How to Track International Shipments from Latin America to the US
You've shipped a package from Colombia, Peru, or Mexico to the United States—now the waiting begins. But unlike domestic shipping, international tracking isn't always straightforward. Your shipment crosses multiple carriers, customs checkpoints, and borders. Understanding what's happening at each stage, where to look for updates, and what delays actually mean can turn anxiety into confidence.
Let's walk through how international shipment tracking really works and what you need to know when sending packages across borders.
Where Your Tracking Information Lives
When you ship internationally from Latin America, you don't get a single tracking number that tells the whole story. Instead, you get multiple numbers depending on how your shipment moves:
Origin carrier tracking number — This comes from the shipping company that picks up your package in the source country (the postal service, courier, or logistics provider). It tracks your shipment through initial collection and handoff to an international carrier.
International carrier tracking number — Once your package leaves the region, it moves to a larger carrier (DHL, FedEx, UPS, or regional providers like Servientrega or Estafeta). This number follows your shipment across the border and through US customs.
US customs entry number — When your package arrives in the United States, it receives an entry number in the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) system. This is separate from your carrier tracking and is critical if your package is held for inspection.
Last-mile delivery tracking — Once your package clears customs, a final carrier takes it to your doorstep. This might be USPS, UPS, FedEx, or a regional service, with its own tracking number.
Many shippers only look at one of these numbers, which is why they feel tracking "goes dark" during international transit. You need to know which number applies at which stage.
Understanding Tracking Status Codes and What They Mean
International tracking systems use standardized status codes, but the language and timing vary by carrier and stage. Here's what common updates actually mean:
"Picked up" or "Collected" — Your package has been collected from the sender and is in the shipper's facility. This usually happens within 1–2 days of shipment.
"In transit" or "On the way" — Your package is moving between facilities. For international shipments, this can mean it's at a regional hub, on a plane, or in customs processing. This stage alone can last 5–15 days depending on the route.
"Arrived at port" or "Arrived at international gateway" — Your package has reached the entry point to the destination country. For US shipments from Latin America, this is often Miami, Houston, or Los Angeles. It now enters customs screening.
"Customs clearance in progress" or "With customs" — This is where things slow down. Your package is being inspected, your customs declaration is being reviewed, and duties/taxes are being calculated (if applicable). This can take 1–5 business days but can extend longer if documentation is incomplete or the item is flagged for inspection.
"Released from customs" or "Cleared" — Your package passed inspection and has been cleared for domestic delivery. It now goes to the last-mile carrier for final delivery.
"Out for delivery" — Your package is with the final carrier and is being delivered that day.
When Tracking Updates Stop or Seem Delayed
One of the most frustrating parts of international shipping is when tracking suddenly goes quiet. Understanding why this happens prevents panic and helps you take action if needed.
The customs processing gap — This is the most common reason tracking appears frozen. Once a package enters customs, carrier updates can slow or stop entirely while CBP processes the shipment. Updates may resume only after customs release. If your package has been "with customs" for more than 5 business days, contact the customs broker or your shipper to inquire about your entry number.
Handoff between carriers — When your package moves from the international carrier to the last-mile carrier, there can be a 24–48 hour window where neither system shows movement. This is normal, but it feels like the package has disappeared.
Incomplete or incorrect customs documentation — If your customs declaration is missing information, has errors, or doesn't match the package contents, CBP may hold the shipment for clarification. You'll need the entry number to follow up with the customs broker.
Carrier system delays — Not all carriers update tracking in real time. Some update every 12–24 hours, especially at international handoff points. Your package might be moving while your tracking page shows no change.
Lost or damaged shipments — Occasionally, tracking stops because a package has been lost in transit, damaged, or misrouted. If you haven't seen an update in 10+ business days past the expected delivery date, file a claim with the carrier immediately.
Key Factors That Affect Tracking Accuracy and Speed
Several things influence how complete and timely your tracking information will be:
Carrier choice — Established couriers like DHL and FedEx offer more frequent tracking updates than regional carriers or postal services. They invest in real-time scanning infrastructure.
Customs declaration accuracy — Clear, detailed, and honest customs declarations reduce inspection time and delays. Vague descriptions or undervalued items trigger additional review.
Package content and weight — Items that are restricted, require special handling, or are unusually heavy may need additional processing, which slows updates and extends delivery timelines.
Destination address quality — Incomplete or incorrect addresses cause delivery attempts to fail, creating tracking gaps while the carrier searches for the right address or returns the package.
Shipping service level — Economy or standard services often have longer processing windows and less frequent updates than express options. You're paying for slower transit, not just slower tracking.
What You Can Do If Tracking Goes Dark
If your shipment tracking hasn't updated in more than 5 business days and you're past the expected delivery date, here's what to do:
- Request your customs entry number — Contact the shipper or carrier and ask for your CBP entry number. This is the master reference that ties your package to US customs records.
- Check CBP's automated system — The US Customs and Border Protection website allows you to search shipments by entry number. This shows the official customs status independent of carrier tracking.
- Contact the carrier directly — Call or message the carrier with your tracking number and entry number. Automated systems may not show what's happening, but customer service can investigate.
- File a claim if necessary — If your package is more than 10 days late or missing, file a formal claim with the carrier. You'll need your tracking number, entry number (if applicable), and proof of shipment value.
How Open Americas Simplifies Tracking and Reduces Delays
The reality is that international tracking involves navigating multiple systems, carriers, and checkpoints—and most shippers don't have the expertise to troubleshoot when something goes wrong. This is where managed logistics services make a real difference.
Open Americas Logistics handles the entire journey: customs clearance, carrier coordination, and last-mile delivery. You get a single tracking interface that covers every stage, from pickup in Latin America through US delivery. More importantly, if something delays your shipment—a customs question, a carrier mix-up, an address issue—our team proactively solves it before it becomes a problem.
Get a Shipping Quote — Open Americas Logistics handles international shipments from Latin America to the US — customs clearance, last-mile delivery, and real-time tracking, all in one place.
FAQ: Tracking International Shipments
How long does international shipping from Latin America to the US typically take?
Standard service takes 8–15 business days from pickup to delivery. Express service can be 5–7 business days. The largest variable is customs processing, which can add 2–5 business days depending on your declaration, item type, and CBP workload.
What should I do if my tracking number isn't working or won't scan?
Verify you're using the correct tracking number (there may be multiple). Check the carrier's website directly rather than relying on third-party tracking sites. If the number is still invalid, contact the shipper to confirm the tracking information was recorded correctly.
Can I speed up customs clearance to improve tracking and delivery speed?
Yes. Provide a clear, detailed customs declaration with accurate item descriptions and declared values. Use express shipping services whenever possible—they typically have priority processing. Incomplete or suspicious declarations trigger additional inspection, which always adds time.
What happens if my package is held in customs?
You'll receive notice either through the carrier, by email, or through CBP's systems. Contact the customs broker (usually coordinated by your shipper) with your entry number to find out what information or documentation is needed. Most holds are resolved within 3–5 business days once you provide the necessary details.