What parcel tracking statuses actually mean

Couriers each use their own wording, and it often describes what happened inside their network rather than what it means for you. Here is what the common statuses usually mean, and whether you need to do anything.

Before the courier has it

Label created, or shipment information received

The seller has told the courier a parcel is coming. The courier may not have it yet. It is normal for this to last a day or two. If it lasts over a week, ask the seller whether the parcel was actually sent.

Accepted, or collected

The courier has physically taken the parcel. From here, the scans should start moving.

On the way

In transit

It is moving through the network. This can cover several days without a new scan, especially on long-distance routes.

Arrived at, or departed from, a facility

It was scanned at a sorting hub. Hubs may be far from a direct route between you and the sender, so a parcel appearing to go the wrong way is not always a problem.

Export or departed origin country

It has been cleared to leave, or has left, the sending country. International flights and sea freight can create a long gap in scans after this point.

Arrived in destination country

It has landed and is usually waiting for customs. The country’s local carrier often takes over from here. See how international handovers work.

Customs

Held at customs, or customs clearance in progress

Officials are assessing the parcel, or duty and tax may be due. Many parcels pass through within days. Read our customs guide if it stays here for longer, and be wary of any message asking you to pay by following a link.

Near the end

Out for delivery

It is on a vehicle for delivery, usually that day. Plans can still change if the route runs late.

Delivery attempted

The driver could not complete delivery. Look for a card, or check the courier’s website to rebook. Parcels are not held forever, so act soon.

Available for pickup, or held at depot

You need to collect it, often with ID and the tracking number. Check how long it will be held.

Delivered

The courier recorded it as handed over or left somewhere. If you can’t find it, see what to do when a parcel is marked delivered but hasn’t arrived.

When something has gone wrong

Exception, or delivery exception

Something unexpected caused a delay. Common causes are weather, a damaged label or an address problem. Often the courier resolves it, but check for instructions if it does not change within a couple of days.

Address query, or insufficient address

The courier cannot find the address. Contact them, or the seller, promptly with the correct details.

Return to sender

It is going back. This commonly follows a failed delivery, uncollected item, unpaid charges or customs refusal. Contact the seller, who usually has to arrange anything further.

Terms you’ll often see in India

Indian couriers and online shops use some shorthand of their own. Exact meanings vary, but these are the common ones:

Manifested, or pickup pending

The seller has booked the shipment, but the courier may not have collected it. This is similar to “label created”.

AWB

Short for air waybill. In India, it’s often used for any courier’s tracking number, even when the parcel travels by road.

NDR, or non-delivery report

The courier tried to deliver and couldn’t. The seller may be asked what to do next, so reply quickly if anyone asks you to confirm your address or a new delivery date. Check that the request is genuine first.

RTO, or return to origin

The parcel is going back to the seller, often after failed delivery attempts or a refused cash-on-delivery order. Contact the seller if you still want it.

How to read a whole timeline

A single status can mislead. Looking at the full list of scans gives a better picture:

• Start with the newest scan, and check when it happened, not just what it says.
• Look for movement. A series of different locations is a good sign, even if the parcel seems to double back at a hub.
• Watch for repeats. The same status at the same location for many days suggests that it’s worth asking the seller or courier.
• Don’t worry too much about order. Scans can upload in batches, so they sometimes appear out of sequence.