International Logistics Tracking

Track packages across borders with carrier auto-detection and status explanation.

When to Use

• User asks "where is my package" or provides a tracking number

• User needs to check shipment status or delivery estimate

• User asks about customs clearance or logistics exceptions

• User needs to track multiple packages at once

MCP Server Setup

This skill works best with the companion MCP server. Add to your MCP config:

{ "mcpServers": { "logistics-tracking": { "command": "npx", "args": ["-y", "@shopme/logistics-tracking-mcp"], "env": { "TRACK17_API_KEY": "your-17track-api-key" } } } }

Get a free 17track API key at https://api.17track.net

Available Tools

track_package

Query tracking info for a single package.

• Input: trackingNumber (required), carrier (optional), language (en/zh)

• Returns: status, current location, timeline of events

detect_carrier

Identify the carrier from a tracking number's format.

• Input: trackingNumber

• Returns: carrier name, confidence level

batch_track

Track up to 40 packages at once.

• Input: trackingNumbers array, language

• Returns: array of tracking results

explain_status

Get a human-readable explanation of a tracking status code.

• Input: statusCode (e.g. InTransit, CustomsClearance)

• Returns: English and Chinese explanation with advice

Tracking Number Format Guide

Pattern Carrier Example

XX123456789CN

China Post LX123456789CN

EX123456789CN

China EMS EA123456789CN

YT + 16 digits

Yanwen YT1234567890123456

LP + 14+ digits

Cainiao LP12345678901234

SF + 12+ digits

SF Express SF1234567890123

1Z + 16 chars

UPS 1ZABCDEF1234567890

94/93/92 + 20 digits

USPS 9400111899223100012345

10-11 digits

DHL 1234567890

12-15 digits

FedEx 123456789012

Typical Delivery Times (International)

Route Standard Express

China to US 15-30 days 5-10 days

China to EU 15-30 days 5-10 days

China to SE Asia 7-15 days 3-7 days

China to Japan/Korea 5-10 days 3-5 days

Status Codes Explained

• InfoReceived: Carrier has the info but hasn't picked up the package (1-3 day wait)

• InTransit: Package is moving through the logistics network

• CustomsClearance: Going through customs (3-7 business days typical)

• OutForDelivery: Final delivery attempt today

• Delivered: Successfully delivered

• Exception: Problem occurred (customs hold, wrong address, failed delivery)

• Returned: Being sent back to origin

Tips

• If TRACK17_API_KEY is not set, the server falls back to RTB56 (limited accuracy)

• For best results, wait 24-48 hours after shipping before first query

• Query no more than once every 2 hours per tracking number to avoid rate limits

• Batch tracking is more efficient for multiple packages