Learn how to track an Amazon package in 2024 with easy steps to find your tracking number, understand statuses, and handle common delivery issues.
If you’ve ever shopped online, you’ve probably used Amazon—the biggest online store in the world.
With Amazon, you can buy stuff from lots of different sellers, known as Amazon Sellers. Each Seller gets to pick how their products are shipped.
So, it's really important to know how to track an Amazon package so you don't miss a delivery.
We’ll explain what Amazon package tracking is, show you how to find your tracking ID, and what the different tracking statuses mean. Then we’ll talk about how long Amazon deliveries usually take and what you can do if there’s a problem.
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Most big Amazon Sellers use Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). This service lets Amazon store and ship their products for free to you, though it costs the business money.
On the other hand, Mom-and-Pop, like family-run businesses, often use Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM) and local delivery services because it's cheaper than FBA.
💡The main difference is that with FBA, you can expect fast and reliable delivery. With FBM, sellers have less control over shipping, so delays can happen.
But keep in mind, FBM sellers are usually small businesses that depend on good reviews and customer feedback, so they aim to give great service.
No matter what you buy on Amazon, both FBA and FBM sellers can offer Amazon Prime delivery for free next-day shipping.
Don't have Amazon Prime? Check out our guide on Securing Next-Day Delivery on Amazon: With or Without Prime.
Amazon began its journey in 1995 in Washington state. Founded by Jeff Bezos, its original mission was to create an online marketplace for books. This humble start quickly evolved as Bezos implemented a vision to expand beyond just literature.
By the early 2000s, Amazon diversified its offerings, moving into electronics, household items, and a myriad of other product categories. The company's far-reaching strategy, combined with innovative services like Amazon Prime, set the stage for monumental growth.
In 2015, a significant milestone was reached: Amazon surpassed Walmart, becoming the leading retailer in terms of revenue. This achievement underscored its dominance in the e-commerce space and marked a pivotal moment in retail history.
Today, Amazon stands as a global powerhouse, boasting the highest revenue in the world and continually pushing the boundaries of what's possible in online commerce.
You can find your Amazon tracking number by logging into your Amazon account and checking your order details online or in the app. Here's how:
Click the "See all updates" button to find all your order tracking details, including any tracking numbers. If your order has more than one item, each might have a different delivery date and tracking information.
In the app, go to your user icon (which looks like a person). At the top left, click the "Your Orders" button. Choose the order you want to track. All pending orders will show an estimated arrival time.
Note: It might not be possible to track an Amazon package if it's a standard international delivery or if the seller hasn't started the process or updated Amazon with the details.
The Amazon package tracking system is excellent at keeping track of your packages from the store to your doorstep.
To track a package, log in to your account. The tracking process varies depending on if Amazon handles the delivery or if the seller ships the order.
When Amazon processes your order in their warehouse or when the Amazon Delivery Partner receives it, the seller updates your order details.
Depending on the route, your package might go through many checkpoints before it gets to you.
Your Amazon tracking status will update every time it's scanned, either by someone at the Amazon warehouse or by the Delivery Partner courier.
Amazon tracking works with different couriers for virtually every location in the world. This global network ensures that packages can be tracked no matter where they are being shipped. While Amazon package tracking has similarities to tracking with standard couriers, there are some key differences. The most notable difference is that another courier often handles the package, so Amazon functions as a service to facilitate tracking rather than managing it directly.
The exception is Amazon Prime, which usually boasts a 2-day delivery time. For tracking purposes, whether a package is with Amazon Prime or another courier makes no difference. This means that no matter who ships your package, the tracking updates remain consistent, ensuring that you have the most accurate information at every step.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
This streamlined approach ensures you stay informed throughout the delivery process, providing peace of mind no matter how your package is being shipped.
You can't track an Amazon package without a tracking number if the seller handles the picking, packing, and shipping.
Some sellers use a third-party delivery service. If that's the case, they should email you or update your order information with the tracking number.
If you still can't find your tracking number, the quickest solution is to contact the seller and ask for it before reaching out to Amazon customer service for help.
Note: This is different from sellers using Amazon's Fulfillment service, as mentioned above.
Never delete any information about your order. If you can't find the tracking number, contact the sender directly. They can resend the tracking number or provide further assistance.
In cases where the delivery service uses a courier, you can track your package using the tracking tool on the courier’s website. This can be one of the easiest solutions.
It's also worth noting that some international orders might not have a tracking number at all. This often happens when senders opt not to pay extra for tracking. These shipments are usually for low-cost items and are uncommon.
By following these steps, you'll increase your chances of successfully tracking your Amazon package, even if you initially misplaced the tracking number.
No, you cannot track an Amazon package solely by using an address.
To locate your package, you need to access your Amazon account. Amazon provides a tracking number with each order, which you must use to monitor the delivery status.
Here’s how you can track your package:
While the delivery address is part of your order details, it is not utilized for tracking purposes. If you have orders being shipped to different addresses, you can view and manage these within your account settings.
There are many reasons why your package delivery might face issues. For instance, traffic can cause delays, airport holdups can occur, or customs can hold your package.
Here, we delve into some frequent reasons and how you can assist.
After placing an order, many people expect to see immediate tracking updates. However, it's important to understand the process behind package tracking to avoid any confusion.
The Timing of Barcode Scans
Occasionally, tracking a package isn't possible because the Amazon Delivery Partner has yet to scan it at the next checkpoint.
The process starts when an Amazon Delivery Partner picks up your order from the seller or an Amazon facility and scans it.
Your tracking status and order location update each time the barcode on your package is scanned. That usually happens when it reaches a new facility or is out for delivery.
Sender Processing Time
Another reason you might need help to track your package is that many Amazon sellers are small businesses, shipping orders from the previous day to the next day. The sender may require time to gather items, package them, and prepare them for shipment. Solo entrepreneurs or small businesses might process orders from the previous business day and ship them the next day.
Weekend Orders
If you place an order on a Saturday, the seller will likely schedule a pickup with their Amazon Delivery Partner for Monday. This can result in a delay of 1-3 days before you see any tracking activity.
Sometimes, tracking issues arise when people expect to see a status update too soon after placing an order. Keep in mind that most tracking statuses only update after the barcode is scanned for the first time. This initial scan can happen in various ways: a courier might pick up the package, the sender might take it to an office, or it might arrive at a facility or hub.
Understanding these key points can help manage expectations and reduce concerns over seemingly delayed tracking updates.
Packages often stop moving because a worker still needs to scan the barcode. The reason is the same, but how the delay happens can vary.
This issue commonly occurs at busy facilities and hubs. The delay might start while your package is still in a truck waiting outside.
Imagine your package completes the longest part of its journey and reaches a large facility in a city.
Outside, many trucks are being unloaded, causing a backlog. Drivers have to wait their turn. Inside, workers are sorting packages into stacks, which haven't been scanned yet.
Packages receive barcode scans and tracking status updates as the stacks are sorted. Trucks might wait outside for an hour or more, and sorting can take extra time.
If you're checking the tracking status and see no updates for nearly a day, it's best to wait another one or two business days and check again.
Usually, your package will get scanned, the status will update, and it will continue its journey as expected.
For international orders, your package might stop moving due to security checks in the destination country, where all mail undergoes screening for safety reasons.
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Various things can happen to your package during transit, including stops at airports before reaching its final destination.
If you miss an Amazon delivery, your tracking status might show "Delivery Attempted."
However, relying on this can be tricky because different couriers have varying policies for missed deliveries. Typically, they leave a card with instructions on how to proceed to avoid any confusion.
Depending on the seller, your order will either be delivered by Amazon or a local courier. If it's the latter, the courier will be responsible for holding your package, not Amazon.
This differs from deliveries handled directly by Amazon, where undelivered packages are returned and held at your local Amazon fulfillment center for redelivery attempts.
In either case, the courier or Amazon driver will attempt redelivery many times and leave a notice with further instructions.
For Amazon-handled deliveries, undelivered packages are returned to the Amazon fulfillment center where they are held for a specific period, usually up to 7 days, before further action is taken or the package is returned to the sender.
If the courier claims they delivered your package but you haven't received it, start by contacting the seller. If the issue persists and it's confirmed that the local courier misplaced your order, contact Amazon customer service for help.
Amazon uses its system to display tracking statuses. They take tracking updates from other couriers and rephrase them into Amazon statuses that mean the same thing.
For instance, if USPS uses "Notice left," Amazon will show the status as "Delivery Attempted." This status indicates that a delivery attempt was made but unsuccessful.
When a package is in transit and on its way, most courier companies use tracking statuses such as "departed" and "arrived," along with the package's location, like a hub or facility.
Amazon, however, uses different tracking statuses to indicate this. For instance, instead of just "facility," Amazon might show "transit to courier" or "... to courier facility."
Reasons Why Your Amazon Package Is Still in Transit
Amazon orders can take various routes. Some may be handled entirely by one courier, like FedEx, while others might involve many couriers.
Occasionally, packages may be held at customs for inspections, or bad weather in the destination country could cause delays. Because of these factors, Amazon's estimated delivery times can allow up to 20 days.
In general, the transit time for Amazon packages can vary widely based on the shipping method and distance traveled. For instance, delivery times can range from 1 to 42 days, and in some cases, it might take up to 12 weeks. Standard U.S. Domestic shipping typically takes between 4 to 14 days, but Amazon allows a window of up to 21 days to account for potential delays. This buffer helps ensure that Amazon can safely promise timely delivery, even if multiple delays occur simultaneously.
If a package is lost, Amazon should update the status to indicate something like "lost by courier." Wait for two business days and check the Amazon tracking for any updates.
However, there are additional factors to consider:
Contact the seller first before reaching out to Amazon customer service to address any delivery issues.
Most Amazon sellers rely heavily on positive feedback and good ratings. Negative feedback from unhappy customers can affect their business, so sellers are usually motivated to resolve issues promptly.
1. Check for Notifications from Customs: Customs should notify you if your package is held up. However, keep in mind that notifications can sometimes be delayed.
2. Monitor Tracking Status: Use your tracking number to see if the package has been in customs for an unusually long time. If the package isn't moving to the next hub, it could be stuck.
3. Take Action: Depending on what you find, you may need to deal with customs directly. Alternatively, you can get the sender to assist you. Sellers are often more efficient at resolving these issues than customer service.
Duration of Amazon Packages in Transit
The transit time for your Amazon order can vary depending on the shipping method and distance it needs to travel. Generally, transit times can range from one day to as long as 42 days, and sometimes up to 12 weeks.
For example, standard domestic delivery within the US typically has a window of four to 14 days, with a maximum allowance of up to 21 days.
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When Amazon shows a package as "pending," it means there's a delay. Several factors can cause these delays, with customs holds on international orders being the most common.
Reasons Your Amazon Package Might Be Pending
There are various reasons for delays, including issues with customs. Other possibilities include incorrect address details, such as missing apartment information like a floor or building number. Severe weather conditions can also lead to delays.
You can often tell if a package is delayed or pending by closely watching its arrival and departure updates. For example, it might reach a hub but then not move for more than a day without an update. For instance, a package might complete the longest transit of the journey and arrive at a big facility in a city.
Here’s a step-by-step scenario:
If another day passes without movement, it's a good idea to investigate further.
While there may not be a new status indicating a problem, a prolonged stop at a location can be a sign of issues.
Pro Tip! If your Amazon package arrives late, check out our guide on how to get a refund.
Amazon collaborates with many domestic and international couriers, and cannot dictate their delivery schedules.
For example, some couriers in Asia may deliver as late as 9:30 PM, whereas in many countries, deliveries typically end by 5 PM.
While Amazon's home delivery service is incredibly convenient, there are some drawbacks in the process.
For instance, if you work during the day, it can be challenging to be available to receive packages.
Similarly, leaving packages unattended on your porch can be risky due to the threat of theft, known as "porch piracy."
To address these issues, Amazon introduced its Lockers program, providing a secure and convenient option to have tracked orders delivered to nearby pickup locations.
Simply collect your packages at your convenience from these lockers, eliminating concerns about Amazon's delivery times.
Using Amazon tracking, you can generally determine the day your package will arrive, but the specific time depends on your local courier's schedule.
Here’s a breakdown to help you estimate when to expect your delivery.
Day of Arrival:
Time of Day:
The specific time of day your package will arrive depends largely on your local courier's schedule. Here's a general guide:
Regardless of your delivery option, keeping an eye on the tracking updates will provide the most accurate picture of when your package is getting close. If the tracking shows "out for delivery," it typically means the package will arrive by the end of the day.
Tips for Accurate Tracking:
Moreover, for customers in the US, the standard delivery option has the longest delivery window, typically ranging from four to 14 days. This means you can expect to receive your package within one to two weeks.
Expedited shipping within the US is the next fastest option, with a delivery window of two to six business days. For example, if your package starts its journey on a Friday morning, it could arrive by Monday evening—within two business days.
Amazon collaborates with many couriers worldwide, and often international couriers hand off packages to local couriers for final delivery.
If this happens with your Amazon order, the international courier might deliver by 5 PM, while the local courier extends delivery times until 7 PM. Always verify the courier handling your package once it reaches the destination country. Delivery times can vary due to different couriers and logistical factors, so it's important to check the specific delivery expectations for your region.
Delivery Timeframes:
Extended delays are usually due to customs clearance or similar processes.
If the expected delivery window (for instance, 4-7 PM) has passed without receiving your package, it’s likely it won’t arrive until the next business day. Always verify the courier handling your package once it reaches the destination country.
Amazon aims to provide prompt and reliable delivery services, but the latest delivery times can vary based on several factors, including your location and the specific courier handling the package. Here's a general breakdown:
To get the most accurate estimate for your delivery:
By staying informed, you can better anticipate when your Amazon delivery will arrive, even if it's running a bit late.
Tracking your Amazon package is like having a personal navigator for your deliveries. Whether you're tapping into the lightning-speed of Amazon Prime or opting for standard shipping, mastering package tracking ensures you're always in the know.
Amazon's diverse delivery methods, from Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) to independent sellers using Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM), affect how quickly your package arrives.
By snagging your tracking number on Amazon's site, you're empowered to follow your package's journey from start to doorstep. Should any hiccups occur, reaching out to the seller or Amazon's support can swiftly resolve issues. And if timing or security is a concern, Amazon Lockers offer a convenient alternative for pick-up.
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