China Post is China’s official postal service and a major player in global shipping, especially for smaller parcels and e-commerce shipments. They provide a range of international and domestic shipping services, catering to both individuals and businesses. Here’s a detailed overview of China Post as a shipper:
China Post’s Shipping Services
- Domestic Services:
- Handles letters, parcels, and packages across China.
- Provides express delivery through its subsidiary, EMS China (Express Mail Service).
- International Services:
- China Post Ordinary Small Packet: Affordable, used for small, lightweight items with no tracking once it leaves China.
- China Post Registered Air Mail: Slightly costlier than ordinary mail but includes tracking.
- ePacket: A popular service for e-commerce shipments like AliExpress and Amazon. Faster and includes tracking.
- China Post EMS (Express Mail Service): Premium, express international shipping with full tracking and faster delivery times.
- Sea and Land Services:
- Provides cost-effective surface mail options for bulky or less time-sensitive items.
China Post’s Role in E-commerce
- Frequently used by platforms like Amazon, AliExpress, eBay, and Wish to ship goods from Chinese sellers to international buyers.
- Favored for its affordability and wide-reaching network.
- ePacket, a partnership between China Post and postal services in other countries, is specifically designed for small parcels and ensures relatively quick delivery.
Tracking China Post Shipments
Finding the Tracking Number:
- A China Post tracking number is typically 13 characters long:
- Formats: RCN**, LCN**, or E*******CN**.
How to Track:
- China Post Tracking Website:
- Visit China Post Tracking.
- Third-Party Tracking Platforms:
- Websites like 17Track.net, TrackChinaPost, or Parcel Monitor provide real-time updates.
- Destination Postal Service:
- After leaving China, tracking may continue through your country’s postal service (e.g., USPS for the U.S., Royal Mail for the UK).
Tracking Updates:
- “Departure from outward office of exchange”: The package has left China.
- “Arrival at inward office of exchange”: The package has arrived in the destination country and is awaiting customs clearance.
Delivery Times
- China Post Air Mail: 15–60 days, depending on the destination.
- ePacket: 7–20 days for most countries.
- EMS: 5–15 days, with higher costs for expedited shipping.
Common Issues and Solutions
- Delays:
- Customs clearance in the destination country can cause delays.
- Holidays in China (e.g., Chinese New Year, Golden Week) may slow down processing.
- Port or shipping route congestion can also affect timelines.
- Lost or Untrackable Packages:
- If the package is untrackable, confirm whether it was sent via a service without tracking (e.g., Ordinary Small Packet).
- For registered or tracked mail, contact China Post or your local postal carrier for further investigation.
- Damaged Goods:
- File a claim with the seller or the platform (e.g., Amazon) if goods arrive damaged.
Contacting China Post
- Website: China Post Official Website
- Customer Service (Domestic): 11185
- Customer Service (International): +86 10 11183
Tips for Using China Post
- Choose the right service: For faster shipping, opt for ePacket or EMS.
- Plan for delays: Especially during holidays or peak shipping seasons.
- Work with reliable sellers: Ensure your seller uses a shipping method with tracking if the delivery is important.
Let me know if you need help with tracking a specific package or navigating China Post services!