Why Parcel Tracking Matters
Parcel tracking gives both senders and recipients real-time visibility over where a shipment is in its journey. Instead of wondering whether a package has been dispatched, is stuck at customs, or is out for delivery, tracking status updates let you stay informed and plan accordingly.
Most major carriers — including Mondial Relay, Colissimo, DPD, Chronopost, and GLS — provide online tracking through their websites or mobile apps.
How to Track Your Parcel
- Find your tracking number: This is provided by the sender or retailer at the time of dispatch. It is usually included in a dispatch confirmation email.
- Visit the carrier's tracking page: Go to the official website of the carrier handling your parcel (e.g., mondialrelay.fr, laposte.fr, dpd.fr).
- Enter your tracking number: Paste or type the number into the tracking search box and submit.
- Review the status timeline: The tracking page will display a timeline of all scan events your parcel has passed through.
Common Tracking Statuses Explained
| Status | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Label Created | The sender has generated a shipping label but hasn't yet handed the parcel to the carrier. |
| In Transit / Collected | The parcel has been picked up by the carrier and is moving through the network. |
| At Sorting Facility | The parcel is being processed at a distribution hub before continuing its journey. |
| Out for Delivery | A courier has your parcel and will attempt delivery to your address or relay point today. |
| Available at Relay Point | Your parcel has arrived at your chosen relay point and is ready for collection. |
| Delivery Attempted | The carrier tried to deliver but couldn't (no one home, access issue). Check for a notification card. |
| Returned to Sender | The parcel could not be delivered and has been sent back to the original sender. |
| Customs Hold | For international parcels, customs is reviewing the shipment. Additional documentation may be required. |
What to Do If Your Tracking Isn't Updating
Tracking information can sometimes appear to stall. Here's what to check:
- Allow 24–48 hours: After label creation, it can take a day or two for the first scan to appear.
- Check you're on the right carrier's site: Make sure you're entering the number on the correct carrier's tracking page.
- Busy periods: During peak seasons (Christmas, sales events), delays in scanning are common.
- Contact the carrier: If there's been no update for more than 5 business days, contact the carrier's customer service with your tracking number.
Third-Party Tracking Tools
If you're juggling multiple parcels from different carriers, universal tracking platforms like 17track.net or Parcelsapp.com can consolidate tracking data from dozens of carriers into one dashboard. These are free to use and support most major European and international carriers.
Tips for Smooth Parcel Tracking
- Save your tracking number as soon as you receive your dispatch email.
- Enable SMS or email notifications so the carrier alerts you automatically.
- Double-check your delivery address at checkout to avoid misdirected parcels.
- Keep your tracking number safe until after you've confirmed the parcel's contents are correct.