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CAINIAO tracking: what each stage means

A consolidated shipment is tracked in two legs: each domestic parcel into the warehouse, then one international number to your door.

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The two legs of a consolidated shipment

Before consolidation, each parcel has a domestic tracking number from the seller's courier. Once you pay for shipping, the consolidated box gets an international tracking number that follows it through export, the international leg, import customs and local delivery.

  • Scans happen at handover points, so several quiet days during the international leg are normal.
  • After arrival, the box usually passes to a local carrier, whose own tracking may show more detail.
  • Answer customs or delivery requests only through CAINIAO App or the carrier named in the tracking.

These are common examples, not a CAINIAO status glossary. Wording varies by carrier; use the original tracking event and instructions from the carrier handling your parcel.

Scroll horizontally if needed to see the next steps.

Tracking statuses: meaning and next steps
Common status exampleWhat it meansWhat to do
Shipment information received / Label CreatedAn electronic shipment record exists. It does not confirm that the carrier has the parcel.Ask the seller or sender to confirm handover. Have your order number and tracking number ready.
Collected / received by carrierThe carrier has recorded receipt of the parcel; this is different from a label being created.Check the next tracking event. If the handover details do not match, contact the sender with the tracking number and handover receipt, if available.
In transitThe parcel is progressing through the delivery network. Updates may be spaced apart between facilities.Check the carrier’s latest estimate and notices. If that estimate passes or an issue is shown, contact the carrier or sender with the tracking number and last event.
Clearance delayCustoms clearance is incomplete. Missing or incorrect documents are among the possible causes.Ask the carrier or its customs agent what is needed. Keep the tracking number, invoice and item details ready; submit documents only through a verified official channel.
Out for deliveryThe parcel has been assigned to the final delivery run. Check the carrier’s delivery updates.Follow any delivery instructions. For an address or access issue, contact the final-mile carrier with the tracking number, delivery address and relevant instructions.
Delivered, but not receivedTracking records a completed delivery, but you cannot locate the parcel. The record needs checking.Check the delivery location, proof of delivery and household or reception desk. If still missing, contact the final-mile carrier and seller with the tracking number, delivery record and order details.

Official tracking and status help

CainiaoHelp cannot access shipment records or open carrier cases. Use the carrier named in your tracking result, and contact the seller or shipping provider for order or forwarding questions.

CAINIAO status codes: what the 115 listed codes mean

When to treat it as late

  • Delivery times count from the working day after you pay for shipping, not from the day the parcels reached the warehouse.
  • If a parcel passes its route's longest delivery time, CAINIAO compensates the delay with a shipping coupon: ¥50 on US, Canada and Australia routes.
  • If tracking stops moving, you can claim within 60 days of the last update.
  • Differences of up to 50 g and 2 cm between the warehouse and delivery records are normal.

CAINIAO US price and rules · Compensation rules, 2026

Questions

Why has my tracking status not changed for days?

Tracking updates when a parcel is scanned, and scans happen at handover points rather than continuously. Long gaps are normal during export processing and international transit. Compare the latest event and its location against the expected delivery window before treating a quiet period as a problem.