Ordering products from Chinese online stores like AliExpress, LightInTheBox, or ClubFactory is very common these days. The affordable prices and wide range of unique items make shopping on these sites hard to resist.
However, the downside is having to wait weeks for your purchases to arrive by standard China Post shipping. Not knowing where your package is or when it will reach you can be frustrating! This is where China Post Tracking comes in handy.
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What is China Post Tracking?
China Post Tracking is a postal tracking service offered by China Post to track international packages shipped from China. It allows you to monitor the status and location of your parcel from the time it was mailed to the delivery at your doorstep.
With China Post tracking, you’ll receive regular updates on key milestones like:
- When the parcel was dispatched from the seller
- Departure from China’s International Mail Exchange Stations
- Arrival and processing at your country’s Exchange Station
- Customs clearance
- Delivered status
So even though China Post shipping is notoriously slow, at least you’ll know where your goods are!
How to Track Your Package from China
Here are the simple steps to track your China Post package:
Get the Tracking Number
Your package’s tracking number is essential for locating it in the China Post system. Sellers usually provide this directly on the product page, order confirmation email, or shipping dispatch notice.
The number generally follows a Ux2xxxxxxx5Cn format, with ‘U’ indicating it is an international tracking code. If, for some reason, you don’t have it, contact the seller immediately to get your tracking number.
Select a Tracking Service
You can track China Post packages on multiple sites, but I recommend using their official postal tracking website at chinapost-track.com or via the Universal Parcel Tracker mobile app for convenience.
Both options provide the same China Post tracking capabilities, so it comes down to your personal preference. The benefit of the app is getting on-the-go tracking updates directly to your smartphone as your package is in transit.
Enter Your Tracking Number
Simply input your tracking number on your selected tracking platform, and all available information about your parcel will appear.
As it goes through the various sorting facilities and transportation modes, the tracking details are recorded by postal scanners to give you real-time visibility.
Monitor the Tracking Updates
Once in the system, refresh or check your tracking regularly to monitor the package’s journey to your address.
You’ll see all milestones as it travels from its origin city, gets inspected by Chinese customs officers, flies overseas via China Post air mail, arrives at your local carriers, undergoes final sorting & delivery arrangements, and ultimately gets delivered.
While China Post tracking isn’t always precise down to the hour, it helps ease your mind seeing those status updates!
China Post Tracking Timeline Examples
To give you an idea of key China Post tracking updates you may receive and what they mean, here are some examples:
- “Origin Post is Preparing Shipment“ – Seller has submitted your package to China Post origin facility.
- “Depart from Regional Sorting Center to Dispatch Post Office” – Parcel sent from seller’s city to Shanghai or Beijing International Mail Exchange Stations.
- “Processed Through Facility” – Arrived and sorted at the outbound station before customs inspection.
- “Arrived at Regional Sorting Center” – Went through customs clearance successfully
- “Departed from Export Office” – Left China via air transportation
- “Arrived at Destination Airport” – Landed in your country and will undergo border security checks
- “Inbound into Customs” – Waiting for customs clearance in your country
- “Arrived at Delivery Facility” – Passed customs and now with local carriers like USPS
- “Out for Delivery” – On the truck for final delivery!
So you’ll get a clear idea of your parcel’s journey from China to your door.
What If My Package Is Stuck or Delayed?
Despite its drawbacks, China Post has made efforts in recent years to improve delivery times worldwide.
However, occasional hiccups can still happen, like theft, customs delays, weather events, misrouting, or a simple lack of scans.
If your China Post tracking shows no updates for an extended stretch or gets stuck in one status, it could indicate an issue. First, contact your seller to verify they did, in fact, ship it on time. If there is no response or they can’t help, try reaching out on Universal Parcel Tracker’s online support channels or social media.
They work directly with postal networks worldwide and may be able to provide reassurance, troubleshooting tips if your purchase went astray, or even localized recommendations like which office location to call or visit.
So try not to worry too much if your China Post tracking seems wonky at times. With a few quick inquiries, you’ll hopefully get back on track to receiving your goods soon.
Delivery Times to Expect
China Post delivery standards give estimates of 35 to 60+ days for parcels to reach most destinations. However, actual transit times can vary significantly depending on factors such as:
- Your location
- Shipping line selected
- Seasonal holidays and sale events
- Current postal backlogs
For example, standard China Post shipments to the United States or Canada average 4 to 6 weeks door-to-door. Packages sent via ePacket line may arrive in 2 to 3 weeks.
Shipments to Australia and New Zealand typically take 3 to 5 weeks to deliver with ePacket. Orders going to Europe can range from 15 days up to 2 months in some cases.
So always take China Post shipping timeframes with a grain of salt. Tracking your package is the best way to gauge realistic delivery expectations.
Is China Post Tracking Reliable?
Considering how far and long China Post has to carry low-cost items, its tracking capabilities are reasonably reliable. Location scans and status updates may not be as frequent or precise as private couriers. Still, the tracking gives you ballpark visibility rather than leaving you clueless!
However, do keep in mind that China Post tracking usually only works until your parcel reaches your country’s borders. The handoff to local postal carriers or delivery partners involves another system change.
So domestic tracking will have to kick in at the destination for monitoring the last mile to your address. In the US, you would track via USPS from the inbound international handover point onwards.
The Takeaway
I hope this detailed guide gave you a good grasp of using China Post Tracking to your maximum advantage while waiting for packages. Monitoring those status updates brings much-needed visibility and reassurance that your goods are, in fact, moving closer toward delivery.
And if you face any hiccups in the future like non-updating stale tracks, reach out to Universal Parcel Tracker or the merchant for support. Their behind-the-scenes shipping expertise and inquiries can get things moving again.
So go ahead and enjoy shopping on your favorite Chinese e-commerce sites, then track away! Don’t drive yourself too crazy hyper-checking your tracking multiple times a day.
