What Does A USPS Tracking Number Look Like? Solved (2024)

Whenever you have packages sent or delivered via USPS, it comes with a unique tracking number.

But what does a USPS tracking number look like? Here’s exactly how to read it and what it means.

What A USPS Tracking Number Looks Like

USPS tracking numbers come in different formats depending on their mail classes. The main thing you have to learn how to interpret is its different formats.

Here’s what USPS tracking numbers look like:

USPS Tracking: 9400 1000 0000 0000 0000 00
Priority Mail: 9205 5000 0000 0000 0000 00
Certified Mail: 9589 0000 0000 0000 0000 00
Collect on Delivery: 9303 3000 0000 0000 0000 00
Global Express Guaranteed: 82 000 000 00
Priority Mail Express: 9270 1000 0000 0000 0000 00
Priority Mail International: CP 000 000 000 US
Registered Mail: 9208 8000 0000 0000 0000 00
Signature Confirmation: 9202 1000 0000 0000 0000 00

Possible Formats Of A USPS Tracking Number

All Numbers

When you observe the numbers we have listed for you above, you will notice that some numbers have 20 to 22 digits. This indicates that the package is being mailed within the
United States.

Lesser known formats, such as those with only ten digits, also exist.

Alpha-Numeric

The package is being mailed overseas if you see a USPS tracking number with letters in front, like EC or CP (or, in the above example, under Priority Mail International). [1]

Other alpha-numeric USPS tracking number formats also exist. This includes a combination of 13 alpha-numeric numbers, usually starting with two letters, nine numbers, and ending
with US (i.e., EA 999 999 999 US).

How Many Numbers Does It Have?

The most common USPS tracking number formats have 20 to 22 numbers.

On the other hand, alpha-numeric tracking number formats also exist, especially in packages coming from overseas.

Other less common USPS tracking number formats have only ten digits or a 13-digit alpha-numeric tracking number that starts with two letters, nine digits and ends with US.

Understanding The First Four Digits

The first four numbers in a USPS tracking number reveal the type of mail service the package is using. These numbers are otherwise known as the service code.

For example, tracking numbers that begin with 9400 denote that it is the classic USPS tracking code, and those starting with 9270 mean that it is from a Priority Mail Express.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about USPS Tracking Numbers

What does a typical USPS tracking number look like?

A typical USPS tracking number is a series of numbers, sometimes accompanied by letters, that can range from 10 to 22 characters in length. Common formats include:

20 to 22 digits (e.g., 9400 1000 0000 0000 0000 00)
13 characters with 2 letters at the beginning and end (e.g., EC 000 000 000 US)

Are there different formats for different types of USPS services?

Yes, different USPS services may have slightly different tracking number formats. Some examples include:

Priority Mail: 22 digits (e.g., 9205 5000 0000 0000 0000 00)
Certified Mail: 20 digits (e.g., 9407 3000 0000 0000 0000)
Express Mail: 13 characters, usually ending in “US” (e.g., EA 000 000 000 US)
First-Class Package: 22 digits (e.g., 9407 3000 0000 0000 0000 00)
Registered Mail: 13 characters, starting with a “R” and ending in “US” (e.g., RA 000 000 000 US)

Can USPS tracking numbers vary in length?

Yes, USPS tracking numbers can vary in length depending on the service used. Most USPS tracking numbers are 20 to 22 digits long, but they can also be 13 characters long for some international services, which typically include two letters at the start and end (e.g., LX 000 000 000 US).

Where can I find my USPS tracking number?

Your USPS tracking number can typically be found on your shipping receipt, in the confirmation email received after shipping, on the detachable portion of your USPS tracking label, or within your online USPS account under the history of shipped packages.

What should I do if my USPS tracking number is not working?

If your USPS tracking number is not working, try the following steps:

Double-check the Number: Ensure you have entered the tracking number correctly, with no spaces or missing digits.
Allow Time for Updates: It may take up to 24 hours for the tracking information to be updated in the USPS system.
Contact USPS Customer Service: If the tracking number is still not working, contact USPS customer service for assistance. You can reach them via phone, on the USPS website, or by visiting a local post office.

For more tips check Route4Me’s Best Route Optimization Software.

Key Takeaways

USPS tracking numbers often come in the form of 20 to 22-digit codes that start with the number 9.

Of course, this is not the case for all packages, as those shipped overseas will have an alpha-numeric code instead.

The first four digits in your USPS tracking number also tell you everything you need to know about your package, as the first four digits denote the type of service used.