When you send a package internationally, one of the most crucial pieces of information you receive is the international tracking number. This number allows you to track the progress of your package from the moment it leaves your hands until it arrives at its destination. But what if your international tracking number is invalid or not working? In this article, we’ll walk you through the possible reasons behind this issue, how to troubleshoot it, and what steps you can take to resolve it.

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Why Is Your International Tracking Number Invalid?

1. Incorrect Information Provided by the Carrier

One of the most common reasons for an invalid international tracking number is that the shipping carrier may have made an error. This can happen due to simple mistakes such as a typographical error or a missing character in the tracking number.

Key Points:

• Check that you’ve entered the number correctly.
• Verify with the carrier that the tracking number is active and correct.

2. International Tracking Number Not Activated Yet

Sometimes, the tracking number is provided before the shipment is fully processed in the carrier’s system. In such cases, the tracking number might not show any updates for several hours or even a couple of days.

Key Points:

• International shipments often take time to appear in the system.
• Wait for a few hours and try again.

3. Package Not Scanned at Every Point of Transit

International shipments often go through multiple touchpoints, including customs, sorting facilities, and delivery stations. If your package hasn’t been scanned at a specific point in the transit process, the international tracking number might appear as invalid or show no progress.

Key Points:

• Delays in scanning packages can happen, especially with customs processes.
• Check the tracking number again after 24 to 48 hours for any updates.

4. Carrier Doesn’t Support Tracking for Certain Shipments

Certain carriers or delivery services may not offer detailed tracking for specific types of shipments, especially for lower-cost or smaller packages. In such cases, you may receive an international tracking number, but it may not work as expected.

Key Points:

• Low-cost shipping options might not offer real-time tracking updates.
• Check with the carrier to confirm whether tracking is available for your shipment.

5. The Shipment Is Stuck in Customs

Sometimes, a package gets held up in customs, especially when crossing international borders. If your tracking number is not showing progress or is marked as invalid, it could be due to customs delays or issues with the paperwork.

Key Points:

• Customs can delay tracking updates for international shipments.
• Contact the carrier or customs authority to inquire about the status of your package.

6. Invalid Tracking Number Issued by the Seller

If you purchased goods from an online retailer or third-party seller, they may have provided an invalid tracking number. This can happen when a seller mistakenly generates a tracking number that doesn’t correspond to an actual shipment.

Key Points:

• Verify the tracking number with the seller to confirm whether it’s valid.
• If the number is incorrect, request a new, valid tracking number.

How to Troubleshoot an Invalid International Tracking Number

1. Double-Check the Number

The first step in troubleshooting an invalid international tracking number is to double-check the tracking number you’ve received. Look for any errors in the number and ensure that all digits and letters are correct.

Action Steps:

• Cross-check the number with the one provided by the seller or carrier.
• Ensure there are no extra spaces or characters.

2. Wait for Updates

If the tracking number is new and hasn’t yet shown progress, give it some time. International shipments often take a while to be updated in the carrier’s system, and it may take several hours or days before any information appears.

Action Steps:

• Wait for 24–48 hours to see if the tracking information updates.
• Try checking again after a couple of days.

3. Contact the Carrier

If waiting doesn’t solve the problem, the next step is to contact the carrier that issued the tracking number. They can provide additional insights into why the tracking number is invalid or not showing up in the system.

Action Steps:

• Call or email the carrier’s customer service department.
• Provide your tracking number and ask for status updates.

4. Verify with the Seller or Shipper

If the tracking number was provided by a third-party seller or shipper, verify with them whether the number is valid. In some cases, sellers may issue tracking numbers prematurely, or there might have been an error when the number was generated.

Action Steps:

• Contact the seller and ask for a status update.
• Request a new, accurate tracking number if necessary.

5. Check for Package Delivery Delays

If your package is stuck at customs or delayed in transit, the tracking number might not show progress. In such cases, you can reach out to your carrier to ask for any available updates regarding the delay.

Action Steps:

• Ask the carrier for information about customs clearance or any transit delays.
• Inquire about the possibility of a hold on your package.

What to Do If the Tracking Number Remains Invalid?

1. Submit a Claim or Refund Request

If your tracking number remains invalid for an extended period or your package is lost in transit, you might be eligible for a claim or refund. Most carriers offer insurance for international shipments, which allows you to file for compensation if the package is lost or delayed for an unreasonable period.

Key Points:

• Check with your carrier’s claims department for refund eligibility.
• Provide proof of shipment and communication with the seller, if necessary.

2. Use an Alternative Tracking Service

Sometimes, the carrier’s official tracking system may have technical issues. In such cases, third-party tracking services like Postalparcel can help you track your package through multiple carriers simultaneously.

Key Points:

• Use third-party services for cross-carrier tracking.
• These platforms may have access to more detailed information than the carrier’s system.

3. Wait for Delivery

If the tracking number eventually becomes valid, and there’s no sign of lost or delayed packages, the best solution may be to wait for the package to arrive. International shipments can sometimes take longer than expected, so give it some time before making any drastic decisions.

Conclusion

An invalid international tracking number can be frustrating, but understanding the possible causes and troubleshooting steps can help you navigate the situation effectively. By double-checking the tracking number, contacting the carrier, and being patient, you can often resolve the issue and get your package delivered. If you’re facing ongoing issues, using a third-party tracking service like Postalparcel can help ensure that you receive accurate updates on your international shipments.

Stay proactive, and use the right tools and services to track your international shipments with confidence.