TNT tracking

What is TNT?

TNT is an international express carrier whose origins date back to 1946 in Australia. The company was founded by Ken Thomas under the name Thomas Nationwide Transport, with the acronym TNT taking its initials. What began as a modest Australian road transport business transformed over decades into one of the world's largest express delivery networks, particularly established in Europe.

TNT's history is marked by rapid international expansion starting in the 1960s. In 1967, the company merged with transport operator Alltrans, consolidating its presence on Australian territory and laying the groundwork for its foreign development. Over the following decades, TNT multiplied strategic acquisitions in Europe, Asia and Oceania, absorbing major players such as Skypak, Ipec and XP Express. These operations significantly expanded its road and air network.

The major turning point in TNT's recent history occurred in May 2016, when American giant FedEx completed the acquisition of the company for 4.4 billion euros. This transaction integrated TNT into FedEx's global network, significantly strengthening the American group's presence in the European market where it lagged behind competitors DHL and UPS. This acquisition followed a failed attempt by UPS in 2012, which had been blocked by European competition authorities.

• Date of creation: 1946, in Australia, under the name Thomas Nationwide Transport
• Founder: Ken Thomas, Australian entrepreneur in the road transport sector
• Current headquarters: Hoofddorp, Netherlands, near Schiphol Airport
• Parent company: FedEx Corporation, since the acquisition was finalized in May 2016
• Global presence: Over 220 countries and territories served through the FedEx-TNT network
• Workforce: Several hundred thousand employees worldwide within the FedEx-TNT group

TNT's integration into FedEx represented a considerable challenge for the American group. In June 2017, TNT Express was severely affected by the global NotPetya cyberattack, which paralyzed part of its computer systems for several months. Despite these difficulties, integration continued progressively and was officially completed in spring 2022, finally enabling FedEx to have a competitive network against its rivals on the European continent.

Today, TNT operates under the umbrella of FedEx Express, with management provided by an executive committee. In each country, TNT activities are managed by local FedEx Express subsidiaries, which rely on a dense network of sites distributed across the entire territory. The FedEx-TNT group employs several hundred thousand people worldwide, making it one of the world's largest employers in the global logistics sector.

In which countries does TNT deliver?

TNT has an exceptionally extensive geographic coverage, inherited from its European history and strengthened by its integration into FedEx's global network. As a carrier historically centered on the European continent, TNT benefits from a particularly dense network in this region, while offering services to all international destinations.

TNT ensures presence across all territories it serves, from major metropolises to rural areas. This dense infrastructure makes it possible to guarantee reliable delivery times in both large cities and more isolated areas, with delivery capacity six days a week in most European countries.

Europe historically constitutes the heart of TNT's activity. The carrier has a particularly strong presence in the continent's main economies, notably in the Netherlands where its headquarters is located, the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium and Italy. Intra-European connections benefit from an optimized road network enabling fast deliveries between the continent's main economic centers.

• National coverage: In each country served, TNT has a dense network of sites and contact points covering major cities and rural areas
• Europe: Complete coverage of the 27 European Union countries as well as the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway and other European countries
• North America: United States, Canada and Mexico served via the integrated FedEx network
• Asia-Pacific: Strong presence inherited from TNT's Australian origins, with services to China, Japan, Australia and the entire region
• Middle East and Africa: Coverage of the main commercial destinations in these regions
• Latin America: Services to Brazil, Argentina, Chile and other major economies on the continent

For international shipments, TNT relies on both its own air network and FedEx infrastructure. Liège Airport in Belgium long served as the main hub for European operations, coordinating connections between Europe and other regions of the world. Since integration with FedEx, Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport has become the main hub connecting European customers to the rest of the world, while Liège now functions as a secondary hub.

Service to certain destinations may involve partnerships with local postal operators or relay carriers. For shipments to remote geographic areas or countries with less developed logistics infrastructure, TNT works with a network of partners to ensure final delivery of packages. This approach guarantees worldwide coverage while maintaining high quality standards.

What are TNT's delivery services and timeframes?

TNT offers a complete range of shipping services adapted to the varied needs of businesses and individuals. From ultra-fast express transport to economical solutions for less urgent shipments, the carrier offers various options allowing each customer to find the service corresponding to their time and budget constraints.

Express services form the core of TNT's offering. These services guarantee precise delivery timeframes, with delivery options before 9:00 AM, before 10:30 AM, before 12:00 PM, before 1:00 PM or end of day depending on destinations. For domestic shipments within the same country, the standard TNT Express service generally ensures next-day delivery within 24 hours of pickup if shipments are made before the cutoff time. This level of service allows professionals to have clear visibility over their merchandise routing.

• TNT Express: Flagship service guaranteeing next-day delivery within 24 hours for domestic shipments, with pickup and delivery door-to-door
• TNT Economy Express: Economical alternative offering two business-day delivery within 48 hours, ideal for less urgent shipments while maintaining full tracking
• 12:00 Economy Express: Guaranteed delivery before noon in 1 to 3 days for major European destinations, combining economy with deadline compliance
• Express before 9:00 AM: Ultra-early morning delivery for the most urgent shipments requiring reception at the start of the working day
• Express before 10:30 AM: Premium option allowing receipt of packages early morning in major cities

For European shipments, TNT offers particularly competitive timeframes. Major cities on the continent can be reached from the next morning thanks to the carrier's dense road network. The Economy Express service offers an alternative for less urgent shipments, with delivery times of 1 to 3 days to economic centers in 25 European countries. This flexibility allows companies to optimize their logistics costs based on the actual urgency of each shipment.

For international shipments outside Europe, delivery times vary depending on destinations. The Economy Express service offers deliveries in 4 to 7 days to over 200 countries worldwide. For more urgent shipments to distant destinations, premium express services allow significantly reducing these timeframes thanks to direct air links operated via the FedEx-TNT network. Exact timeframes depend on the destination country, the nature of the shipment and any customs formalities to be completed.

TNT also ensures Saturday deliveries for certain services and destinations, allowing companies to extend their logistics coverage beyond traditional business days. However, Sunday and holiday deliveries are generally not offered, except for specific arrangements for high-volume customers. Pickups can be scheduled until 6:00 PM on weekdays in most major cities.

What are TNT's rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

TNT's pricing policy is based on several factors including the shipment's weight, dimensions, destination and chosen service level. The carrier offers pricing grids suited to both occasional shipments from individuals and recurring needs of professionals shipping large volumes. Rates are available upon request from FedEx, which commits to communicating them within 15 business days.

Maximum dimensions and weights accepted vary depending on the service type and chosen delivery mode. For the standard express network with business delivery, each package can weigh up to 30 kilograms. The developed perimeter, that is the sum of length, width and height, must not exceed 220 centimeters. None of the three dimensions can exceed 150 centimeters individually.

• Business Express network: Maximum weight of 30 kg per package, developed perimeter of 220 cm maximum, no dimension exceeding 150 cm
• Home or relay point delivery: Weight limited to 20 kg per package, developed perimeter of 170 cm maximum, maximum length of 130 cm
• Heavy packages without pallet: Weight up to 70 kg per package, maximum dimension of 80 cm per side, developed perimeter less than 450 cm
• Palletized shipments: Weight up to 500 kg per pallet, no weight limit for palletized goods subject to appropriate handling equipment
• Maximum value: Shipments accepted up to a declared value of 25,000 euros per shipment

For packages exceeding 70 kilograms, palletization becomes mandatory. The shipper and recipient must then have appropriate loading and unloading equipment available to allow merchandise handling. It should be noted that transit times for palletized shipments are not guaranteed with the same precision as standard packages, due to specific logistical constraints related to this type of freight.

TNT applies the volumetric weight principle for light but bulky packages. This billing method takes into account the space occupied by the package rather than its actual weight. Volumetric weight is calculated by multiplying the shipment's volume by a specific conversion factor. The applied rate then corresponds to the higher of actual weight and volumetric weight, ensuring fair billing that takes into account space occupation in transport vehicles.

Volume discounts are offered to business customers shipping regularly with TNT. Starting from 21 packages under 30 kg per month, a 10% discount applies to all shipments. This discount rate increases progressively: 20% from 51 monthly packages, 30% beyond 81 packages and up to 35% for shippers exceeding 100 packages per month. These preferential pricing conditions allow high-volume companies to significantly optimize their express transport costs.

What are TNT's delivery options?

TNT makes a wide range of delivery options available to its customers to adapt to each recipient's constraints. Whether for reception at a business, at home or at a nearby pickup point, the carrier offers flexible solutions allowing it to combine service speed and practicality for the recipient.

Home delivery is the most common option for shipments intended for individuals. TNT delivers to the person against signature, thus guaranteeing effective delivery of the package to the recipient or to an authorized person. Deliveries generally take place during the day, with varying time slots depending on delivery driver routes. For customers desiring more precision, early morning or before noon delivery options are available for an additional fee.

If the recipient is absent when the delivery attempt is made, TNT has implemented several alternatives to avoid delivery failures. The package can be automatically left with a partner merchant nearby from 2:00 PM on the same day as the attempt. The recipient then receives notification informing them of the address where to pick up their package, leaving them flexibility to do so according to their availability.

• Business delivery: Delivery to the person against signature during business hours, with possibility of delivery before 9:00 AM or before 12:00 PM depending on the chosen service
• Home delivery: Distribution to individuals with mandatory signature, deposit at a neighbor possible with prior authorization from recipient
• Relay point network: Exclusive access to 4,000 Relay Points allowing flexible pickup according to partner merchant hours
• TNT agency pickup: Possibility to pick up packages at TNT agencies distributed across the territory, from opening the next morning
• Delivery rescheduling: If absent, the recipient can choose a new delivery date via the tnt.fr website by entering their tracking number

TNT's relay point network represents a major advantage for recipients unable to be present during the day. With access to 4,000 partner Relay Points, the carrier combines the speed of express delivery with the flexibility of a widely established distribution network. These pickup points, generally located in neighborhood shops, offer extended opening hours often including Saturday, facilitating package pickup for people working during the week.

For professionals and regular customers, TNT offers personalized services allowing adaptation of delivery methods to their specific constraints. Precise time slots can be negotiated for regular deliveries, and permanent delivery instructions can be recorded to avoid repeating directions with each shipment. High-volume companies can also benefit from customized logistics solutions including dedicated routes.

Notifications are an essential element of TNT service. Shippers and recipients can track package routing in real time thanks to web platforms and mobile applications. Email or SMS alerts inform the recipient of package progress and planned delivery date. If modifications to the original schedule occur, such as delays or unsuccessful delivery attempts, automatic notifications allow anticipating and organizing accordingly.

What should I do if my TNT package is lost or damaged?

Loss or damage to a package is a frustrating situation requiring swift action to undertake appropriate steps to obtain compensation. TNT has implemented a structured claims procedure allowing customers to report incidents and assert their rights in accordance with the carrier's terms and conditions.

The first crucial rule concerns behavior to adopt when receiving a suspect package. Before signing the delivery receipt, it is imperative to carefully verify the external condition of the packaging. If damage is visible, precise reservations must be written on the delivery receipt describing the observed damage. This formality is absolutely essential because by signing without issuing reservations, the recipient tacitly accepts the package as is, which can compromise any subsequent indemnification request.

• Deadline for lost package: 30 calendar days after delivery of the package to the carrier to declare a loss
• Deadline for damaged domestic package: 3 days to file a claim concerning a domestic delivery
• Deadline for damaged international package: 21 days for shipments from abroad
• Who can claim: The party responsible for shipping, holder of the TNT account with FedEx Express FR, generally the shipper
• Email address for domestic claims: [email protected] with mandatory supporting documents

Documents to gather for a complete claims file include notably photographs of the damaged package and its contents, clearly showing damaged parts. The purchase invoice for transported goods, the delivery receipt with issued reservations and any correspondence with the carrier must also be attached. The more substantiated the file, the better the chances of obtaining satisfactory compensation.

Regarding compensation, TNT applies the rates provided by merchandise transport regulations. For domestic shipments, fixed compensation corresponds to 45 euros per kilogram of damaged goods, limited to 1,350 euros per package. In case of delivery delay on a guaranteed timeframe service, TNT commits to paying financial compensation corresponding to 30% of the transport price excluding taxes and duties.

To benefit from more extensive coverage, TNT offers optional insurance. One-time insurance covers shipments up to 25,000 euros for goods and 500 euros for documents, for a premium of 1% of the value to be insured with a minimum of 5 euros. A deductible of 10% of the declared value applies in case of loss. For customers shipping regularly, fixed insurance can guarantee all flows up to 5,000 euros per shipment.

TNT customer service is reachable by phone at 0 825 033 033 for domestic shipments and 0 825 071 071 for international shipments, Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the rate of 0.20 euros per minute. An online contact form also allows submitting claims. TNT has 60 days after receiving the request to provide a response. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the customer can contact the mediator via the Association of European Mediators, or as a last resort the Commercial Court of Lyon.

Does TNT handle international shipments and customs formalities?

International shipments constitute a major component of TNT's activity, which has recognized expertise in managing cross-border transport and associated customs formalities. Thanks to its status as an Authorized Economic Operator issued by customs, the carrier offers compliance and reliability guarantees for merchandise routing beyond borders.

For any shipment to a country located outside the European Union, a commercial invoice is mandatory. This essential document contains the information necessary for customs declaration and must be prepared carefully to avoid any blockage when passing through customs. The invoice must mention the complete contact details of the shipper and recipient, detailed description of merchandise, its value, its country of origin as well as the shipper's VAT number and EORI number.

• Commercial invoice: Mandatory for all merchandise shipments outside the EU and United Kingdom, to be drawn up by the shipper with precise description of items
• Customs declaration: Managed by TNT as an authorized customs broker, based on information provided by the customer
• ATA carnet: Document allowing temporary import of goods for exhibitions, handled exclusively via TNT's Special Services department
• Certificates of origin: EUR documents, Form A or preferential origin declarations to benefit from reduced customs duties under trade agreements
• Customs duties and taxes: At the recipient's expense unless different Incoterm specified when sending

TNT has specialized teams handling customs formality completion for all international shipments. These experts guarantee compliance with applicable regulations and assist customers in preparing required documents. Online tools allow calculating tax amounts in advance and anticipating possible administrative difficulties. However, as an AEO, TNT cannot substitute for the customer in preparing certain documents such as invoices, packing lists or specific certificates required by destination country regulations.

Customs duties and import taxes vary considerably depending on destinations and the nature of goods shipped. These costs are generally the recipient's responsibility, unless a different Incoterm is specified. The exact amount depends on the customs classification of products, their declared value and applicable trade agreements between countries involved. It is important to note that de minimis exemption rules vary by country and may change, so it is advisable to verify regulations in effect for each destination.

Certain goods are subject to restrictions or prohibitions depending on destination countries. TNT refuses to transport drugs, weapons, explosives, alcoholic beverages, pornographic material, high-value jewelry, passports and certain medications, which are either prohibited in many countries or subject to specific regulations incompatible with standard express transport. Before shipping, it is recommended to verify that goods are not subject to restrictions in the destination country to avoid confiscation or destruction by customs authorities.

For temporary shipments, such as goods intended for an exhibition or demonstration abroad, TNT offers adapted solutions allowing benefit from import duty exemptions. Temporary export requires however anticipation of formalities and a minimum 24-hour lead time to allow customs to inspect the shipment. Upon reimportation, goods can thus be cleared without having to pay additional duties, provided compliance with conditions provided by the temporary export scheme.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track a TNT package online, different statuses may appear to inform you of your shipment's progress. These indications allow you to understand precisely where the package is and what steps remain before its delivery. Here are the main statuses used by TNT and their meaning: