APC Overnight tracking status

APC Overnight “Your consignment could not be found”: what it means

The short answer

Keep an eye on it

APC Choice cannot find a parcel for the number and postcode you entered. The number may be mistyped, or the parcel may not be scanned into APC's network yet, so compare it with the sender's message first.

When to act: If the number still does not work 2 working days after the sender says it was dispatched, file a complaint and we send it to the seller.

Also shown as: “Consignment identifier is invalid” · “Please enter a valid 22-digit or 7-digit consignment number”

What to do now

Copy the number from the sender's dispatch message, the card, or the email or text.
Enter your delivery postcode in the second box.
If a link took you to the message, open APC Choice yourself and type the number in.
Check that your message names APC Overnight or The APC, and not APC Postal Logistics.
Try again later, and save the dispatch message and a screenshot of the error for your complaint.
Still not sorted? File your complaint here. We write it with you and send it to the seller, so you do not have to chase it yourself.

Start my complaint

What does “Your consignment could not be found” mean?

APC Choice shows this when it finds no parcel for what you entered. We saw it with a made-up number. APC's help gives three usual reasons for nothing coming up: the sender has not dispatched the parcel, it has not been scanned into the network yet, or the number was entered incorrectly.

The same tracker has two other messages. Consignment identifier is invalid is what its tracking page shows when it opens with no number, as a broken link would. Please enter a valid 22-digit or 7-digit consignment number appears if you type letters. Most numbers have 7 digits, and your order number is a different reference. The right one comes on the sender's dispatch confirmation, on the Sorry we missed you card, and in emails or texts from APC or the retailer.

Why does APC Overnight show it?

The number was typed wrongly, or it is not your APC consignment number
The sender has not dispatched the parcel yet
The parcel has not been scanned into the APC network yet
A link in a message opened the tracker with no number
The parcel is with APC Postal Logistics, a different company with a similar name

How long does it last?

Once the parcel is scanned into the network, the number should start working on APC Choice. APC's own advice for this stage is to try again later.

Other APC Overnight statuses

Out for deliveryNormal
Sorry we missed youTake action
Tracking not updatingKeep an eye on it
Your parcel won't be delivered todayKeep an eye on it
Delivered but not receivedTake action

All APC Overnight statuses →

Who is responsible for a late or missing parcel from APC Overnight?

If you bought it online from a business, the seller chose APC and is usually responsible until the parcel reaches you. UK consumer law (Consumer Rights Act, section 29) leaves the goods at the seller's risk until you, or someone you named, have them, unless you booked the courier yourself outside the options the seller offered. APC says its terms apply to the sender of the goods.

If you sent the parcel yourself, through a local depot or APC Direct, your contract is with the carrier under APC's Conditions of Carriage, and the depot you dealt with can be that carrier. Those conditions limit cover to £100 for a parcel and £50 for a mail pack, courier pack or lightweight item, unless more was agreed before it set off.

Questions about “Your consignment could not be found”

What is an APC consignment number?

The tracking reference for your parcel, usually 7 digits, though APC's tracker also accepts 22 digits. With your delivery postcode, it lets you follow the parcel and change delivery options on APC Choice.

What does consignment identifier is invalid mean?

It is what APC's tracking page shows when it opens with no number, as a broken link would. It says nothing about your parcel. Open APC Choice yourself and type in your number and delivery postcode.

Where do I find my APC tracking number?

On the sender's dispatch confirmation, on your Sorry we missed you card, and in any email or text from APC or the retailer.

Why is nothing coming up when I track my APC parcel?

APC gives three common reasons: the sender has not dispatched it, it has not been scanned into the network, or the number was entered incorrectly. Try again later and compare the number with the sender's message.

Can I track an APC parcel with just a postcode?

No. APC Choice asks for both the consignment number and the delivery postcode.

Based on

APC Choice: tracker and FAQ (messages seen on the tracker)
The APC: Receiving a Parcel, FAQ
legislation.gov.uk: Consumer Rights Act, section 29 (goods stay at the seller's risk until delivered)
The APC: Terms and Conditions of Carriage (carrier, limits of liability)
The APC: Receiving a Parcel (terms apply to the sender)
The APC: Sending a Parcel (local depots and APC Direct)