrived in the destination country |
| The item is at the processing center | Your parcel is currently at our processing center |
| The item has been handed over to our delivery partner | Your parcel has been handed over to our delivery partner for shipment |
| The item has been transferred to the delivery depot | Your parcel has been sent to our local delivery depot |
| The item is en route to the delivery depot | Your parcel is en route to our local delivery depot |
| The item has been received at the delivery depot | Your parcel has arrived safely at our local delivery depot |
| The item is awaiting customs clearance | Your international parcel is awaiting customs clearance |
| Customs fees have been applied | Customs duties have been calculated for your parcel |
| Customs duty payment is awaited | Awaiting payment of customs duties |
| Awaiting customs clearance information from customs | We are awaiting customs clearance information from customs |
| The item is held at customs | Your parcel is held at customs |
| The item has been released by customs | Your international parcel has been cleared by customs |
| Damage has been noted on the parcel | Damage to the packaging or contents of the parcel has been observed and noted |
| The parcel has been repackaged after damage | The parcel's packaging has been repaired or replaced to secure the shipment |
| The item has been handed over to the courier for delivery | Your parcel has been handed over to our courier |
| The item is out for delivery | Your parcel has left our facility and is en route to its destination |
| The delivery of the item has been delayed | There has been a delay in the delivery of your parcel |
| The delivery has been delayed and the recipient will be informed shortly | The delivery is delayed; the recipient will be informed shortly |
| The item is available for pickup and the recipient has been informed | The recipient is informed that the parcel is ready for pickup |
| The recipient is invited to pick up the item at the post office | Your parcel is ready for pickup at the local post office |
| The item has been delivered to the recipient | Your parcel has been delivered |
| The item has been delivered and the recipient has been informed | Your parcel has been delivered and the recipient has been informed |
| A delivery email has been sent to the recipient | A delivery email has been sent to the recipient |
| A delivery email has been sent to the sender | A delivery email has been sent to the sender |
| The recipient requested a delivery email to be sent the next business day | The recipient requested a delivery email to be sent the next business day |
| The item has been returned to the depot | Your parcel could not be delivered and is returned to our local depot |
| The delivery is not yet scheduled | The delivery of the parcel has not yet been scheduled |
| The delivery has been scheduled | The delivery of your parcel has been scheduled |
| The recipient requested a later delivery | A request for a later delivery has been made for your parcel |
| A second delivery attempt has been scheduled | A new delivery of the parcel has been scheduled following a failed first attempt |
| The item was not picked up and will be returned to the sender | Your parcel could not be delivered and will be returned to the sender |
| The item will be returned to the sender | Your parcel will be returned to the sender |
| The item has been returned to the sender | Your parcel could not be delivered and has been returned to the sender |
| The item has been returned to the sender for export | Your parcel could not be exported and has been returned to the sender |
| A request has been received and an email has been sent to the contact | We have received your request and an email has been sent to the contact person |
| The request has been received and sent to the contact | We have received and forwarded your request to the appropriate contact person |
| The delivery has been sent to the contact | The parcel has been sent for delivery to the mentioned contact person |