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Track My Parcel
Logistics Milestone Encyclopedia

Courier Tracking Status Meanings: 12 Steps Explained

Every courier in Pakistan words its updates differently. Track My Parcel groups thousands of different messages into 12 simple steps, so you always know what is happening with your parcel.

12 Universal Milestone Stages

The steps are listed in the usual order, from booking to delivery.

BookedCode: booked

Shipment consignment has been booked and order details registered with the courier.

Expected Duration:Until the courier collects the parcel
Recommended Action:The seller has made the label. Wait for the courier to collect the parcel and scan it.
Example messages: "Booking Registered", "Booked", "Order Created", "Shipment Created"
Shipment PickedCode: shipment_picked

The parcel has been physically collected from the sender/merchant station.

Expected Duration:Until it reaches the first hub
Recommended Action:The courier rider has the parcel and is taking it to the local sorting hub.
Example messages: "Picked Up", "Collected from Shipper", "Collected from Merchant", "Picked"
In Transit / DispatchedCode: in_transit

The shipment is moving between transit hubs, cities, or logistics routes.

Expected Duration:Depends on the distance
Recommended Action:The parcel is travelling between cities (for example, Karachi to Lahore or Islamabad). You do not need to do anything.
Example messages: "In Transit / Dispatched", "Linehaul Movement", "In Transit", "Loaded on Freight Bus"
Arrived at FacilityCode: arrived

The parcel has arrived at an intermediate transit hub, sorting center, or destination station.

Expected Duration:Until a rider is assigned
Recommended Action:The parcel has reached the local branch near you. It should go out for delivery on an upcoming round.
Example messages: "Arrived at Destination", "Arrived at Facility", "Arrived at Delivery Station"
Out for DeliveryCode: out_for_delivery

The courier is currently on the delivery run to hand over the parcel to the recipient.

Expected Duration:During the day, on the rider’s round
Recommended Action:Keep your phone on, and have the exact COD amount ready if you need to pay.
Example messages: "Out for Delivery", "Out for Doorstep Delivery", "Assigned to Rider"
DeliveredCode: delivered

The shipment has been successfully delivered to the recipient.

Expected Duration:Terminal Milestone
Recommended Action:The parcel has been delivered. Keep the box and label in case you need to return the item.
Example messages: "Delivered", "Shipment Delivered", "Collected at Counter"
PendingCode: pending

Shipment is pending processing or verification.

Expected Duration:Next business day attempt
Recommended Action:The rider ran out of time or the round was changed. The courier usually tries again on a later working day.
Example messages: "Delivery Pending", "Pending Attempt", "Delivery Rescheduled"
On Hold / AwaitingCode: on_hold

Shipment is temporarily held at the courier station pending customer confirmation or collection.

Expected Duration:Until the problem is sorted out
Recommended Action:Call the courier’s branch to confirm your address or a landmark, or ask them to hold the parcel for you to collect.
Example messages: "Shipment On Hold", "Held at Station", "On Hold", "Terminal Hold"
Delivery AttemptedCode: attempted

A delivery attempt was made, but the parcel could not be handed over (customer unavailable, refused, or rescheduled).

Expected Duration:Another try usually follows
Recommended Action:The rider tried to deliver but could not (you were out, refused it or asked for another day). Keep your phone on for the next try.
Example messages: Varies by courier
Delivery ExceptionCode: exception

An operational exception occurred (e.g. damaged, address issue, or customs inspection).

Expected Duration:Requires immediate consignee intervention
Recommended Action:Act now: the rider could not deliver (phone not answered, address not complete or gate closed). Call the helpline.
Example messages: "Delivery Exception", "Failed Delivery"
Return in TransitCode: return_in_transit

The shipment is moving back through the courier network towards the original shipper/merchant.

Expected Duration:Depends on the distance back
Recommended Action:Delivery failed or was refused, and the parcel is travelling back to the seller.
Example messages: "Returning to Merchant (RTS)"
Returned to ShipperCode: returned

The parcel has been successfully returned and received by the sender/merchant facility.

Expected Duration:Terminal Milestone (Return Completed)
Recommended Action:The parcel has gone back to the seller after failed tries. Contact the seller about sending it again.
Example messages: "Returned to Shipper", "RTS Completed", "Returned to Merchant", "RTS Delivered"
CancelledCode: cancelled

This consignment was cancelled or voided.

Expected Duration:Terminal Milestone
Recommended Action:The booking was cancelled before the parcel was sent, by the seller or customer service.
Example messages: "Order Cancelled", "Cancelled"
Status UpdatingCode: unknown

Tracking status information received from courier network.

Expected Duration:Temporary state
Recommended Action:A new or unusual update. Check again a little later.
Example messages: We are still matching this update to one of our steps.

Courier Messages and Our Steps

Examples of messages couriers use, and the step we show for each:

Our StepMessages You May See
BookedBooking Registered, Booked at Origin, Order Created
Shipment PickedPicked Up, Collected from Shipper, Collected from Merchant
In TransitIn Transit, Dispatched, Linehaul Movement, In Transit to Destination, Linehaul
Arrived at HubArrived at Destination, Arrived at Facility
Out for DeliveryOut for Delivery, Out for Doorstep Delivery, Assigned to Rider
DeliveredDelivered, Shipment Delivered, Collected

What to Do When Your Tracking Is Not Updating

If your tracking has said “In Transit” for more than 48 hours:

  • Check if a Sunday or public holiday fell in between. Most Pakistani couriers do not deliver on Sundays.
  • Winter fog or monsoon road closures can slow down road and bus transport.
  • If there is still no update after a few more working days, call the courier’s helpline with your tracking number and ask them to trace the parcel.
See the courier helpline list →

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