No record of this tracking number can be found at this time; please check the number and try again later. For further assistance, please contact Customer Service.
If you’ve come across this message when trying to track your package on FedEx, don’t worry. There are other ways to find your package.
You receive a unique tracking number when you ship a package using FedEx.
This tracking number serves as a key identifier for your shipment and allows you to track its progress and know its estimated delivery time easily.
Unfortunately, at times this tracking number will just not work. Some of the most common complaints we’ve seen from users on this matter include:
- Why does it say my tracking number cannot be found?
- Why is my package tracking number not working?
- How long does it take FedEx tracking number to show up?
- Why is FedEx saying my tracking number is invalid?
These and other related questions are what this guide will address. We’ll also show you ways to track your FedEx shipment without a tracking number.
In this article:
Why Is My FedEx Tracking Number Not Found?
If you receive the “tracking number not found” message when trying to track your FedEx package, this may indicate that your package hasn’t been picked up yet by the courier or that the package has not yet been scanned into the FedEx system.
According to FedEx, when replying to a customer with this complaint:
Q: I’ve entered my tracking number, so why don’t I see any package updates?
A: “Shipment details are updated once the package has been received by FedEx. If you already have a tracking number or reference ID, but don’t see any updates, it means the package is still at the shipper’s original location. Once FedEx picks it up, we’ll keep you informed until it arrives at your door.”
Typically, it takes FedEx up to 24 hours to sort and process all the packages they receive. Until the package is scanned and the tracking number is entered into the FedEx system, attempting to track the package may result in an “invalid” or “not found” status.
That said, there are other possible causes:
- Recent Shipment: If the package was just shipped or dropped off at a FedEx location, updating the tracking information might take some time. Give it a few hours or up to a day, and then try tracking the package again.
- Incorrect Tracking Number: Double-check that you have entered the tracking number correctly. Even a minor error in entering the digits can result in an “invalid” status. Cross-check to be sure you’ve accurately typed in the digits.
- Delayed Scanning: Sometimes, packages may experience delays in being scanned at various points along the shipping process. This can occur due to high shipping volumes or unforeseen circumstances.
- System Update or Technical Issue: The FedEx tracking system may occasionally undergo updates or encounter technical issues that temporarily render tracking numbers invalid. In such cases, it’s advisable to wait for some time and then retry tracking the package.
If you have waited more than 24 hours, ensured that you entered the tracking number correctly, and still received an “invalid” status, you’ll need alternative ways to track your package.
How Can I Track My FedEx Package Without a Tracking Number?
1. Use a Reference Number
If, for whatever reason, your FedEx tracking number is not working, FedEx provides options to track packages using reference numbers or purchase order numbers associated with the shipment.
A reference number is a shipper/sender-defined identifier that provides additional information about a shipment. It’s included in the shipping confirmation or receipt from the shipper labeled as Reference Number or Purchase Order Number.
If you cannot locate the reference number, contact the sender or shipper and ask them to provide you with the reference number associated with your shipment.
Once you find it, head to the FedEx tracking page, switch to the Track by Reference tab, and input the number.
2. Use FedEx Insight Service
If enrolled in the FedEx InSight service, you can easily track your package without a tracking number.
FedEx insight gives you complete visibility into your shipments, regardless of whether you have a tracking number, reference number, or purchase order number.
You can track your packages in real time, seeing each shipment’s current status, location, and estimated delivery time. You also get real-time notifications about your shipments.
FedEx InSight is ideal for businesses with hundreds of shipments and requires advanced tracking capabilities and real-time visibility.
3. Use FedEx Delivery Manager
Like FedEx InSight service, FedEx Delivery Manager lets you customize your delivery preferences, receive tracking notifications, and have more flexibility in scheduling deliveries.
With FedEx Delivery Manager, you don’t need a tracking number to keep tabs on your shipment.
Once you sign up for the service, you can track your packages and receive real-time updates on their status. You will be notified via email or text when shipments are sent and when you expect them to arrive.
4. Track by Email Request
Do you know you can track your FedEx shipment from your email?
If any of the above popular methods don’t work, tracking your package by email is possible.
With the FedEx track by email service, you can track the status of up to 30 shipments or orders with a simple email request.
There are two ways to do it;
- Track by Order or Tracking Number
- Track by Account and Reference Number
1. Track by Order or Tracking Number
- Compose a new email message to [email protected], leaving the subject line blank.
- In the body of the email, enter your tracking number. You can include up to 30 tracking numbers in a single email.
- Enter the tracking number using either of these 2 formats:
a.) Each tracking number on a separate line.
b.) All tracking numbers on a single line, separated by a comma and space - Once done, hit the send button.
2. Track by Account and Reference Number
- Start a new email addressed to [email protected], leaving the subject line blank.
- In the email body, type “account,” followed by a space and your FedEx account number. Please note that each email can only include one account number.
- You can include up to 30 reference numbers per email. Enter them using one of the following formats:
a.) On separate lines below your account number, with one reference number per line.
b.) On a single line after your account number, separated by a comma and space. - Once done, send the email.
FedEx will reply to your email in a few minutes with the status of your package.
Remember to remove the parentheses around the words “account” and “[email protected]” when composing the email.
5. Use Door Tag ID
When you sign up for the FedEx delivery Manager, you can access other extra services like the Door Tag ID.
When you cannot be present at your shipping address to receive a package, FedEx leaves a door tag ID that serves as a notification behind. It includes a door tag number, which is linked to the original tracking number of your package. This door tag provides simple instructions to help you easily locate your package.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take for a FedEx tracking number to show up?
After your shipping label has been generated, it typically takes about 24 hours for your FedEx tracking number to show up and update the tracking information in the system.
What do I do if I don’t have a FedEx tracking number?
If you don’t have a tracking number for your package, you can use a reference number, FedEx insight service and FedEx delivery manager to track your shipment. You can also track FedEx packages with a simple email request.
SOLVED: FedEx Tracking Number Not Found/Not Working
FedEx tracking number not being found or not working can be frustrating, but you can work around it. Firstly, ensure you have entered the tracking number correctly.
Alternatively, you can track your FedEx shipment using your reference, FedEx Insight Service, or FedEx Delivery Manager and track by email request.
We’ve shown you how to use all these methods above. We hope one of them helps you.
Do you find this guide helpful? Let’s hear your thought in the comment section below.
