Decoding Tracking Updates
Tracking anxiety is real. You check your tracking number 10 times a day, but half the statuses are cryptic and confusing. This guide explains every common tracking status you will see on 17track, Aftership, and your agent's tracking portal, plus when to worry and when to stay patient.
Origin Country Statuses
"Information Received" or "Label Created": The shipping label is printed but the parcel has not been physically handed to the carrier. Wait 1-3 business days.
"Picked Up" or "Accepted": The carrier has the parcel. It is now in the system and moving.
"Departed Export Facility": Left the origin country. This is a major milestone. Your package is now in international transit.
"Arrived at Export Facility": The parcel is at the international sorting hub. Usually clears within 24-48 hours.
In-Transit Statuses
"In Transit to Next Facility": The generic catch-all status during international flight or sea transit. This can show for 5-14 days with no other updates. This is completely normal. Do not panic.
"Handed over to Carrier / Forwarded": The package has been transferred to the destination country's postal system or courier. A new tracking number may be assigned.
Destination Country Statuses
"Arrived at Import Facility" or "Inbound Into Customs": Your package has reached your country and is being processed. Typically 1-3 days.
"Customs Clearance Processing Complete": Great news. Customs has processed your parcel and released it for delivery.
"Held in Customs": The package is under additional inspection. This can take 1-7 days. Most are released without issue. Only worry if held beyond 10 days.
Delivery Statuses
"Out for Delivery": The final stage. Your package is on a local delivery vehicle and should arrive today or tomorrow.
"Delivered": Success. Check your mailbox, porch, or with neighbors if you do not see it immediately.
When to Take Action
No updates for 14+ days during transit: Normal for SAL and Sea freight. No updates for 21+ days: Contact your agent to open an inquiry. "Held in Customs" for 10+ days: Contact your agent for guidance. "Returned to Sender": Rare, but happens if the address is invalid or the parcel is rejected. Your agent will reship or refund.
Check our shipping directory for platform-specific tracking tools. Back to our portal for more shipping guides and resources.