The Indian Postal Service provides various services, moving thousands of packages every day across the nation. The speed post service, among others, has the accuracy and quickness of delivery as its main features. In order to deliver parcels to the correct address at the right time, India Post assigns consignment numbers to them. These numbers serve as distinctive markers for every speed post parcel.
If you want to send a Speed Post courier through India Post, then knowing about consignment numbers is very important. This article will describe what a consignment number is, where to find it, how to trace your parcel using this number, and its perks.
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 allows customers to monitor their parcels and ensure timely and accurate deliveries.
Structure of a Consignment Number
Speed Post of India is popular for its speed, reliability, and low cost. Sending important documents and items safely and on time is common for many Indians who rely on this service. When you present your parcel for dispatch through speed post, the Indian Postal Department hands over a receipt to you. This receipt is proof of acceptance that should not only be kept but also be available for future usage. It has particulars of your consignment, including a unique 13-digit alpha-numeric postal tracking number or consignment number. This number generally begins with 2 uppercase letters, followed by 9 digits, and concludes with 2 uppercase letters.
To get an idea of what an India Post consignment number looks like, take the example EW*********IN. The letters and numbers in the post office tracking number have certain indications:
1. The first letter represents the service type.
2. The second letter denotes the state in which the speed post was booked.
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, signify India.
With this exceptional post office parcel tracking number, you are able to verify the current state of your package. By just entering the given number, you will be able to see the online tracking of your parcel in just a few seconds. Moreover, you can also know the location of your consignment through SMS by sending the postal tracking number to India Post.
Location of Consignment Number on a Speed Post Slip
It is quite easy to find the consignment number on a speed post slip. The envelope containing the letter or the parcel has a receipt for the speed post containing the consignment number, and it is clearly printed on the second line of the slip. This 13-digit number code is a unique mix of 9 numbers and 4 letters and is, therefore, easy to spot.
For example, a consignment number that is typical is likely to appear as EK123456789IN. The letter-number mixture is different for every parcel for smooth tracking and delivery. The consignment number is one of the most important things in tracking your speed post parcel, which also means that you can check its status and location anytime.
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 has already been allotted to you. Here is the process:
- Visit the official website of India Post at https://www.indiapost.gov.in.
- Click on the Track and Trace Option
- Enter carefully the 13-digit consignment number.
- Enter the Captcha code that is displayed on the screen.
- The Track Now button should be clicked, and you will see the location of your parcel.
Benefits of Consignment Number
The number of consignments issued by India Post is not only important for the postal service but also for the consumers. Here are its advantages:
- Enhancing Transparency: The consignment tracking number provides a method for companies to reveal their operations to their customers. Allowing customers to follow their parcels during delivery creates trust and partnership between the companies and their customers. The consumers are comforted by the fact that their consignments are on their way.
- Reducing Customer Anxiety: The availability of the consignment tracking number acts as a customer stress reducer. Just knowing where their packages have been and where they are at that time helps in relieving anxiety and gives consumers the feeling that nothing is uncertain.
- Lost Package Recovery: One can never tell when doubts will come up; that is why it is better to always be updated on the current position of the parcel by using the tracking number. Consignment numbers make it possible to track from the time of dispatch to the time of delivery. In case a package is lost or delivered to the wrong address, the tracking number will be of great help in finding it.
- Easing Customer Service Burden: By allowing consumers to track their parcels with the consignment number, India Post takes some of the burden off its customer service team. Continuous status updates on parcels mean fewer inquiries, fewer complaints, and the number of phone calls will also be reduced.
- Comprehensive Delivery Information: The consignment number provides the present status updates of the shipment as well as informs the customers with additional details. Tracking the number reveals estimated delivery dates and gives insights into the delivery process stages, including any alterations to the delivery date.
How to Obtain a Consignment Number?
Obtaining a consignment number is very simple. India Post has made the whole process faster, thereby allowing you to concentrate on your business activities without any unnecessary trouble.
A distinctive consignment number gets assigned immediately when you confirm your shipment, whether it is done at the post office counter, through an e-commerce platform, or using integrated shipping software. There are no more steps that you need to take.
In case you are asking yourself about where to find your consignment number, here are some trusted places that you can check:
- Receipt: The main proof of shipment! Your physical receipt from the post office will clearly indicate the consignment number.
- Order Details: Most e-commerce platforms associate a consignment number with each order. Search for it under “Tracking” or “Shipment Details”.
- Email Confirmation: Depending on how you made your booking, you might also get an automated email that contains your consignment number for easy reference.
Utilizing a platform such as Bigship can significantly enhance the operations of businesses handling a large volume of shipments. It blends easily with the shipping providers; India Post is for such cases, to quickly fetch consignment numbers at the time of booking, thus removing the time-consuming manual processes while guaranteeing a faster and more reliable Speed Post experience.
Tips for Troubleshooting Common Issues
- No Updates: In case tracking information is not visible right after the booking, do not panic. Updating shipment data in the India Post system can sometimes take a few hours.
- Stuck Status: When your parcel is stuck with no updates for a few days, the best thing to do is to get in touch with India Post customer support rather than waiting. Make sure to have your consignment number with you, as it will make the support team quickly find your shipment and thus give you the right information in updates.
- Proactive Tip: Turn the task of daily tracking checks into a routine for shipments that are of high importance or that are time-sensitive. Regularly monitoring your shipments allows you to detect any delays early and take timely actions, contacting India Post or informing your customer for easier delivery management could be the action taken.
Conclusion
The India Post’s consignment number is a significant resource for both the sender and the receiver. With the help of this system, India Post can offer an easy way to track, alleviate delivery nervousness, and thus promote a better relationship between the company and its customers. Knowing your consignment number gives you the power to follow your package’s path, from sending to receiving, granting you tranquility and the possibility of recovering in case of any problems.
So, the next time you are using India Post’s speed post service, do not forget to keep your consignment number super easy and stress-free delivery experience.
FAQs
How many attempts can we make to track our shipment?
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.
What to do if the website is not showing the tracking details of the speed post?
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.
What do the letters mean in the tracking ID (EW*********IN)?
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)
Can I track international parcels by using the consignment number?
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.
Can we modify the address after dispatch?
After dispatch, it is not possible to do so. Still, you can always contact customer support.
What to do if the parcel is lost or damaged during the time of transit?
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.
To file a complaint, do I have to pay some fee?
No, there are no additional charges for anything. The amount you pay at the time of booking is the final amount.
How to contact India Post?
By using a toll-free number- 1800 266 6868 or by visiting their website.
