SF Express tracking
How to track my SF Express package?
Ordertracker provides a simple solution to track your SF Express packages. To begin, you'll need a SF Express 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 SF Express package in real time.
Where can I find my SF Express tracking number?
Finding your SF Express 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 SF Express package moving in the package tracking history?
Dealing with a SF Express 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 SF Express 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, SF Express customer service or the sender can help resolve shipping delays.
When I track my SF Express package, why does it show as "returned"?
If you're tracking your SF Express 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 SF Express package might be labeled as "returned":
An unclear or inaccurate address from sender or recipient might lead SF Express to be unable to deliver, resulting in a return.
If multiple delivery attempts fail, SF Express 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, SF Express might return it.
International packages can be return due to customs problems like missing or incorrect documents.
If your SF Express package is "returned" in tracking, contact the sender or SF Express 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 SF Express policies and circumstances.
Why does the SF Express parcel tracking timeline indicate that my order cannot be found?
When your SF Express 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 SF Express system. Wait and check again later for potential updates.
If the package was recently sent, it might not be processed by SF Express yet. Tracking should appear shortly.
About SF Express
SF Express is a leading courier and logistics service provider based in China. With its headquarters in Shenzhen, SF Express offers a wide range of domestic and international delivery services. The company is known for its efficient and reliable express delivery network, which covers both urban and rural areas. SF Express has expanded its operations globally, establishing partnerships and subsidiaries in various countries. With a strong focus on technology and innovation, SF Express continues to enhance its logistics capabilities and provide exceptional customer service.
How to contact SF Express?
If you are experiencing issues with the delivery process managed by SF Express, please do not hesitate to contact their customer support.
Chinese express courier founded in 1993 with airline
SF Express, officially SF Express Co Ltd, is a Chinese provider of express delivery and logistics services founded in 1993 by entrepreneur Wang Wei. Based in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, the company quickly grew to become one of the largest courier companies in China. It is now considered the second largest courier service in the country (after China Post) in terms of domestic market activity. SF Express is part of SF Holding, a company listed on the Shenzhen stock exchange since 2017 and has expanded its operations internationally by offering services in more than 50 countries and territories worldwide. Thanks to its global network, SF Express can deliver shipments to over 200 countries, making it one of the major international courier companies of Chinese origin. The company operates a substantial logistics fleet, including its own cargo airline, SF Airlines, which has dozens of cargo planes and is the largest air freight company in China. SF Express is distinguished by its vertical integration and scale: it is now the leading provider of integrated logistics services in China and Asia, and is among the largest players in the sector worldwide.
: An SF Express delivery vehicle operates in the streets of Suzhou, China, illustrating the local presence of the carrier. Founded in the 1990s, SF Express initially focused its activity on express delivery in the industrial region of the Pearl River Delta (around Shenzhen and Hong Kong). With the rise of e-commerce in the early 2000s, the company experienced exponential growth and expanded its network nationwide. It gradually established branches and distribution centers throughout mainland China, now covering 339 prefecture-level cities in the country. This expansion was accompanied by significant investments in modern infrastructure (logistics sorting centers, vehicle fleets, automated warehouses) and a diversification of its services to cover the entire logistics chain.
History and development of SF Express
SF Express was created on March 26, 1993, in Shunde (Guangdong) with only a few employees, initially to ensure parcel delivery between southern China (notably Shunde and Lufeng) and Hong Kong. During the early years, the company operated on a regional franchise model, but in 2002 it recentralized its operations by transforming its franchised agencies into its own branches, ensuring better service quality control. At the turn of the millennium, SF Express began investing in technological solutions to optimize its operations: introduction of barcode reading systems, real-time computerized parcel tracking, and implementation of a performance-based compensation system for its couriers. These innovations allowed it to increase its efficiency and meet the growing demand for fast deliveries driven by the e-commerce boom in China.
Throughout the 2010s, SF Express continued its expansion and diversification. In 2009, the company founded SF Airlines, becoming the first private express delivery company in China to have its own fleet of cargo planes. The opening of dedicated air routes significantly accelerated its long-distance transport times. In 2010, SF Express began its international expansion by opening a subsidiary in Singapore, marking its entry into the global market. Throughout the following years, the company ventured into new logistics fields: cold chain logistics (cold chain for fresh and pharmaceutical products), advanced warehousing services, on-demand urban delivery, and heavy freight chartering. In 2017, SF Express reached a major milestone by going public in Shenzhen, which formalized its status as a giant in the sector. That same year, SF Holding (parent company of SF Express) entered into a strategic partnership to acquire the supply chain activities of a multinational in mainland China, further strengthening its position in contract logistics. These developments allowed SF Express to transition from a simple parcel carrier to a provider of integrated and global logistics solutions.
Today, SF Express continues to innovate and invest in new technologies. The company has experimented with the use of delivery drones and autonomous vehicles to improve "last mile" efficiency in remote urban and rural areas. It has also implemented big data and artificial intelligence systems to optimize routes, forecast shipping volumes, and enhance the customer experience. In 2018, SF Express participated in the construction of a new logistics airport in Ezhou (Hubei province), specifically designed for cargo operations, demonstrating its commitment to further improving its air transport network. With its history of growth and innovation, SF Express has established itself as a key player in modern logistics, combining a vast physical network with cutting-edge technologies to ensure reliable and fast deliveries.
Services and solutions offered by SF Express
Originally specialized in express mail, SF Express now offers a comprehensive range of logistics services to meet the diverse needs of its clientele. In the Chinese domestic market, the company offers several express delivery options. Its standard service, called SF Standard Express, generally ensures the delivery of documents and parcels within 1 to 3 business days across mainland China. For urgent shipments, SF Express has developed an accelerated offer named SF Express Plus, allowing same-day or next-day delivery in most major cities, with an average time of 1 to 2 business days. In parallel, SF Express offers services dedicated to large shipments (>20 kg) and ultra-fast intra-city deliveries (via its subsidiary SF Intra-city for local errands).
Internationally, SF Express offers several shipping solutions to over 200 destinations. Among these are SF Economy Express (economical service), SF Standard Express (standard service), and SF Express Plus (priority service) for sending parcels abroad. International delivery times depend on the chosen service level and destination: they generally range from 2 to 7 business days for most common destinations but may be longer for shipments to remote regions or in case of complex customs procedures. In addition to parcel transport, SF Express offers international freight shipping services for larger volumes, relying on its air network and global logistics partnerships. The company thus ensures connectivity between China and many regions of Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, etc., facilitating cross-border trade for businesses and individuals.
SF Express is not limited to parcel delivery. Over time, the company has expanded its offer to cover the entire supply chain. It offers warehousing and inventory management services, allowing businesses to store their goods in strategically located logistics centers and ensure optimized distribution. The SF Supply Chain division offers end-to-end supply chain management solutions, including supply planning, inventory management, order preparation, and final distribution. SF Express has also developed temperature-controlled transport services (cold) for fresh and pharmaceutical products, as well as customs clearance services to support international shipments. All of these services are part of SF Express's commitment to providing integrated logistics solutions, from the initial handling of goods to their final delivery, with tailored value-added services (transport insurance, cash on delivery, return of signed documents, etc.). According to industry sources, SF Express's services today encompass express delivery (domestic and international), freight, warehousing, supply chain management, and various complementary logistics services. This diversification allows SF Express to be a global logistics partner for many industries (e-commerce, consumer electronics, fashion, food, healthcare, etc.).
Geographical coverage and logistics network
SF Express operates primarily in mainland China, where it has a dense logistics network connecting major cities and rural areas. The company has regional sorting and distribution centers in all Chinese provinces, allowing it to ensure fast deliveries even to remote locations. For long-distance routes within the country, SF Express relies on a fleet of over 200,000 road vehicles (trucks, vans, urban electric vehicles) as well as its regular cargo air routes. The company has gradually built the largest combined land and air transport fleet in Asia, giving it unparalleled delivery capacity on Chinese territory. Thanks to SF Airlines, which operates nearly a hundred cargo planes of various sizes, SF Express has daily connections between major sorting centers (Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Beijing, etc.), reducing the time between shipment and receipt.
: An SF Airlines cargo plane, a subsidiary of SF Express, at Ezhou Huahu Airport in China (Boeing 737-300F). This air network allows SF Express to connect China to major global logistics centers. Internationally, SF Express has indeed expanded its presence to many countries through subsidiaries and partnerships. The company is directly established in some key regions (Southeast Asia, North America, Europe) where it has operational centers and local teams. In other countries, SF Express collaborates with local carriers to ensure "last mile" delivery. For example, a parcel shipped from China to France will be handled by SF Express until its arrival in Europe, then handed over to a local partner for final distribution, while remaining tracked in a unified manner by the SF Express system. This international partnership strategy allows SF Express to guarantee a consistent and reliable level of service worldwide, without necessarily having its own couriers in every country. Today, SF Express claims to cover more than 200 countries in terms of served destinations. Its physical presence is particularly strong in the Asia-Pacific region (Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, etc.), where it has established regional sorting centers. In Europe and North America, SF Express has also strengthened its capacity in recent years to support the growth of cross-border e-commerce flows from China. SF Express's global network illustrates the company's ambition to become a global logistics network, relying on its own resources and strategic alliances.
Shipment tracking and customer service
Transparency in delivery is a central element of SF Express's offer. Each shipped parcel is assigned a unique tracking number, usually consisting of a combination of letters and numbers. The most common SF Express tracking format includes two-letter prefixes followed by a series of about 9 to 12 digits (for example: SF1234567890). Other fully numeric formats with 12 to 17 digits also exist, but in all cases, this AWB (Air Waybill) number allows the shipment to be identified throughout its journey. Customers can track their shipments in real-time by entering this tracking number on the official SF Express website or via the dedicated mobile app. The tracking system provides detailed information such as the current location of the parcel, the transit stages completed (departure from origin, arrival at a sorting center, out for delivery, etc.), as well as an estimated delivery date. In addition, SF Express notifies major updates (for example, customs cleared, out for delivery, delivered...) to proactively keep shippers and recipients informed.
SF Express's customer service is also structured to support shipments. In case of unusual delays, delivery issues (incorrect address, recipient absent), or damaged parcels, SF Express offers assistance via its hotline and local agencies. The company is known for its commitment to quickly resolving incidents, reflecting its reliability motto. It offers, for example, free rescheduling of a delivery in case of failure due to the recipient's absence or free return of a refused parcel. Thanks to online tracking, customers can quickly detect a potential blockage (parcel stuck in customs, etc.) and contact support if necessary. SF Express emphasizes its "customer culture" by seeking to provide flexible solutions: rerouting to another address, making the parcel available at a pickup point, or simplified customs procedures thanks to its dedicated teams. This focus on customer satisfaction has contributed to SF Express's reputation as a reliable and attentive carrier, which is a key factor in its success in the highly competitive express logistics market.
Delivery times and pricing
Delivery times at SF Express vary depending on the chosen service, the distance to be covered, and any special procedures (such as international customs clearance). For shipments within China, a standard shipment typically takes 1 to 3 business days to reach its destination, while a priority express shipment can be delivered in 24 to 48 hours in most major cities. These estimates remain indicative, as unforeseen factors (weather, network congestion, peak periods during holidays) can impact durations. Internationally, SF Express announces usual times ranging from 3 to 7 business days for main destinations, and can extend up to about 10 days or more for economical services or distant destinations. It is important to note that these times are averages and not absolute guarantees: SF Express recommends that customers check case-by-case estimates via the online tool or customer service for each specific shipment. The company regularly updates its transit forecasts based on operational conditions to provide the best possible visibility to shippers.
Regarding pricing, SF Express adopts a transparent system based on several parameters: the actual weight of the parcel, its volume (volumetric weight), the distance between origin and destination, and the service level (express, economical, etc.). Additional fees may apply for optional services such as ad valorem insurance, special handling (large or fragile parcels), or cash on delivery collection. SF Express systematically calculates the volumetric weight and compares it to the actual weight to determine the tariff base, in accordance with international air transport standards. The company also offers discounts for large account or regular customers, as well as occasional promotional offers during certain periods, while avoiding publicly communicating general rates due to variability depending on the cases. The shipping cost can be estimated online via the SF Express calculator by entering the parcel's characteristics and destination, which provides an instant quote. SF Express emphasizes that all applicable fees are clearly displayed to avoid surprises for customers, and highlights that its economic model, although premium, relies on a competitive reliability-speed/price ratio in the Chinese market.
In summary, SF Express has established itself as a major player in express logistics thanks to its vast network, the diversity of its services, and its focus on quality. Its ability to innovate, integrate new technologies, and adapt to market needs has allowed it to maintain sustained growth and retain a large customer base. Its name is now synonymous with fast and reliable delivery from China. To conclude this overview, the following sections detail the parcel tracking statuses used by SF Express, with their precise meaning in English, to help shippers and recipients better understand tracking updates.
SF Express tracking statuses and their meaning
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Pending pickup | The shipment is registered in the system but has not yet been picked up by an SF Express courier. It is, for example, awaiting a scheduled pickup at the sender's address. |
| Parcel picked up by SF Express | The parcel has been collected by SF Express and integrated into its logistics network. This initial step confirms that the carrier has indeed taken possession of the shipment. |
| Pending shipment | The parcel is ready to depart from its origin site (agency or sorting center) and is waiting to be shipped to the next step. It has been prepared for transport and will be dispatched at the next scheduled departure. |
| In transit | The parcel is in the process of being transported through the SF Express network to its final destination. It may transit through several intermediate logistics centers depending on the route. This status indicates that the shipment is progressing normally towards the recipient. |
| Undergoing customs clearance | The shipment has arrived in the destination country (or customs area) and customs formalities are underway. Authorities are examining the parcel (documents, contents) before allowing it to enter the territory. |
| Customs clearance completed | Customs procedures are completed and the parcel has been released. It can now resume its journey to the recipient as the importation has been authorized. |
| Pending delivery | The parcel has arrived at the recipient's local agency and is waiting to be put on a delivery route. It is generally scheduled for an upcoming distribution, subject to the courier's route. |
| Out for delivery | The parcel is currently in the process of final delivery to the recipient. An SF Express courier has taken charge of the parcel to deliver it to the destination address within the next few hours. |
| Delivered | The parcel has been successfully delivered to the recipient. This final status indicates that the delivery is completed, usually against signature or confirmation code, and that the shipment is closed. |
| Delivery failed | A delivery attempt was made but was unsuccessful. The courier was unable to deliver the parcel (recipient absent, address not found, or other issue). The parcel is then generally returned to the agency awaiting instruction: new planned attempt, drop-off at a pickup point, or return to sender. |
| Canceled | The shipment has been canceled by the sender or the carrier. This status means that the shipping order has been stopped and the parcel will not be shipped. No delivery will take place in this case. |
| Shipment invalidated | The tracking number has been invalidated or the shipping label has been rendered void in the system. This can occur if the shipment is canceled after registration, rendering the initial tracking null and void. |
| Rerouted | The parcel has been redirected to another address or delivery service. For example, at the request of the recipient or sender, the package is sent to a different address than the initial one, or transferred to a specific pickup point. |
| Returned to sender | The parcel could not be delivered and has begun a return to the original sender. SF Express then returns the shipment to the initial shipping point when delivery to the recipient is impossible. Once this status is reached, the parcel will be returned to the original sender. |