Canada Post tracking status
Canada Post tracking not updating: why, and what to do
The short answer
Keep an eye on itA gap between scans is normal at Canada Post and does not by itself mean your parcel is lost. It typically scans a parcel when first mailed and again when it goes out for delivery. Most delayed parcels arrive within 5 business days of the expected date.
When to act: If there is still no parcel 5 business days after its expected delivery date, file a complaint and we send it to Canada Post.
Also shown as: “Tracking information is unavailable”
What to do now
- 1
Check the number you entered: Canada Post tracking numbers typically have 11 or 13 characters ending in CA, or 16 digits.
- 2
Find the expected delivery date in Track and count 5 business days from it.
- 3
Look at Canada Post's delivery service alerts for your area, or for the country your parcel is coming from.
- 4
If it was heading to a post office, try going in with your photo ID and tracking number, as people report finding parcels there before the scan showed.
- 5
Keep screenshots of the history with dates, and note your tracking number and order number.
- 6
Still not sorted? File your complaint here. We write it with you and send it to Canada Post, so you do not have to chase it yourself.
No update for days with another courier
- USPS: Tracking not updating
- Amazon: Shipped, no tracking updates
- DHL: Tracking not updating
- OnTrac: Tracking not updating
- LaserShip: Tracking not updating
- GOFO: Tracking not updating
- UniUni: Tracking not updating
- SpeedX: Tracking not updating
- Veho: Tracking not updating
- GLS: Tracking not updating
- Yanwen: Tracking not updating
- YunExpress: Tracking not updating
- Cainiao: Tracking not updating
- China Post: Tracking not updating
- Royal Mail: Tracking not working
- Evri: Tracking not updating or not working
- DPD: Tracking not updating
- Yodel: No update or parcel missing
- InPost: Tracking not updating
- Parcelforce: Tracking not updating or parcel late
- APC Overnight: Tracking not updating
- DX: Tracking not updating
- ArrowXL: Tracking not updating
- Purolator: Tracking not updating
- Canpar: Tracking not updating
- Intelcom: Tracking not updating
- Australia Post: Tracking not updating
- Aramex: Tracking not updating
- CouriersPlease: Tracking not updating
- Sendle: Tracking not updating
- Team Global Express: Tracking not updating
- NZ Post: Tracking not updating
- An Post: Tracking not updating
What is going on
Canada Post says that there may be no new updates for several days after a parcel has departed or is in transit, and that it sometimes cannot display current or past tracking events. 'Tracking information is unavailable' does not mean the parcel was not mailed. It can mean a delay between the scan and the website, no information yet from a rural area or a foreign postal service, or a service without tracking, such as Small Packet or Letter-post to the US or abroad.
A quiet spell is not proof of loss, and a scan can be missed. In a history shared on a forum, Track still said in transit to the post office while the parcel was already in its back room. The expected delivery date is the marker that matters. For an order from abroad with no Canada Post scan yet, it may still be with the sender's postal service.
Why it happens
- The normal gap between the first scan and the out for delivery scan
- A missed scan, in histories people share
- A backlog during busy weeks or after a work stoppage
- The parcel is with customs, which must clear it before tracking can update
- Late information from a rural area or a foreign postal service
- A service with no tracking outside Canada
- Loss in the network, which does happen but is the less likely cause
What usually happens next
Usually the next line is 'Item processed' or 'Item out for delivery'. Canada Post says most delayed parcels arrive within 5 business days of the expected delivery date. Past that, it may look for new scans over a few days, and only the sender can be paid if the parcel is declared missing.
Other Canada Post statuses
- Item processedNormal
- Item delayed, stay tuned for updatesKeep an eye on it
- Available for pickupTake action
- Notice leftTake action
- Delivered, but not receivedTake action
- Item being returned to senderTake action
- Item out for deliveryNormal
- Check delivery progressKeep an eye on it
- Item held by customsKeep an eye on it
- Electronic information submitted by shipperNormal
- Delivery Attempt Made / Rescheduled for delivery next business dayKeep an eye on it
Who is responsible for a late or missing parcel from Canada Post?
If you bought online from a business, the seller chose Canada Post and is its customer, so a late, lost or missing order is in most cases for the seller to put right, with a replacement or a refund. Canada Post also says that only the sender can receive compensation for a missing parcel.
For a parcel you sent yourself, Canada Post's General Terms and Conditions are the contract between you. Most Priority, Xpresspost and Expedited Parcel shipments include cover of up to $100, the first $100 must be bought for Regular Parcel, and you can add more when you mail it, up to $5,000 within Canada and $1,000 for most US and international shipments. Compensation is the lowest of the item's value, the cover you bought or the cover included, plus postage where it applies. A claim for a missing parcel has to start within 90 days of the shipping date within Canada, or 6 months for the US and abroad. A late parcel on a guaranteed service may earn the sender a postage refund, but the terms excuse causes beyond Canada Post's control, including labour disruptions and customs.
Questions about “Tracking not updating”
Why is my Canada Post tracking not updating?
Canada Post typically scans a parcel when it is first mailed and again when it goes out for delivery, so several days with no update can be normal. A scan can also be missed, or the parcel can be waiting at customs.
How long before Canada Post treats a package as lost?
It sets no fixed time. It says most delayed parcels arrive within 5 business days of the expected delivery date, and it only looks into a parcel once that date has passed. A search started by the receiver closes after a few days if no new scan appears. Only a search started by the sender can end with the parcel declared missing and a payment.
What happens if Canada Post loses my package?
Only the sender can be paid by Canada Post, for the insured value and the postage. If you bought from a business, the seller chose Canada Post, so it is in most cases for the seller to replace the order or refund you.
Why does Canada Post say tracking information is unavailable?
It does not mean the parcel was not mailed. The information may be late, may not be available yet from a rural area or a foreign postal service, or the service may have no tracking. History older than a year can also disappear.
Is Canada Post tracking down?
Canada Post's help pages give no live status for Track. Try again later, and check that the number is right. A blank result on its own says nothing about where your parcel is.
Based on
- Canada Post: Why is my tracking status not updating?
- Canada Post: Tracking statuses (tracking information is unavailable)
- Canada Post: My package hasn't arrived (5 business days, who can be paid)
- Canada Post: Tracking Events and Services (one year of tracking history)
- Canada Post: Tracking international packages
- Canada Post: Where to find your tracking number (number formats)
- Canada Post: Delivery service alerts
- RedFlagDeals forum: Canada Post In Transit to Post Office (shared experience)
- RedFlagDeals forum: Canada Post lost my package (shared experience)
- Canada Post: My package hasn't arrived (who can be paid, time limits, $100 base cover)
- Canada Post: My package was delivered late (postage refund for the sender, guaranteed services)
- Canada Post: Coverage options, parcel guide ($100 included, first $100 bought for Regular Parcel, up to $5,000)
- Canada Post: General Terms and Conditions, customers without a Standing Offer Agreement (liability cover, excusable delay)