How many numbers does USPS track? (all you must know)
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If you’ve ordered any number of items online, you’ve probably noticed that each service (like the US Postal Service or FedEx) has its own unique numbering system.
For the USPS, and for others, the number of numbers and numbers in a series have special meaning. So how many numbers are in USPS Tracking? I have the answers to the questions on your mind!
How many numbers will USPS track in 2022?
The USPS tracking number is made up of 22 individual numbers with various four-digit prefixes representing the shipping class as of 2022. The numbers appear below the barcode on the package label, grouped into five groups of four, followed by the last two numbers.
To learn more about the different prefixes of USPS tracking numbers, what numbers and labels look like in real life, whether there are fake tracking numbers, and more, read on!
What does a USPS tracking number usually start with?
When it comes to the tracking number system of the United States Postal Service, there are many different prefixes. For example, some of the most common are:
That is, each represents a specific shipping class (see below).
Also, you may see tracking numbers starting with “EC” or “CP”, which means the package is from abroad.
Additionally, you may see numbers arranged in groups of five in groups of four, followed by two ending numbers (the laggards, if you will).
What does USPS tracking look like?
USPS tracking numbers begin with a four-digit prefix indicating the shipping class, followed by four additional sets of four digits, followed by a set of two digits, for a total of 22 numbers.
Additionally, you can find this numbering series on printed labels, whether printed at home or at the post office, and affixed to packages shipped through a track-eligible category.
Also, it’s below the all-important barcode, which is essentially tied to the tracking number.
Then, every time the barcode is scanned, whether arriving or departing, that link information is updated on USPS Tracking.
Obviously, if you have already sent the package, you will no longer have access to the tracking number.
However, if you are the customer/shipper, you can find a copy of the tracking number on the receipt if you go to the post office to ship.
Alternatively, you can find a copy of it in the confirmation email you received after purchasing postage online.
However, recipients cannot access tracking information unless someone provides them with a number.
What do the first four numbers of USPS stand for?
As you learned above, these numbers represent the shipping class used to send the package.
For example, here are some of the most common prefixes and the shipping classes they denote:
- 9205: Priority Mail
- 9270: Priority Mail Express
- 9208: Registered Mail
- 9202: Signature Confirmation
- 9407: Authentication Mail
- 9374: Package Selection
- CP 000: International Priority Mail
- EC OOO: International Priority Mail Express
Are there fake USPS tracking numbers?
If they show a legitimate tracking process, then the USPS tracking numbers themselves are not fake; but people can use them fraudulently.
For example, this 2018 report describes how some scammers use tracking numbers as part of their nefarious scam schemes.
Plus, they’ll build websites that showcase in-demand products at a fraction of the cost; there doesn’t seem to be any issue, not even at checkout.
In fact, it doesn’t seem particularly surprising when they notify you that your package has shipped.
At this point, some people have given you a real tracking number, but it does not correspond to your package.
Does USPS tracking start at 1Z?
Tracking numbers starting with 1Z are actually shipped via UPS.
According to AndrewKurochkin.com, most UPS tracking numbers consist of 18 digits and start with “1Z”.
Alternatively, USPS tracking numbers will never start with 1Z; USPS’ has long been established in most cases to start with 9, for a total of 22 digits.
How long does a USPS tracking number last?
The lifespan of a USPS tracking number depends, inter alia, on the number of packages seen by the Postal Service.
That said, USPS can reuse numbers, sometimes for as little as a few months.
However, if you know you will need your tracking number to be associated with your delivery for some time to come, you can check to see if it is eligible for USPS Tracking Plus.
For a very affordable fee, you can extend the link between your tracking number and your delivery for six months to ten years.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on whether USPS tracking is accurate, whether USPS tracking numbers expire, and why USPS tracking isn’t updating.
in conclusion
USPS tracking numbers are easy to identify because they tend to start with the number 9 (unless they are international) and are 22 digits in total.
Also, you can find the tracking number on the package below the all-important barcode, the first four digits indicate in which shipping category the package was sent.
