Cainiao tracking: numbers, statuses and local delivery

Cainiao is the logistics network of the Alibaba group. It handles many AliExpress orders and other cross-border shipments, from the seller's warehouse to a carrier in your country.

Where to find the tracking number

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  On the order's tracking page in the shop you bought from, for example under Orders in AliExpress; see finding AliExpress tracking.
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  In the shipping email from the shop.

What Cainiao numbers look like

Some of Cainiao's own logistics numbers start with LP followed by digits; it uses other formats too. Many shipments also, or instead, carry a 13-character international postal number, such as RB123456785CN, or a number of the local carrier that delivers them. All of them can appear on the same order over time.

Who to contact

Cainiao moves the parcel, but it works for the seller and the marketplace, not for you directly. For questions about where the parcel is, the shop's order page and Cainiao's tracking are the places to look. For delivery attempts, pickup notices and redelivery after the handover, contact the local carrier named in the latest events. For refunds and disputes, contact the shop.

Common statuses

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  Order received / package ready: the seller has prepared the shipment; it may not be with Cainiao yet.
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  Arrived at sorting center / departed from sorting center: processing in China.
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  Export customs clearance, departed from departure country/region: the international leg has started. A quiet period often follows.
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  Arrived at destination country/region, import customs clearance: see what happens after arrival.
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  Handed over to / received by the local delivery company: the last mile has started, often with the local carrier's name and number in the event.
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  Delivered, or ready for pickup at a pickup point or locker.

Typical problems

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  No updates for a week or two between departure and arrival is common on economy routes, and doesn't by itself mean the shipment is lost; see tracking not updating.
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  Tracking stops after arrival: continue with the local carrier named in the last events, or try the same number with your national postal service.
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  Disputes: Cainiao carries the package, but the order, refunds and disputes are handled by the shop; keep an eye on the shop's deadlines.