Seeing a “tracking number not found” response when you try to track your order can be alarming, but in nearly every case it’s a normal timing issue and your package is still on its way. Below is a breakdown of why this happens, the rare exceptions that warrant investigation, and what Newegg does behind the scenes if a package needs attention.
Most Common Reasons You Don’t See Tracking Yet
1. The carrier hasn’t scanned the package yet.
Your shipment notification was sent out before the package arrived at the carrier’s terminal to be scanned. This accounts for the majority of “tracking number not found” responses — wait a few hours and the first scan should appear, after which tracking progress will start updating normally.
2. The carrier didn’t pick up the package until the next day.
This is a common timing issue in a large distribution center. The carrier may have already picked up earlier in the day, or your package may have still been on the conveyor when the carrier left the facility. With tens of thousands of packages moving each day, it’s normal for some to be picked up on the following pickup run.
3. A small chance your package was affected by a shipping issue.
In rare cases, the missing tracking is caused by a label or sorting issue rather than a timing delay. The next section explains the specific scenarios this covers.
Rare Shipping Issues That Can Cause Missing Tracking
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Sorted Into the Wrong Trailer If a carrier receives a package that isn’t theirs, they return it to our distribution center. The package will eventually go out with the correct carrier, but it may show 2–3 days of no transit activity in the meantime. |
Damaged or Missing Label Packages rub against each other inside trailers, which can tear or remove a shipping label. A package without a readable label will show no tracking scans at all and will require us to ship a replacement order. |
Double or Missing Label Very occasionally, a package can receive two labels or no label at all. Most of these are caught before they leave our facility, but on rare occasions one will slip through. |
Important: Shipping time does not start counting until after your order actually ships. All orders take 1–2 business days to process before they’re handed off to the carrier.