Sending an international parcel from India to Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Dubai or another country involves several stages, including collection, transportation, customs clearance and final delivery.
Once a parcel has been dispatched, one of the most common questions customers ask is: How can I track my international courier using an AWB number?
Most international courier companies provide online shipment tracking, allowing customers to check the progress of their parcels without visiting the courier office.
Whether you have booked a shipment through DHL, FedEx, UPS, Aramex, DPD or SkyNet, understanding how to use your tracking number can help you stay informed about your delivery.
This guide explains how to track an international parcel with an AWB number, where to find the number, what different tracking statuses mean and what to do if your parcel is delayed.
1. What Is an AWB Number in International Courier?
AWB stands for Air Waybill. It is a shipping document commonly used for air cargo and international courier transportation.
An air waybill records important shipment details and serves as evidence of the transportation arrangement.
It generally contains information about the sender, receiver, shipment origin, destination, carrier and goods being transported.
In international express courier services, the AWB or waybill number often serves as the shipment tracking number.
However, different carriers may use different terms, such as:
- AWB Number
- Air Waybill Number
- Tracking Number
- Shipment Number
- Consignment Number
- Waybill Number
- Parcel Number
The terminology depends on the courier provider.
For example, DHL Express commonly uses the term waybill number, while FedEx refers to tracking numbers and air waybill numbers.
Important: A traditional airline cargo AWB and an express courier tracking number are not always interchangeable. Use the tracking system specified by the company handling your shipment.
2. How Can I Track an International Parcel Using an AWB Number?
Tracking an international parcel is usually straightforward.
Step 1: Find Your AWB Number
Check the courier booking receipt, shipping label, confirmation email or message received after booking.
The tracking number may appear beside a barcode or under a heading such as AWB, Waybill or Tracking Number.
Step 2: Identify Your Courier Company
Check whether your parcel was booked through DHL, FedEx, UPS, Aramex, DPD, SkyNet or another provider.
This is important because every courier company operates its own tracking system.
Step 3: Visit the Official Tracking Website
Open the official website of your courier company.
Look for the section labelled Track Shipment, Track Your Parcel or Tracking.
Step 4: Enter the Tracking Number
Type or paste the complete AWB or tracking number into the tracking field.
Make sure there are no missing digits, incorrect characters or unnecessary spaces.
Step 5: Click Track
The system will search for the shipment information associated with your tracking number.
Step 6: Review the Tracking Status
Available information may include the current shipment location, movement history, customs processing and delivery status.
Step 7: Check for Delivery Updates
Continue checking tracking information until the parcel reaches its destination.
If the system provides an estimated delivery date, remember that it may change due to customs clearance or operational conditions.
3. How to Track a DHL International Courier Using an AWB Number
DHL Express provides online tracking for international shipments.
Customers can track their parcels using a DHL Express waybill number.
DHL AWB Tracking Process
- Visit the official DHL website.
- Open the tracking section.
- Enter your DHL Express waybill number.
- Click the tracking button.
- Review the latest shipment details.
DHL Express tracking numbers commonly contain 10 numerical digits, although other DHL divisions may use different formats.
The tracking information can include shipment collection, processing, international transportation, customs clearance and delivery confirmation.
What If DHL Tracking Is Not Updating?
The shipment may be waiting for its next processing scan, undergoing customs procedures or moving between transport facilities.
If the shipment has recently been booked, allow time for the carrier to receive and process it.
If the status does not change for an unusually long period, contact the booking provider or DHL support.
4. How to Track a FedEx International Parcel
FedEx offers tracking services for international documents, parcels and freight shipments.
Customers can use the tracking number provided when the shipment was booked.
FedEx Tracking Process
- Visit the FedEx India website.
- Select the Tracking section.
- Enter the FedEx tracking number.
- Submit the number.
- Review the shipment status and available delivery information.
FedEx’s tracking system can display shipment movement, customs-related updates, delivery exceptions and proof of delivery where available.
Customers may also use reference-based tracking options when supported.
Does FedEx Require an Account for Tracking?
Basic FedEx tracking generally does not require customers to sign in.
However, additional shipment management features may require account access.
5. How to Track a UPS International Courier
UPS provides online shipment tracking through its official website.
UPS tracking numbers have different formats depending on the service.
A common UPS small-package tracking format begins with 1Z, but not all valid UPS tracking numbers follow this format.
UPS Tracking Process
- Visit the official UPS website.
- Open the Tracking section.
- Enter the UPS tracking number.
- Click Track.
- Review the shipment history and current status.
UPS tracking may provide information about parcel collection, movement through sorting facilities, customs-related delays and final delivery.
What Does UPS Shipment Information Mean?
If a shipping label has been created but the carrier has not yet received the parcel, the tracking system may display a status indicating that shipment information has been received.
This does not necessarily mean the physical package has entered the UPS delivery network.
6. How to Track an Aramex International Parcel
Aramex offers online tracking for international courier shipments.
Customers can monitor parcels using the shipment number created during booking.
Aramex Tracking Process
- Visit the official Aramex website.
- Open the Track Shipments section.
- Enter the complete shipment number.
- Click Track.
- Check the current status and shipment history.
Aramex provides tracking information such as shipment movement, origin, destination and delivery updates.
Its online system can also support tracking multiple shipments.
What If Aramex Shows an Invalid Number?
An invalid tracking result may occur when the number is incorrect or the shipment information is not yet available in the system.
Check the number on your receipt and contact the sender or booking provider if necessary.
7. How to Track DPD International Parcels
DPD operates parcel tracking systems through its country-specific networks.
Customers can use a valid parcel number to check delivery progress.
DPD Tracking Process
- Visit the official DPD website for the relevant destination country.
- Open the parcel tracking section.
- Enter the DPD parcel number.
- Check the latest status.
Some DPD networks use 14-digit parcel numbers, but formats and tracking requirements can vary.
What If the Parcel Was Sent from India?
An international shipment originating in India may involve one carrier for international transportation and DPD for final delivery.
In such cases, the customer may initially need to track the parcel through the collecting carrier.
A separate DPD tracking number may become available once the parcel enters the destination delivery network.
8. How to Track a SkyNet International Courier
SkyNet Worldwide Express provides online tracking for shipments handled through its network.
Customers may receive a shipment number, Skybill number or reference number.
SkyNet Tracking Process
- Visit the SkyNet tracking website provided by the booking agent.
- Locate the shipment tracking section.
- Enter the Skybill or shipment number.
- Submit the tracking request.
- Review the available shipment details.
Tracking may show the shipment’s origin, destination, processing history and current status.
Because SkyNet operates through different regional providers, customers should use the official tracking system relevant to their shipment.
9. What Do Different International Courier Tracking Statuses Mean?
When tracking an international parcel, customers may encounter several status messages.
Understanding these updates can help determine whether a shipment is progressing normally or requires attention.
| Tracking Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Shipment Information Received | The shipment record or label has been created |
| Picked Up / Collected | The courier has collected the parcel |
| In Transit | The shipment is moving through the transport network |
| Arrived at Facility | The parcel has reached a processing centre |
| Departed Facility | The parcel has left a processing centre |
| Customs Clearance | The shipment is undergoing customs processing |
| Clearance Delay | Additional customs processing or information may be required |
| Out for Delivery | The parcel is with the delivery courier |
| Delivery Attempted | The courier attempted delivery |
| Delivered | Delivery has been recorded as completed |
| Exception | A problem or event may affect the expected delivery |
Tracking terminology differs among courier companies, and not every status indicates a problem.
10. What Does International Courier ‘In Transit’ Mean?
In Transit generally means that the parcel is moving through the courier’s transportation network.
The shipment may be travelling by road or air, waiting for transfer between facilities or undergoing routine network processing.
For example, a parcel travelling from Punjab to Canada may pass through a domestic sorting facility, an international export hub and one or more overseas transportation points.
During these stages, the tracking system may continue to display an in-transit status.
Does In Transit Mean the Parcel Is Delayed?
Not necessarily.
A parcel can remain in transit for several days depending on its route, selected service and processing schedule.
A delay should be assessed against the shipment’s estimated delivery date and the latest available carrier information.
11. What Does ‘Customs Clearance’ Mean in AWB Tracking?
Customs clearance is one of the most important stages of international shipping.
Goods entering another country may need to be declared and reviewed by customs authorities.
The tracking system may display statuses such as:
- Clearance Processing
- Customs Clearance in Progress
- Clearance Event
- Customs Hold
- Awaiting Customs Documentation
- Clearance Completed
Why Do International Parcels Get Delayed in Customs?
Common reasons include:
- Incomplete shipping invoices
- Incorrect product descriptions
- Missing identification or import documents
- Customs inspections
- Restricted or regulated products
- Unpaid duties or taxes
- Requests for additional information
A customs-related tracking status does not always mean the parcel has been rejected.
If additional documents are required, the carrier or customs clearance team may contact the sender or receiver.
Customers should respond promptly through verified official communication channels.
12. Why Is My AWB Number Not Showing Any Tracking Details?
Sometimes customers enter the correct tracking number but receive a message such as Tracking Number Not Found, Invalid AWB or No Shipment Information Available.
There are several possible reasons.
The Shipment Was Recently Booked
The tracking record may not have been fully processed or activated.
The Courier Has Not Collected the Parcel
A tracking number can be generated before the physical shipment is handed over.
Incorrect Tracking Number
Even one incorrect digit can prevent a successful tracking search.
Wrong Courier Website
A number issued by one carrier may not work on another carrier’s tracking platform.
Shipment Transferred Between Carriers
International delivery arrangements sometimes involve multiple logistics providers.
The tracking number may change or an additional number may be issued.
Temporary Technical Problems
Carrier tracking websites occasionally experience delays or system-related issues.
If tracking remains unavailable, contact the booking provider with the shipment receipt and ask for confirmation that the parcel has been handed over to the carrier.
13. Can I Track an International Parcel Without an AWB Number?
In some situations, tracking may still be possible without the original AWB number, but this depends on the carrier.
For example, certain courier companies support tracking through shipment references or account-based tools.
However, these alternatives may require additional verification or account access.
What If You Lost Your AWB Number?
Check your booking receipt, confirmation email, SMS or WhatsApp message from the courier provider.
If the number is not available, contact the company that booked the shipment.
You may need to provide your name, booking date and relevant shipment details.
The courier office may be able to help retrieve the shipment reference after verifying your information.
14. Can I Track My International Parcel Using My Mobile Number?
A mobile number alone is not a universal tracking method for international couriers.
Some courier companies offer account-based shipment management, notifications or delivery updates linked to a verified mobile number.
However, customers should not assume they can enter their mobile number on any courier website to retrieve a shipment.
For accurate tracking, the AWB or carrier-issued tracking number remains the most commonly used option.
15. How Many Days Does an International Parcel Take After Dispatch?
International courier delivery time depends on the destination, shipping service, customs clearance and transportation arrangements.
A shipment travelling from India to Dubai may have a different transit schedule from a parcel going to Canada, the UK or the USA.
The AWB tracking system helps customers monitor actual shipment progress.
However, a tracking number does not guarantee delivery by a particular date.
For urgent documents or time-sensitive parcels, customers should confirm the estimated arrival date before booking the shipment.
16. What Should I Do If My International Courier Is Delayed?
If your parcel has not arrived by the expected delivery date, review the tracking information carefully.
Check the Latest Status
Identify where the parcel was last scanned and whether the carrier has reported a delivery exception.
Verify Customs Requirements
If the parcel is awaiting customs clearance, check whether additional documents, payment or information are required.
Contact the Courier Provider
Provide the tracking number and request an update on the shipment.
Confirm Receiver Details
Make sure the receiver’s address, postal code and telephone number are correct.
Keep Shipping Records
Retain the shipment receipt, invoice and any communication with the carrier.
If the shipment is lost or damaged, the carrier’s investigation or claims process may apply.
17. How to Track an International Courier Booked from Bhikhiwind, Punjab
Customers in Bhikhiwind, Tarn Taran, Patti, Khem Karan and nearby areas may send international parcels to family members, students and business contacts abroad.
When booking an international courier, customers should ask for a valid shipping receipt and tracking number.
Speed International Courier is located on Khem Karan Road, near the Post Office, Bhikhiwind, Punjab.
The business assists customers with domestic and international courier enquiries involving networks such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, Aramex, DPD and SkyNet.
Customers who book an international shipment through Speed International Courier can use the relevant carrier’s tracking platform to monitor their parcel once valid tracking details are available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How can I track an international parcel with an AWB number?
Visit the official website of the courier company, open its tracking section, enter your AWB or tracking number and review the latest shipment status.
Q2. Is the AWB number the same as the tracking number?
For many international express courier shipments, the waybill number is used as the tracking number. However, traditional air cargo AWBs and courier tracking identifiers can follow different formats.
Q3. Where can I find my AWB number?
The number is usually printed on the shipping receipt, airway bill, parcel label or confirmation email.
Q4. Can I track my parcel using my phone number?
Some carriers provide shipment management through verified accounts or notifications, but a mobile number alone is not a universal tracking method.
Q5. Why is my AWB number showing invalid?
Possible reasons include incorrect digits, incomplete shipment processing, use of the wrong carrier website or a tracking record that has not yet become available.
Q6. What does in transit mean in international courier tracking?
It means the shipment is moving through the transportation network or undergoing routine transfer and processing.
Q7. What does customs clearance mean in tracking?
Customs clearance indicates that a shipment is undergoing the applicable customs process before release for further transportation or delivery.
Q8. Can I track DHL, FedEx, UPS and Aramex parcels using the same website?
Each carrier has its own official tracking system. Some third-party platforms support multiple carriers, but the original carrier’s website is generally the most appropriate starting point.
Q9. Does an AWB number show the expected delivery date?
Many courier tracking systems display an estimated delivery date when available. The date can change because of customs clearance, transport disruptions or other operational factors.
Q10. What should I do if my international parcel tracking is not updating?
Check that you are using the correct tracking number and carrier website. If the parcel has not updated for longer than expected, contact the booking provider or carrier.
Conclusion
Tracking an international parcel using an AWB number is one of the simplest ways to monitor a courier shipment from collection to final delivery.
International courier companies such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, Aramex, DPD and SkyNet provide tracking facilities to help customers check the movement and delivery status of their parcels.
By understanding common tracking messages, customs updates and possible reasons for delays, customers can manage international shipments more effectively.
For international courier enquiries in Bhikhiwind and nearby areas of Punjab, contact Speed International Courier for information about available shipping services and shipment tracking assistance.