Have you recently received a notification that your package has “arrived at international carrier”? This status update likely left you with questions about what it means and when you can expect your package to be delivered. This article will explain what this tracking status indicates and provide insights into the international shipping process.
When your package arrives at the international carrier facility, it means that your package has been received by the mail carrier that will be responsible for the international leg of the delivery journey. This is an important step, as it means your package has successfully been transported domestically and is now ready to begin international transit.
The international carrier will be the mail service that transports your package from your country to the destination country. For example, if you are shipping a package from the United States to France, the international carrier would be a mail service like DHL, FedEx International, or the French postal service La Poste.
What Exactly Does “Arrived at International Carrier” Mean for Your Package Delivery?
When you receive the “arrived at international carrier” notification, it means your package has arrived at the facility where it will be processed through customs and prepared for international shipping. This status indicates several key things:
- Your package has left the origin country mail system and is now in the hands of the international carrier. This is an important hand-off.
- The package has arrived at the international shipping hub. This facility is usually very large, like an airport, because it needs to handle a high volume of international mail and packages.
- Your package will soon be processed through customs clearance in preparation for departure from the origin country.
- After customs processing, the package will be routed onward to its international destination. It is now in the international transit phase.
So in summary, “arrived at international carrier” means your package has transferred into the international shipping pipeline and will soon depart the origin country on its way to the destination. This status brings your package one step closer to delivery.
What Happens During International Customs Clearance?
One of the most important steps when an item enters the international delivery process is clearing customs in the origin country. All shipments must go through customs inspection and clearance procedures before an international carrier can transport them abroad.
Here are some key things to know about what happens during customs clearance:
- Detailed inspections – Customs agents will open and thoroughly examine the contents of shipments to verify they match what is declared on the customs paperwork. This helps enforce regulations on prohibited items.
- Duty payment – If the shipment contains items subject to customs duties or taxes, these must often be paid before the shipment can depart the origin country. The international carrier usually handles this paperwork.
- Security screening – Today’s customs process involves extensive security screening. Technologies like x-ray machines and bomb detection systems are used to scan for contraband, weapons, or suspicious items.
- Documentation verification – Customs agents verify that all import/export documents are complete and compliant with regulations. All paperwork must be in order.
- Clearance approval – Once customs procedures are completed, the shipment receives clearance approval to exit the country and continue on its journey. This allows the international carrier to accept custody of the item.
The customs clearance process is very thorough but necessary to meet import/export laws and keep prohibitive or dangerous materials from crossing borders illegally. For most packages, it takes 1-2 days to clear customs.
What Factors Influence How Long “Arrived at International Carrier” to Delivery Takes?
Once your package arrives at the international carrier facility, how long until it completes its journey to the delivery destination? This timeline can vary based on:
- Destination country – Some countries have slower customs procedures or more remote locales that take longer to reach. Shipments to Australia/New Zealand may take longer than those to Europe.
- Carrier differences – International carriers have varying transit times based on their routes and frequencies. A carrier like DHL may be faster than a national postal service.
- Shipping speed – Express options like DHL Express or FedEx International Priority ship faster than standard ground delivery. Transit times range from 1-5 days for express to 5-10+ days for standard.
- Customs delays – If any issues crop up during customs inspection, it can add delays to clearing the shipment for departure. This extends the pre-transport timeline.
- Making connections – The shipment must connect through one or more airline or ground transport routes once departing the origin country. Missing a connection can add lag time.
- Final mile delivery – The “last mile” local delivery in the destination country can take 1-3 days depending on location remoteness and delivery workload.
While each shipment follows a unique timeline, you can expect the entire “arrived at international carrier” to delivery process to take anywhere from 3 days to 4 weeks depending on the above factors.
What If My Package Is Stuck at “Arrived at International Carrier”?
Sometimes a package tracking status can sit at “arrived at international carrier” for many days without further updates. This usually indicates:
- There is a backlog of shipments at the international transit facility due to peak volumes.
- There are issues or delays in the customs clearance process.
- The package missed its original dispatch and is awaiting the next transport connection.
- A problem occurred and the package is having issues clearing customs.
If a package seems stuck at this status, it’s recommended to contact the shipment carrier directly. They can look into why it has not departed after arriving at the international transit point. They will have details on any clearance delays or transit connection issues.
While a prolonged transit period is frustrating, remember that international shipping logistics are complex. Have patience and work with the carrier to get your package moving again if stalled.
Other Common International Shipping Carrier Status Updates
The “arrived at international carrier” notice is just one tracking status you may see as your package journeys internationally. Here are some other common international shipping status updates and what they signify:
- Departed international carrier facility – Your package has cleared customs and left the international transit point, beginning its overseas journey.
- In transit to destination country – The package is now aboard flights or other transport on its way to the destination country. This can cover a 1-4 day timeline depending on the geographic route.
- Arrived in destination country – The shipment has arrived at the international hub or postal service facility in the destination country. It will soon clear destination customs.
- Cleared destination customs – Your package has successfully passed inspection and admission procedures in the destination country.
- Out for delivery – Final mile delivery is in progress in the destination country and your package will soon reach its recipient address.
Tips for a Better International Shipping Experience
To help make sure your international packages arrive safely and on time, follow these tips:
- Select an established international carrier with a strong delivery record to your destination.
- Provide complete and accurate customs paperwork to avoid delays during the clearance process.
- Use express shipping for faster speed if your budget allows.
- Insure high-value packages in case of loss or damage.
- Get real-time delivery updates by using package tracking services.
- Contact carrier support if your package appears delayed or stuck in transit.
- Confirm the recipient address overseas is complete and formatted correctly.
- Refrain from shipping prohibited items – this guarantees seizure and delivery failure.
Key Takeaways: What to Remember When Your Package Arrives at International Carrier
If you receive a “package arrived at international carrier” tracking notification, keep these main points in mind:
- This means your package has been handed over to the mail carrier that handles international shipping for the delivery route.
- Your package will go through customs clearance which may take 1-2 days before officially departing your country.
- Once cleared, the package will transit overseas to the destination country which can take a varying number of days.
- Total delivery timelines are influenced by destination, shipping speed, customs, and last mile factors.
- If stalled, contact the carrier immediately for assistance getting your package moving again.
- The package is now in the international shipping pipeline! While it still has a journey ahead, this step brings the delivery one shipment phase closer.
Understanding what happens when your package arrives at the international carrier will help set proper expectations on when to expect delivery as your item completes its worldwide transit. With the right preparation and monitoring, your international shipment should arrive safely and on time.
