What is India Post’s Consignment Number for Tracking Shipments?

Sanidhya Negi / June 6, 2024

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The Indian Postal Department offers a range of services, delivering thousands of consignments daily across the country. Among these, the speed post service is known for its accuracy and quick deliveries. To ensure parcels reach the right address on time, India Post uses consignment numbers. These are unique identifiers for each speed post parcel.

When you need to send a Speed Post courier with India Post, understanding consignment numbers is crucial. In this article, we’ll cover what a consignment number is, where to find it, how to track your parcel using this number, and its benefits. 

What is Consignment Number of India Post?

A consignment number is a 13-digit unique alphanumeric code assigned to every parcel sent through India Post’s speed post service. This postal tracking number is essential for systematic delivery and easy tracking. It’s also required when registering a complaint related to the delivery of a speed post. Consignment numbers are crucial for India Post tracking which allow customers to monitor their parcels and ensure timely and accurate deliveries.

Structure of a Consignment Number

India Post’s speed post service is popular due to its speed, efficiency, and affordability. Many Indians use this service to send important documents and items safely and on time. When you submit your parcel for delivery via speed post, you receive a receipt from the Indian Postal Department. This receipt serves as proof of acceptance and must be kept safely for future reference. It contains your consignment details, including a unique 13-digit alpha-numeric postal tracking number or consignment number. This number usually starts with 2 capital letters, followed by 9 digits, and ends with 2 capital letters.

To understand what a consignment number in India Post looks like, consider the example EW*********IN. The letters and numbers in the post office tracking number have specific meanings:

1. The first letter indicates the type of service (E for Speed Post).

2. The second letter indicates the state where the speed post was booked (e.g., K for Karnataka, W for West Bengal).

3. A indicates booking by a bulk sender, such as colleges, banks, or government agencies.

4. R signifies a registered post.

5. P indicates a passport letter.

6. C stands for a registered post or registered parcel.

7. The 9 digits are computer-generated.

8. The last two letters, IN, stand for India.

With this unique post office parcel tracking number, you can check the updated status of your consignment. You can track your parcel online by entering this number, and the information will be available in seconds. Additionally, you can track your consignment via SMS by sending the postal tracking number to India Post.

Location of Consignment Number on a Speed Post Slip

Locating the consignment number on a speed post slip is straightforward. When you receive your receipt from India Post after sending a parcel via speed post, the consignment number is clearly mentioned on the second line of the slip. This 13-digit alpha-numeric code includes 9 digits and 4 alphabets, making it distinct and easy to identify.

For example, a typical consignment number might look like EK123456789IN. The combination of letters and numbers is designed to be unique for each parcel, ensuring efficient tracking and delivery. The consignment number is crucial for tracking your speed post parcel, allowing you to monitor its status and location at any time. Always keep your speed post slip safe, as it contains this important number needed for any inquiries or tracking purposes.

How To Track Parcels in India Post Using Consignment Number

Tracking parcels in India Post is quite an easy process. To track your parcel, you need a consignment number that is already allotted to you. Here is the process:

• Firstly, visit the India Post’s official website, that is, https://www.indiapost.gov.in.
• Secondly, go to the Track and Trace Option and enter the 13-digit consignment number. 
• Thirdly, enter the Captcha code that is shown on the screen.
• Lastly, click on the Track Now button to see the location of your parcel.

Benefits of Consignment Number

The consignment number provided by India Post holds significant importance for both customers and the postal service. Let’s explore its benefits:

Enhancing Transparency: The consignment tracking number allows companies to provide transparency to their clients. By enabling customers to track their packages during transit, it fosters trust and strengthens the relationship between companies and their clientele. Knowing that their consignment is on its way provides peace of mind to consumers.

Reducing Customer Anxiety: When customers have access to their consignment tracking number, it alleviates anxiety. Knowing the whereabouts of their delivered packages reduces uncertainty and provides peace of mind.

Lost Package Recovery: Uncertainties can arise unexpectedly, so staying informed about the package’s current status using the tracking number is essential. Consignment numbers facilitate tracking from dispatch to delivery. If a package is lost or delivered incorrectly, the tracking number becomes invaluable for locating it.

Easing Customer Service Burden: By enabling customers to track their packages using the consignment number, India Post lightens the load on its customer service team. Instant updates on package status mean fewer inquiries, complaints, and phone calls.

Comprehensive Delivery Information: Beyond current status updates, the consignment number offers additional details to customers. Clicking on the tracking number reveals estimated delivery dates and provides insights into every phase of the delivery process, including any changes to the delivery date.

Conclusion

India Post’s consignment number is a valuable tool for both senders and receivers. By providing unique identification for each parcel, India Post ensures efficient tracking, reduces delivery anxieties, and fosters transparency. Knowing your consignment number empowers you to monitor your package’s journey, from dispatch to delivery, offering peace of mind and facilitating recovery in case of any issues. So next time you use India Post’s speed post service, remember to keep your consignment number handy for a smooth and stress-free delivery experience.

FAQs

Ques: How many attempts can we make to track our shipment?
Ans: There is no limitation to track the shipment. You can track it as many times as you want to until it reaches its final destination. 

Ques: What to do if the website is not showing the tracking details of the speed post?
Ans: If you are not able to track your shipment it may be because of the gap between scanning and updating the information. This usually happens when the parcel has to be sent to an international or rural location. In such cases, immediate information may not be available. 

Ques: What do the letters mean in the tracking ID (EW*********IN)?
Ans: The letter at the start shows the kind of service(e.g. E stands for speed post), and the second letter indicates the state(e.g. K stands for Karnataka, and W stands for West Bengal). 

The ending letters indicate the country i.e. India(IN)

Ques: Can I track international parcels by using the consignment number?
Ans: Yes. This service allows you to track the international parcels by using the consignment number. Depending on the network of the location the tracking results will display accordingly. 

Ques: Can we modify the address after dispatch?
Ans: After dispatch, it is not possible to do so. Still, you can always contact customer support. 

Ques: What to do if the parcel is lost or damaged during the time of transit?
Ans: India Post provides the facility of compensation if any loss occurs. If the loss or damage fits under their policies then some kind of compensation is always provided. For detailed information about the compensation policy, you can check their official site. 

Ques: To file a complaint, do I have to pay some fee?
Ans: No, there are no additional charges for anything. The amount you pay at the time of booking is the final amount. 

Ques: How to contact India Post?
Ans. By using a toll-free number- 1800 266 6868 or by visiting their website.