USPS: First Class Tracking and Reference Numbers

When shipping with USPS First Class, not all First Class shipments return a trackable tracking number. Some services only return a reference number which cannot be used to track the package. This article will break down for you which First Class shipments can and cannot be tracked.

There are three Packaging: options in ShipWorks when shipping USPS First Class;

Package - Selecting this option creates a shipment using the USPS First Class Package service. USPS includes the ability to track the shipment when using this service and will return a usable tracking number for the shipment. You will notice that in ShipWorks, with Package selected as the Packaging: type, you can select Delivery Confirmation or Signature Required as well.

Envelope and Large Envelope - When you select either Envelope or Large Envelope as your Packaging: type, the shipment is created using the USPS First Class Large Envelope/Flat service type. This service does not include a valid tracking number and the package is not trackable. However, USPS will return a reference number associated to the shipment. The reference number will begin with '000'. This reference number is stored in the Tracking: field in ShipWorks for your reference.