SF Express tracking

What is SF Express?

SF Express, officially SF Express Co Ltd, is a Chinese express delivery and logistics service provider founded in 1993 by entrepreneur Wang Wei. Based in Shenzhen, in Guangdong Province, the company has rapidly developed to become one of the largest courier companies in China and is now among the global leaders in the logistics sector. Considered the country's leading private courier service in terms of quality and reliability, SF Express handles millions of packages daily through its vast national and international network.

The history of SF Express begins modestly on March 26, 1993 in Shunde, Guangdong, with just a few employees ensuring package delivery between southern China and Hong Kong. During its early years, the company operates on a regional franchise model before recentralizing its operations in 2002 by transforming its franchised agencies into company-owned branches. This strategic decision allows SF Express to guarantee better control of service quality and standardize operational standards across the entire Chinese territory.

Over the decades, SF Express has experienced spectacular growth, accompanying the rapid rise of e-commerce in China. The company is part of SF Holding, a publicly listed company on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange since 2017, which also carried out a secondary listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in November 2024. This dual listing testifies to the company's international scope and its ambition to become a leading global logistics player.

• Date of creation: March 26, 1993, in Shunde, Guangdong Province, China
• Founder: Wang Wei, Chinese entrepreneur who became one of the most influential personalities in the Asian logistics sector
• Headquarters: Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
• Parent company: SF Holding Co Ltd, listed on the Shenzhen and Hong Kong Stock Exchanges
• Annual revenue: More than 280 billion RMB
• Annual net profit: More than 10 billion RMB
• Workforce: Approximately 147,000 employees worldwide
• Daily volume: More than 40 million packages processed per day

SF Express distinguishes itself through its unique vertical integration in the sector. Unlike many competitors that rely on outsourced partners, the company directly controls most of its operations, from sorting centers to last-mile delivery personnel. This complete control of the supply chain gives it exceptional flexibility and responsiveness to demand fluctuations. According to Frost & Sullivan consulting firm, SF Holding ranks among the largest integrated logistics service providers in China and Asia, and ranks among the top globally in terms of revenue.

Which countries does SF Express deliver to?

SF Express has developed over the years a logistics network of global scope, enabling it to connect China to major international markets. The carrier now serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, making it one of the most comprehensive Chinese-based international courier companies. This extensive coverage meets the growing needs of cross-border e-commerce and international business exchanges.

In mainland China, SF Express has a territorial network unmatched among private carriers. The company covers all 34 provinces and administrative regions of the country, including the most remote areas. Its network extends to 339 prefecture-level cities and tens of thousands of localities, ensuring presence in every corner of Chinese territory. This exhaustive domestic coverage is the foundation upon which SF Express has built its international expansion.

The Asia-Pacific region represents the heart of SF Express's international activity. The company has established subsidiaries and operational centers in major markets. Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan are integral parts of SF Express's "Greater China" network, with daily services and optimized delivery times. Beyond this region, the carrier has woven a dense network covering all of Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia.

• Greater China: Mainland China (34 provinces/cities), Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan with full coverage
• Northeast Asia: Japan, South Korea and Mongolia with direct presence and dedicated logistics hubs
• Southeast Asia: Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia, Myanmar and Brunei
• South Asia: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka
• Middle East: United Arab Emirates and other Gulf countries
• Oceania: Australia and New Zealand
• North America: United States, Canada and Mexico with hub in Los Angeles
• Europe: All European Union member countries and beyond, with hubs in Liège and Budapest
• South America and Africa: Extended coverage via logistics partners

To ensure this global coverage, SF Express relies on a combination of own resources and strategic partnerships. In key markets such as Singapore, Japan, South Korea or the United States, the company has operational subsidiaries and local teams ensuring package collection and distribution. The Singapore hub serves as the main platform for Southeast Asia, while the Seoul and Tokyo centers ensure optimal coverage of Northeast Asia. In North America, the Los Angeles hub is the strategic entry point for transpacific flows.

In regions where SF Express does not have direct presence, the company collaborates with trusted local carriers to ensure last-mile delivery. A package shipped from China to Europe, for example, will be transported by SF Express until its arrival on the continent, then handed over to a local partner for final distribution. This hybrid approach allows SF Express to guarantee uniform service levels while optimizing operational costs. Tracking remains unified throughout the journey, offering complete visibility to shippers and recipients.

What are SF Express delivery services and timeframes?

SF Express offers a comprehensive range of logistics services adapted to the different needs of its clientele, from individuals to large companies. The offering is divided into several service levels, each meeting specific requirements in terms of speed, cost and geographic coverage. This diversity allows shippers to choose the most appropriate solution according to the urgency of their shipment and their budget.

For domestic shipments in China, SF Express offers several options. The SF Standard Express service is the main offering for national shipments, generally ensuring delivery of documents and packages in 1 to 3 business days throughout mainland China. Delivery times vary depending on the distance between origin and destination, but remain among the most competitive on the Chinese market thanks to the company's integrated air and ground network.

For urgent shipments requiring accelerated delivery, SF Express has developed SF Express Plus, a premium service allowing same-day or next-day delivery in most major Chinese cities. This priority service guarantees accelerated processing at each stage of the journey, from collection to final distribution. SF Express Plus delivery times are generally between 1 and 2 business days, even for long-distance routes between metropolitan areas.

• SF Standard Express (Domestic): Standard service with 1 to 3 business day delivery in mainland China
• SF Express Plus (Domestic): Priority express service with 1 to 2 day delivery, available same-day in certain cities
• SF Intra-city: Ultra-fast urban delivery service for shipments within the same city, with delivery possible in just a few hours
• SF Heavy Freight: Dedicated service for shipments over 20 kg, with handling adapted to heavy and bulky packages

Internationally, SF Express divides its offering into three main service levels to meet different shipper expectations. SF Standard Express International is the door-to-door express service with stable transit times, generally between 3 and 5 business days for major destinations in Asia, North America and Europe. This service includes real-time tracking and customs clearance assistance.

For less urgent shipments where cost takes priority over speed, SF Economy Express offers an economical alternative with longer delivery times but reduced rates. This service is particularly suitable for shipments of non-perishable goods or bulk shipments where the delivery date is not critical. Economy Express delivery times generally range from 7 to 15 business days depending on destination, potentially extending to 30 days for the most remote regions.

• SF Standard Express International: Door-to-door express service with 3 to 5 business day delivery to major destinations
• SF Economy Express: Economical service with 7 to 15 business day delivery times, ideal for non-urgent shipments
• SF International Heavy Freight: Service for bulky or heavy shipments on international routes
• SF Cold Chain: Temperature-controlled transport service for fresh products, pharmaceuticals and biological samples, maintaining temperatures of 2°C to 8°C

Beyond package transport, SF Express has significantly diversified its services to cover the entire supply chain. The SF Supply Chain division offers end-to-end logistics management solutions, including supply planning, inventory management, order fulfillment and final distribution. Warehousing services allow companies to store their merchandise in logistics centers strategically located throughout China and Asia. SF Express also offers specialized services such as cold chain logistics for food and pharmaceutical products, air freight transport for large volumes, or chartered services for exceptional needs.

What are SF Express rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

SF Express applies transparent pricing based on several parameters that allow calculating the shipping cost for each shipment. The tariff system takes into account the actual weight of the package, its dimensions, the distance between origin and destination, as well as the chosen service level. This approach allows adapting the price to the specific nature of each shipment while ensuring fairness between different types of goods.

Weight calculation at SF Express follows the standards of the international air transport industry. The company systematically compares the actual weight of the package with its volumetric weight (or dimensional weight) and retains the highest of the two to determine the tariff base. This practice reflects the fact that a light but bulky package occupies as much space as a compact and heavy package in an aircraft or truck.

The volumetric weight calculation formula used by SF Express is particularly advantageous for customers. Unlike many carriers that apply a divisor of 5000, SF Express uses a divisor of 6000, resulting in approximately 16% savings on shipping costs for bulky packages. The calculation is performed as follows: length (cm) × width (cm) × height (cm) ÷ 6000 = volumetric weight in kilograms.

• Volumetric weight: Length × Width × Height (in cm) divided by 6000, providing a 16% advantage over industry standard
• Tariff base: The highest of actual weight and volumetric weight
• Price factors: Weight, dimensions, origin-destination distance, service level, optional services
• Optional services: Ad valorem insurance, special handling, cash on delivery, value declaration

SF Express rates vary significantly depending on service type and destination. For international shipments, Economy Express offers reasonable prices for stable delivery times, while Standard Express provides a balance between speed and cost. SF Express Plus, the fastest service, targets urgent shipments with premium pricing. The company offers discounts for major accounts or regular customers, as well as promotional offers during certain periods of the year.

Regarding maximum dimensions and weight accepted, SF Express adapts its limits according to service type. For standard express shipments, most services accept packages up to 30 kg actual weight, in accordance with manual handling regulations. The SF Heavy Freight service allows shipping heavier packages, exceeding 20 kg and potentially reaching several tens of kilograms depending on destinations. Oversized or overweight items may incur additional fees and longer delivery times.

• Standard weight: Up to 30 kg for most express services
• Heavy shipments: Beyond 20 kg via SF Heavy Freight service, with varying limits depending on destinations
• Dimensions: Variable depending on service and destination, consultation recommended for bulky packages
• Restrictions: Certain goods are prohibited or subject to conditions (dangerous products, perishables, high value)

To obtain an accurate estimate of shipping costs, SF Express provides an online calculator on its official website. This tool allows entering package characteristics (weight, dimensions, contents) as well as origin and destination addresses to obtain an instant quote. Displayed rates include all applicable fees, allowing customers to avoid unwelcome surprises. For regular business shipments, SF Express also offers commercial contracts with negotiated pricing terms.

What are SF Express delivery options?

SF Express provides its customers with various delivery options that adapt to the constraints and preferences of each recipient. This flexibility is one of the carrier's major assets, seeking to optimize the package reception experience while minimizing delivery failures. Available options vary depending on countries and services, but the company strives to offer maximum choice wherever it operates.

Home delivery is the main distribution method for SF Express. The carrier ensures direct delivery of packages to the address indicated by the shipper, whether at the recipient's home or workplace. In China, this service operates six days a week, Monday through Saturday, with delivery rounds distributed throughout the day. SF Express delivery personnel are trained to provide courteous and professional service, contributing to the company's reputation for quality.

For international shipments to destinations such as France or other European countries, SF Express collaborates with local partners to ensure final distribution. These partners apply their own delivery terms, which may include home delivery, pickup point or post office delivery depending on countries. The recipient generally receives notifications by SMS or email allowing them to follow the package progress and be informed of the scheduled delivery date.

• Home delivery: Direct delivery to the recipient's address, Monday through Saturday in China
• SF Express pickup points: Possibility to collect your package at partner agencies and pickup points
• Delivery via local partners: For international destinations, delivery by local carriers with their own options
• Automated lockers: Available in certain regions for 24/7 pickup

In case of delivery failure, SF Express offers several solutions to facilitate package reception. If the recipient is absent when the delivery person arrives, a new attempt is generally scheduled at no cost. The recipient can also contact customer service to reschedule delivery to a more convenient date or time. In some cases, it is possible to request package rerouting to another address or its availability at a nearby pickup point.

SF Express has invested in notification and tracking tools allowing recipients to anticipate package delivery. Automatic alerts are sent at each key stage of the journey: pickup, transit, arrival in destination country, delivery scheduling and delivery completion. These notifications generally include a link to the tracking page allowing consultation of journey details. Recipients can thus organize themselves to be present during delivery or make necessary arrangements.

• Free rescheduling: New delivery attempt at no cost if recipient is absent
• Address modification: Possibility to reroute the package to an alternative address
• Automatic notifications: SMS or email alerts at each key stage of the journey
• Real-time tracking: Consultation of package status via SF Express website or mobile application

What to do if my SF Express package is lost or damaged?

Despite SF Express's high quality standards, a package may be lost or arrive damaged at destination. In these situations, the company has implemented complaint procedures allowing customers to obtain resolution and, if applicable, compensation. Knowing these procedures and acting quickly is essential to maximize chances of a favorable outcome.

The first step in case of problem is to check your package status via the online tracking tool. Log in to the SF Express official website or use the mobile app to check the latest updates. A seemingly lost package may sometimes be simply delayed due to customs procedures or unfavorable weather conditions. Real-time tracking allows quick detection of any potential blockage and identification of its cause.

If your package is confirmed as lost or if you notice damage upon receipt, you must contact SF Express customer service as soon as possible. For packages shipped or received in the European Union, the customer service email address is [email protected]. You can also call 95338 to reach phone support. It is important to gather all necessary information before contacting support: tracking number, problem description, damage photos if applicable, and documents proving the value of goods.

• Prior verification: Check online tracking to confirm the actual package status before filing any complaint
• Customer service contact: Email [email protected] or phone 95338 to report the problem
• Reporting deadline: Act quickly, ideally within days of discovering the problem
• Documents to provide: Tracking number, detailed description, damage photos, value proof documents

Carriers like SF Express generally conduct an internal investigation lasting 10 to 21 days depending on case complexity. During this period, the team searches for the package within its network, verifies different stages of the journey and analyzes potential incident causes. Following this investigation, if the package is confirmed lost or damage is verified, the compensation process can be initiated.

Compensation depends on several factors, notably the declared value when shipping and any insurance purchased. SF Express offers ad valorem insurance options allowing coverage of merchandise to the full value. Without additional insurance, compensation is generally capped according to service general conditions. It is therefore recommended to purchase insurance for high-value shipments.

• Investigation duration: 10 to 21 days depending on case complexity
• Standard compensation: Capped according to service general conditions in absence of insurance
• Ad valorem insurance: Recommended option for valuable shipments allowing coverage to full value
• Merchant recourse: For online purchases, possibility to request reimbursement from seller who will pursue carrier

SF Express warns its customers against fraud attempts using its name. The company recalls that its agents never request personal identification documents or banking information by phone or email, even for matters related to shipping. Any suspicious request should be verified via SF Express official channels. This vigilance is particularly important in the current context where phishing scams are multiplying in the delivery sector.

Does SF Express handle international shipments and customs procedures?

SF Express has developed solid expertise in managing international shipments and associated customs procedures. As a major carrier linking China to the rest of the world, the company processes millions of cross-border packages daily requiring customs clearance. This experience allows it to effectively support its customers through the often complex administrative procedures of international commerce.

For international shipments departing from China, SF Express offers several services adapted to different destinations and urgency levels. Standard Express International ensures door-to-door express delivery with transit times of 3 to 5 business days to major destinations. Economy Express offers a more economical alternative with extended delivery times but reduced rates. These services include handling shipments from their point of origin in China to their final destination, passing through all intermediate transit and customs clearance stages.

Managing customs procedures is a crucial aspect of international shipments. In accordance with regulations of the People's Republic of China, personal export shipments must be declared to customs. For shipments to China, authorities require a copy of the recipient's identification document for customs clearance. SF Express facilitates this process by offering multiple document upload methods, via its official website or WeChat application, allowing customers to submit required documents digitally.

• Simplified declaration: For low-value shipments, streamlined customs declaration procedure
• Formal declaration: For higher-value or commercial shipments, full declaration required
• Required documents: Copy of recipient's identification document, commercial invoice, detailed content description
• Facilitated upload: Document submission via SF Express website or WeChat application

Customs duties and taxes are an important component of international shipments to and from China. For imports to China, goods are generally subject to customs duties based on type, quantity and declared value of merchandise. The current tax exemption threshold for personal items is 50 RMB in taxes. Below this tax amount, duties are not collected. Beyond this, taxes are due and must be paid to allow package customs clearance.

SF Express allows customers to choose who will pay customs duties: the shipper can prepay taxes or leave the recipient to settle them upon receipt. The company provides an online tool allowing obtaining tax estimates for shipments to many countries, including mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, the United States, Australia, Vietnam, Mongolia, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, India and Russia. This estimate helps shippers anticipate total shipment costs.

• Tax exemption threshold (China): Taxes not collected if tax amount is 50 RMB or less
• Tax payment: Choice between prepayment by shipper or payment by recipient upon receipt
• Online estimation: Tool available on SF Express website to calculate estimated taxes to many countries
• Customs clearance times: Variable depending on countries and case complexity, potentially adding several days to transit

Certain goods are subject to import or export restrictions or prohibitions depending on countries. SF Express publishes regulations applicable to different destinations on its website, allowing shippers to verify merchandise eligibility before shipping. Food products, medicines, cosmetics and certain electronic items are notably subject to specific regulations. SF Express recommends consulting this information beforehand to avoid customs blockages and package returns.

Understanding tracking statuses

When tracking an SF Express package online, different statuses may appear to inform you of your shipment's progress through the logistics network. Here are the main statuses and their meanings: