Is tracking ID the same as tracking number?

Yes, a tracking ID is generally the same thing as a tracking number in everyday shipping contexts, though a tracking ID can sometimes refer to a broader category of internal or system-specific identifiers.

Key Differences in Specific Contexts

• Everyday Shipping: Couriers like UPS, FedEx, and USPS use "tracking ID" and "tracking number" interchangeably to mean the unique barcode or alphanumeric string assigned to your physical parcel.
• Software & Third-Party APIs: In tracking software like TrackingMore or logistics platforms, a tracking ID might be a secondary internal database key generated automatically when an external tracking number is imported into their system.
• Internal vs. Carrier Codes: A true tracking number is issued by the shipping carrier, whereas a general "tracking ID" or shipment ID is occasionally used by a warehouse or merchant for internal inventory before the carrier actually scans it into transit.

A tracking ID in delivery is a unique code of numbers and letters assigned to a package to follow its journey from the sender to your door.

How It Works

• Digital Fingerprint: Every scan along the way updates the package's status in the carrier's system.
• Real-Time Updates: You can see when a package is picked up, in transit, out for delivery, or delivered.
• Different Names: People also call it a tracking number, AWB (Air Waybill) number, or consignment number.

Where to Find It

• Online Orders: Look in your confirmation email, shipping notification text, or account order history.
• In-Store Shipping: Look at the printed receipt or peel-off sticker given by the postal worker or courier.

How to Use It

1. Go to the delivery company’s website or app (such as USPS Tracking or DHL).
2. Find the search box labeled "Track" or "Track Shipment".
3. Type or paste your tracking ID into the box to view the current status.

You can find your tracking ID (or tracking number) in your shipping confirmation email, on your store account's order history, or printed directly on your mailing receipt.

Where to Look

• Emails: Search your inbox for "shipping confirmation" or "order shipped" from the store or courier (like USPS, UPS, or FedEx).
• Receipts: Check your retail counter receipt or the peel-off sticker given to you when you mailed the package.
• Online Orders: Log into the website where you bought the item and open your recent order history.
• Physical Package: Look below the barcode on the shipping label if you are the recipient receiving a redelivery notice or extra paperwork.

You can find your tracking ID or number by checking the confirmation email or SMS sent by the online shop or courier service when your order was booked.

Where to Look

• Emails & Text Messages: Look for order confirmations, shipping updates, or dispatch notifications.
• Store Account: Log in to the website or app where you made the purchase and check your "Orders" or "Purchase History" page.
• Receipts & Labels: If you sent the package yourself, check the physical counter receipt or drop-off slip given to you by the shipping provider.
• Sender/Merchant: Reach out directly to the person or company that shipped the item if you cannot find the message.

You can track an Amazon package with a tracking ID by entering the number on the Amazon Shipping Tracking page or directly through Amazon Your Orders if you placed the purchase on your account.

How to Track Using a Tracking ID

• Amazon Logistics (TBA numbers): If your tracking ID starts with "TBA," it is shipped by Amazon Logistics and must be tracked while signed into your account via Amazon Your Orders or the Amazon mobile app.
• External Carriers (UPS, USPS, FedEx): If the tracking ID belongs to an outside courier partner, you can plug that number directly into the carrier's official website.
• Third-Party Trackers: Most users on 17TRACK agree that you can also paste carrier-issued tracking numbers into independent tracking platforms if Amazon provides a standard carrier code.