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If you’ve ever shipped an item overseas with USPS, you may have noticed that the tracking numbers look different than they do for regular domestic services. Most domestic services (USPS Priority Mail, for instance) come with tracking numbers starting with a set of numbers, such as 9400. On the other hand, USPS international tracking numbers begin with a combination of letters. Those different letter combinations depend on the type of service you are shipping, and whether the packages are fully trackable.
Why Some USPS International Tracking Numbers Start With UA, and Others With LZ
Some international tracking numbers begin with the letters UA, and some begin with LZ. This has to do with the size of your package, as well as whether or not the destination country participates in the international E-DELCON program. Some international shipping services like First Class Package International don’t come with full package tracking. However, if it’s going to a destination country on the E-DELCON list, then USPS can track these shipments.
In a nutshell, here’s the basic breakdown between UA and LZ tracking numbers:
- UA indicates what USPS refers to as “letter mail,” which is equivalent to small parcels. More often than not, these kinds of parcels are sent First Class Package International. USPS assigns UA tracking numbers to First Class Package International packages going to countries that aren’t on the E-DELCON list.
- LZ is for larger or heavier international shipments, sent via Priority Mail International. USPS also assigns LZ tracking numbers to First Class Package International shipments traveling to countries on the E-DELCON list.
So, your tracking number will begin with LZ if you’re sending something Priority Mail International, or if you’re sending it First Class Package to an E-DELCON participating country. Your tracking number will begin with UA if you’re sending it First Class Package international to a country that isn’t on the E-DELCON list.
To see what countries are on the E-DELCON list, check out our guide: Why Isn’t USPS Tracking My International Package?
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Ivor Moncton
Is ‘ RP20526568IN’ a real USPS tracking number for India? The USPS tracking app can’t give me any information about my shipment that uses this tracking number. The package allegedly shipped on October 13. But is this a fake number for India?
Jody
Tracking numbers 92144903245031870004031318
92144903245031870003183223
15796889828104634140
Are these fake tracking numbers?!?!
Jason plummer
LB6010120781784 track number does not exist. Says it was received in Texas usps then it say flight departure. Was it sent back to China. I know the postal is good for miss reading labels. Has happened before to me.
Femail
What if the tracking number is all numbers? No letters at all? Does that mean it’s definitely domestic (U.S.)? I’m talking USPS btw.
Trying to figure out the actual location of this Amazon seller.
bob smiet
A package is on its way to me. LH168954900US . It passed thru Chicag intl USPS Center April 24th and after that all WENT DEAD. What happened USPS ????????
Pat
What does it mean when the international tracking code begins with CH? Usually a priority international package begins with LH.
Lawrence
I think I have been had someone sent me a text saying I owe $1.99 or they will send it back in 24 hours
Track number
Us9514901185421
Mayuresh
LH162765369US this my tracking number what kind of usps package is this? Plz help 🙏🏿
Mohamed
What does RH stand for in the beginning of tracking number
Kate
Over a month ago I ordered sneakers from China. China Post had tracking information with this tracking # AS757975233CN. They said my package was delivered but U never got it. They claim it was delivered by USPS. Our local post office did not recognize the tracking #. I lost $100.
Michael
Is EL 49 283 008 1 US a usps tracking number!???how legit is this?
Laura Pool
My tracking number looks like this AS501756660CN
Ralph Hudnall
REc’d email with this msg and want my credit card info and a $3 charge and this info:
Tracking Number: US9514901185421
Status :
We have issues with your shipping address
USPS Allows you to Redeliver your package to your address in case of delivery failure or any other case.
You can also track the package at any time, from shipment to delivery.
Lorna Kay
I got one very similar text. The number starts US snd then 13 digits. USPS seems to all have 20 or so. I didn’t verify any of my info.
Michelle Irvin
I got the same thing asking for credit card number to redeliver the package. The message was texted to me instead of emailed. And the tracking number also begins with US.
This has gotta be some sort of new credit card scam.
j
it’s a scam. they are trying to get your cc number.
Kdogg
USPS never charges for a redelivery
Jagdishchandra Chauhan
I am sent registers mail to India #RH003095648US too much Reg.Fee $15.25 and Handling Charges $16.30.and same Registerd mail in 2020 take Reg.fee was only $1.20.why the Registered fee too much this time.
WarHorse
UA is also used when sending International Letter Mail Large Envelope (Flat). These numbers are totally unreliable. I mailed four “flats” at the same time, going to 4 different International destinations, all in Europe. Two tracked starting immediately beginning at my post office and continued to track all the way until they left the USA (several scans each). The other two never were scanned, or I’m guessing were in fact scanned but the scans do not show for those destinations, perhaps?