Track number (Eng. tracking number) — is a unique identifier consisting of digits or a combination of letters and digits, which is assigned to a postal item. This code is used for registering and subsequently tracking a letter, parcel, or other types of correspondence during the delivery process.
In the international postal exchange system, most registered items receive an individual tracking number. This number is recorded in the information system at each stage of the item's movement: from the moment of acceptance to delivery to the recipient. Thanks to this, the sender and recipient can check online through the services of postal or courier companies where the parcel is and at what stage of processing it is.
With the tracking number, you can obtain information about the movement of the item and its current status. Tracking is available for the following categories of mail:
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registered items sent within one country;
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international mail sent abroad;
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items arriving from other countries.
Structure of the international tracking number
The tracking number of international shipments consists of 13 characters and has a standard format XX123456789YY. It includes several elements, each of which contains specific information.
The first two letters indicate the category of the shipment. For example:
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RA–RZ — registered written correspondence (letters, postcards, parcels, small packages up to 2 kg);
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LA–LZ — trackable letters of various types;
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VA–VZ — items with declared value;
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CA–CZ — international parcels weighing more than 2 kg;
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EA–EZ — express delivery EMS;
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UA–UZ — unregistered items undergoing customs clearance;
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ZA–ZZ — simplified registered items.
The next eight digits represent a unique serial number. Postal services generate it in such a way that the same identifier is not reused for at least a year.
The ninth digit serves as a control element. It is calculated using a special algorithm: each of the first eight digits is multiplied by a specific coefficient, after which the results are summed and further mathematical operations are performed. The resulting value allows for the verification of the number's correctness.
The last two letters indicate the country of origin. They correspond to the international standard ISO 3166-1. For example, RU — Russia, CN — China, SG — Singapore.
Example of an international tracking number: CA123456789UA.
Domestic shipment numbers
For domestic postal shipments, an identifier consisting of 14 digits is used. Its structure is also divided into several parts.
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The first six digits — the index of the post office that accepted the shipment.
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The seventh and eighth digits indicate the serial number of the month when the barcode was created. The count starts from January 2000, which helps maintain the uniqueness of numbers in the system.
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The next five digits — the individual number of the shipment registered at this post office during the current month.
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The last digit performs a control function and is calculated using a special formula to verify the correctness of the entire number.
Thus, the tracking number is a key element of the postal logistics system. It allows for the identification of the shipment, tracking its movement at all stages of delivery, and obtaining information about its status until it is handed over to the recipient.