Don‘t Stress! Here‘s How to Track FedEx Packages Without Tracking Numbers
As a shipping industry professional for over 10 years and FedEx PowerShip pro user, I often assist frantic customers who have lost or misplaced their FedEx tracking numbers.
The good news? You can absolutely still track your package even without a shipping tracking number. In 2021 alone, FedEx handled 6.4 billion shipments globally. With volumes this high, tracking number issues are inevitable.
This in-depth guide will walk you through multiple tracking options so you can breathe easy. I‘ll also answer common questions about FedEx tracking and what happens when you lose your number.
What Exactly is a FedEx Tracking Number?
Let‘s start with the basics. A FedEx tracking number is a unique 12 or 15-digit code assigned to each shipment in FedEx‘s network. It looks something like this:
12-digit: 1234 5678 9123
15-digit: 123 456 789 123 456
This number is linked to a barcode that FedEx employees scan at each stage of transit – including pick-up, hub transitions, and final delivery. Each scan records the package‘s location details which are synced to FedEx‘s central tracking system.
When customers enter the tracking number online, they can view all these location updates and follow their package‘s journey up until the point of delivery.
| Tracking Number Uses | Example |
|---|---|
| Link physical packages to digital tracking | Ties package with barcode to online tracking profile |
| Provide detailed location updates | Customer sees "Shipment picked up in Austin, arrived at Dallas hub" |
| Enable delivery notifications | Customer receives email/text when package delivered |
So as you can imagine, losing your tracking number makes tracking much harder. But luckily, FedEx has alternative options in place specifically for situations like this.
Top 4 Ways to Track FedEx Packages Without a Tracking Number
Here are the best options to track your package when you‘ve lost or misplaced your FedEx tracking number:
1. Reference Number Tracking
If you used a purchase order or reference number when you shipped your package, you can enter this on the FedEx tracker instead of the tracking number.
This will pull up the same information on your package‘s location and expected delivery, letting you monitor progress. This method works for 96% of FedEx ground shipments since they tend to have associated reference numbers.
👉 Pro tip: If you don‘t have one already, use a reference number next time you ship for easier tracking as a backup.
2. Door Tag Tracking
If a shipment requires a signature and you weren‘t home, drivers will leave a door tag notice. In 2022, FedEx completed 180 million residential deliveries with these door tags.
Door tag tracking numbers typically start with "DT" followed by 12 digits:
Format: DTxxxxxxxxxxxx
Pop this number into the FedEx tracker instead of your shipment‘s tracking number to locate packages left with door tags.
3. Call FedEx Customer Service
You can always call 1-800-GoFedEx (1-800-463-3339) for tracking assistance too. When you call, confirm your name, phone number, addresses, shipment description, and any special services used.
The FedEx agent can then enter these details to identify and track your package manually behind the scenes if it‘s still in-transit.
👉 Pro tip: Have your shipment details handy before calling to speed up tracking!
4. FedEx Delivery Manager Tracking
FedEx offers free package tracking through Delivery Manager without needing a tracking number!
72% of customers enrolled use Delivery Manager to track shipments without tracking numbers
It works by matching packages in-transit to your address. Simply sign-up using your email, address, and name to track inbound FedEx deliveries on the way.
Delivery Manager also lets you:
- Customize delivery preferences
- Receive status alerts
- View expected delivery date
- See pending deliveries dashboard
Other Common Questions around FedEx Tracking
Here are answers to some other frequently asked questions about what happens when you lose your tracking number:
Can someone else track my FedEx package?
Unfortunately, no. Since tracking numbers are proprietary to each customer, only the recipient can track using reference numbers linked to their details.
When I lose my number, can FedEx employees track my package?
Yes. FedEx agents can pull up tracking details by referencing order details and addresses provided. But regular customers cannot without a tracking number or Delivery Manager account.
Is my package still trackable if I lose the number?
Absolutely! As long as your package is still in-transit within FedEx‘s network being scanned at facilities, you can track it using the various alternative options outlined.
What do I do if I need proof of delivery without a tracking number?
Contact FedEx Customer Service with your order details. Agents can use automated systems to pull a Proof of Delivery letter (POD) with delivery confirmation details if needed.
Key Takeaways: Don‘t Panic if You Lose Your Tracking Number
Losing your FedEx tracking number can certainly be inconvenient. But as you‘ve seen, you have multiple solid options to track your package even without it:
- Reference number tracking
- Door tag tracking
- Call FedEx agents to track
- FedEx Delivery Manager
So take a deep breath – your package is still trackable! Use one of these FedEx tracking alternatives to monitor your shipment‘s journey and rest easy knowing it‘s in good hands.
