Royal Mail is one of the UK's most established postal services, handling both domestic and international deliveries. With centuries of experience, Royal Mail now processes millions of parcels daily. Through Ship24's tracking API, businesses and individuals can seamlessly track Royal Mail shipments in real time. The integration enables users to get instant updates on the location and status of their parcels, making it easy to manage deliveries with accurate and timely information. This API offers enhanced tracking capabilities, ensuring reliable data for businesses and eCommerce platforms.
How to Track Royal Mail Parcels
You can choose between the official Royal Mail website or third-party tracking platforms like Ship24 when tracking your parcels. Be sure to have your tracking number handy before starting.
On the Royal Mail Website
To track through the official Royal Mail website:
- Visit the Royal Mail tracking page.
- On the homepage, click on "Track."
- Enter your tracking number.
- Press "Track Your Delivery" to check updates on your parcels.
On Ship24
Ship24 also allows you to track packages from Royal Mail and many other carriers: such as China Post, La Poste, FedEx, etc. To track with Ship24:
- Go to the homepage or the search field above.
- Enter your Royal Mail tracking number.
- Click on the search button.
Ship24 is especially helpful if you track multiple packages across different couriers and it supports more than 25 languages.
Where to Find Your Tracking Number
Your Royal Mail tracking number can be located in a variety of places depending on how your shipment was arranged. If you purchased shipping through Royal Mail directly, the tracking number is typically sent via email or printed on your shipping receipt. When shopping online from eCommerce platforms or marketplaces, the seller often provides the tracking number through a confirmation email or text message once your item is dispatched.
Royal Mail Tracking Number Format
The format of a Royal Mail tracking number varies based on the service type, but for international shipments, it usually consists of:
- 2 capital letters at the beginning.
- 9 digits in the middle.
- "GB" at the end
Examples
- RN621671246GB
- LG962185953GB
- LP029387042GB
- FF340961424GB
- LE446631211GB
For domestic shipments or special services, the format may range from 9 to 27 characters, and the number can typically be found under the barcode on the shipping label. Always refer to your order confirmation emails or shipping receipts for accurate tracking information.
Royal Mail Tracking Delivery Statuses
When you enter a Royal Mail tracking number into a tracking tool, you will receive updates or events detailing the current status of your parcel. These updates provide information about the parcel's journey, such as whether it's in transit or has reached a processing centre.
Below are some common Royal Mail tracking statuses you may encounter when tracking your parcel with Ship24 or other tracking systems.
| Track Delivery Statuses | Description |
| Sender preparing item | A tracking number has been generated, but the parcel hasn't been dispatched yet. |
| Sender despatching item | The parcel is being handed over to Royal Mail by the sender. |
| Accepted at Post Office | The parcel has been dropped off at a local Royal Mail post office. |
| Item Received by Royal Mail | Royal Mail has received the parcel and is processing it. |
| Item Received | The parcel is with Royal Mail. |
| Item received at | The parcel has been received at a specific Royal Mail location or depot. |
| Item Leaving the UK | The parcel is leaving the UK for its destination country. |
| Item Despatched to Heathrow Worldwide DC | The parcel has been forwarded to the Heathrow Worldwide Distribution Centre for international transit. |
| Item has left the overseas International Processing Centre | The parcel is leaving an international processing centre via air or sea transport. |
| Your item is currently with Customs in the destination country | The parcel is currently being processed by customs in the destination country. |
| Prepared for export | The parcel is ready for export from the UK. |
| Delivered by | The parcel is scheduled to be delivered by a specific time and date. |
| Due to be delivered today | The parcel is expected to be delivered today. |
| Delivered and Signed | The parcel has been delivered and signed for by the recipient. |
Whether you track your parcel using Royal Mail's tracking service or Ship24’s tracking tool, you will receive the same updates directly from the relevant postal systems.
Abbreviations Meaning
While tracking your Royal Mail parcels, you may encounter abbreviations. Here's a guide to some common abbreviations:
| 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 |
Royal Mail Tracking Services
Royal Mail provides various tracking options designed to cater to different delivery needs. Whether you're sending items domestically or internationally, there are suitable services to keep track of your parcel’s journey. Here’s an overview of the tracking services Royal Mail offers:
Standard Tracking
This basic tracking service allows senders and recipients to follow a parcel as it moves through the postal system. Updates are provided at key stages, making it a good option for both domestic and international mail. However, it may not include delivery confirmation. This service is commonly used for less time-sensitive items where basic progress tracking is sufficient.
Tracked and Signed
For those seeking added security, the tracked and signed option ensures that the recipient must sign for the parcel upon delivery. This service is especially useful for important or high-value items, as it provides proof of receipt. It’s available for both national and international deliveries, offering a more secure delivery option.
Special Delivery Guaranteed
For those who need to send time-sensitive items, the Special Delivery Guaranteed service is ideal. This option guarantees next-day delivery within the UK and includes comprehensive tracking from dispatch to delivery. It’s particularly useful for urgent documents or valuable items, as it also provides compensation for lost or damaged parcels.
International Tracked and Signed
When sending parcels overseas, Royal Mail's International Tracked and Signed service offers both tracking throughout the delivery process and signature confirmation upon arrival. This ensures that international packages are delivered securely and provides full visibility of their journey from the UK to the destination country.
Delivery Time
The delivery time for Royal Mail parcels can vary based on several factors, including the type of service chosen, the destination, and the parcel's size and weight. When selecting a shipping option, it’s important to consider these elements to choose the best delivery service for your needs.
At the time of purchase, Royal Mail provides an estimated delivery time after you enter the package's dimensions and weight. Below are the average shipping times:
- UK Deliveries: For express services, deliveries typically take between 24 to 48 hours.
- International Deliveries: Shipping times can differ significantly, especially for items coming from overseas. For example:
- Packages from China using registered services may take around 20 days.
- Economy options, such as unregistered parcels, can take up to 40 days. It’s important to note that unregistered shipping options may not include tracking services.
Royal Mail also works with other international postal services when handling deliveries from abroad, which may affect final delivery times.
Royal Mail 1st Class Delivery Time
For faster delivery, customers can opt for Royal Mail 1st Class service, which typically delivers items within one working day. This option is available for parcels weighing up to 20 kg. While not tracked, Royal Mail 1st Class remains a reliable choice for time-sensitive deliveries. Pricing for this service varies based on the size and weight of the parcel.
Royal Mail Tracked 24® and Royal Mail Tracked 48®
Royal Mail offers two popular parcel delivery services in the UK: Royal Mail Tracked 24® and Royal Mail Tracked 48®. Both services provide end-to-end tracking and are suitable for sending parcels and letters up to 20 kg. The main difference between the two lies in their delivery times and associated costs.
- Royal Mail Tracked 24® aims to deliver parcels within one working day (24 hours), making it ideal for urgent deliveries. Prices start at £3.80 for small parcels.
- Royal Mail Tracked 48® offers delivery within two working days (48 hours). This service is more suited for non-urgent items and starts at £3.20.
How to Contact Royal Mail Customer Services
If you need to get in touch with Royal Mail, there are several ways you can reach their customer services:
- Phone (UK): 03457 740 740
- Phone (International): +44 1782 668 007
- Email: customer.service.team@royalmail.com
- Royal Mail Website: Visit here
Before reaching out to Royal Mail about delayed deliveries, you may want to track your parcel using the Ship24 tracking tool. This can provide you with up-to-date information on your parcel’s location, such as if it’s held at customs or delayed in transit. Having this information readily available can make your conversation with Royal Mail’s support team more efficient, as you will be able to provide them with the latest status of your delivery.
About Royal Mail
Founded in 1516 by King Henry VIII, the Royal Mail has played a crucial role in UK communications for centuries. Initially serving royal courts, it became more accessible with the introduction of the Penny Black stamp in 1840, allowing affordable letter delivery. Over time, Royal Mail evolved to handle modern challenges, including digital communication shifts, by expanding into parcel and logistics services. Today, the company processes over 80 million items daily and employs more than 160,000 people across the UK, ensuring efficient mail and package delivery.
