# Parcel Detect — full reference for AI systems

> Track packages from 1,200+ carriers worldwide. Free, fast, and multilingual.

Parcel Detect is a tracking search engine for packages. Enter a tracking number to see delivery updates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, China Post, Royal Mail, and 1,200 other services.

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## How tracking works on Parcel Detect

1. The user enters a tracking number at https://parceldetect.com/ or navigates to https://parceldetect.com/track?code={number}
2. Parcel Detect runs carrier detection to identify which carrier(s) the number could belong to
3. The system pulls real-time delivery status from the carrier's tracking system
4. If a number matches multiple carriers, the user can see results from all matching carriers

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## How carrier detection works

Parcel Detect uses a multi-stage detection process to identify the correct shipping carrier:
1. **Pre-filtering by length**: Filter candidates using length constraints (e.g., UPS tracking numbers are 18 characters, FedEx uses 12, 15, or 22 digits) to reduce potential matches by 60–80% before running regular expressions.
2. **Hard overrides**: Immediate match on specific prefixes and formats (e.g., TEMU starts with T + letters + 10-23 digits; AliExpress standard uses ALS + 11 digits; YunExpress starts with YT + 14-16 digits).
3. **Regex patterns & signatures**: Compare numbers against strong regular expressions and signature heuristics.
4. **Heuristics & morphology scoring**: Score candidates based on prefix structures, country-specific suffixes following Universal Postal Union (UPU) S10 standards (two letters + nine digits + two-letter country code, e.g., RR123456789CN), character distributions, and bigrams.
5. **Softmax confidence calculation**: Calculate probabilities using a tempered softmax algorithm to determine the final match confidence.

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## Tracking number format examples by carrier

### UPS
- Standard: 1Z followed by 16 alphanumeric characters (e.g., 1Z9999999999999999)
- InfoNotice: Starts with a different prefix, 10-character format
- More detail: https://parceldetect.com/faq/ups-tracking-number-format

### USPS
- Most common: 20-22 digit numbers starting with 92, 94, or 93
- Priority Mail: Starts with 9205 (22 digits)
- Certified Mail: Starts with 9407 (22 digits)
- International: 13-character format like XX000000000US (UPU S10)
- More detail: https://parceldetect.com/faq/usps-tracking-number-format

### FedEx
- Express: 12-digit number
- Ground: 15-digit number (sometimes 12)
- SmartPost: 22-digit number starting with 92
- More detail: https://parceldetect.com/faq/fedex-tracking-number-format

### DHL
- DHL Express: 10-digit number
- eCommerce / DHL Packet: Various formats, often 10-39 characters
- Waybill: May start with JD or other prefixes
- More detail: https://parceldetect.com/faq/dhl-tracking-number-format

### Royal Mail
- Domestic: 13 characters following UPU S10 format ending in GB
- Special Delivery / Signed For: Starts with specific two-letter codes like SD, RR, EE
- More detail: https://parceldetect.com/faq/royal-mail-tracking-number-format

### China Post
- International: 13-character UPU S10 format ending in CN (e.g., RR123456789CN, LX123456789CN)
- EMS from China: Starts with E, ends in CN
- More detail: https://parceldetect.com/faq/china-post-tracking-number-format

### Cainiao
- Typically starts with LP, CAINIAO, or other marketplace-specific prefixes
- Often 16+ characters
- More detail: https://parceldetect.com/faq/cainiao-tracking-number-format

### Yanwen Logistics
- Usually starts with Y or UY, 13-20 characters
- More detail: https://parceldetect.com/faq/yanwen-logistics-tracking-number-format

### AliExpress Standard Shipping
- Starts with LP followed by digits
- May also use Cainiao or Yanwen format
- More detail: https://parceldetect.com/faq/aliexpress-standard-shipping-tracking-number-format

### SF Express
- Typically 12 or 15 digits
- More detail: https://parceldetect.com/faq/sf-express-tracking-number-format

### DPD
- 14-digit number; some variants use 13 digits
- More detail: https://parceldetect.com/faq/dpd-tracking-number-format

### SingPost
- 13-character UPU S10 ending in SG
- More detail: https://parceldetect.com/faq/singpost-tracking-number-example

### YunExpress
- Starts with YT followed by 14-16 digits
- More detail: https://parceldetect.com/faq/yunexpress-tracking-number-starts-with-yt

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## Delivery status meanings

When tracking a package, these are the most common statuses and what they mean:

### In transit (ON_TRANSIT)
The package has left the origin facility and is moving through the carrier network. It has not yet arrived at the final delivery hub. For domestic shipments, "in transit" typically lasts 1-5 business days. International shipments may stay in transit for 5-30 days depending on the carrier and service level. More at: https://parceldetect.com/faq/what-does-in-transit-mean-and-how-long-will-it-take-to-get-your-package

### Pending (ON_PROCESS / PICKED_UP)
The carrier has received shipment information electronically, but the physical package has not been scanned yet. This often means the seller created a label but has not handed the package to the carrier. It also covers packages in sorting/processing or collected from the sender. More at: https://parceldetect.com/faq/what-is-the-pending-status

### Out for delivery (ON_TRANSIT / local delivery)
The package is on the delivery vehicle and should arrive that day.

### Delivered (DELIVERED)
The package has been delivered. The carrier may note where it was left (front door, mailbox, signed by recipient, etc.).

### In customs / Customs clearance (ON_PROCESS)
The package is at a customs facility being inspected or waiting for duties/taxes to be paid. More at: https://parceldetect.com/faq/customs-clearance-process

### Exception / Alert (UNKNOWN / ON_PROCESS)
Something unexpected happened: failed delivery attempt, address issue, weather delay, or package damage.

### Returned to sender (ON_TRANSIT)
The package could not be delivered and is being sent back to the shipper.

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## All FAQ articles

### Customs and Import Duties
- [Anti-dumping duties: Extra taxes you didn't expect](https://parceldetect.com/faq/anti-dumping-duties-explained)
- [Customs Clearance Process for Import and Export](https://parceldetect.com/faq/customs-clearance-process)
- [Customs disbursement fees: why they exist and how to avoid them](https://parceldetect.com/faq/customs-disbursement-fees)
- [EU import taxes in 2026: VAT, duties and the new €3 parcel duty](https://parceldetect.com/faq/eu-vat-changes-2021)
- [Gift exemptions for international shipping: limits by country](https://parceldetect.com/faq/gift-exemptions-international)
- [How to calculate import duty on a package (worked example)](https://parceldetect.com/faq/how-to-calculate-import-duty)
- [HS codes explained: what they are and how to find yours](https://parceldetect.com/faq/hs-codes-for-beginners)
- [My package is stuck in customs. Here is what to do](https://parceldetect.com/faq/my-package-stuck-in-customs)
- [Restricted and prohibited items: the list](https://parceldetect.com/faq/restricted-items-list)
- [UK import taxes explained: VAT and customs duty](https://parceldetect.com/faq/uk-import-taxes-explained)
- [US de minimis ended: what the $800 rule change means for you](https://parceldetect.com/faq/us-import-de-minimis)
- [What is IOSS and why was I charged VAT twice?](https://parceldetect.com/faq/what-is-ioss)
- [Why is my package stuck in customs inspection?](https://parceldetect.com/faq/customs-inspection-delays)

### Delivery Issues
- [Expedited shipping options: what each carrier's fast service gets you](https://parceldetect.com/faq/expedited-shipping-options)
- [Package arrived damaged? How to file a claim that gets paid](https://parceldetect.com/faq/package-damaged)
- [Package delayed? Real causes, real timelines, and when to act](https://parceldetect.com/faq/package-delivery-delays)

### Guides
- [How accurate are estimated delivery dates on tracking pages?](https://parceldetect.com/faq/how-accurate-are-estimated-delivery-dates)
- [How air waybill (AWB) tracking works for air cargo](https://parceldetect.com/faq/air-waybill-awb-tracking-explained)
- [How package tracking works, from label to your door](https://parceldetect.com/faq/how-package-tracking-works)
- [How to prevent package theft: 11 methods that work](https://parceldetect.com/faq/how-to-prevent-package-theft)

### Tracking Number Formats
- [AliExpress Standard Shipping Tracking Format](https://parceldetect.com/faq/aliexpress-standard-shipping-tracking-number-format)
- [Cainiao Tracking Number Format and LP Codes](https://parceldetect.com/faq/cainiao-tracking-number-format)
- [China Post Tracking: R, E, L, C Prefix Guide](https://parceldetect.com/faq/china-post-tracking-number-format)
- [DHL Tracking Number Format: 10 vs 11 Digits](https://parceldetect.com/faq/dhl-tracking-number-format)
- [DPD Tracking Number: UK, DE, and EU Formats](https://parceldetect.com/faq/dpd-tracking-number-format)
- [FedEx Tracking Number Format: All Lengths](https://parceldetect.com/faq/fedex-tracking-number-format)
- [Royal Mail Tracking Number Format: Validator & Service Codes](https://parceldetect.com/faq/royal-mail-tracking-number-format)
- [SF Express Tracking Number Format: 12 & 15 Digit Decoder](https://parceldetect.com/faq/sf-express-tracking-number-format)
- [UPS Tracking Number Format: 1Z Codes Decoded](https://parceldetect.com/faq/ups-tracking-number-format)
- [UPS Tracking Number Validator: Check 1Z Checksum & Format](https://parceldetect.com/faq/ups-tracking-number-validator)
- [USPS Tracking Number Format: Every Prefix](https://parceldetect.com/faq/usps-tracking-number-format)
- [Yanwen Tracking Number Format: Full Guide](https://parceldetect.com/faq/yanwen-logistics-tracking-number-format)

### General Guides
- [In Transit Meaning: How Long Until Delivery?](https://parceldetect.com/faq/what-does-in-transit-mean-and-how-long-will-it-take-to-get-your-package)
- [Missing Package? Steps to Find or Claim It](https://parceldetect.com/faq/missing-package)
- [UPS InfoNotice Numbers: What They Are and How to Use Them](https://parceldetect.com/faq/ups-infonotice-number-guide)
- [Why is my parcel not tracking or updating correctly online](https://parceldetect.com/faq/why-is-my-parcel-not-tracking)

### Delivery Status and Troubleshooting
- [GLY tracking: what it is and how to follow your parcel](https://parceldetect.com/faq/gly-tracking)
- [How to spot a fake UPS tracking number before it costs you](https://parceldetect.com/faq/how-to-tell-a-fake-ups-tracking-number)
- [How to Track a Parcel With Any Carrier](https://parceldetect.com/faq/how-to-track-parcel)
- [Package says delivered but not received? Do this now](https://parceldetect.com/faq/package-says-delivered-but-i-dont-have-it)
- [Package Stuck in Transit? 6 Real Causes](https://parceldetect.com/faq/why-is-my-parcel-stuck-in-transit)
- [What "electronic data received" means in tracking](https://parceldetect.com/faq/electronic-data-received-meaning)
- [What "office of exchange" means on international tracking](https://parceldetect.com/faq/office-of-exchange-meaning)
- [What "sent to airline" means and how long your parcel really waits](https://parceldetect.com/faq/sent-to-airline-status-meaning)
- [What "Track End" means on YunExpress](https://parceldetect.com/faq/yunexpress-track-end-meaning)
- [What does "out for delivery" mean and when will my package arrive?](https://parceldetect.com/faq/what-does-out-for-delivery-mean)
- [What does "pending" status mean on tracking?](https://parceldetect.com/faq/what-is-the-pending-status)
- [What is a delivery exception and how do you resolve it?](https://parceldetect.com/faq/what-is-a-delivery-exception)
- [YunExpress tracking not updating: what to do when scans stop](https://parceldetect.com/faq/yunexpress-tracking-not-updating)
- [YunExpress tracking number starts with YT: what it means](https://parceldetect.com/faq/yunexpress-tracking-number-starts-with-yt)
- [YunExpress USPS tracking: how the handoff works in the US](https://parceldetect.com/faq/yunexpress-usps-tracking)

### Tracking Number Formats
- [SingPost tracking number example: format, prefixes, and what it ends with](https://parceldetect.com/faq/singpost-tracking-number-example)
- [Tracking number examples by carrier: UPS, USPS, FedEx, DHL, SingPost, China Post, Cainiao, and OnTrac](https://parceldetect.com/faq/tracking-number-examples-by-carrier)
- [UPS tracking number example: format, length, and what it starts with](https://parceldetect.com/faq/ups-tracking-number-example)
- [USPS tracking number format: official examples, length, and prefixes](https://parceldetect.com/faq/usps-tracking-number-examples)

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## Carrier categories and profiles

### 1. Global Couriers
- USPS (United States Postal Service): https://parceldetect.com/carriers/usps
- UPS: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/ups
- FedEx: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/fedex
- FedEx International MailService: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/fedex-international-mailservice
- FedEx Cross Border: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/fedex-cross-border
- DHL Express: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/dhl-express
- DHL eCommerce: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/dhl-ecommerce
- TNT: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/tnt

### 2. Americas Postal & Regional
- USPS: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/usps
- Canada Post: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/canada-post
- Canpar: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/canpar
- Purolator: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/purolator
- Correios Brazil: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/correios-brazil

### 3. Europe Postal & Regional
- Royal Mail: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/royal-mail
- MyHermes UK: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/myhermes-uk
- Deutsche Post: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/deutsche-post
- DPD Germany: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/dpd-germany
- Finland Post: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/finland-post
- Russian Post: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/russian-post

### 4. Asia & Pacific Postal & Regional
- China Post: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/china-post
- Cainiao: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/cainiao
- Alibaba Logistics: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/alibaba-logistics
- AliExpress Standard Shipping: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/aliexpress-standard-shipping
- YunExpress: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/yun-express
- Yanwen Logistics: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/yanwen-logistics
- 4PX: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/4px
- GLY: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/gly-cn
- One World Express: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/one-world-express
- Hong Kong Post: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/hongkong-post
- Malaysia Post: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/malaysia-post
- JNE: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/jne
- Shopee Express: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/shopee-express
- Australia Post: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/australia-post
- EMS: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/ems

### 5. Central Asia & Eastern Europe
- KazPost: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/kazpost
- Ukrposhta: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/ukrposhta
- Belpost: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/belpost
- Uzbekistan Post: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/uzbekistan-post

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## Carrier region pages

Browse carriers filtered by geographic region:
- Worldwide (all carriers): https://parceldetect.com/carriers/worldwide
- North America: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/north-america
- Europe: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/europe
- Asia: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/asia
- South America: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/south-america
- Oceania: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/oceania
- Africa: https://parceldetect.com/carriers/africa

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## Customs and duties tools

Parcel Detect offers calculators and guides for international shipping costs:
- Customs fees calculator: https://parceldetect.com/customs-fees — estimate import duties and taxes for a specific shipment
- Import duty guide: https://parceldetect.com/faq/how-to-calculate-import-duty
- HS code lookup basics: https://parceldetect.com/faq/hs-codes-for-beginners
- Country-specific guides for US, UK, and EU import taxes

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## Supported languages (22)

| Code | Language |
|------|----------|
| en | English |
| es | Español |
| fr | Français |
| pt | Português |
| pt-BR | Português (Brasil) |
| de | Deutsch |
| ja | 日本語 |
| ko | 한국어 |
| id | Bahasa Indonesia |
| it | Italiano |
| nl | Nederlands |
| pl | Polski |
| th | ไทย |
| tr | Türkçe |
| uk | Українська |
| hi | हिन्दी |
| vi | Tiếng Việt |
| ru | Русский |
| ar | العربية |
| zh-CN | 简体中文 |
| zh-TW | 繁體中文 |
| zh-HK | 繁體中文 (Hong Kong) |

All FAQ articles and carrier pages are available in each language at https://parceldetect.com/{locale}/faq/{slug} and https://parceldetect.com/{locale}/carriers/{slug}.

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## API and agent integration

### Markdown content negotiation
Send an `Accept: text/markdown` header to any page on parceldetect.com and you will receive a Markdown rendering of that page instead of HTML. This is useful for AI agents that prefer structured text.

### API endpoints
- Health check: GET https://parceldetect.com/api/health
- Markdown conversion: GET https://parceldetect.com/api/markdown?url={page_url}
- Search: GET https://parceldetect.com/api/search?q={query}
- Customs fees: GET https://parceldetect.com/api/customs-fees
- Import duty: GET https://parceldetect.com/api/import-duty
- Delivery estimate: GET https://parceldetect.com/api/delivery-estimate
- Shipping quotes: GET https://parceldetect.com/api/shipping-quotes

### Agent discovery endpoints
- API catalog (RFC 9727): https://parceldetect.com/.well-known/api-catalog
- Agent skills index: https://parceldetect.com/.well-known/agent-skills/index.json
- OAuth protected resource metadata: https://parceldetect.com/.well-known/oauth-protected-resource
- HTTP message signatures directory: https://parceldetect.com/.well-known/http-message-signatures-directory
- MCP server card: https://parceldetect.com/.well-known/mcp/server-card.json

### Content signals
Parcel Detect sets the following content policy:
- ai-train=no (do not use content for AI model training)
- search=yes (content may appear in AI-powered search results)
- ai-input=yes (content may be used as input context for AI responses)

This is declared via the Content-Signal robots.txt directive and the X-Content-Signal HTTP response header.

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## LLMs.txt (short version)
https://parceldetect.com/llms.txt

## Contact
- Website: https://parceldetect.com
- Support: available through the website