How does shipment tracking work, and why can't USPS or Amazon packages be tracked?

Find your cause fast

• The order shows the number but no status: it was typed in by hand, or it belongs to a courier we can't follow. See below.
• The number is a USPS one (22 digits starting with 9, or two letters, nine digits and "US"): USPS can't be followed. Use the courier's own site.
• The number starts with TBA: it's an Amazon Logistics number. It can't be followed.
• The status stopped changing: once a parcel reaches Delivered or No longer tracked, Robolyst stops checking it.

Adding a tracking number to an order

When you place an order, the Mark ordered step has a Tracking number field for each vendor. Logging an order that was already bought has the same field. The number is saved on that vendor's group and shown on the order page as Tracking followed by the number.

A number typed in this way is a record only. Robolyst doesn't look it up with the courier.

Live tracking from a shipping email

If your team receives vendor emails in the shared Inbox, Robolyst reads the "your order has shipped" message for you:

1. Open the email thread in Inbox.
2. Under Tracking found in this thread, each number is listed with its courier and an Open on link to the courier's site.
3. Pick the order and vendor from the list and click Add to order.

You need Request parts & orders to attach a number. Only orders that have been placed but not yet received are in the list.

For UPS, FedEx and DHL numbers added this way, Robolyst asks the courier for the latest status about once an hour. The order page then shows a status such as Label created, In transit, Out for delivery, Delivered, Delivery attempted or Problem with the shipment, plus an estimated delivery date when the courier gives one.

Each time the status changes, members with Approve & place orders get a notification. Nothing is sent when a parcel is scanned without its status changing.

Why USPS can't be tracked

Since April 1, 2026, USPS only answers tracking requests from the business that printed the shipping label. Your team is the receiver, not the sender, so there's no way for Robolyst to get that data. The number is still saved, and the Inbox shows an Open on USPS link so you can check it yourself.

Why Amazon can't be tracked

Parcels delivered by Amazon's own drivers carry Amazon Logistics numbers (they start with TBA). They aren't registered with UPS, FedEx, DHL or USPS, so no courier can report on them, and Robolyst doesn't pick them out of emails. Check them in your Amazon account. If Amazon ships through UPS or another courier, that courier's number works as usual.

Related

• Who places orders, and how does the order digest work?
• How do I request a parts order, and who approves it?