Tracking numbers are one of the most important things in the shipping process. With these things, the businesses and individuals are allowed to monitor the process of their packages and documents. However, it should not be that these tracking numbers are different. They are divided into two in the United States. The first one is federal tracking numbers and the second one is state tracking numbers.
What Are Federal Tracking Numbers?
Federal tracking numbers refer to the numbers that are used by national carriers such as UPS, FedEx, and the United States Postal Service or USPS to track packages that are shipped across the country or across the globe. The carrier is the one that assigned these numbers. These numbers usually consist of letters and numbers. For example, 1234 5678 9012 for FedEx or 9405 5036 9930 0000 0000 00 for UPSP.
Each shipment has a unique federal tracking number. This number provides valuable information about the journey of the package from the moment it is picked from the sender to the receiver. The information that is provided by the tracking number includes the current location of the package, the estimated delivery date, and any delays or exceptions that may have happened along the way.
In addition, federal tracking numbers are also used to confirm delivery and provide proof of shipment for businesses and individuals. With these numbers, they will be able to ensure that their packages are sent on time and there is nothing bad happening to them.
What are State Tracking Numbers?
State tracking numbers are the kinds of tracking numbers that are used by state agencies to track every package or document that is being sent within the state. The ones who are usually assigned these numbers are the state agency. These numbers have a certain format that is unique to every agency.
There are a few purposes of using state tracking numbers, including tracking the status of driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, and so on. For instance, tracking numbers are assigned by the California Department of Motor Vehicles or DMV to track the status of driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations. Normally, these numbers begin with a letter or a combination of letters and numbers. Then, it is followed by several digits.
One of the uses of state tracking numbers is to confirm delivery and provide proof of shipment. This function is similar to deferral tracking numbers. What makes them different compared to federal tracking numbers is that they are used mainly for tracking packages or documents within the state. In other words, they are not used for tracking packages that are shipped outside of the state.
What Are the Differences Between Federal and State Tracking Numbers?
One of the things that set the federal tracking numbers and the state tracking numbers apart is their purpose and the carriers or agencies that assign them. For federal tracking numbers, they are used by national carriers to track packages that are being shipped across the country or across the globe. As for state tracking numbers, they are used by state agencies to track packages or documents that are sent within the state.
In addition the ones who assign the federal tracking numbers are the carriers. In contrast, state tracking numbers are assigned by state agencies. The federal tracking numbers have a unique format that is determined by the carrier while the state tracking numbers have a certain format that is unique to every agency.
Bottom Line
Tracking numbers are important for businesses and those who have to monitor the progress of their packages and documents. Both federal and state tracking numbers have different purposes. Aside from the purposes, the carriers and agencies that use them are also different. It is important to understand the differences between these two tracking numbers to be able to choose the right carrier or agency for the certain needs. In addition, it is also important to ensure that the packages are delivered on time and without any issues.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
