International tracking not updating can feel like your shipment has disappeared. One day the status looks normal, then it freezes on “In transit,” “Label created,” or “Arrived at destination country.” Most of the time, the package is still moving. The gap usually comes from handoffs, missing scans, or delayed data syncs. If you follow a clear checklist, you can find the real cause fast and take the right action today.

Why tracking “goes quiet” on international shipments

International delivery is a relay across multiple networks: origin pickup, export hub, airline linehaul, import gateway, customs, and last-mile delivery. Tracking updates only appear when a barcode scan happens or when a system pushes an event to public tracking. If scans are skipped or data sync lags, the shipment looks “stuck” even when it is not.

1) Label created, but the carrier has not received the parcel

What you’ll see

“Label created,” “Pre-shipment,” “Shipment information received.”

What it usually means

A label exists, but the parcel has not entered the carrier’s network. This is common when a seller prints labels in batches or when a pickup is scheduled later.

What to do today

• Buyer: ask the seller for the “acceptance scan” (first carrier scan) or drop-off receipt.
• Seller: confirm the parcel left your warehouse and appears on a pickup manifest.
• Practical rule: if there is no acceptance scan after 24–48 business hours, escalate internally.

2) Consolidation reduces scan frequency

What you’ll see

One early scan, then silence for several days.

What it usually means

Cross-border parcels often move in bags or pallets. Hubs may scan the container, not every parcel. Public tracking can skip intermediate stops.

What to do today

• Track on the official carrier site and your merchant tracking page; compare timestamps.
• Ask for the handoff time to the export hub if you work with a consolidator.
• Expect the next “big” scan at the export airport or destination gateway.

3) Airline linehaul creates a normal “blackout window”

What you’ll see

“Departed origin,” “Handed over to airline,” then no updates for 2–7 days.

What it usually means

Flights do not generate tracking scans mid-air. Also, cargo may wait for space on a flight, especially during peak season.

What to do today

• Count business days, not calendar days.
• If the gap is under 5 business days after export dispatch, monitor calmly.
• If it exceeds 7–10 business days, ask for export dispatch date and destination gateway details.

4) The tracking number changes at last-mile handoff

What you’ll see

Tracking stops after “Arrived at destination country,” with no “out for delivery” scan.

What it usually means

A cross-border carrier may assign a new local tracking number for domestic delivery. The original number may not show local scans.

What to do today

• Ask for the last-mile carrier name and the local tracking number.
• Track on the local carrier website.
• If you run a tracking page, display both numbers when available to prevent confusion.

5) Customs is processing it, but international tracking does not clearly say “held”

What you’ll see

“Arrived at destination country,” “Received by customs,” then silence, or no customs mention at all.

What it usually means

Some gateways only scan customs events in batches. Customs may also need taxes paid or extra paperwork before release.

What to do today

• Buyer: check email/SMS for duty or VAT payment requests.
• Buyer: contact the local carrier and ask whether the parcel is “awaiting recipient action.”
• Seller: verify invoice data consistency (description, value, quantity) and the duty model (DDP vs DDU).

6) international Tracking events exist, but your page is not syncing

What you’ll see

Carrier tracking shows updates, but your merchant tracking page looks frozen.

What it usually means

API refresh frequency, caching rules, or event mapping issues can delay visible updates.

What to do today

• Use the carrier’s official tracking page as the operational truth.
• On your side, reduce cache duration for active shipments and show “Last synced at (timestamp).”
• Map carrier codes into clear milestones, but do not hide timestamps and locations.

7) Weekend and holiday scanning slows down

What you’ll see

No updates over the weekend, then multiple scans appear together on Monday/Tuesday.

What it usually means

Freight can move, but fewer staff scan individual parcels. Holidays can also pause customs and local operations.

What to do today

• Check public holidays in origin and destination countries.
• If the last scan was Friday, wait through Monday before opening a case.
• Sellers: add a simple tracking FAQ note about weekend scan gaps.

8) Address or contact issue blocks last-mile delivery

What you’ll see

Silence after “At local facility,” or “Out for delivery” once, then nothing.

What it usually means

The courier cannot complete delivery due to missing unit number, incorrect postcode, no phone contact, restricted access, or signature requirements.

What to do today

• Buyer: verify the exact address format, including apartment/unit and postcode.
• Buyer: call the local carrier with your international tracking number and updated contact info.
• Seller: require phone numbers for international orders and add address validation at checkout.

The most misunderstood tracking messages

“In transit”

It often means “between scans,” not “on a truck right now.”

“Arrived at destination country”

It can mean the flight arrived, but the parcel still needs gateway sorting, customs intake, and local carrier assignment.

“Processed through facility”

It confirms a hub milestone, not a delivery commitment. The next scan may appear at the next hub or at delivery.

How Postalparcel can reduce “Where is my order?” tickets

Tracking anxiety is often a communication problem. A few UX and ops improvements reduce support load quickly.

Add milestone explanations at the right moments

When status hits “Export dispatch,” show a short note:
“Next update often appears at the destination gateway. A 2–7 day gap can be normal.”

Show local carrier identity early

As soon as you know the last-mile partner, display:

• Local carrier name
• Local tracking number
• A direct prompt: “Check local tracking for delivery-day updates”

Use a simple exception decision tree for support

Train support to ask the right question based on the last scan:

• No acceptance scan: confirm pickup/drop-off proof
• Destination arrival only: request local tracking number
• Local facility stall: verify address and phone number
• Long silence beyond lane norms: open a trace with last-scan request

FAQ

How long can international tracking go without updating?

Short gaps are common around consolidation, flights, and customs. If you pass about a week of business days with no milestone change, check last-mile mapping and customs first, then escalate if the silence continues.

Why does the carrier site show updates but my tracking page doesn’t?

Different refresh timing and caching. Official carrier pages often update first. Merchant pages can lag if the sync interval is long or if events are filtered.

What is the most common reason tracking stops after “arrived at destination country”?

A last-mile tracking number change or customs processing where scans only appear after release.

What should I send support if tracking hasn’t updated?

Tracking number, last scan screenshot, full address with unit number, and a reachable phone number. That combination resolves last-mile exceptions faster.

International tracking not updating is frustrating, but it is usually solvable. Start with the last milestone, identify the gap type, and take one targeted next step. That approach keeps decisions rational, reduces unnecessary refunds, and gets packages moving again.