Pitney Bowes tracking

What is Pitney Bowes?

Pitney Bowes is a historic American company specialized in postal technologies, logistics and shipping solutions for e-commerce. Founded in 1920, the company established itself as a pioneer in the postal franketing field with the invention of the world's first franking machine. Over the decades, Pitney Bowes evolved and diversified to become a major player in the global supply chain, supporting the digital transformation of commerce and international postal exchanges.

Pitney Bowes' headquarters is located in Stamford, Connecticut, United States. The publicly traded company built its reputation on technological innovation and operational excellence in mail and parcel handling. With over a century of existence, Pitney Bowes has navigated several industrial revolutions and constantly adapted to market changes, transitioning from mechanical franking machines to integrated digital logistics management solutions.

• Founding date: 1920, in Stamford, Connecticut, United States
• Founders: Arthur Pitney and Walter Bowes, inventors of the postal franking machine
• Headquarters: Stamford, Connecticut, United States
• Business sector: Postal technologies, e-commerce logistics, shipping solutions and financial services
• Geographic coverage: Over 200 countries and territories served worldwide

Pitney Bowes' history is marked by strategic growth through major acquisitions. In 2015, the company acquired Borderfree, a specialist in cross-border shipping solutions, to strengthen its capabilities in international commerce. In 2017, Pitney Bowes acquired Newgistics for $475 million, a company founded in 1999 in Austin, Texas, recognized for its innovative reverse logistics and e-commerce shipping solutions. Newgistics was notably the originator of SmartLabel, a revolutionary prepaid and trackable return label for its time.

The integration of Newgistics led to the creation of the Pitney Bowes Global Ecommerce division, consolidating all e-commerce related services under a single entity. This division managed domestic shipping in the United States, international delivery solutions, returns and associated software technologies. Before its acquisition, Newgistics already served over 250 retailers and processed tens of millions of parcels annually for major online retailers.

It is important to note that Pitney Bowes underwent major restructuring in 2024. Facing persistent financial challenges in its e-commerce division, the company announced its exit from the e-commerce logistics sector and the sale of a majority stake in its Global Ecommerce division. This division was placed under Chapter 11 protection of U.S. bankruptcy law, with a liquidation process concluded in early 2025. Pitney Bowes continues its activities in other sectors, notably franking solutions, financial services and certain technology services.

Which countries does Pitney Bowes deliver to?

Pitney Bowes distinguished itself by its ability to ship parcels to an exceptionally broad geographic coverage. The carrier developed a network capable of delivering shipments to over 200 countries and territories worldwide, making it one of the most comprehensive logistics providers in terms of international coverage. This global reach was made possible through strategic partnerships with national postal services and private carriers in each region.

In the United States, Pitney Bowes' historic market, the company developed impressive infrastructure with about ten sorting and distribution centers spread across the entire American territory. These regional platforms enabled processing of several tens of millions of parcels annually, ensuring complete coverage of all 50 U.S. states. The operational model was based on a close partnership with USPS, the U.S. federal postal service, which took charge of the last-mile delivery to recipients' mailboxes.

• United States: Complete coverage of 50 states via USPS network and regional partner carriers
• Canada: Delivery service with Canada Post as partner for final distribution
• Europe: Delivery to all European Union countries and beyond, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Spain
• Asia-Pacific: Coverage of Australia via Australia Post, India, Japan, China and many other Asian markets
• Latin America: Service to Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and throughout the South American continent
• Africa and Middle East: Presence in the main markets of these regions

Pitney Bowes' international shipping model is based on an efficient consolidation system. Parcels destined for export are first routed to a central logistics center, such as the one in Erlanger, Kentucky for the United States, or a similar platform in the United Kingdom for European shipments. At these centers, Pitney Bowes consolidates shipments, prepares customs documentation and applies new labels for international shipping.

Once prepared, parcels are transported by air to the destination country, where Pitney Bowes hands them over to the appropriate local carrier. Depending on the country, this may be the national postal service such as Royal Mail in the United Kingdom, La Poste in France, Deutsche Post in Germany, or private couriers. This system allows online sellers to ship internationally without having to manage themselves the customs complexity and delivery networks in each destination country.

Pitney Bowes notably operated for many years eBay's Global Shipping Program, enabling American and British sellers on the platform to easily ship their items to buyers worldwide. This strategic partnership, in place since 2012, illustrated Pitney Bowes' ability to handle significant volumes of cross-border shipments with strict traceability and customs compliance requirements.

What are Pitney Bowes shipping services and delivery timeframes?

Pitney Bowes developed a complete range of shipping services to meet the different needs of e-commerce merchants and individuals. The offering covers both domestic shipments in the United States and international shipments, with service levels adapted to the time constraints and budget of each customer. Delivery timeframes vary considerably depending on the type of service chosen and the final destination of the parcel.

For domestic shipments in the United States, Pitney Bowes offers regional and national delivery services. Regional services, extended to over 20 major American cities, make it possible to reach 90% of the American population in 1 to 3 business days. These services cover the Northern and Southern California regions for origins near Los Angeles and San Francisco, the Northeast region for origins near New York and Boston, as well as the Southeast and Southwest of the country.

• Express service (1-2 days): Express services are Pitney Bowes' fastest with estimated delivery times of 1 to 2 business days for American domestic shipments. These services notably include USPS Priority Mail Express with next-day or 2-day delivery by 6pm guarantee.
• Priority service (2-4 days): Priority Mail service offers delivery in 2 to 4 business days with attractive flat rate pricing for parcels under 70 pounds. This service benefits from a 4-day delivery guarantee with refund in case of delay.
• Standard service (3-7 days): For less urgent shipments, standard service offers 3 to 7 business day timeframes with optimized value for high volumes.
• International standard service (7-18 days): International timeframes vary between 7 and 18 business days depending on destination, with delivery assured Monday through Saturday depending on countries.
• International express service (3-5 days): For priority international destinations, 3 to 5 business day timeframes are guaranteed to major destinations worldwide.

American domestic delivery occurs 6 days a week, Monday through Saturday, to over 150 million addresses. For international shipments, delivery days depend on the practices of the destination country's local carrier. In most European countries, distribution generally occurs Monday through Saturday, while some countries limit deliveries to standard business days.

Pitney Bowes also offers a specific delivery guarantee called PB Delivery Guarantee for eligible shipments. This guarantee provides refund of shipping fees if the parcel is not delivered within the planned 4-day timeframe for American domestic shipments. Eligible mail classes include notably USPS Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express and First Class Package, as well as express services of other carriers subcontracted by Pitney Bowes.

Delivery timeframes can be impacted by various factors that are important to consider. Exceptional weather conditions, periods of high activity such as year-end holidays, public holidays and possible customs delays for international shipments can extend transit times. Pitney Bowes recommends shippers to provide safety margins for time-sensitive shipments.

What are Pitney Bowes rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

Pitney Bowes' pricing policy is based on several determining factors that influence the final price of each shipment. Parcel weight, dimensions, destination zone and chosen service level are the main elements considered in rate calculation. The company offers solutions adapted to different shipper profiles, from occasional individuals to large e-commerce accounts handling significant volumes.

For domestic shipments in the United States, Pitney Bowes applies pricing based on actual weight or volumetric weight of the parcel, whichever is higher. Volumetric weight, also called dimensional weight or DIM weight, is calculated based on parcel volume and a volumetric divisor. This method reflects the real cost of shipping large but light parcels that occupy significant space in transport vehicles.

• Maximum weight: 31.5 kg for most domestic and international services
• Maximum combined dimensions: 274 cm in length plus girth for standard parcels
• Oversized dimensions: Between 274 and 330 cm for PB Expedited, with oversized surcharge applied
• PB Delivery threshold: Oversized surcharge applicable if length plus girth exceeds 213 cm
• International standard service: Parcels up to 30 kg accepted to most destinations

USPS Flat Rate fixed rates represent an interesting option for certain types of shipments. These fixed-rate boxes allow shipping at a determined price regardless of weight, as long as it remains under 31.5 kg. This solution is particularly advantageous for dense and heavy items that would fit within the standard dimensions of Flat Rate boxes.

For international shipments, rate calculation includes additional elements such as customs duties and taxes applicable in the destination country. Pitney Bowes offers a DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) service where all customs fees are calculated and displayed at purchase, allowing the recipient to know the total delivery cost without surprises upon receipt. Otherwise, customs fees may be invoiced to the recipient upon delivery according to DAP (Delivered at Place) mode.

It is essential for shippers to accurately weigh and measure their parcels before shipping. The total weight must include content and complete packaging, not just the shipped item. Incorrectly declared dimensions or weight can cause processing delays, tracking issues or additional fees for weight overages found during sorting. Pitney Bowes software solutions like PitneyShip allow comparing rates in real time between different partner carriers including UPS, USPS and FedEx.

Certain restrictions apply to types of goods accepted. Dangerous items, flammable materials, perishable products without adequate packaging and goods prohibited by customs regulations are excluded from transport. Shippers must also respect specific restrictions for each destination country, which may vary significantly depending on local regulations.

What are Pitney Bowes delivery options?

Pitney Bowes developed a range of delivery options designed to provide flexibility and convenience to parcel recipients. These options address different delivery situations and individual customer preferences. The objective is to maximize the rate of successful first-attempt delivery while offering practical alternatives in case of recipient absence.

Home delivery is the primary distribution mode for Pitney Bowes parcels. The mail carrier or delivery agent of the local carrier deposits the parcel directly at the address indicated by the shipper. For domestic American shipments transiting through USPS, delivery generally occurs in the mailbox for small parcels or on the porch for larger shipments. In other countries, practices vary depending on local carriers and regulations in force.

• Home delivery: Parcel deposit at the indicated delivery address, with handoff to recipient or secure placement per instructions
• Pickup points and parcel lockers: Possibility of pickup at integrated Pitney Bowes lockers or partner deposit points, notably via a network of over 30,000 postal points in the United States
• Signature required: Signature required option available to secure delivery of valuable parcels
• Tracking notifications: Automatic alerts by email or SMS informing the recipient of delivery progress
• QR codes for returns: Customer service applications allow generating a shipping label or QR code usable at any Pitney Bowes partner deposit point

In case of recipient absence during the first delivery attempt, different procedures apply depending on the local carrier responsible for final distribution. A delivery notice is generally left in the mailbox, indicating how to reschedule delivery or pick up the parcel at a nearby collection point. Recipients can often modify their delivery preferences via the local carrier's online tools.

Pitney Bowes also invested in parcel locker solutions (parcel lockers) allowing recipients to pick up their parcels independently, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. These secure lockers, accessible via unique code sent by notification, offer maximum flexibility for people with constrained schedules or preferring to avoid post office lines.

For international shipments, delivery options largely depend on the capabilities and practices of the destination country's local carrier. In many European countries, networks of pickup points are well-developed and offered as an alternative to home delivery. The recipient then receives a notification inviting them to pick up their parcel at the partner store closest to their home or workplace.

Pitney Bowes' technology solutions enable e-commerce shippers to offer multiple delivery options to their customers during the order process. API integration into e-commerce platforms allows displaying different available delivery modes with their respective timeframes and rates, leaving the end customer the choice of the option that best suits them.

What if my Pitney Bowes parcel is lost or damaged?

Loss or damage of a parcel is a frustrating situation for both shippers and recipients. Pitney Bowes has implemented claims procedures to handle these incidents, although responsibilities and compensation terms vary depending on the shipment context and subscribed guarantees. It is important to understand the steps to follow to maximize the chances of satisfaction.

As a general rule, Pitney Bowes indicates it is not directly responsible for lost or damaged parcels, with responsibility falling on the carrier performing final delivery. However, insurance options and value declaration allow protecting important shipments. For insured parcels, a specific claims procedure exists via online tools like PitneyShip Pro.

• Claims deadline: Claims for lost or damaged parcels must generally be filed within a reasonable timeframe after the planned delivery date, varying by carrier
• Required documents: Proof of purchase, photos of damage observed, tracking number, detailed description of content and its value
• Parcel insurance: Possibility to subscribe to insurance when shipping to cover declared content value
• Covered carriers: Insurance claims are available for insured Canada Post shipments as well as UPS or FedEx shipments with declared value
• Online procedure: Via PitneyShip Pro, select Shipment then Submit insurance claim, insured shipments being displayed for selection

For purchases made via eBay's Global Shipping program, the claims procedure involves specific steps. The seller ships the parcel to the GSP center, then Pitney Bowes takes charge of the international portion of delivery. If a problem occurs after transfer to the GSP, the buyer can contact Pitney Bowes customer service or request eBay buyer protection to obtain a refund.

Upon receiving a visibly damaged parcel, it is crucial to document the damage immediately before even opening the parcel. Taking photos of the external packaging, then the contents, allows building a solid claims file. Pitney Bowes delivery mobile app allows reporting a parcel arrived damaged directly when scanning receipt.

Pitney Bowes France customer support contact is available to assist customers in their procedures. The service offers help with shipping procedures, claims and parcel management. Customers are invited to log into their online account or create an account to file a claim. The service can provide Global Shipping Customer Service contact information for cases falling under the international program.

To minimize damage risks, Pitney Bowes recommends using appropriate and sufficiently padded packaging, particularly for fragile or valuable items. Affixing a tracking label on high-value items ensures complete traceability and facilitates searches in case of loss. Original product packaging or well-padded envelopes are recommended for merchandise returns.

Does Pitney Bowes handle international shipments and customs procedures?

Managing international shipments and customs procedures is one of Pitney Bowes' historical areas of expertise. The company developed advanced technology solutions and sophisticated logistics processes to simplify cross-border shipping, enabling online sellers to easily access international markets without mastering themselves the regulatory complexities of each destination country.

Any parcel shipped to an international destination requires a customs declaration form. This document, also called a customs declaration, declares the contents and value of the parcel and certifies that the shipper complied with international shipping laws. The form is attached to the parcel to allow destination country customs authorities to verify its contents are not prohibited and determine any applicable duties and taxes.

• Advance compliance check: Before the parcel reaches the international distribution center, Pitney Bowes performs compliance verifications including screening of prohibited parties on the buyer's coordinates
• Due diligence verification: Check that goods can legally be exported from the country of origin and comply with the destination country's customs regulations
• HS classification: Use of Harmonized System codes to properly classify products and calculate applicable duties
• Automated documentation: Generation of necessary labels and customs documents via Pitney Bowes software tools
• DDP service (Delivered Duty Paid): Calculation and display of duties and taxes to buyer at order checkout to avoid surprise fees upon delivery

Customs duties are taxes levied on imported goods, generally calculated as a percentage of product value. Calculation considers the HS (Harmonized System) code of the item, its country of origin and destination country. Pitney Bowes offers real-time landed cost calculations integrating duties and taxes for a single country or multiple countries, grouped calculations for multiple items shipped to the same destination, and fully landed costs including carrier options.

Growing volatility in customs regulations makes manual processes or outdated calculators insufficient. Chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, which covers temporary duties, is frequently revised, sometimes more than a dozen times per year. Pitney Bowes' API tools allow automating and optimizing cross-border shipping processes, ensuring compliance while protecting merchant margins.

For international shipments, several options exist for billing duties and taxes. Normally, all labeling costs are invoiced to the shipper's account, but it is possible to invoice transportation costs, duties and international taxes to a third-party carrier account or the recipient's account. This flexibility is available for FedEx, UPS and DHL Express shipments, allowing shippers to offer different formulas to their customers.

Pitney Bowes' international shipping APIs help avoid customs delays and costly compliance errors through updated information on import and export restrictions. Features include product restriction verification for a specific country as well as multi-country screening validating restrictions across multiple destinations in a single call. Merchants are encouraged to provide their product catalogs to Pitney Bowes compliance team before shipping with the CBDS (Cross-Border Delivery Services) service to minimize customs clearance issues.

Understanding tracking statuses

When tracking a Pitney Bowes parcel online, different statuses may appear. Here are the main statuses and their meaning: