Consignment tracking has become an essential part of modern courier and logistics services. Whether you are sending a parcel, business shipment, document, or freight cargo, tracking your consignment helps you know exactly where your package is and when it will be delivered. This guide explains what consignment tracking is, how it works, and how you can track shipments from any courier company.
What Is Consignment Tracking?
A consignment refers to any shipment given to a courier or logistics company for delivery.
A consignment number is a unique tracking ID assigned to your package.
Consignment tracking is the process of monitoring your shipment’s movement using this unique number. It shows the package status at every stage — pickup, transit, hub processing, customs, and final delivery.
How Consignment Tracking Works
Every courier company — like Speed Post, DHL, UPS, FedEx, Blue Dart, DTDC — follows a similar tracking process:
1. Shipment Booking
- When you book a parcel, you receive a consignment number.
- Printed on the receipt or shipping label.
2. Scanning at Origin
- The package is scanned at the originating courier office.
- Tracking status updates to “Item Accepted” or “Item Booked.”
3. Transit Movement
- Shipment moves between multiple hubs.
- Status updates like:
- “In Transit”
- “Arrived at Facility”
- “Dispatched from Facility”
4. Customs Clearance (For International Shipments)
- Customs verification
- Duties & taxes (if applicable)
- Status: “Customs Clearance Completed.”
5. Out for Delivery
- Final mile delivery started
- Status: “Out for Delivery.”
6. Delivered
- Package delivered to receiver
- Status: “Delivered – Signed.”
How to Track Your Consignment
Tracking is simple. Just follow these steps:
Step 1: Find Your Consignment Number
This is usually:
- Printed on your receipt
- Sent via SMS
- Emailed by the courier
- Printed on shipping label
Step 2: Visit the Official Tracking Website
Choose the courier:
- Speed Post / India Post
- DHL Express
- UPS / USPS
- FedEx
- Blue Dart
- DTDC
- TNT
Step 3: Enter the Consignment Number
Click Track and wait for the status to load.
Step 4: View Shipment Updates
You will see live updates like:
- Booked
- In Transit
- Arrived at Hub
- Cleared Customs
- Out for Delivery
- Delivered
Why Consignment Tracking Is Important
✔ Real-time Visibility
Know exactly where your shipment is.
✔ Estimated Delivery Date
Helps you plan when the package will arrive.
✔ Reduces Delivery Issues
Tracking helps identify delays early.
✔ Better Customer Confidence
Businesses use tracking to offer transparent delivery updates to customers.
✔ Proof of Delivery
Shows who received the package and when.
Types of Consignment Tracking
1. Domestic Consignment Tracking
For shipments within India.
2. International Consignment Tracking
Includes customs, international transit hubs, and import processes.
3. Bulk / B2B Consignment Tracking
Used by businesses for:
- Ecommerce orders
- Freight shipments
- Supplier cargo
4. Freight Consignment Tracking
For heavy cargo, pallet shipments, and LTL freight.
Common Tracking Status Messages
Here are the most common statuses:
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Item Accepted | Courier has accepted your parcel |
| In Transit | Shipment is moving between hubs |
| Arrived at Facility | Package reached a sorting center |
| Dispatched from Facility | Left a hub for next location |
| Customs Clearance | Shipment being checked by customs |
| Out for Delivery | Delivery agent is bringing it |
| Delivered | Shipment reached receiver |
What If Your Consignment Tracking Is Not Updating?
This can happen due to:
- Delayed scans
- Network issues
- Transit slowdowns
- Customs delays
- Weekend/holiday closures
What to do
- Wait 24–48 hours
- Contact customer support
- Check for incorrect tracking number
Consignment Tracking With Major Couriers
Speed Post
11–13 digit tracking number
Example: EE987654321IN
DHL Express
10-digit numeric consignment number
Example: 1234567890
UPS
Starts with 1Z, 18 characters
Example: 1Z999AA10123456784
FedEx
12–14 digits tracking number
Example: 789654123654
Conclusion
Consignment tracking makes shipping easier, faster, and more secure. Whether you send domestic parcels or international cargo, tracking helps you stay informed at every step. Always keep your consignment number safe and monitor your package until it’s delivered.