Poste Italiane tracking

What is Poste Italiane?

Poste Italiane is the national postal operator of Italy, a century-old institution that constitutes the country's largest distribution network. Founded on May 5, 1862, shortly after Italian unification, this company has accompanied the modern history of the country by ensuring the postal link between citizens, businesses and institutions. From a simple mail distribution service at its inception, Poste Italiane has transformed over the decades into a diversified group offering a complete range of postal, financial, insurance and telecommunications services.

The history of Poste Italiane is intimately linked to that of modern Italy. When it was created in 1862, the postal service had the mission to unify and modernize mail distribution in the new Italian kingdom, which was then composed of former states with disparate postal systems. For more than a century, under the name Ente Poste Italiane, the organization ensured an essential public service mission, maintaining communications even during the most difficult periods of Italian history, notably the two world wars. This continuity of service testifies to the strategic importance of the postal service in the Italian economic and social fabric.

A major transformation took place in the 1990s. In 1997, the public body was restructured into a joint-stock company under private law, while retaining the State as majority shareholder. This change in legal status allowed Poste Italiane to gain greater management flexibility and considerably expand its service offerings. In 2015, a further step was taken with the listing of part of the capital as part of a partial privatization, opening a new era oriented towards financial markets while preserving majority public control.

• Date of establishment: May 5, 1862, with the institution of the national postal service to unify mail distribution in the new Italian kingdom
• Headquarters: Rome, Italy, where the group's management offices are located
• Legal status: Joint-stock company (S.p.A.) with the Italian State as majority shareholder, listed on the Milan Stock Exchange since 2015
• National network: More than 12,000 post offices spread across the entire Italian territory, from major metropolises to the most remote villages
• Workforce: Approximately 120,000 employees working in the various branches of the group
• Revenue: Several billion euros in annual revenue, with steady growth confirming the financial solidity of the group

Beyond its historical postal activity, Poste Italiane has diversified considerably to become a major player in several sectors. The BancoPosta division offers comprehensive financial services including current accounts, savings accounts, transfers, bill payments and the famous Postepay cards. The Poste Vita subsidiary offers a wide range of insurance products. Finally, PosteMobile allowed the group to position itself in the mobile telecommunications market. This diversification strategy has made Poste Italiane much more than a simple mail carrier: it is today an integrated service platform affecting millions of Italians on a daily basis.

Recent financial results illustrate the dynamism of the group. Revenue is growing steadily and parcel volumes are increasing by double digits each year, demonstrating the group's ability to capture e-commerce growth. With tens of millions of financial applications downloaded and several billion digital interactions each year, Poste Italiane has also become Italy's largest digital platform, demonstrating its success in the transition to digital.

What countries does Poste Italiane deliver to?

Poste Italiane ensures exceptionally extensive geographic coverage, both within Italian territory and on an international scale. In Italy, the carrier serves all 7,904 municipalities in the country, from major metropolises such as Rome, Milan, Naples and Turin to the most isolated villages in the Alps or Mediterranean islands. This complete coverage is guaranteed by the universal postal service obligation incumbent on Poste Italiane as the operator designated by the State.

Poste Italiane's territorial network in Italy is unparalleled. With more than 12,000 post offices, the group has a presence in virtually every locality in the country. This infrastructure ensures deliveries six days a week, Monday through Saturday, across the entire metropolitan territory. Island areas, particularly Sicily and Sardinia, are fully integrated into the distribution network, although delivery times may be slightly longer for certain remote locations.

Internationally, Poste Italiane offers its shipping services to more than 200 countries and territories around the world. This worldwide reach is made possible through Poste Italiane's membership in the Universal Postal Union (UPU), the intergovernmental organization that coordinates postal exchanges between nations. The agreements concluded in this framework allow a parcel shipped from Italy to be transported and delivered by the postal operator of the destination country.

• Metropolitan Italy: Complete coverage of all 7,904 Italian municipalities, with delivery Monday through Saturday for most services
• Italian islands: Sicily, Sardinia and all small Italian islands are regularly served by Poste Italiane services
• European Union: All EU member countries are accessible via Poste Delivery Europe and Poste Delivery International services, with delivery times of 3 to 15 days depending on the service chosen
• Europe outside the EU: Switzerland, Norway, United Kingdom and other non-EU European countries also benefit from regular service
• North America: United States and Canada are served with delivery times of 2 to 25 days depending on the selected service
• Asia-Pacific: Japan, China, Australia, South Korea and many other Asian countries are part of the network of destinations
• Rest of the world: Latin America, Africa, Middle East and other regions are accessible via international services

For international shipments, Poste Italiane relies on a system of tariff zones ranging from zone 1 to zone 6, which determine the rates and delivery times applicable depending on the destination. European Union countries generally benefit from the most favorable conditions in terms of delivery times and rates, while more distant destinations such as Australia or certain African countries may require longer delivery times and higher fees.

Cooperation with foreign postal operators is a key element of Poste Italiane's international operations. When a parcel is shipped to another country, Poste Italiane transports it to the international exchange center, then hands it over to the postal operator of the destination country which ensures final delivery. This system of exchange between postal administrations allows for continuity of service and tracking for the customer, even if the parcel crosses several borders.

In 2021, Poste Italiane strengthened its international presence by acquiring a majority stake of 51% in Sengi Express, a Chinese logistics company specializing in this area. This acquisition aims to improve the smooth flow of parcel exchanges between China and Italy, a particularly important focus given the growing volume of goods ordered by Italian consumers on Chinese e-commerce platforms.

What are Poste Italiane's shipping services and delivery times?

Poste Italiane offers a complete range of shipping services adapted to all needs, from economical shipments to urgent express deliveries. This diversity allows shippers to choose the best balance between delivery speed and cost, depending on the nature and urgency of their shipment. The group has significantly modernized its offering in recent years, particularly with the redesign of its product line under the Poste Delivery brand.

For domestic shipments within Italy, Poste Italiane provides several levels of service meeting different customer expectations. Traditional mail services now stand alongside modern and efficient parcel delivery solutions, capable of competing with major private couriers on the Italian market.

• Poste Delivery Express: Premium service allowing you to send parcels up to 30 kg with delivery in 1 to 3 business days depending on the destination in Italy. This service includes real-time tracking and signature on delivery, ideal for urgent or valuable shipments.
• Poste Delivery Standard: Economical solution for parcels up to 20 kg with a delivery time of 4 business days. This service offers an excellent compromise between cost and speed for non-urgent shipments.
• Poste Delivery Web: Fully digital service allowing you to send parcels up to 30 kg with free home pickup. This modern solution is particularly suitable for users who prefer to manage their shipments online.
• Posta 1: Priority mail service guaranteeing delivery on the next business day after sending. Intended for letters and small shipments requiring rapid distribution.
• Posta Raccomandata: Registered mail with proof of sending and receipt, delivered in 3 to 5 business days. This service includes recipient signature and basic insurance, perfect for important documents.
• Posta Assicurata: Insured shipping service allowing you to send valuable items with coverage up to 3,000 euros. Delivery takes place in 4 business days with enhanced guarantees.

For international shipments, Poste Italiane has structured its offering around four main services, each adapted to specific needs in terms of destination, time and budget.

• Poste Delivery International Express: International express service for parcels up to 30 kg with delivery times of 2 to 4 business days to major European and worldwide destinations. This premium service offers complete tracking and customs assistance.
• Poste Delivery Europe: Service dedicated to shipments to European countries, with delivery times of approximately 3 business days and a maximum capacity of 30 kg. Customs assistance is included for non-EU destinations.
• Poste Delivery Globe: Service for shipments outside the European Union up to 30 kg, with delivery times of 2 to 5 business days and complete assistance with customs procedures.
• Poste Delivery International Standard: Economical solution for international shipments up to 20 kg. Delivery times range from 10 to 15 business days for the EU and 10 to 25 days for the rest of the world.

The delivery times indicated are estimates based on normal shipping conditions. Several factors can influence the actual transit time, including customs procedures for international shipments, exceptional weather conditions, periods of high activity such as year-end holidays, or strikes and social unrest. Poste Italiane recommends that its customers use the online tracking system to monitor their shipment in real time.

Saturday delivery is available as an additional option for certain services, particularly Poste Delivery Business Standard and Poste Delivery Business Express. This flexibility meets the expectations of modern consumers who wish to receive their parcels even at the end of the week. Conversely, deliveries on Sundays and public holidays are generally not provided by Poste Italiane.

Poste Italiane also has its own air transport company, Poste Air Cargo (formerly Mistral Air), which operates overnight cargo flights between major Italian airports. This proprietary air infrastructure accelerates the transport of urgent shipments over long distances and ensures better control of delivery times for express services.

What are the rates and maximum dimensions accepted by Poste Italiane?

Poste Italiane's rates are structured according to several criteria: the type of service chosen, the weight of the shipment, its dimensions and the destination. The group regularly carries out rate revisions, authorized by the Authority for Communications Guarantees (AGCOM). These updates concern mainly universal postal services.

For domestic shipments within Italy, rates vary depending on the service selected and the weight of the parcel. The tariff scale is progressive, with weight brackets that determine the final shipping price. The rates shown below correspond to public counter prices and may vary depending on current promotions or professional agreements.

• Poste Delivery Standard: Starting from 10.30 euros for a parcel from 0 to 3 kg in standard format. This economical service allows you to ship parcels up to 20 kg maximum.
• Poste Delivery Express: Starting from 12.90 euros for the lightest shipments, with a maximum capacity of 30 kg. The rate increases progressively with weight.
• Poste Delivery Web: Starting from just 7.90 euros for shipments prepared online, including free home pickup. Maximum capacity of 30 kg.
• Posta Raccomandata: Variable rates depending on weight and format, with a base around 6 euros for standard shipments.

For international shipments, rates are organized by geographic zones, from zone 1 (nearest European countries) to zone 6 (most distant destinations). This structure makes it possible to adjust prices to actual shipping costs according to distance and agreements concluded with partner postal operators.

• Poste Delivery Europe: Starting from 30.94 euros for shipments to European countries, with delivery in approximately 3 business days.
• Poste Delivery Globe: Starting from 32.94 euros for shipments outside the European Union, including customs assistance.
• Poste Delivery International Standard: Starting from 25.80 euros for zone 1 up to 1 kg. Rates with pre-acceptance online are slightly reduced, starting from 24.75 euros.

Additional charges may apply in certain specific situations. Oversized or non-standard parcels incur a surcharge of 10 to 15 euros depending on the case. Additional insurance represents approximately 1% of the declared value of goods. The cash-on-delivery service (contrassegno) costs 2% of the amount to be collected, with a minimum of 3 euros. Finally, deliveries to remote areas or minor islands may generate a surcharge of 2 to 5 euros.

Regarding the maximum dimensions and weight authorized, Poste Italiane applies precise rules according to the type of service and destination.

• National maximum weight: 30 kg for Poste Delivery Express and Poste Delivery Web services, 20 kg for Poste Delivery Standard.
• Standard international maximum weight: 30 kg for most destinations. This weight is reduced to 24 kg for certain countries such as Australia, Egypt, Israel, Mexico, Ukraine and several others.
• Maximum weight Australia: 19 kg specifically for shipments to that country.
• National maximum dimensions: The longest side must not exceed 100 cm. The sum of length + width + height must not exceed 225 cm.
• International maximum dimensions: The longest side limited to 100 cm. The sum of the three dimensions must not exceed 140 cm for standard services.
• Minimum dimensions: 20 cm x 11 cm minimum for rectangular shipments. For cylindrical shipments, the sum of the length plus twice the diameter must not be less than 17 cm.

Certain types of goods are subject to shipping restrictions or prohibitions. Dangerous materials, flammable products, weapons, narcotics and other items prohibited by law cannot of course be shipped. Valuables such as jewelry or cash require the use of the Posta Assicurata service with special conditions. It is recommended to consult the complete list of restrictions on the official Poste Italiane website before any shipment.

What are Poste Italiane's delivery options?

Poste Italiane has significantly developed its delivery options in recent years to adapt to new consumption habits of Italians and meet the demands of e-commerce. The group now offers remarkable flexibility allowing recipients to choose the delivery method that best suits them, whether at home or at one of the many collection points in the network.

Home delivery remains the primary distribution method for Poste Italiane parcels. The postal carrier or delivery person presents themselves at the address indicated by the sender during normal delivery hours, generally between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday, with the possibility of Saturday delivery for certain services. If the recipient is absent, the system automatically provides for up to two delivery attempts, thus avoiding the customer having to take additional steps.

The Punto Poste network constitutes the major alternative to home delivery. This network, which has more than 18,000 points across the entire Italian territory, offers a convenient solution for people who cannot be present at their home to receive a parcel.

• Commercial pickup points: More than 13,000 bars, tobacconists, stationery stores, kiosks and other neighborhood stores participate in the Punto Poste network. These establishments, spread throughout Italy, offer extended opening hours often more convenient than traditional post offices.
• Post offices: The more than 12,000 post offices in the Poste Italiane network can serve as a pickup point for parcels. It is also the place where shipments that could not be distributed after delivery attempts are kept.
• Punto Poste Da Te lockers: Approximately 350 automated parcel lockers are installed in strategic locations such as gas stations, shopping centers, train stations and near certain post offices. These lockers allow 24/7 self-service pickup.
• Carrefour points: More than 80 Carrefour supermarkets in Italy offer the Punto Poste service, allowing customers to pick up their parcels while doing their grocery shopping.

The Punto Poste Da Te lockers represent a major innovation in Poste Italiane's offering. These automated parcel lockers are equipped with a touchscreen and compartments of three different sizes with electronic locks. Interaction is via the "Ufficio Postale" mobile application, available on the App Store and Play Store. This application not only allows you to pick up parcels but also to make payments and even reserve a compartment as a temporary deposit for deliveries between individuals.

Several options allow you to customize delivery according to recipient preferences.

• Choice of Punto Poste location: When shopping online on a partner e-commerce site, the customer can directly select the pickup point of their choice as the delivery address.
• Redirect to a pickup point: If the recipient knows they will be absent, they can request redirection of their parcel to a Punto Poste location of their choice.
• Delivery notification: The system sends notifications by SMS or email to inform the recipient of their delivery status and parcel availability.
• Saturday delivery: Option available for Poste Delivery Business Standard and Poste Delivery Business Express services, allowing you to receive your parcels even at the end of the week.

If delivery is not made after home delivery attempts, the parcel is held at the post office closest to the recipient's home. A notice of non-delivery (avviso di giacenza) is left in the mailbox, indicating the location and pickup hours. The recipient generally has 30 days to collect their parcel, after which the shipment may be returned to the sender.

For shipments valued at more than 250 euros or certain types of insured shipments, pickup can only be made at the post office, with presentation of an ID document. This security measure ensures that precious items are delivered to the correct person. The recipient may also delegate a trusted person for pickup, subject to written authorization and presentation of identity documents for both parties.

For any information or assistance regarding the Punto Poste network, Poste Italiane makes two phone numbers available: 803 160 (free from a landline) and 06 4526 3160 (from landline and mobile according to operator rates). These lines are available Monday through Saturday, 8am to 8pm, excluding public holidays.

What should I do if my Poste Italiane parcel is lost or damaged?

Loss or damage to a parcel is a frustrating situation, but Poste Italiane has established clear procedures to handle these cases and compensate affected customers. It is essential to know these procedures and follow them carefully to maximize your chances of obtaining a favorable response and possible compensation.

Before filing a claim, verify that the parcel has not simply been delayed or held at a post office. Online tracking allows you to check the current status of the shipment. If the parcel appears as "delivered" when you have not received it, or if you notice damage upon receipt, you can then initiate the claims procedure.

• Who can file a claim: The sender (mittente), recipient or a person authorized by either of them may file a claim (reclamo) with Poste Italiane.
• Time limit for claiming in case of loss: The claim must be presented within three months from the date of parcel shipment. Beyond this deadline, the request will be considered inadmissible.
• Time limit for claiming in case of damage: In case of damage (danneggiamento) or alteration (manomissione) of an insured parcel, the claim must be filed within 15 days of delivery. It is imperative to retain the original packaging and damaged contents as evidence.

Several channels are available to file your claim with Poste Italiane.

• Online: Via the dedicated form on the poste.it website in the "Reclami" section. This is the fastest and most convenient method.
• By certified email (PEC): To [email protected] for those with a Posta Elettronica Certificata address.
• By fax: To 06 9868 6415.
• By registered mail: To PO Box 160, 00144 Roma.
• By phone: By calling 803 160 to report the issue and get instructions.

When filing the claim, several documents and information will be necessary to allow Poste Italiane to process your case.

• Shipping receipt: A copy of the ricevuta issued when the parcel was deposited, bearing the tracking number.
• Consignment note: A copy of the distinta di accettazione or lettera di vettura if you have one.
• Damage photos: In case of damaged parcel, photographs of the damaged packaging and contents constitute essential evidence.
• Detailed description: An accurate account of the facts: shipping date, circumstances of discovering the problem, nature of damage discovered.
• Proof of value: For insured shipments, an invoice or any document attesting to the value of goods shipped.

Once the claim is filed, Poste Italiane has a maximum of 45 business days to provide a response. This timeline allows the relevant service to conduct the necessary internal verifications, including inquiries with the various sorting centers and post offices through which the parcel has passed.

The compensation provided by Poste Italiane varies depending on the type of shipment and the nature of the loss.

• Total loss: Reimbursement of shipping costs and, depending on the type of shipment, the declared value of the goods.
• Significant delay: In case of delay exceeding 6 business days beyond the expected time, compensation of 25.82 euros plus shipping costs is provided, or 1 euro per kilogram if this calculation is more favorable to the customer.
• Insured shipment: Reimbursement up to the insured value, with application of a 10% deductible (minimum 26 euros) for international shipments.
• Uninsured shipment: Fixed compensation according to a scale set by Poste Italiane.

If Poste Italiane's response does not satisfy you or if your compensation claim is denied, several remedies are available.

• Conciliation: You may submit a Domanda di Conciliazione (conciliation request) to attempt to resolve the dispute amicably.
• Judicial authority: If conciliation fails, recourse to the courts remains possible. The justice of the peace (giudice di pace) is competent for disputes valued at no more than 5,000 euros.
• Consumer associations: Organizations such as Altroconsumo can assist you in your proceedings and advise you on the steps to take.

To avoid inconvenience, Poste Italiane recommends purchasing additional insurance for valuable shipments. Posta Assicurata insurance covers risks of loss, theft and damage up to 3,000 euros for domestic shipments, at rates starting from 6.20 euros. For international shipments, insurance is available from 8.30 euros. Extended coverage up to 5,000 euros is also offered for certain premium services.

Does Poste Italiane handle international shipments and customs procedures?

Poste Italiane offers a complete range of services for international shipments and assists its customers in managing customs procedures. The experience accumulated by the Italian postal operator in cross-border exchanges, combined with agreements concluded with postal administrations worldwide, ensures reliable delivery of parcels to more than 200 destinations.

For shipments within the European Union, customs procedures are considerably simplified thanks to the common economic area. As a general rule, no customs documents are required for shipments of goods between EU member countries. The parcel circulates freely without border controls, which allows for reduced delivery times and the absence of customs fees for the recipient.

For shipments to countries outside the European Union, customs procedures are mandatory and must be completed by the sender before depositing the parcel.

• CN23 customs declaration: This form is mandatory for any shipment of goods outside the EU, regardless of value. It must detail the nature of items, their quantity, weight and value. The declaration must be completed electronically before shipment.
• Commercial invoice: For shipments valued at more than 380 euros, a commercial or pro-forma invoice must accompany the CN23 declaration. For shipments exceeding 1,000 euros, additional documents may be required.
• Consignment note (Lettera di Vettura): This document identifies and accompanies the shipment throughout its journey. Information provided by the sender must be filled in clearly and completely to avoid any delay.

Customs assistance is included in several Poste Italiane services, notably Poste Delivery Europe, Poste Delivery Globe and Poste Delivery International Express. This assistance includes the transmission of documents to customs authorities and follow-up of the case during the clearance process.

Applicable customs duties and taxes vary considerably depending on the destination country, the nature of goods and their value.

• Customs duties: Calculated on the value of goods according to the customs tariff of the importing country. Certain categories of products are subject to higher duties (textiles, electronics, etc.).
• Import VAT: Most countries apply a value-added tax to imported goods. The rate varies according to local legislation.
• Processing fees: The postal operator of the destination country may charge fees for handling customs procedures.
• Payment responsibility: Unless otherwise agreed, these fees are generally the responsibility of the recipient who must settle them before being able to collect their parcel.

Delivery times for international shipments may be impacted by customs procedures. Customs waiting times are not counted in the delivery times announced by Poste Italiane. The recipient may be contacted by customs authorities to provide additional documents or clarify the nature of the shipment, which may extend the total time.

Certain restrictions apply to international shipments depending on the legislation of the countries involved.

• Prohibited merchandise: Each country has its own list of products prohibited from importation. It is the responsibility of the sender to inquire about applicable restrictions.
• Food products: Food items are often subject to strict health controls and may be refused at importation in many countries.
• Medicines: The shipment of medicines internationally is generally highly regulated or even prohibited depending on the countries.
• Counterfeits: Goods suspected of counterfeiting may be seized and destroyed by customs services.

To facilitate exchanges with certain key countries, Poste Italiane has developed strategic partnerships. The acquisition of Sengi Express in China is notably aimed at optimizing parcel flows between Italy and China, by simplifying procedures and reducing times. Similarly, the partnership with DHL aims to improve the management of cross-border shipments and offer more efficient delivery solutions to many destinations.

Tracking of international shipments remains possible even after customs clearance and takeover by the postal operator of the destination country. The tracking number issued by Poste Italiane is generally recognized by foreign postal systems thanks to data exchange standards of the Universal Postal Union. The customer can thus continue to track the shipment on the Poste Italiane website or on that of the local postal operator.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track a Poste Italiane parcel online, different statuses may appear reflecting the different stages of your shipment's journey. This information is updated each time the parcel is scanned in sorting centers, during customs passages or at delivery. Here are the main statuses and their meaning: