Tracking Number Updates

You’ve been refreshing your tracking page for hours.
Still the same status. No updates. No movement.
Sound familiar?

When it comes to tracking number updates, the waiting game can be just as stressful as the package being late. Whether you’re expecting a birthday gift, an urgent business delivery, or stock for your online store, stalled tracking can leave you feeling powerless.

But here’s the truth: a “stuck” status doesn’t always mean your shipment is lost. In most cases, there’s a perfectly logical (and fixable) reason behind it. The problem is that carriers rarely explain what’s really going on—or what you should do next.

In this guide, we’re going beyond the vague advice you find elsewhere. You’ll learn exactly why tracking stops updating, what’s happening behind the scenes, and how to take smart, effective action so you’re not left guessing.

How Tracking Systems Work (and Why They Drop the Ball)

Before we dive into why your tracking number goes silent, it helps to know how the system is supposed to work. Understanding the process makes it easier to spot where things can go wrong—and gives you the confidence to take action without panicking.

From “Label Created” to “Delivered” — The Tracking Journey

When a seller prints your shipping label, your package gets a unique tracking number. This number is linked to a barcode that’s scanned at different points along its route—warehouses, sorting centers, trucks, planes, and finally, your doorstep. Each scan updates the tracking system so you can follow your package’s journey.

Pre-Scan Hang-Ups: The Silent Starting Point

One of the most common reasons tracking feels “stuck” is because it hasn’t truly started. A label might be created, but the package is still sitting with the seller or waiting in a pile at the pickup point. Until the first official scan, the system has nothing new to tell you.

Transportation Gaps That Hide Updates

Between scans, your package is moving—but the system isn’t talking. Maybe it’s in a truck between cities, on a plane across the country, or at sea for international delivery. No scans happen in transit, so you’ll see the same status until it reaches the next checkpoint.

International Handoffs and Customs Blackouts

For international shipments, things get trickier. Once a package leaves its origin country, tracking may go dark until it’s scanned by the destination country’s postal system. Add customs inspections to the mix, and you can easily have days—or even weeks—without an update.

7 Causes of Tracking Stalls (and Smart Fixes)

Now that you know how tracking works, let’s talk about why it sometimes feels like it’s given up on you. These aren’t vague “it’s delayed” explanations—these are the real scenarios happening behind the scenes, plus what you can do in each case.

1. Label Created but Not Picked Up Yet

This is the classic “label limbo.” The seller has printed your label, but the package hasn’t reached the carrier’s hands. It could be sitting in a warehouse, a backroom, or still being packaged. 

Smart Fix: Wait 24–48 hours before worrying. If nothing changes, ask the seller to confirm pickup.

2. Carrier Scan Delays During Peak Periods

High-volume seasons like holidays, weather disruptions, or strikes can cause carriers to skip or delay scans. Your package might still be moving, but the system isn’t updated in real time. 

Smart Fix: Check official carrier service alerts and add 1–3 days to your delivery expectation.

3. Wrong Tracking Number or Carrier Chosen

Sometimes sellers enter the wrong number or mix up carriers, which leaves you searching in the wrong system. 

Smart Fix: Verify the number format and carrier with the seller, and always try the number on the carrier’s official site.

4. Long Transportation Gaps

Packages traveling by ship, rail, or even long-haul trucking routes can disappear from tracking for days. This is normal—scans only happen at checkpoints. 

Smart Fix: If your package is on a known long route, wait until it hits the next hub before expecting updates.

5. Customs Holds for International Shipments

Customs checks can freeze updates for days while your package waits for inspection or clearance.

Smart Fix: Use your tracking number on both the origin and destination country’s postal websites. Some even show customs status directly.

6. Expired or Recycled Tracking Numbers

Inactive numbers sometimes get recycled by carriers, which can cause strange or incorrect tracking results.

Smart Fix: If the tracking shows unrelated shipment details, request a new number from the seller.

7. Technical Glitches in the Tracking System

Carrier websites and multi-carrier tracking platforms aren’t perfect. Sometimes updates are delayed due to system sync issues.

Smart Fix: Try multiple tracking tools or the carrier’s official app to confirm the latest status.

How to Fix Tracking Issues Step-by-Step

Knowing the cause of a stalled update is one thing. Actually fixing it is another. This section gives you a clear action plan so you can stop refreshing the page and start getting real answers. Follow these steps in order for the best results.

1. Verify the Tracking Number and Carrier

Double-check that you’re entering the correct tracking number in the right carrier’s system. A single missing digit or using the wrong courier can make it look like your package doesn’t exist.

2. Wait 48–72 Hours Before Acting

In many cases, the first scan doesn’t appear immediately. Give it two to three days before assuming something’s wrong—especially during busy seasons.

3. Use Multi-Carrier Tracking Tools

Websites like 17Track, Ship24, or AfterShip pull data from multiple carriers. This can reveal updates you won’t see on a single carrier’s site, especially for international handoffs.

4. Check Customs Status Directly

For international shipments, see if the destination country’s postal website shows customs clearance progress. Some carriers don’t display these details in their own tracking system.

5. Contact the Seller or Carrier

If nothing changes after the waiting period, reach out to the seller first. If they can’t help, contact the carrier directly with your tracking number for more detailed info.

6. For eCommerce Sellers and Dropshippers: Audit Your Automation

If you’re running a store, make sure your tracking automation tools—like AutoDS or similar platforms—are set up correctly. One misconfigured setting can cause delays in forwarding updates to customers.

7. File a Claim If Necessary

If your package has had no movement for more than 7–14 days (domestic) or 21–30 days (international), you may be eligible to file a lost shipment claim.

Advanced Tracking Tools and Tech Most Blogs Miss

Most articles stop at “check the carrier’s site” or “use a tracking app.” But the shipping world has evolved, and there are smarter ways to keep tabs on your packages—especially for high-value or time-sensitive deliveries.

1. Smart Tags and RFID Tracking

Smart tags and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips can track shipments in real time without relying solely on barcode scans. Some carriers and logistics providers use them to monitor location and even environmental conditions like temperature.

2. GPS Proof of Delivery

Certain services now provide GPS coordinates when your package is delivered. This means you can see exactly where the driver scanned it—especially useful if you suspect it was left at the wrong address.

3. Order Logs for Full Tracking History

Platforms like AutoDS store a complete log of every tracking update, including timestamps. This is valuable if you need proof for a dispute or simply want to understand exactly where delays happened.

4. Email-Based Tracking Automation

Some advanced tools let you forward supplier emails directly into a tracking platform. This automatically extracts tracking details and updates your orders without manual input—saving hours for eCommerce sellers.

5. IoT Sensors for Critical Shipments

For sensitive shipments like medical supplies or high-value electronics, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors can track not just location but also humidity, shocks, and light exposure.

Carrier-Specific Tips for Tracking That Actually Updates

Different carriers handle tracking in different ways, and knowing their quirks can save you a lot of stress. Here’s how to get more accurate updates depending on who’s delivering your package.

1. USPS and Domestic Couriers

Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery or similar services offered by other domestic carriers. These give you email or text alerts for every scan, plus images of incoming mail. Learn to read USPS statuses—“In Transit” can mean it’s moving or just waiting for its next scan.

2. International Shipments and Customs

When your package crosses borders, tracking often goes dark until the local postal service takes over. Use your tracking number on both the origin and destination country’s postal websites. This gives you a fuller picture, including customs hold times and clearance updates.

3. Dropshippers and eCommerce Sellers

If you’re fulfilling orders online, automate your tracking updates. Platforms like AutoDS, Spocket, or Zendrop can push updates to customers instantly, even if the supplier is using a slower system. This keeps customers informed and reduces support tickets.

Quick Fix Checklist When Tracking Goes Dark

Sometimes you don’t have time to read through a full troubleshooting guide—you just need answers now. Here’s your rapid-response checklist for stalled tracking updates:

1. Double-check the tracking number and confirm the correct carrier.
2. Wait 48–72 hours, especially if the package was just shipped.
3. Use a multi-carrier tracking tool like 17Track or Ship24.
4. Search the destination country’s postal site for international shipments.
5. Contact the seller or carrier if there’s no change after the waiting period.
6. File a claim if the package shows no movement within the carrier’s claim window.

Keep this list handy—you’ll save yourself hours of uncertainty the next time tracking slows down.

Wrapping It Up – Taking Control of Your Tracking Number Updates

Stalled tracking updates can be frustrating, but they’re rarely a sign your package is gone for good. Most delays have simple explanations—like missed scans, transport gaps, or customs holds—and knowing how the system works gives you the power to respond smartly instead of worrying.

By combining patience with proactive steps—like using multi-carrier tools, checking customs directly, and automating updates if you’re a seller—you can turn a stressful waiting game into a manageable process. The more you understand about how carriers operate, the less time you’ll spend refreshing a tracking page.

So the next time your tracking number seems frozen, remember: you’re not stuck waiting in the dark. You have the tools, knowledge, and strategies to keep things moving and get your shipment to your door.