Parcel tracking has become an essential part of the shipping experience. Whether you’re a business owner managing international deliveries or an everyday customer waiting on a personal package, tracking codes play a vital role in giving you visibility and control over your shipments. However, the abundance of codes—like ORD, DEL, EXC, and HUB—can be overwhelming, especially for those unfamiliar with logistics terminology.
At Postkodes, our goal is to simplify freight and delivery for everyone. This includes offering a smart, user-friendly Global Parcel Tracking that decodes complicated shipping updates. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the most common tracking codes, explain their meanings, and show you how to interpret them using our platform. Whether you’re shipping via air freight, sea freight, road transport, or using our parcel pickup and errand services, understanding these codes will improve your logistics experience.
Why Tracking Codes Exist in Global Parcel Tracking
Tracking codes are the foundation of any worldwide courier tracking system. Each time your parcel passes through a facility or is scanned by a logistics provider, it is assigned a status. These short codes are used to relay important information quickly, such as when a parcel has been dispatched, delayed, delivered, or returned.
With our global parcel tracking, you can track your package across multiple carriers and countries in one platform. This is especially useful for users shipping from Nigeria to Australia or vice versa, where courier networks can span continents and transfer across different freight systems.
Read More: What Does ORD Mean in Tracking Parcel Number?
Understanding Common Tracking Codes from Start to Finish
Parcel tracking statuses provide transparency during the entire logistics journey. These brief codes are more than just updates—they’re insights into exactly where your shipment is and what stage it’s in. Let’s explore each major code more thoroughly:
1. ORD – Order Received
This is the first status that appears once the seller generates a shipment request. It confirms that the parcel has been entered into the tracking system and assigned a tracking number. While the courier may not have collected it yet, this status shows that the sender has prepared the order. At this point, customers can often use tools like our courier rate calculator to get an idea of shipping costs or expected delivery times. If the status remains unchanged for several days, it’s worth confirming with the sender whether the package has been handed over.
2. INB – Inbound
The ‘Inbound’ update confirms that the parcel is now in transit to a sorting facility or logistics center. It typically means the item has been picked up from the sender and is en route to be processed for dispatch. This stage is particularly important for road freight transport or air cargo international shipping, as it signifies that the logistics journey has formally begun.
3. HUB – At Distribution Hub
Once the shipment reaches a major processing facility, it is tagged as being at a “hub.” Here, parcels are scanned, sorted based on their destination, and sometimes even re-routed through different transportation modes. For example, cargo might switch from an air network to a road freight logistics system. HUB updates are especially relevant in freight forwarding, where coordination across different modes of transport is common.
4. OTW / INT – On the Way / In Transit
This indicates that the parcel has departed the sorting hub and is on its way to the next checkpoint or final destination. Depending on the delivery method, this could mean air, road, or even sea travel. For cheap international shipping or sea freight logistics, this phase may last several days or even weeks. It’s one of the most common statuses customers see and a sign that the package is progressing as expected.
5. OTD – Out for Delivery
This is one of the final updates you’ll receive before your parcel arrives. It means that a courier has the package in their vehicle and is making their rounds. For city-based deliveries, this phase is often fulfilled by errand services or local delivery drivers. It’s a good idea to be available at the delivery location, especially if the parcel requires a signature.
6. DEL – Delivered
This status confirms that the package has reached its destination. Delivery may be made in person, left in a secure place, or handed over at a pickup station. The DEL tracking code also marks the end of the shipping journey in your global parcel tracking, allowing you to log the successful completion of the shipment.
7. EXC – Exception
When a shipment hits a snag, the tracking system reports an ‘Exception’. This could include delays due to customs inspections, a wrong delivery address, weather disruptions, or an operational issue. It’s important not to ignore this status. For freight and shipping orders, timely attention can prevent escalation to a return or even a lost package.
8. PND – Pending
‘Pending’ often reflects a temporary hold on the shipment. This may happen due to waiting for additional documentation, courier handover delays, or weekend/non-operating days. In international logistics, especially involving shipping from Nigeria to Australia, pending can occur during customs clearance. It’s a reminder that the shipment hasn’t progressed yet, but no error has occurred.
Common Tracking Codes: A Comprehensive Table
To make it easier, here is a table of the most common codes you’ll encounter using Postkodes:
| Code | Meaning | Explanation | Action |
| ORD | Order Received | The order has been placed and registered, but not yet shipped | Wait or contact sender if delayed |
| INB | Inbound | The package is en route to a sorting center | Monitor progress |
| HUB | At Hub | Your parcel is at a sorting facility | No action needed |
| OTW | On the Way | Currently in transit between facilities | No action needed |
| OTD | Out for Delivery | Out with delivery driver | Be available to receive it |
| DEL | Delivered | Package has been delivered | Confirm receipt |
| EXC | Exception | An issue occurred (e.g., delay, customs) | Investigate cause |
| PND | Pending | Awaiting further processing | Contact support if delayed too long |
| RTO | Return to Origin | Returned to sender | Contact Postkodes support |
You May Like to Know: How Can I Track a Parcel : A Comprehensive Guide
Real Use Case: Shipping with Postkodes from Australia to Nigeria
Let’s say you’re an e-commerce business owner based in Sydney, Australia, sending a bulk order to a client in Lagos, Nigeria. Using Postkodes’ international air freight service, your tracking updates might look like this:
- ORD – Order and label created.
- INB – Package picked up by our courier.
- HUB – Arrives at our Sydney processing facility.
- INT – In transit to Nigeria.
- INB – Arrives at Lagos airport.
- HUB – Sent to the Lagos sorting hub.
- OTD – Out with a local delivery agent.
- DEL – Package delivered and signed.
With each update, the Postkodes system translates these statuses into clear language, ensuring you and your customer always know the parcel’s location and condition.
How Postkodes Enhances the Tracking Experience
Postkodes’ tracking platform isn’t just functional—it’s built for clarity. Here’s how we improve your experience:
- All-in-One Dashboard: Track parcels from different carriers in one unified interface.
- Live Updates: Get real-time tracking information with status explanations.
- Courier Rate Calculator: Before you ship, use our calculator to estimate delivery times and costs.
- Local + Global Support: Whether you’re sending a parcel across the street or overseas, our system adapts to your route and courier.
Our Global Parcel Tracking works seamlessly with all our shipping solutions, from road freight and sea cargo to air deliveries and last-mile errand services.
Dealing with Delays and Unknown Statuses
Sometimes your package may appear stuck or show a vague status. Here’s what to do:
- Status not updating: If the same status shows for more than 3–4 business days, reach out to the sender or Postkodes.
- Exception messages: If you see EXC or other irregularities, contact customer service. Our team can liaise with customs or local courier agents.
- Tracking number issues: Double-check that your tracking number was entered correctly. If a number is invalid, it may not yet be activated.
Remember, some international shipments may have fewer scan points, especially in remote areas or when transferred between carriers.
Postkodes Freight Options and What You Can Track
We support full tracking across a variety of logistics channels:
- Air Freight: Track high-speed global shipments from airport to door.
- Road Freight: Monitor every checkpoint and delivery handover locally and across borders.
- Sea Freight: Follow full-container or less-than-container (FCL/LCL) loads through ports and customs.
- Errand & Pickup Services: Real-time updates on grocery runs, local deliveries, and package pickups.
Regardless of the service used, you can always track documents like Commercial Invoices (CI), Bills of Lading (BOL), and Proof of Delivery (POD).
Final Thoughts: From Confusion to Clarity
Understanding tracking codes is the first step toward mastering your shipping journey. With Postkodes, you never have to guess what ORD, HUB, DEL, or EXC means. Our smart tools and expert support ensure that every shipment is transparent from the moment it’s picked up to the second it’s delivered.
Whether you’re managing freight forwarding, small business logistics, or personal deliveries, Postkodes gives you full visibility, real-time updates, and reliable delivery every time.
Ready to simplify your shipping experience? Use Postkodes for seamless logistics and complete parcel visibility.
👉 Visit Postkodes.com to explore tracking, freight services, and courier support tailored for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does ORD mean in parcel tracking?
ORD stands for “Order Received.” It means the sender has created a shipping label, and the parcel is now registered in the tracking system, but may not yet be physically handed over to the courier.
2. Why does my parcel say EXC in the tracking update?
EXC means “Exception.” This indicates that something has disrupted the normal delivery process, such as customs issues, wrong address, weather delays, or courier errors. Contact Postkodes support to investigate further.
3. What does OTD mean in shipping status?
OTD stands for “Out for Delivery.” Your parcel is with the delivery driver and will likely be delivered the same day. Make sure someone is available to receive it, especially if a signature is required.
4. My package has been at HUB for days. Is that normal?
HUB refers to a sorting or distribution facility. While most packages move quickly through hubs, delays can occur due to high volumes or transfer schedules. If the HUB status persists for more than 3 business days, consider reaching out to support.
5. How can I track my international parcel with multiple couriers?
You can use Postkodes’ Global Parcel Tracking, which lets you track packages across different carriers and countries in one place, whether you’re shipping via air freight, sea freight, or road transport.
6. What does PND mean in parcel tracking?
PND stands for “Pending.” It usually indicates that your parcel is on hold due to missing documents, customs checks, or courier delays. This is common in international shipping, especially during customs clearance.
