USPS international tracking

USPS international tracking
USPS international tracking

The United States Post Office service gets more confusing every year. If you call your local USPS post office, they will direct you to different branches depending on your location. If you call the same USPS post office a second time, they will give you entirely different answers. USPS international tracking might seem daunting, but it’s actually not. Only if you do your homework. The United States Postal Service is one of the oldest and reliable carriers.

USPS provides tracking on two services which include international tracking:

  • First-Class Package International Service
  • USPS Priority Mail International

USPS provides a domestic and international delivery service. Select a shipping service based on prices, time, tracking, and insurance, if you would like to keep records, and if you would like to use free shipping envelopes and boxes. These international services include:

Global Express Guaranteed

Mail and Packages arrive Between 1–3 Business Days

Global Express Guaranteed is a leading service in shipping international packages, including overnight delivery to major cities in Canada. GXG maintains competitive shipping rates and has a guaranteed delivery date with no exchange or refund option. FedEx Express International transportation and delivery. This USPS shipping service starts at $67.80.

Priority Mail Express International

Between 3–5 Business Days

Priority Mail Express International® services provide quick international delivery that is reliable. USPS offers certain destinations a service destination with a cancellation guarantee. Furthermore, USPS offers a free flat rate handling fee for items under 4 lbs. Prices typically start at $45.95 for the USPS Priority Mail service.

Priority Mail International

Between 6–10 Business Days

This USPS International Postal Service provides delivery worldwide for affordable prices through Priority Mail International® service. Most Priority Mail International shipments have tracking information and a maximum of $100 in insurance. Typically, the Flat box rate for Priority Mail International is free. Prices begin at $26.90.

First-Class Mail International

Affordable First Class International Mailing of your USPS package

First-Class International Mail provides the cheapest shipping option for all package types to all countries. You can ship items up to 15.994 oz to 193 countries with First Class International, and up to $400 in value. Global  Forever Stamps cost $1.20.

Affordable Lightweight Shipping

First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®) is a frugal way to ship lightweight packages to more than 190 countries. Packages must weigh no more than 4 lbs and can be no more than $400 in value. You will enjoy the convenience of Electronic USPS Delivery Confirmation® International (E-USPS DELCON INTL®) when you ship online.” The price is $12.25.

The basics of USPS Tracking

USPS Tracking® service provides end-to-end item tracking. USPS Tracking™ service provides end-to-end item tracking and is available for most domestic mail products that are large enough and that are addressed to domestic locations. The USPS lists these locations as Army Post Offices (APOs), Fleet Post Offices (FPOs), Diplomatic Post Offices (DPO) destinations, and to ZIP Codes in U.S. territories and property or Freely Associated States.

Entering a mailing label’s tracking number into the USPS Tracking system provides you with the current status of an item inside the system. That includes, if applicable, the date and time of delivery as well as any delivery attempt information, such as the delivery location (mailbox, reception desk, neighbor, etc.). You cannot obtain your packages without your tracking numbers.

USPS Tracking doesn’t guarantee delivery, nor does it expedite delivery. USPS does not charge an additional fee for the service provided by the USPS Tracking mechanism. Usually, you pay for the shipping cost, and if you choose to, you can track your package. To track commercial mailing to USPS Tracking means you must pay a fee. Remember, when it comes to international shipment, two questions linger.

What about International shipping products?

Tracking is included with many — but not all — international products; however, destination restrictions can apply. To learn more about tracking options for international products, visit the International Mail & Shipping page.

What about First-Class Mail® letters?

End-to-end USPS tracking is not available for First-Class Mail letters. However, you can buy Extra Service and acquire tracking information.

How does the USPS Tracking work?

The label of a piece of mail is scanned at many points, whether it belongs to USPS or one of their shipping partners scans it. Tracking has begun when the transit partner has notified us electronically that the package is on its way. It continues from when the package is accepted by USPS and ends when the package is delivered or picked up by the recipient/USPS official. At various times throughout this delivery process, you will be able to access the tracking information through the USPS tracking number associated with the package.

How to check the delivery status

Senders can check the transit status by going to usps.com and clicking on Track & Confirm or use the package barcode tracking number. You can also use package tracking services.

Customers that want free online tracking with First-Class Package International Service, Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes, and Priority Mail International Small Flat Rate Box offerings must use an online, or electronically generated shipping label through one of the following methods:

  • USPS Global Shipping Software (GSS) or other USPS-approved providers of software
  • USPS-approved PC Postage Providers (Endicia.com, Stamps.com)
  • usps.com (Click-N-Ship, Click-N-Ship for Business, Webtools apps)

When available, information on the date, time, and carrier are attached to the international package. This information includes when the package:

  • left the USA.
  • came from a foreign country. 
  • was or attempted delivery to the final destination address.

Free International USPS Shipping

International shipping services for which free online tracking is available to include:

  • First-Class Package International Service
  • Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes
  • Priority Mail International Small Flat Rate Boxes

The free online tracking feature is only available for Canada, New Zealand, France, Australia, Belgium, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Denmark, Croatia, Brazil, Switzerland and, Israel.

Point to remember

The USPS international tracking service will ship packages to more than 190 countries. Select a mailing service based on the speed of delivery or on the price. The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers the fastest transit options, including tracking and insurance. Click-N-Ship® postage payment service and a USPS online tool make it easy to fill out customs forms and print shipping labels.

Frequently asked questions

When is tracking information available?

People are regularly updated as information becomes available. The USPS tracking number makes tracking available. Always ensure you have a tracking number if you have an international package via USPS services.

What does this tracking information mean? What can I do?

To get a better idea of what a specific status is and what it means for you, check the Scan Event Status page.

Bottom Line

COVID 19 has indeed changed mail services. As a mail service, USPS has adapted to the wave of changes taking place. You need to check if Shipping USPS works for you and the nearest local post office location. Remember that the US Post ensures there is tracking available for any international package.