What Do UPS Tracking Numbers Start With and Their Purpose

UPS tracking numbers start with a specific code that indicates the type of service used. This code is usually one or two letters.

The first digit of a UPS tracking number indicates the country of origin. In the US, this digit is usually 1, while in Canada, it's 2.

For example, if your tracking number starts with "1Z", it was sent from the US.

UPS tracking numbers are a crucial part of the shipping process, and understanding their format can help you decipher the information they contain.

A UPS tracking number usually starts with "1Z" followed by a 6-character shipper number, a 2-digit service level indicator, and finally 8 digits identifying the package, for a total of 18 characters.

The "1Z" tracking numbers are of the form 1Z xxx xxx yy zzzz zzz c, where xxx xxx is the alphanumeric account number of the shipper, yy is the service code, zzzz zzz is the package identifier, and c is a checksum of some sort.

Some common service codes include 01 for UPS United States Next Day Air, 42 for UPS United States Ground - Signature Required, and A1 for UPS United States Next Day Air Early A.M. - Saturday Delivery, Adult Signature Required.

Most UPS ground packages have 18-digit 1Z tracking numbers, which start with 1Z, followed by a six-digit alphanumeric carrier code, then a two-digit code showing the specific UPS service level for the package, followed by a seven-digit package identifier, and finally, a one-character checksum variable.

Here's a breakdown of the components of a 1Z tracking number:

UPS tracking numbers start with a specific format that indicates the type of service used to ship the package. This format is always "1Z".

The "1Z" prefix is a crucial part of the tracking number, and it's followed by a six-character shipper number, a two-digit service level indicator, and eight digits identifying the package. In total, a UPS tracking number has 18 characters.

A non-exhaustive list of service codes includes: