Reading the tracking for your CNfans spreadsheet haul tracking involves using your international tracking number on universal tracking websites and understanding the key phases of its journey. The main stages are Pre-Shipment (label created, awaiting pickup), In-Transit (moving between facilities and countries), Customs (undergoing inspection), and Final Delivery (out for delivery by your local carrier). Each status update provides a snapshot of your parcel's location and progress.
What Happens Before Your Haul Gets a Tracking Number?
Before you even receive an international tracking number, several crucial steps take place behind the scenes. Once you place an order using your spreadsheet, our team at CNfans gets to work purchasing the items from the sellers. These items are then shipped domestically within China to our secure warehouse. This initial domestic journey has its own tracking, but it is separate from the international shipping you will be monitoring.
Upon arrival at the warehouse, every item undergoes a quality control (QC) check. We take detailed photographs and upload them to your account for your approval. This is your opportunity to ensure the items meet your expectations. Only after you have confirmed your items and are ready to ship do you consolidate them into a single parcel. You then submit the parcel, select your preferred international shipping line, and pay the shipping fee. It is at this point, after your parcel is prepared and handed over to the logistics company, that your international tracking number is generated.
Where Do You Find Your International Tracking Number?
Locating your tracking number is a straightforward process. CNfans is designed to make managing your hauls simple and efficient. Once our warehouse team has packed your parcel and dispatched it with your chosen courier, the international tracking number will be automatically updated and displayed in your account.
To find it, simply log in to your CNfans account and navigate to the "My Parcels" section. Here, you will see a list of all the parcels you have shipped. The relevant tracking number will be clearly listed next to the corresponding parcel details. You can copy this number with a single click, ready to be pasted into a tracking website to begin monitoring your haul's journey to your doorstep.
Which Tracking Websites Should You Use?
While the CNfans platform provides tracking updates, using specialized third-party tracking websites can often offer more detailed and timely information. These universal trackers can pull data from multiple carriers involved in the journey, from the origin post in China to your local delivery service. Using them in combination gives you the most complete picture of your parcel's status.
Here are the most recommended platforms for monitoring your haul:
| Tracking Website | Best For |
|---|---|
| 17track.net | The industry standard for international packages. It automatically detects carriers and translates statuses from Chinese into English, providing a comprehensive timeline. |
| Parcelsapp.com | An excellent alternative that often provides more granular details, including identifying the specific flight your parcel is on and showing both origin and destination tracking numbers on one page. |
| Your Country's National Post | Once the parcel arrives in your country (e.g., USPS for the USA, Canada Post for Canada), using the official postal service's website can provide the most accurate local delivery information. |
How Do You Decode Common Tracking Statuses?
Tracking updates can be confusing, with statuses that seem vague or alarming. Understanding what they mean is key to a stress-free shipping experience. The journey is broken down into distinct phases, each with its own set of common updates.
The "Pre-Shipment" Phase: What does 'Origin Post is Preparing Shipment' mean?
This is the very first stage of your parcel's international journey. Seeing statuses like "Shipment Information Received," "Label Created," or "Origin Post is Preparing Shipment" means that CNfans has registered your parcel with the courier and a shipping label has been generated. However, the package has not yet been physically picked up or scanned into the courier's system. It is essentially waiting in a queue at the logistics facility to begin its transit. It is normal for a parcel to remain in this stage for a few business days, especially during peak shipping seasons.
The "In-Transit" Phase: Why does it say 'Handed Over to Carrier' or 'Airline Reception'?
Once your package is picked up, it enters the "In-Transit" phase. You will see a series of updates that confirm its movement. "Handed Over to Carrier" or "Accepted by Carrier" means the logistics company has officially taken possession of your parcel. Following this, you might see updates like "Processed Through Facility," "Departed from Sort Facility," or "Arrived at airport of origin."
An important update is "Airline Reception" or "Handed over to airline." This confirms your parcel is at the airport and is scheduled for a flight. Do not be alarmed if it stays in this status for several days; it is waiting for available cargo space. The next major update will typically be its arrival in the destination country.
The "Customs" Phase: What does 'Arrived at Destination Country' or 'Inbound to Customs' indicate?
This is often the most anxiety-inducing phase for many. When your tracking shows "Arrived at Destination Country," it means the plane has landed. The package is then moved to a central import facility to be processed by customs. The status will then change to something like "Presented to Customs," "Inbound to Customs," or "Held for Inspection."
Every international package goes through a customs check. This process can be very quick (a few hours) or take several days, depending on the volume of mail and the country's specific procedures. The status simply means your parcel is in a queue waiting to be inspected or scanned. It does not automatically mean there is a problem.
The "Post-Customs" Phase: Why is 'Released from Customs' the best update to see?
The update you are waiting for is "Released from Customs" or "Inbound Out of Customs." This is the confirmation that your haul has successfully cleared all import inspections and has been handed over to the local postal service or delivery company in your country. From this point on, the journey is a standard domestic delivery.
After being released, the parcel is transported from the international customs facility to a regional sorting center for your local carrier. You will start to see more familiar tracking updates from your national post, such as "Arrived at USPS Regional Facility" or "Processed Through Facility." The end of the long journey is now in sight.
The "Final Delivery" Phase: What do 'Out for Delivery' and 'Delivered' signify?
This is the final leg of the journey. The status "Out for Delivery" is the exciting confirmation that your parcel has been loaded onto a local delivery truck and will be arriving at your address that day. It is the last update you will see before the package is physically in your hands.
Finally, the status will change to "Delivered," often with a timestamp, confirming the successful completion of the shipment. Your CNfans haul has safely arrived. If you are not home, the status might read "Delivery Attempted" or "Held at Post Office," with instructions on how to retrieve it.
Why Has My Tracking Not Updated for Several Days?
It is extremely common for tracking information to stop updating for several days or even over a week. This rarely indicates a problem and is usually a normal part of the shipping process. One of the most common reasons is that the parcel is in transit between major scanning points, such as on a container ship or waiting for a flight. During this time, there are no facilities to scan the package, so no new updates are generated.
Other factors include logistical backlogs at sorting centers or airports, especially during holidays or major shopping events. Furthermore, some economy shipping lines utilize a method called "line-haul injection," where packages are transported in bulk and are not scanned individually until they reach a major hub or the destination country. Patience is paramount; a lack of scans does not mean your parcel is lost.
What Should You Do If Your Parcel Is Stuck?
If your tracking has not updated for an unusually long time (e.g., over 15-20 days without any movement), there are a few steps you can take. The first and most important step is to remain patient, as delays are often resolved on their own. Check your tracking on multiple sites like 17track and your local postal service's site to ensure you have the most complete information.
If the package is stuck in customs for an extended period beyond what is normal for your country, it may require action. Sometimes customs will send a letter requesting more information or payment of duties. If you believe your parcel may be lost or seized, you can contact the carrier directly for more information. Following that, reach out to CNfans customer service. Our dedicated team can help investigate the situation, provide guidance, and assist with any insurance claims if your chosen shipping line includes it.
How Do Different Shipping Lines Affect Tracking?
The shipping line you choose when submitting your parcel has a significant impact on both the speed of delivery and the frequency of tracking updates. It is important to set your expectations accordingly. Express lines, such as DHL or FedEx, are premium services that offer detailed, near-real-time tracking updates at every step of the journey. You will see scans multiple times a day as your package moves through their network.
In contrast, economy lines like EMS, E-EMS, SAL, or EUB are more budget-friendly and, as a result, offer fewer tracking updates. With these lines, it is normal to see a scan when the package leaves China and then see no new information until it arrives in the destination country's customs. This gap can sometimes last for weeks, particularly with sea or surface mail (SAL). Choosing the right line involves balancing your need for speed and detailed tracking with your budget.