Cainiao Network (菜鸟网络) is Alibaba Group's smart logistics subsidiary, the backbone of AliExpress and Alibaba's global e-commerce ecosystem. When you order from AliExpress, Taobao, or Tmall Global and see 'Cainiao' as the logistics provider, your parcel is being handled by the world's largest e-commerce logistics network. This guide explains how to track your Cainiao parcel and understand the various shipping products within the Cainiao ecosystem.
Track Cainiao Package
Track your Cainiao parcel. Enter your Cainiao tracking number for real-time delivery status on Alibaba logistics and AliExpress international shipments.
Cainiao Tracking
Key facts about Cainiao
Cainiao Network is Alibaba Group's
Cainiao Network is Alibaba Group's logistics arm, providing tracking and delivery services for AliExpress, Taobao, and Alibaba ecosystem orders.
Tracking
Tracking numbers vary by product and carrier but Cainiao consolidates tracking across Alibaba's carrier partners.
Cainiao operates a global logistics
Cainiao operates a global logistics network connecting Chinese sellers with buyers worldwide through air and surface mail partnerships.
Cainiao Tracking Statuses Explained
Use the last visible scan to decide whether to wait, track more closely, or escalate.
| Status | What it means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Received by logistics company | Cainiao has accepted the package from the seller and registered it in the system. | Monitor the next scan event. |
| Processing at sorting center | The package is being sorted at a Cainiao facility for routing to the appropriate outbound channel. | Monitor the next scan event. |
| Departed from sorting center | The package has left the sorting facility and is moving toward the export hub. | Monitor the next scan event. |
| Arrived at departure transport hub | The package has reached the main outbound hub in the origin country. | Monitor the next scan event. |
| Hand over to airline | The package has been transferred to an airline for international air freight transit. | Monitor the next scan event. |
| Export customs clearance started | The package has entered export customs processing in the origin country. | Monitor the next scan event. |
Cainiao Tracking Number Formats
Identify your tracking number type before entering it into the search box above.
Cainiao Standard / Super Economy
LP89410658903264802118-20 alphanumeric characters, starts with LP
Most common format. LP prefix followed by 16-18 digits.
Cainiao Super Economy (CN suffix variant)
LP9460364935673925CN20 alphanumeric characters, starts with LP, ends with CN
Ends with country code CN for China origin.
General alphanumeric
LP1234567890123410-20 alphanumeric characters, typically 2 capital letters + numeric sequence
Standard Cainiao format per tracking platforms.
How to Track a Cainiao Package
Follow these steps to get real-time status on any Cainiao shipment.
Track your Cainiao parcel at cainiao.com or directly within the AliExpress app by opening your order and clicking 'Track Order'. The Cainiao tracking page shows all scan events from the origin warehouse through international transit, customs, and final delivery
For the last-mile delivery stage, tracking may transfer to a local carrier's tracking system (e.g., USPS for the USA, Royal Mail for the UK). The AliExpress app provides integrated real-time notifications
Find your Cainiao tracking number
Locate your Cainiao tracking number on your shipping confirmation email, order receipt, or shipping label.
Go to the tracking page
Visit https://global.cainiao.com/detail.htm and enter your tracking number in the search field.
Common Cainiao Tracking Problems
Expand each issue for the cause, what to do, and when to call Cainiao directly.
Tracking not updating for 24-48 hours
Cause
Label generated but package not yet physically received by Cainiao, or scan data is delayed syncing to the tracking system.
What to do
Allow 48 hours after the shipping date shown in your order. Confirm with the seller that the package was physically handed over.
Escalate when
If no movement after 7 days, contact the seller or Cainiao support via global.cainiao.com.
Tracking stops updating after handoff to local carrier
Cause
When Cainiao transfers the package to a local last-mile carrier, tracking events depend on that carrier's scanning infrastructure and data-sharing agreements.
What to do
Note the local carrier name shown in tracking (e.g., USPS, Royal Mail) and track using that carrier's own website with the same tracking number.
Escalate when
If the local carrier shows no updates after 10 business days, contact both Cainiao support and the local carrier.
Customs clearance taking longer than expected
Cause
Import customs may require additional documentation, duty payment, or the package was selected for inspection.
What to do
Check if a customs duty notice has been sent to your email or to the destination address. Pay any outstanding fees promptly.
Escalate when
If no update for more than 15 business days in customs, contact the destination country's customs authority directly.
Tracking number not found
Cause
The number may be incorrect, or the shipment data has not yet propagated (can take up to 24 hours after label creation).
What to do
Verify the number starts with LP (or per Cainiao's format) and contains 10-20 characters. Try again after 24 hours.
Escalate when
Contact the seller if the number remains invalid after 48 hours.
Cainiao Shipping Services Compared
Compare Cainiao service tiers and their typical delivery windows side by side.
Service options
AliExpress Standard Shipping
Everyday shipping 15-40 days
Cainiao Super Economy
Everyday shipping Transit times vary by route
Cainiao Premium (faster options)
Everyday shipping 7-15 days
Cainiao Warehouse Fulfilment
Everyday shipping Transit times vary by route
Cross-border B2B logistics
Everyday shipping Transit times vary by route
Cainiao Delivery Times by Service
AliExpress Standard Shipping to USA
15-40 business days
15-40 business days
To UK/Europe
15-35 business days
15-35 business days
To Australia
15-35 business days
15-35 business days
Cainiao Premium (faster options)
7-15 business days
7-15 business days
Cainiao Tracking FAQs
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about Cainiao tracking and delivery.
01 How do I track my Cainiao / AliExpress parcel?
Go to cainiao.com or open your AliExpress order and click 'Track Order' for real-time updates.
02 Why has my Cainiao tracking not updated for 2 weeks?
Tracking gaps of 5-15 days are common during air transit from China. Track on the destination country's postal site once the parcel arrives.
03 How long does Cainiao / AliExpress Standard Shipping take?
AliExpress Standard Shipping typically takes 15-40 business days to the USA or Europe.
04 My Cainiao parcel is stuck at customs. What should I do?
Customs holds can last 1-14 days. Import duties may apply for the USA and EU. Contact AliExpress customer service if the hold exceeds 2 weeks.
05 What is the difference between Cainiao and China Post?
Cainiao is Alibaba's logistics platform that often uses China Post or other carriers for physical transport. Cainiao provides the tracking system; the physical carrier may be China Post or another partner.
Get Help from Cainiao
If the latest scan still does not make sense, contact Cainiao directly with your tracking number ready.
About Cainiao
Cainiao Network was founded in 2013 as a joint venture between Alibaba Group and partners including SF Express and other Chinese logistics companies. Alibaba later became the majority shareholder. Cainiao has grown to become one of the world's largest logistics platforms, processing over 100 million packages per day during peak periods. The company operates 3,000+ warehouses globally and partners with hundreds of airlines, postal operators, and last-mile carriers to deliver packages to over 200 countries.
- Official site
- http://global.cainiao.com/
- Track packages
- https://global.cainiao.com/detail.htm
- Support portal
- Open support →
- Network type
- Aggregator
- Country
- CN
- Region
- asia
- Coverage
- Cainiao delivers to over 200 countries and territories globally through its carrier partner network.
- Last verified
- Apr 11, 2026
Referenced sources