The British postal system has been revolutionized by the introduction of Royal Mail tracking. In this article, we will be delving into the benefits and features of this innovative service. Whether you are a business owner looking to optimize your logistics or an individual hoping to keep better tabs on your mail, Royal Mail tracking has got you covered. So, let's take a deep dive into the world of Royal Mail tracking and explore all the advantages it has to offer.
Tracking Royal Mail Parcels
Using Royal Mail tracking services is a straightforward process. Here's how you can make use of these services to keep tabs on your mail:
Step 1: Obtain your Royal Mail tracking number or reference number - You will receive a unique tracking number when you send your mail with Royal Mail. Keep this number safe as it is necessary to track your mail.
Step 2: Visit Royal Mail's website - Go to the Royal Mail website and click on the "Track Your Item" option.
Step 3: Enter your tracking number - Once you click on "Track Your Delivery".
Step 4: Check your mail's progress - After entering your tracking number, you will be able to see the current status of your mail. You can also view the progress of your mail in real time.
Step 5: Use a third-party platform - If you prefer to use an alternate way of tracking your parcels, you can use a third-party platform like Ship24. All you need to do is go to the homepage or the search field above and enter your tracking number to get real-time and accurate information about your mail's location and status.
By following these simple steps, you can easily track your mail with Royal Mail and ensure that it reaches its intended destination on time. So, whether you're a business owner or an individual, using Royal Mail's tracking services can help you keep tabs on your mail and provide you with peace of mind.
Where is my Royal Mail tracking number?
In order to find out where your Royal Mail parcel is, you will need to use your tracking number which was sent to you when you purchased shipping with Royal Mail or that was sent to you in either a confirmation email after you made an online purchase on an eCommerce site or online marketplaces that will have been sent to you directly by a seller. The Royal Mail tracking number can also be found on the receipt that was issued or on the shipping label.
Royal Mail Tracking Number Format
The Royal Mail tracking number can also consist of 9 to 27 characters depending on the services that you have acquired. If you are not sure where the tracking numbers are, it is usually found under the bar code of the shipping label or the receipt. You can also check your confirmation email or your phone messages to find the Royal Mail tracking number.
Your Royal Mail tracking number should have a format of 2 capital letters, in the beginning, then followed by a 9-digit number, then ending with "GB". This is usually the case for Royal Mail international shipping.
Royal Mail Tracking Number Examples
An example of some of the Royal Mail tracking numbers received by customers are:
- RN621671246GB
- LG962185953GB
- LP029387042GB
- FF340961424GB
- LE446631211GB
If you are still having a hard time finding the Royal Mail tracking number, contact the sender of the parcel or contact the nearest Royal Mail office.
Royal Mail Tracking Delivery Statuses
When a Royal Mail tracking number is entered on a tracking site, tracking information will come in the form of updates or events. It will show what has happened to your parcel, such as if it is in transit or has been checked in at a depot along its route to its final destination.
When you search for your tracking events with Ship24, some of the most common Royal Mail tracking updates you will see will be the following.
| Track Delivery Statuses | Description |
| Sender preparing item | The parcel has a tracking number but it is not posted yet. |
| Sender despatching item | The time stamp that Royal Mail collects that parcel from the sender. |
| Accepted at Post Office | The time stamp that the sender sent the parcel to a local Royal Mail office. |
| Item Received by Royal Mail | The parcel has been received by Royal Mail. |
| Item Received | The parcel is with Royal Mail. |
| Item received at | The parcel has been received at a Royal Mail post office. |
| Item Leaving the UK | The parcel is leaving the UK. |
| Item Despatched to Heathrow Worldwide DC | The parcel is sent to Heathrow Worldwide DC. |
| Item has left the overseas International Processing Centre | The parcel is scanned and is ready to leave the UK by means of air or sea. |
| Your item is currently with Customs in the destination country | The customs of the destination country have your parcel. |
| Prepared for export | The parcel is ready to be exported. |
| Delivered by | The parcel will be delivered by a certain time and date. |
| Due to be delivered today | The parcel is delivered today. |
| Delivered and Signed | The parcel is received and signed by the consignee. |
Whether you track your parcel using the standard Royal Mail tracking or with a superior universal tracking system such as Ship24, you will receive the same updates on your Royal Mail parcel.
This is because all updates on your parcel are contacted directly from the depot, processing centre, transit operator or otherwise. Information on your Royal Mail parcel's location and status will be available instantly via the Ship24 website, where tracking is free and can be used 24/7.
Royal Mail Abbreviations Meaning
When you are tracking your Royal Mail parcels, you might notice some abbreviations on the status. Here are some of the abbreviations that you may encounter.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
| DO | Delivery Office |
| EO | Enquiry Office |
| MC | Mailing Centre |
| NRC | National Returns Centre |
| OE | Office of Exchange (the international parcel has arrived import customs office) |
| POL | Post Office Limited |
| PSC | Postal Sort Centre |
| RDC | Regional Distribution Centre |
Types of Royal Mail tracking services
Royal Mail offers a variety of tracking services to meet the diverse needs of its customers. Whether you're looking for basic tracking or more advanced options, there is a service that will suit your requirements. Let's take a look at some of the different types of Royal Mail tracking services available:
Standard Tracking Service
This is the basic tracking service offered by Royal Mail. It allows you to track your item as it moves through the postal system and provides updates on its progress. This service is available for both domestic and international mail.
Signed Tracking Service
The signed tracking service offers an additional layer of security, as it requires the recipient to sign for the item upon delivery. This helps to prevent items from being lost or stolen in transit and provides peace of mind for both the sender and recipient.
Special Delivery Tracking Service
For time-sensitive items, Royal Mail offers a special delivery tracking service. This service guarantees next-day delivery within the UK and provides detailed tracking information throughout the delivery process. It is an ideal option for urgent items that need to arrive quickly and reliably.
International Tracked and Signed Service
For international mail, Royal Mail offers an international tracked and signed service. This service provides end-to-end tracking information, as well as a signature confirmation upon delivery. This helps to ensure that international mail arrives safely and securely.
Royal Mail Tracking Services for Businesses
Tracking shipments is a critical part of business operations, and Royal Mail's tracking services offer a reliable solution for businesses of all sizes. Using Royal Mail tracking, businesses can monitor their shipments in real time and ensure that they arrive at their intended destination on time.
Benefits of Royal Mail Tracking for Businesses
Royal Mail tracking offers several benefits for businesses, such as:
- Better visibility: By tracking their shipments with Royal Mail, businesses can have a clear understanding of where their parcels are at all times.
- Increased efficiency: With the help of Royal Mail's tracking services, businesses can streamline their operations, reduce delays, and ensure that their parcels reach their destination on time.
- Improved customer service: By tracking their shipments, businesses can provide their customers with accurate and up-to-date information about their parcels' status.
Royal Mail Tracking Services for Individuals
Royal Mail tracking is a convenient service that individuals can use to track their parcels. It is important to understand how this service works and how it can benefit you.
Benefits of Royal Mail Tracking for Individuals
Royal Mail tracking offers several benefits for individuals, such as:
- Individuals can easily track their parcels and know when they will be delivered.
- It is possible to reroute or reschedule deliveries if necessary.
- Customers can access delivery updates through their smartphones or computers.
- Royal Mail tracking also provides proof of delivery, which is useful in case of disputes or missing parcels.
What is the transit time for Royal Mail parcels?
The parcel transit time or time it takes to deliver your parcel, to the Royal Mail will vary depending on the delivery options chosen, your final destination, and the size and weight of your particular parcel. When purchasing your shipping with Royal Mail, buyers should take into account all of the latter factors in order to pick the delivery option which best serves their needs.
Also, at this point of purchase, you should be given an estimated delivery time by the Royal Mail for your parcel once you have entered the dimensions and weight of your parcel. However, the average shipping times for Royal Mail are listed below.
Typically, express deliveries made via Royal Mail take 24-48 hours (within the UK), while ordering from China can take from 20 for registered Shipping (buyers should note that handlers may vary when purchasing from various international locations before being passed over to the Royal Mail for final delivery) to up to 40 days for economy shipping options, such as unregistered parcels (buyers should be warned that unregistered shipping options may not have tracking options available.
Royal Mail Tracked 24® and Royal Mail Tracked 48®
Royal Mail Tracked 24® and Royal Mail Tracked 48® are services that are offered within the UK to send parcels and letters. From the name itself, both services are tracked and have a maximum weight requirement of 20 kg. The only differences are the prices and delivery timeframe.
Royal Mail Tracked 24® aims to deliver your parcels within 24 hours and starts at the cost of £3.80. It is recommended for items that need to be delivered urgently.
Royal Mail Tracked 48® aims to deliver your parcels within 48 hours and starts at the cost of £3.20. It is recommended for items that do not need to be delivered urgently.
How long does Royal Mail 1st class take?
When a buyer chooses 1st class Royal Mail delivery, it takes 24 hours to be delivered. The weight of the parcel must not exceed 20kg when choosing this option.
How do I contact Royal Mail?
You can contact Royal Mail Customer Services by telephone, email or via the Royal Mail website. Please find the contact details below:
- Phone Number (within the UK): 03457 740 740
- Phone Number (International): +44 1782 668 007
- Email: customer.service.team@royalmail.com
- Royal Mail Website
Before calling or sending your query to the Royal Mail, if it is regarding a delay in your parcel delivery, check the current location and status of your parcel on the Ship24 website first. This could not only uncover the reason behind your parcel delivery being late (such as if the parcel is stuck at customs) but it will also give you the latest information on where your parcel is and the status of your parcel which could be useful when talking to the Royal Mail customer service team.
About Royal Mail
Royal Mail is a British postal service that delivers letters and parcels across the United Kingdom and internationally. The company was founded in 1516 by King Henry VIII, and it was originally known as the Royal Mail of England. The postal service was established to transport letters and packages between the royal courts and government offices, and it quickly became an important service for the public. The company has undergone several changes throughout its history, including being nationalised in 1969 then started being privatised in 2013 and completely being privatised by 2015.
In the early years, Royal Mail was only available to wealthy individuals and organizations, as it was expensive to use. However, by the 19th century, the postal service had become more affordable, and it became a vital tool for communication and commerce. The introduction of the Penny Black stamp in 1840 revolutionized the postal system, as it enabled people to send letters for a flat rate of one penny. This innovation made mail delivery accessible to all, and it helped to shape the modern postal service.
Today, Royal Mail is one of the largest postal services in the world, delivering over 80 million items every day. The company employs over 160,000 people and has a network of over 1,400 delivery offices across the UK. In recent years, Royal Mail has faced significant challenges, such as the rise of email and other digital communication methods, which have led to a decline in traditional mail volumes. Nevertheless, the company has adapted to these changes by diversifying its services, such as by offering parcel delivery and logistics services, and by investing in new technology to improve its operations.
