Why is my tracking number not showing any updates?

Tracking numbers often take 24-48 hours to activate after the warehouse generates them. International packages may show no updates for 3-5 days while in transit between countries. This is normal. If no updates appear after 7 days, contact hipobuy support.

What does "customs clearance" mean in tracking?

Customs clearance means your package is being inspected by the destination country's customs authority. This typically takes 1-3 days for most countries. "Customs clearance complete" means your package has been released and will enter local delivery within 24 hours.

Package Tracking Tutorial - Step by Step

Master package tracking across all shipping carriers with our step-by-step tutorial covering 17Track, AfterShip, and carrier-specific portals.

Package Tracking Tutorial: Step by Step

Once your hipobuy order ships internationally, tracking becomes your primary tool for monitoring progress and anticipating delivery. This comprehensive tutorial covers every tracking platform you need, from universal trackers to carrier-specific portals, with instructions for interpreting status updates and handling common tracking issues.

Understanding Your Tracking Number

Hipobuy provides a tracking number once your package enters international shipping. This number format depends on the carrier. DHL Express tracking numbers are typically 10 digits (e.g., 1234567890). FedEx uses 12-digit numbers (e.g., 123456789012). UPS tracking numbers are 18 characters starting with "1Z". EMS tracking numbers are 13 characters starting with two letters (e.g., EA123456789CN).

Copy this tracking number immediately and save it somewhere accessible. You will use it across multiple tracking platforms to get the most comprehensive view of your package's journey.

17Track: The Universal Tracker

17Track.net is the most versatile tracking platform, supporting over 800 carriers worldwide. Simply paste your tracking number into the search field and 17Track automatically identifies the carrier. The platform consolidates updates from all carriers involved in your shipment's journey, providing a unified timeline.

17Track is particularly useful for EMS shipments that involve multiple postal services. An EMS package might start with China Post, transfer to the destination country's postal service (USPS, Royal Mail, Deutsche Post), and finish with local delivery. 17Track displays the complete chain in one view.

Pro tip: Create a free 17Track account to save your tracking numbers and receive email notifications for status updates. The mobile app provides push notifications when significant status changes occur.

Carrier-Specific Tracking Portals

DHL Tracking (dhl.com): The most detailed tracking experience for DHL shipments. Shows estimated delivery windows, customs status, and delivery options. You can reschedule delivery, authorize release without signature, or redirect to a DHL service point.

FedEx Tracking (fedex.com): Provides detailed transit maps showing your package's current location. FedEx Delivery Manager lets you customize delivery times, hold packages at FedEx locations, and receive real-time alerts.

UPS Tracking (ups.com): My Choice membership (free) provides enhanced tracking with delivery window estimates, alternative delivery locations, and vacation hold options.

AfterShip (aftership.com): Premium tracking platform with delivery predictions, AI-powered delay alerts, and integration with e-commerce platforms. The free tier supports up to 50 tracking numbers.

Common Tracking Status Meanings

"Shipment information received" or "Label created": The shipping label has been generated but the package has not yet been picked up by the carrier. This status typically lasts 1-2 days.

"In transit" or "Departed facility": Your package is moving between logistics facilities. This is the longest status, lasting 5-15 days depending on the carrier and destination.

"Customs clearance" or "Held in customs": Your package is being inspected by destination country customs. This usually takes 1-3 days. "Customs clearance complete" means your package was released and will resume transit shortly.

"Out for delivery": Your package is on the local delivery vehicle and should arrive today. Make sure someone is available to receive it or authorize safe drop-off.

"Delivery attempted" or "Held at facility": The carrier tried to deliver but could not complete the delivery (no one home, signature required, etc.). Follow the carrier's instructions for rescheduling or pickup.

Troubleshooting Tracking Issues

If your tracking number shows no updates for more than 7 days, first verify the number is correct. Common errors include missing digits, incorrect letter substitutions (O vs 0), or copying the wrong number from your order confirmation.

If the tracking number is correct but inactive after 48 hours, contact hipobuy support. The warehouse may have generated a label but not yet handed the package to the carrier. For stuck international shipments (no updates for 10+ days), contact both hipobuy support and the carrier directly.