Royal Mail tracking
How to track my Royal Mail package?
Ordertracker provides a simple solution to track your Royal Mail packages. To begin, you'll need a Royal Mail tracking number provided by the sender or the retailer.
Enter your tracking number in the above field and hit "enter." Our tracker will then fetch the latest tracking details for your package.
You'll see a timeline showing your package's journey, including its current location, transit history, and expected delivery date. This keeps you informed about your Royal Mail package in real time.
Where can I find my Royal Mail tracking number?
Finding your Royal Mail tracking number is usually simple. When you buy an item online or send a package, the tracking number is typically given by the online store or sender. If you're the recipient, the sender often provides it via email, text, or on the order confirmation page.
For online purchases, log in to your store account to find the tracking number in your order history or tracking section. You can also find it in shipping notifications sent to your email or phone.
Once you have the tracking number, you can easily use Ordertracker to monitor your package's progress. This tool shows your package's journey and estimated delivery date.
Why isn't my Royal Mail package moving in the package tracking history?
Dealing with a Royal Mail package that appears stuck in tracking can be frustrating. Yet, there are steps to tackle this. If you've been using Ordertracker and see no progress, start by being patient. Delays, like customs or logistical issues, can arise.
If the delay remains, contact Royal Mail or the sender for specifics. They can offer insight or investigate. Keep your tracking number ready for a smoother process. Sometimes, misrouting or address errors cause delays. Confirm the details provided to you by the sender. Remember, Royal Mail customer service or the sender can help resolve shipping delays.
When I track my Royal Mail package, why does it show as "returned"?
If you're tracking your Royal Mail package and it's marked as "returned", this usually means that the package has been sent back to the sender or the shipment origin location for a specific reason. There are a few common explanations for why a Royal Mail package might be labeled as "returned":
An unclear or inaccurate address from sender or recipient might lead Royal Mail to be unable to deliver, resulting in a return.
If multiple delivery attempts fail, Royal Mail may return the package instead of holding it indefinitely.
If the recipient doesn't collect the package within a timeframe from a post office or delivery center, Royal Mail might return it.
International packages can be return due to customs problems like missing or incorrect documents.
If your Royal Mail package is "returned" in tracking, contact the sender or Royal Mail customer service. This clarifies the return reason and lets you explore solutions like resending or refunding. Please note that return procedures can vary based on Royal Mail policies and circumstances.
Why does the Royal Mail parcel tracking timeline indicate that my order cannot be found?
When your Royal Mail parcel tracking lacks information, it may indicate a "cannot be found" message. This happens for a few reasons:
Ensure your tracking number is accurate. Even a small mistake can prevent the system from recognizing your package.
Sometimes, tracking details might be slower to update in Royal Mail system. Wait and check again later for potential updates.
If the package was recently sent, it might not be processed by Royal Mail yet. Tracking should appear shortly.
About Royal Mail
Royal Mail is the national postal service provider for the United Kingdom. With a rich history dating back to 2001, Royal Mail has been delivering mail and packages across the country and internationally. It offers a wide range of services including letter delivery, parcel delivery, and special delivery options. Royal Mail plays a vital role in connecting individuals, businesses, and communities by providing reliable and efficient postal services.
How to contact Royal Mail?
If you are experiencing issues with the delivery process managed by Royal Mail, please do not hesitate to contact their customer support.
How long does it take for Royal Mail to deliver a shipment?
Royal Mail offers various delivery services, each with its own estimated delivery times. The delivery times can vary depending on the destination, the service chosen, and other factors. Generally, delivery within the United Kingdom is expected to be as follows:
- Royal Mail 1st Class: This service aims to deliver the shipment by the next working day. However, please note that it is not a guaranteed next day delivery service, and deliveries may take longer in certain cases.
- Royal Mail 2nd Class: This service is a cost-effective option and aims to deliver the shipment within 3 working days. Again, this is an estimated delivery time and not guaranteed.
- Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed: This is a premium service that offers a guaranteed delivery time. Depending on the service level selected, deliveries are usually made by 9 am or 1 pm on the next working day after posting. Same-day delivery options are also available in certain areas for specific times.
For deliveries outside the United Kingdom, Royal Mail provides various international shipping services. The delivery times for these services can vary widely depending on the destination country, the service selected, customs clearance, and other factors. It is best to check with Royal Mail or consult their website or customer service for specific delivery times to individual countries.
Royal Mail offers a wide range of delivery services to cater to different customer needs. Some of the key services are:
- Royal Mail Tracked: This service provides end-to-end tracking and delivery confirmation for added peace of mind. It allows customers to track their shipments online, providing visibility of their package's whereabouts.
- Royal Mail Signed For: With this service, the recipient's signature is required upon delivery, providing proof of delivery and added security.
- Royal Mail Special Delivery: This is a premium service that offers guaranteed next day delivery or same-day delivery options for urgent or time-sensitive shipments.
- Royal Mail International Standard: This is a cost-effective option for sending parcels internationally, providing basic delivery without tracking or additional features.
- Royal Mail International Tracked & Signed: This service offers both tracking and signature confirmation for international shipments, providing a higher level of visibility and security.
The cost of Royal Mail services depends on various factors such as the size and weight of the shipment, the type of service chosen, the destination, and any additional features or options selected. Royal Mail provides a detailed pricing structure based on these factors.
It is important to note that prices can vary over time, and it is recommended to check the Royal Mail website, consult their pricing guides, or use their online postage calculators for the most up-to-date and accurate pricing information.
For businesses or frequent shippers, Royal Mail also offers various options for business accounts and bulk discounts. These accounts can provide cost savings and additional services tailored to the specific needs of businesses.
What does a Royal Mail tracking number looks like?
A Royal Mail tracking number is a unique combination of letters and numbers that helps track the progress of a shipment. The format of a Royal Mail tracking number varies depending on the type of service used. Here are some examples of tracking number formats used by Royal Mail:
- Royal Mail 48: The tracking number for this service consists of two letters followed by nine numbers, for example, "AB123456789GB".
- Royal Mail 24: Similar to Royal Mail 48, this service also uses a tracking number with two letters and nine numbers, but it ends with "GB" instead of starting with it. For instance, "AB123456789GB".
- International Tracked & Signed: This service uses a different format for tracking numbers. It typically starts with two letters, followed by nine numbers and usually ends with two-letter country code. For example, "AB123456789GB".
- Special Delivery Guaranteed: The tracking number for this service usually consists of a mix of letters and numbers, starting with two letters, followed by ten numbers. Occasionally, it may also include an additional letter at the end. For example, "AB1234567890CD".
It's important to note that the examples provided are for illustration purposes, and actual tracking numbers may vary. Customers can easily track their Royal Mail shipments by entering the tracking number on the Royal Mail website or by using their mobile app.
More information about Royal Mail
The history of Royal Mail dates back to the 16th century when it was established as a public service in England. The postal service became increasingly organized over time, and in 1661, it was formalized as the General Post Office (GPO) under the control of the British government. The GPO was responsible for the collection, sorting, and delivery of mail across the country.
In 1840, the Penny Black, the world's first adhesive postage stamp, was introduced in the United Kingdom. This landmark innovation made postage affordable for the general public, revolutionizing the postal system. The GPO continued to expand its services, connecting regions and facilitating communication throughout the growing British Empire.
During the early 20th century, the GPO introduced many advancements, including the introduction of the world's first regular airmail service in 1969, the GPO was transformed into a public corporation known as the Post Office, marking the beginning of its evolution into a more commercial entity.
In 2001, Royal Mail was established as a separate entity from the Post Office, becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of the Royal Mail Group. This shift allowed for more autonomy and flexibility in the operation of the postal service. Royal Mail has since undergone significant modernization efforts, investing in new technologies and streamlining its operations to meet the evolving needs of the 21st-century postal industry.
Royal Mail operates through various units that serve different segments of the postal market. One of these units is Royal Mail Group, which encompasses the core mail-delivery operations and various supporting services. Royal Mail Group operates primarily in the United Kingdom, delivering letters and parcels to millions of households and businesses across the country.
Another key operating unit is Parcelforce Worldwide, specializing in express parcel deliveries both domestically and internationally. Parcelforce operates a comprehensive network of depots, ensuring efficient and reliable handling and delivery of packages.
In addition to its domestic operations, Royal Mail has a global presence through international subsidiaries and partnerships. It operates in various countries worldwide, either directly or through collaborative arrangements with other postal administrations. These partnerships facilitate the smooth exchange of mail and parcels across borders, fostering international trade and communication.
Overall, Royal Mail operates with a clear focus on delivering excellent service and meeting the needs of customers both within the United Kingdom and internationally. Its extensive network, combined with a rich history of innovation, positions Royal Mail as a trusted and reliable postal carrier.
Common shipment tracking statuses
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| The item was received at the location. | The package has arrived at a specific location in transit |
| The sender is despatching the item. | The package is being sent by the sender |
| The item is yet to be delivered. | The package hasn't been delivered yet |
| The item has been despatched. | The package has been sent out for delivery |
| The sender is preparing the item. | The package is being prepared for dispatch by the sender |
| The item is leaving the facility. | The package is exiting transit station |
| The mail has received the item. | The postal service has received the package |
| The item has been received. | The package has been received |
| The international item has been received. | The package from overseas has been received |
| The item has left our international processing centre. | The package has departed from the international sorting center |
| The item was collected from the customer service point. | The package has been picked up from the customer service station |
| The item is available for collection. | The package is ready to be picked up |
| The delivery had no issues. | The package was delivered without any problems |
| The parcel hub has received the item. | The package has arrived at the central sorting hub |
| The item was successfully delivered. | The package has been delivered successfully |
| The item has arrived at the delivery office. | The package has arrived at the local delivery office |
| The item has been despatched to the mail site. | The package has been sent to the post office |
| The hub successfully delivered the item. | The main hub has sent the package successfully |
| The depot is on route to the hub. | The depot is moving the package to the main hub |
| The item was collected at the depot. | The package has been picked up at the depot |
| The item has been prepared for dispatch. | The package has been prepared to be sent out for delivery |
| The item has been received at the sorting office. | The package has been received and will be sorted at the sorting office |