Tracking a parcel used to mean calling a customer service line and waiting on hold. Today, real-time tracking is standard across most European courier services. Cargosender integrates tracking from all partner carriers into one dashboard, so you can follow your shipment from collection to delivery without switching between different websites.
Where to Find Your Tracking Number
Once your booking is confirmed and paid, Cargosender sends a booking confirmation email that includes your tracking number. This same number appears in your order dashboard under the active shipment. The tracking number format varies by carrier — FedEx uses 12-digit codes, DHL uses 10-digit codes starting with JD, GLS uses 11-digit codes, and DPD uses 14-digit codes.
If you booked on behalf of a recipient, forward them the tracking number so they can follow the delivery progress independently.
How to Track in Real Time
Log in to your Cargosender account and navigate to Orders. Click on the specific shipment to open the order detail view. You will see a live status timeline showing each scan point the parcel has passed through — pickup, depot processing, transit, out for delivery, and delivered.
You can also track directly on the carrier's website using the same tracking number. For most carriers, no account is required — paste the number into their tracking page and the current status appears immediately.
Understanding Tracking Status Labels
Pickup confirmed means the driver has collected the parcel and scanned it. In transit means the parcel is moving between depots. At local facility means it has arrived at the delivery depot closest to the recipient. Out for delivery means it is on a delivery vehicle that day. Delivered means the parcel has been handed over or left at the agreed location.
Some carriers add intermediate statuses such as customs clearance in progress for international shipments, or delivery attempted when the recipient was not home.
What to Do When Tracking Stops Updating
Tracking updates depend on physical scan events at depots and vehicles. Gaps of 24 to 48 hours are normal during weekends or bank holidays, and for long-distance international routes where parcels spend time in transit between major hubs.
If tracking has not updated for more than 72 hours on a standard route, or 48 hours on an express service, contact Cargosender support with your order number. We will raise a trace request with the carrier directly.
Tracking for International Shipments
International parcels pass through more scan points than domestic ones, including export clearance at the origin country, arrival scans at the destination country's depot, and import customs processing. Each of these generates a tracking event. During customs processing, tracking may pause for one to three business days — this is normal and does not indicate a problem unless the parcel is held with a specific customs query.
