Cainiao Tracking
Waiting for a package from AliExpress, Tmall, or any other Alibaba-powered platform? Chances are, your shipment is moving through the Cainiao logistics network one of the most powerful cross-border delivery systems in the world. Whether your parcel is still in a warehouse in Hangzhou, clearing customs in Europe, or on its way to your doorstep, our Cainiao tracking tool provides real-time visibility at every step.
Simply enter your Cainiao tracking number in the search box above and instantly access your shipment’s current location, status updates, and estimated delivery date completely free, no account needed.
What is Cainiao Tracking?
Cainiao Tracking is the shipment monitoring service provided by Cainiao Network, the dedicated logistics arm of the Alibaba Group, headquartered in Hangzhou, China. Unlike traditional courier companies such as DHL, FedEx, or UPS, Cainiao does not directly handle every parcel from door to door. Instead, it operates as a technology-driven logistics aggregator, connecting merchants, warehouses, airlines, customs brokers, and last-mile delivery carriers into a seamless, intelligent network.
Founded in 2013, Cainiao has grown into a global logistics powerhouse that handles millions of parcels every day across more than 200 countries and regions worldwide. It serves as the backbone of Alibaba’s e-commerce ecosystem, powering deliveries for AliExpress, Tmall, Lazada, and numerous other platforms.
How to Track Your Cainiao Parcel Step by Step
Tracking your Cainiao shipment using our tool is fast and straightforward. Follow these three simple steps:
Step 1: Find Your Cainiao Tracking Number
Your tracking number is provided by the seller or the e-commerce platform (such as AliExpress) once your order has been dispatched. Look for it in your:
- Order confirmation email
- AliExpress or Alibaba order details page.
- Shipping confirmation SMS
- Physical shipping label (if you are the sender)
Step 2: Enter the Tracking Number in Our Tool
Copy your Cainiao tracking number and paste it directly into the search field at the top of this page. Make sure you enter the full code without any extra spaces or characters.
Step 3: Click “Track” and View Your Shipment Status
Hit the Track button to instantly retrieve the latest updates from Cainiao’s network. You will see your parcel’s current location, transit milestones, customs status, and expected delivery window — all in one place.
Pro Tip: If your tracking number was generated by the seller, wait 24 to 48 hours before checking the tracking. It can take some time for the shipment data to be entered into Cainiao’s system after the label is created.
Cainiao Tracking Number Format: How to Identify Yours
Identifying the correct tracking number format is essential for getting accurate results. Cainiao tracking numbers vary depending on the service level and shipping method used. Here are the most common formats:
Standard International Format (Registered Mail)
Consists of 2 letters, followed by 9 digits, and ending with 2 letters. Example: AA123456789CN
The final two letters represent the country of origin — CN for China, DE for Germany, etc.
Economy Format (Cainiao Economy / Super Economy)
Often starts with the prefix “LP” followed by 14 digits. Example: LP00123456789123
This is one of the most commonly seen formats for AliExpress economy shipping orders.
S000 Format (Standard Service)
Begins with “S000” followed by a sequence of digits. Example: S00012345678901
Typically used for standard-level cross-border shipments.
Alphanumeric Mixed Format
Some Cainiao tracking numbers are longer alphanumeric strings, 10-20 characters, combining letters and numbers depending on the carrier partner assigned to the shipment.
Important Note for 2025 Users: If you see codes like HS or HA in your Cainiao app, these are not actual tracking numbers. HS stands for Hanshui Sea (tax-included sea route), and HA stands for Hanshui Air (tax-included air route). To track your package, use the Logistics No. — the number starting with LP — in our tracking tool above.
If your tracking number format is unclear, paste it into our tool; our system automatically detects the carrier and format, so you do not need to identify it manually.
Cainiao Tracking Status Meanings — What Each Update Tells You
As your parcel travels through the Cainiao network, you will see various status updates along the way. Here is a clear, plain-English guide to what each status means:
| Tracking Status | What It Means |
| Information Received / Shipment Created | The seller has created the shipping label, but the parcel has not yet been physically handed over to Cainiao or its carrier partners. |
| Accepted by Carrier / Received by Cainiao | Your parcel has been physically collected from the seller and is now in Cainiao’s possession or with its initial partner carrier. |
| Departed from Origin Country | Your package has left the country of origin (usually China) and is now in international transit — either by air, sea, or land. |
| In Transit | The parcel is actively moving between logistics hubs, sorting facilities, or countries. This status can cover several days, especially for economy shipping. |
| Arrived at Destination Country / Region | Your package has reached the receiving country and will soon be transferred to the local postal or courier service for final-mile delivery. |
| Customs Clearance in Progress | Your parcel is currently being inspected and processed by the customs authority in your country. This is a normal step for international shipments. |
| Customs Taxation — Please Pay the Tax | Import duties or taxes are due on your shipment. You may need to pay before the package can be released for delivery. |
| Import Customs Clearance Complete | Your parcel has successfully cleared customs and has been released for local delivery. |
| Handed Over to Local Carrier | Cainiao has transferred your parcel to the final-mile delivery provider in your country (e.g., USPS in the USA, Royal Mail in the UK, PostNL in the Netherlands, or Australia Post). |
| Out for Delivery | Your package is with a local delivery driver and is on its way to your address today. |
| Delivered | Your parcel has been successfully delivered to the recipient. |
| Delivery Attempted / Failed Delivery | A delivery attempt was made but was unsuccessful — you may have been unavailable or the address may need verification. |
| Return to Sender | The parcel is being returned to the original sender due to repeated failed delivery attempts or an address issue. |
Cainiao Shipping Services — What Types of Shipments Does It Cover?
Cainiao offers a wide range of shipping services catering to different delivery speeds, budgets, and shipment types. Understanding which service your parcel is using can help you set realistic delivery expectations.
Economy Services
Cainiao’s economy options are designed for cost-conscious buyers who are not in a hurry. These include Cainiao Super Economy Global and Cainiao Economy Global, which use a combination of air, sea, and land routes with partial tracking. Delivery windows typically range from 20 to 40 days, depending on the destination. These services are ideal for lightweight, non-urgent e-commerce items.
Standard Services
Standard services strike the balance between cost and speed. AliExpress Standard Shipping — powered by Cainiao behind the scenes — falls into this category. These services primarily use air transport and offer full end-to-end tracking. Delivery times typically range from 7 to 20 days to major markets.
Premium and Express Services
Cainiao’s premium tier is built for buyers who need speed. Key options include:
- Cainiao Premium: Delivery in 3 to 7 days to high-demand markets like Australia
- Cainiao Global 5-Day Delivery: A flagship express service guaranteeing delivery within 5 business days to 14 countries, including the USA, UK, Spain, France, Netherlands, and Belgium
- GCC Express: 3-day delivery by air freight or 6 to 8 days by land to Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait
Specialized and Commercial Services
For businesses and merchants, Cainiao also provides global warehousing, bonded warehouse services, customs brokerage, cross-border supply chain management, and bulk freight solutions for platforms and brands operating internationally.
Cainiao Delivery Timeframes — How Long Will Your Parcel Take?
Delivery times via Cainiao vary significantly by service level, destination country, and whether customs delays occur. The table below provides general delivery estimates:
| Shipping Service | Estimated Delivery Time |
| Cainiao Super Economy Global | 25 to 45 days |
| Cainiao Economy Global | 20 to 35 days |
| AliExpress Standard Shipping | 12 to 25 days |
| Cainiao Standard Service | 7 to 15 days |
| Cainiao Expedited Economy | 25 to 35 days (Europe) |
| Cainiao Premium | 3 to 7 days |
| Cainiao Global 5-Day Delivery | 5 business days |
| GCC Express (Air) | 3 days |
| GCC Express (Land) | 6 to 8 days |
| Domestic China Delivery | 1 to 7 days |
| Customs Processing (additional time) | 1 to 5 days |
These timeframes are estimates and are not guarantees. Delays can occur due to high shipping volumes, public holidays, extreme weather events, or customs inspections. Always check the estimated delivery date shown on the tracking tool for your specific shipment.
Cainiao’s Global Logistics Network — The Infrastructure Behind Your Package
Understanding the scale of Cainiao’s network helps explain why your parcel may move between several carriers and hubs before reaching you — and why tracking visibility can vary at different stages.
eHub Infrastructure
Cainiao operates a growing network of strategically located electronic logistics hubs (eHubs) near major international airports. These facilities integrate cargo terminal operations, customs clearance, and automated sorting under one roof. Current key eHub locations include:
- Liège, Belgium — the primary European gateway connecting China to the EU via air, rail, and road
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — a Southeast Asian hub leveraging the airport’s free trade zone for efficient regional distribution
- Hong Kong, China — a major cross-border hub, now equipped with full RFID-enabled smart logistics technology
A second batch of eHub constructions is actively underway as Cainiao pursues its goal of achieving global deliveries within 72 hours.
Last-Mile Delivery Partners
Once your parcel arrives in your country, Cainiao hands it over to a trusted local carrier for final-mile delivery. Common last-mile partners include USPS (USA), Royal Mail (UK), PostNL (Netherlands), Correos (Spain), Australia Post (Australia), and national postal services in most countries worldwide. A new local tracking number may be generated at this handover point, which will also appear in our tracking tool.
Global Reach
Cainiao’s logistics network spans more than 200 countries and regions, with a notable presence across Europe, Southeast Asia, North America, Latin America (including Mexico and Brazil), the Middle East, and Oceania.
Common Cainiao Tracking Issues and How to Fix Them
Tracking number shows no results.
Wait 24 to 72 hours after receiving your tracking number. Sellers sometimes generate labels before physically handing parcels to Cainiao, which means the system has no data yet. If the issue persists beyond 72 hours, contact the seller.
Tracking has not updated for several days.
This is common, especially during international transit. Your parcel may be on a long-haul flight, aboard a cargo vessel, or in a customs queue. No movement in the tracking tool does not necessarily mean your parcel is lost. Economy shipments can go without updates for 5 to 10 days while in transit.
A new tracking number appeared.
This is completely normal. When Cainiao hands your parcel to a local delivery carrier in your country, a new carrier-specific tracking number is often assigned. Both numbers may work — enter the new one into our tracking tool for the most up-to-date final-mile updates.
Status says “Customs Clearance in Progress” for a long time.
Customs inspections can take several days, particularly during peak periods like the Chinese New Year or major e-commerce sales events. If your parcel has been held at customs for more than 7 days, contact your country’s customs authority with your tracking number for clarification.
Tracking shows “Delivered,” but the parcel has not been received.
Check with neighbors, building reception, or a secure mailbox. If the parcel truly cannot be located, contact the seller or the local delivery carrier using the tracking number for proof of delivery details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cainiao tracking number, and where do I find it?
A Cainiao tracking number is a unique alphanumeric code assigned to your shipment when the seller dispatches your order. You can find it in your order confirmation email, on the AliExpress or Alibaba order details page, or in any shipping notification sent by the seller. Common formats include LP-prefixed numbers and 13-character international codes like AA123456789CN.
Why is my Cainiao tracking not updating?
Tracking updates can be delayed for several reasons: the parcel may still be in transit between major hubs with no scan events, it could be awaiting customs inspection, or the system may be experiencing a temporary sync delay. For economy shipments, especially, it is normal to see no updates for 5 to 10 days at a time.
How long does Cainiao shipping take to deliver?
Delivery times depend on the service used. Economy options typically take 25 to 45 days, standard services take 7 to 25 days, and premium/express services deliver in 3 to 7 days. Customs processing can add an additional 1 to 5 days to your delivery timeline.
Is Cainiao the same as AliExpress shipping?
Yes and no. Cainiao is the logistics platform that powers many AliExpress shipping methods — including AliExpress Standard Shipping and AliExpress Premium Shipping — behind the scenes. However, Cainiao is a separate company (a subsidiary of Alibaba Group) that also serves other platforms, merchants, and businesses beyond AliExpress.
What does it mean when my Cainiao package is “handed over to local carrier”?
This means Cainiao has completed the international portion of your shipment and transferred your parcel to the final-mile delivery provider in your country. From this point, the local carrier (e.g., USPS, Royal Mail, PostNL) takes responsibility for delivering the parcel to your door. You may receive a new tracking number from the local carrier at this stage.
Can I track multiple Cainiao shipments at once?
Yes. You can track multiple shipments by entering each tracking number separately into our tool. Bookmark the results page for each shipment to easily monitor them.
What should I do if my Cainiao parcel is lost?
If tracking shows no movement for an unusually long time, or the delivery window has passed significantly, first contact the seller on AliExpress or Alibaba to report the issue. Most platforms offer buyer protection policies that allow you to request a refund or reshipping if your parcel does not arrive within the guaranteed timeframe.
Does Cainiao deliver on weekends?
This depends on the local last-mile carrier in your country. Cainiao’s network itself operates around the clock, but weekend delivery by the final-mile carrier depends on that carrier’s local policies and service levels.
Why did my tracking number change mid-shipment?
When your parcel transitions from Cainiao’s international network to a local carrier, a new carrier-specific tracking number is often generated. This is a routine handover process. Enter the new number into our tracking tool for the latest delivery updates.
Is Cainiao tracking free to use?
Yes. Our Cainiao tracking tool on Cargo Trackings is completely free to use. Simply enter your tracking number and click Track — no registration, no login, and no fees required.
Why Track Your Cainiao Shipment with Cargo Trackings?
At Cargo Trackings, we consolidate real-time data from over 250 courier networks worldwide — including the full Cainiao logistics ecosystem — into one fast, clean, and easy-to-use tracking interface. You do not need to visit multiple websites, switch between carrier portals, or sign in to any accounts.
Whether your parcel is a small e-commerce order from AliExpress, a business shipment from an Alibaba supplier, or a cross-border delivery from Lazada or Tmall, our tool retrieves the latest tracking milestones instantly and presents them in clear, user-friendly language.
