What is Consignment Number? How to Identify and track?

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A consignment number sometimes called a tracking number, shipment ID, or reference number is a unique alphanumeric code assigned to a specific shipment or package. This number allows businesses, logistics providers, and customers to track the parcel’s journey from the point of dispatch to delivery, providing transparency, accountability, and real-time visibility throughout the supply chain.

In a world where e-commerce and global trade are booming, the consignment number has become an indispensable tool for efficient logistics management. Logistics companies continue to adapt their systems to meet growing demands, while future trends point toward even smarter tracking technologies and increased automation.

What is a Consignment Number?

A consignment number is a system-generated unique identifier that is allocated to a shipment when it is booked and dispatched for delivery. This code:

• Acts as the digital identity of your shipment
  
• Helps carriers and customers track its real-time progress
  
• Is required to check delivery status and resolve issues with carriers
  

You’ll find this number on shipping receipts, order confirmations, courier labels, and tracking portals. In many postal systems (such as India Post’s Speed Post), it’s typically a 13-digit alphanumeric code combining letters and numbers. 

Why Do We Use a Consignment Number?

Unique Identification:
Every parcel is uniquely labeled so that it can be easily distinguished in a busy logistics network.

Track & Trace:
The number allows both senders and receivers to monitor shipment status online.

Proof of Shipment:
It acts as legal and operational confirmation that your goods are in the carrier’s custody.

Problem Resolution:
A consignment number becomes the primary reference when dealing with delays, misplaced parcels, or delivery issues with customer support.

How Consignment Number Works in Logistics

1. Generation of the Number

When a parcel is booked with a carrier whether it’s a postal service, private courier, or freight forwarder the system automatically generates a unique consignment number. This number is linked to all shipment details, including:

• Sender and receiver addresses
  
• Weight and dimensions
  
• Mode of transport
  
• Expected delivery timeline
  

Each carrier has its own format, but the essence remains the same: a unique, traceable ID for that shipment.

2. Assignment to a Shipment

Once generated, the number stays with the consignment for the entire journey. It’s printed on labels and scanned at multiple checkpoints during transit. This scanning sequence updates the shipment status, such as:

• Booked
  
• Dispatched
  
• In Transit
  
• Out for Delivery
  
• Delivered
  

3. Real-Time Tracking

By entering a consignment number on a carrier’s website or in a universal tracking tool, stakeholders gain real-time visibility into the exact status and location of the shipment. This transparency has multiple benefits:

• Improved customer experience
  
• Better planning for deliveries
  
• Enhanced supply chain visibility
  
• Reduced disputes and delays
  

How Consignment Number looks or shown?

1. A consignment number is a unique tracking ID assigned to every shipment.
2. In the case of India Post Speed Post, the consignment number is 13 characters long.
3. It starts with 2 letters (for example: CD, EE, EM), which indicate the service type.
4. This is followed by 9 numeric digits, which uniquely identify the shipment.
5. The consignment number always ends with “IN”, representing India.
6. Example format: CD987654210IN
7. This number is used to track the shipment status online, from dispatch to delivery.
8. It helps both the sender and receiver monitor location, transit updates, and delivery confirmation.

Conclusion

A consignment number is far more than just a string of characters—it’s the backbone of modern logistics. It enables tracking, transparency, accountability, and customer satisfaction in an increasingly complex supply chain world.

From generation at the point of dispatch to final delivery, this number helps businesses streamline operations, reduce delivery issues, and deliver exceptional service to customers. Logistics companies continue to adopt powerful technologies to enhance tracking capabilities and meet futuristic demands.

And with industry leaders like Godamwale, businesses can enjoy seamless logistics support that makes consignment management simple, transparent, and efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between a consignment number and a tracking number?
Usually, these terms are used interchangeably. Fundamentally, a consignment number is a type of tracking number assigned to identify a shipment in the carrier’s system. 

2. Where can I find my consignment number?
On your shipping receipt, order confirmation email, courier label, or tracking portal provided by the carrier. 

3. Can I track a shipment without a consignment number?
No—without this number, real-time tracking is typically impossible. It’s the unique identifier linking your shipment to the tracking system. 

4. How long is a typical consignment number?
Formats vary by carrier. For example, India Post uses a 13-character alphanumeric code; other private curriers may use a different length.

5. Can a consignment number be reused?
Generally no. Each number is unique to a specific shipment and not reused for future consignments.