When you’re waiting on an important delivery but don’t know which company is handling it, the delay can feel even longer. Whether you're expecting a domestic order or an international package, identifying the right carrier is the first step to tracking your shipment accurately. In this article, we’ll walk you through several methods to determine which courier service is delivering your package, along with some helpful tools—including xpackage.me—that can simplify the process.
1. Check the Order Confirmation and Shipping Email
The fastest way to find out the carrier is to check your confirmation email or shipment notification. These emails often contain:
The name of the shipping company (e.g., USPS, DHL, FedEx)
A tracking number with a recognizable format
A link to track the package directly
Tip: Even if no courier name is listed, the tracking number format itself can be a clue (e.g., FedEx numbers usually start with 96 or 12 digits; USPS starts with “94”).
2. Use a Smart Multi-Carrier Tracking Tool Like xpackage.me
If you're not sure which courier is handling your delivery, xpackage.me is a powerful tool to help:
It supports auto-detection of carrier based on tracking number format
You can enter a partial or full tracking number, and the system will try multiple carriers
Works with hundreds of couriers globally, including USPS, FedEx, DHL, UPS, Cainiao, YunExpress, and more
This is especially useful if you received a tracking number but no carrier name, or when buying from international sellers who use third-party logistics.
Other similar tools you can try:
17track.net – supports over 1000 carriers
Parcel Monitor – global tracking aggregator
AfterShip – popular among Shopify users
Track24.net – good for international postal shipments
3. Look at the Tracking Number Format
Many carriers use specific tracking number structures. Here are some examples to help you identify the shipping company:
| Carrier | Typical Tracking Number Format |
|---|---|
| USPS | 9400xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (22 digits) |
| FedEx | 12 or 15 digits (no letters) |
| UPS | Starts with "1Z" followed by 16 characters |
| DHL | Starts with 3S, JVGL, or 10-digit numbers |
| Cainiao / AliExpress | Starts with LPxxxxxxxxxxxxCN |
| China Post | Ends with CN, e.g., RR123456789CN |
Use this to compare with the tracking number you received—even if the seller didn’t name the courier.
4. Check the Shipping Method from the Seller
If you're ordering from a marketplace or eCommerce site, the shipping method or delivery service name may give clues:
“Standard International Shipping” might suggest China Post, Yanwen, or Cainiao
“Expedited Shipping” could mean DHL or FedEx
“ePacket” or “AliExpress Standard Shipping” often routes through Cainiao
If the seller used a fulfillment center, such as Amazon FBA or eBay Global Shipping Program, the final-mile carrier may vary depending on your region.
5. Contact the Seller for Confirmation
Still unsure? Reach out to the seller or the platform’s support team and ask:
What shipping company was used?
Do you have the full tracking number?
Is the package handed off to a local carrier for final delivery?
Sellers can usually access this information from their shipping systems and share the correct tracking details.
6. Check Your Address with Carrier Delivery Tools
Some carriers let you monitor deliveries to your address, even without a tracking number.
UPS My Choice
FedEx Delivery Manager
USPS Informed Delivery (for U.S. residents)
These tools automatically detect packages headed to your address, which can help you confirm which carrier is handling your delivery.
Summary Table: How to Identify the Carrier
| Method | What You Need | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Email Confirmation | Email, order number | ✅ High |
| xpackage.me | Partial or full tracking number | ✅ High |
| Tracking Format Clues | Tracking ID format | ✅ Medium |
| Seller Contact | Order ID, name | ✅ High |
| Shipping Method Clues | Delivery speed or method | ✅ Medium |
| Address-based Delivery Tools | Home address | ✅ High (if registered) |
Final Tips
Bookmark xpackage.me for future tracking—it supports multi-carrier search and detects the courier for you.
If you're frequently shopping from international sites, familiarize yourself with the common courier formats.
Always save your tracking emails until the package arrives safely.