Purolator Tracking – Real-Time Updates in Seconds

What Is Purolator Tracking?

Purolator tracking is the real-time shipment visibility system operated by Purolator Inc., Canada's largest domestic courier and freight carrier. It allows senders, recipients, and third-party logistics managers to monitor the physical location and handling status of a parcel, freight shipment, or pallet at every point in the delivery chain — from pickup confirmation through to final proof of delivery. Each shipment is assigned a unique alphanumeric tracking number at the moment a label is generated, and that number serves as the persistent identifier throughout the entire transit lifecycle.

Purolator tracking is not a single tool but a suite of interconnected services: a web portal, a mobile application, an API integration layer, automated email and SMS notifications, and a telephone inquiry service. Together, these channels give stakeholders a consistent, auditable record of where a shipment is, what has happened to it, and when it is expected to arrive.

Why Purolator Tracking Matters

Tracking a Purolator shipment is not merely a convenience feature — it has measurable operational, financial, and customer-experience consequences for both businesses and individual consumers.

For Businesses and Shippers

• Proof of delivery and liability management: Every scan event is timestamped and geo-tagged at the facility or driver level. This creates a legally defensible chain of custody that can resolve disputes with carriers, insurers, or customers.
• Inventory and supply chain planning: Knowing exactly when inbound freight will arrive at a warehouse allows procurement teams to schedule labour, dock space, and downstream distribution without building in excessive buffer time.
• Exception management: Tracking surfaces delays, missed delivery attempts, and customs holds before they become customer complaints. A business that identifies a stuck shipment on day two can reroute, expedite, or proactively communicate — rather than reacting to an angry call on day five.
• Billing verification: Tracking timestamps confirm service levels were met, which is essential when auditing invoices against guaranteed delivery commitments such as Purolator Express or Purolator Ground service tiers.

For Recipients and Consumers

• Delivery planning: Knowing a parcel is out for delivery allows a recipient to be present, arrange a neighbour to receive it, or redirect to a Purolator depot or retail partner location before a failed attempt occurs.
• Security and theft prevention: Real-time out-for-delivery alerts reduce porch theft by narrowing the window during which a package sits unattended.
• Reduced support burden: When customers can self-serve their tracking questions, the shipper's customer service team handles fewer inbound inquiries — a direct cost saving for e-commerce businesses.

How Purolator Tracking Works: The Technical and Operational Mechanics

Purolator tracking operates through a combination of barcode scanning infrastructure, a centralized shipment management database, and multiple customer-facing output channels. Understanding the mechanics explains why certain statuses appear, why updates sometimes lag, and what each scan event actually means.

Step 1 — Label Generation and Tracking Number Assignment

A Purolator tracking number is created the moment a shipping label is produced, either through Purolator's online shipping portal, the Purolator Ship mobile app, a third-party e-commerce platform integration (such as Shopify or WooCommerce), or directly through the Purolator API. The tracking number is embedded in both a human-readable string and a barcode printed on the label. At this stage, the system records the shipment as Label Created or Shipment Information Received — the physical parcel has not yet been scanned into the Purolator network.

Purolator tracking numbers follow specific formats depending on the service type. Standard parcel tracking numbers are typically 12 to 16 characters and may begin with a numeric prefix. Freight and LTL (less-than-truckload) shipments use a Bill of Lading (BOL) number, which has a distinct format and is traced through Purolator's freight-specific tracking interface rather than the standard parcel portal.

Step 2 — Pickup Scan

When a Purolator driver collects the parcel from the shipper's location or a drop-off point, a handheld scanner reads the barcode. This generates the first active scan event — typically labeled Picked Up or Shipment Picked Up — and transmits the data to Purolator's central tracking database in near real-time. The timestamp, driver ID, and originating postal code are all recorded against the tracking number at this point.

Step 3 — Sortation Facility Scans

Parcels move through a network of Purolator hubs and sortation facilities. Canada's Purolator network includes major hubs in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton, with regional depots serving smaller markets. At each facility, automated conveyor-mounted scanners or manual handheld scans record the parcel's arrival (Arrived at Facility) and departure (Departed Facility or In Transit). For long-distance shipments, a parcel may pass through two or three facilities, each generating its own scan events visible in the tracking history.

It is important to note that not every physical movement generates a customer-visible scan. Internal conveyor transfers within a single facility, for example, are not always surfaced in the public tracking timeline. This is why a shipment can sometimes appear static in the tracking interface for several hours while it is actively being processed.

Step 4 — Out for Delivery Scan

When a parcel is loaded onto a local delivery vehicle at the destination depot, it receives an Out for Delivery scan. This is the most actionable status for a recipient because it confirms the parcel will be delivered that business day barring exceptional circumstances. Purolator's delivery windows are not fixed to a specific hour — delivery can occur any time between approximately 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. local time, depending on route density and service type.

Step 5 — Delivery or Attempted Delivery Scan

A successful delivery generates a Delivered status, accompanied by the name of the person who signed (for signature-required shipments) or a notation that the parcel was left in a safe location. If no one is available and the shipment requires a signature or is too large to leave safely, the driver records a Delivery Attempted event and leaves a notification card. The tracking record will show the attempt time and typically direct the recipient to a nearby Purolator depot or retail partner for pickup, or provide instructions for scheduling a redelivery.

The Role of the Purolator Tracking Database

All scan events feed into a centralized database that is queried every time a user enters a tracking number on any Purolator channel. The database stores the full event history, expected delivery date (calculated dynamically based on service level and current network conditions), and any exception flags such as address corrections, customs holds, or weather delays. This is the same database accessed whether you are using the Purolator website, the mobile app, a third-party tracking aggregator, or the Purolator API — the data source is unified.

Purolator Tracking Number Formats at a Glance

Shipment Type	Tracking Identifier	Typical Format	Tracking Portal
Standard Parcel (Express or Ground)	Purolator Tracking Number (PIN)	12–16 alphanumeric characters	purolator.com/track or mobile app
Freight / LTL	Bill of Lading (BOL) Number	Numeric, typically 9–12 digits	Purolator Freight tracking portal
International (outbound via partner)	Purolator PIN or partner carrier number	Varies by destination carrier	Purolator.com, then transfers to partner carrier
E-commerce (API-generated)	Purolator PIN	Same as standard parcel	Purolator.com or embedded merchant portal

What Makes Purolator Tracking Distinct Within Canada

Purolator is majority-owned by Canada Post and operates the most extensive dedicated courier network within Canada, with service reaching over 1,400 communities including remote and rural locations that competing couriers such as FedEx Canada or UPS Canada serve only through agent networks. This ownership structure means Purolator's tracking infrastructure is deeply integrated with Canadian postal codes, and its delivery density in markets like Ontario and Quebec is significantly higher than most competitors.

For cross-border shipments entering Canada, Purolator often acts as the final-mile delivery partner for international carriers. In these cases, a recipient may begin tracking a parcel on a FedEx or DHL tracking number and see it transition to a Purolator PIN once it clears Canadian customs and enters the Purolator domestic network. Understanding this handoff is essential for anyone expecting international parcels — the original carrier's tracking will stop updating, and a separate Purolator PIN must be used for the final leg.

Purolator also maintains a network of over 1,200 retail shipping locations — including Purolator-branded depots and authorized retail partners — where recipients can pick up held parcels. The tracking system reflects when a parcel has been transferred to one of these locations, giving recipients a precise pickup address and, in most cases, the hours of operation.

How to Track a Purolator Shipment: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

You can track any Purolator shipment by entering your tracking number at purolator.com/track, through the Purolator mobile app, by calling 1-888-SHIP-123, or by using a third-party universal tracking platform. Each method returns real-time scan events showing exactly where your package is and what happens next.

Step 1: Locate Your Purolator Tracking Number

Before you can track anything, you need the right identifier. Purolator uses several number formats depending on the shipment type, and using the wrong one is the single most common reason a tracking search returns no results.

• Standard parcel tracking number: A 12-digit numeric string (e.g., 329012345678) printed on the shipping label and included in your shipment confirmation email.
• Pin number: A shorter reference code sometimes used for domestic express shipments — check your order confirmation or receipt.
• Bill of Lading (BOL) number: Used exclusively for Purolator Freight and LTL shipments. This is a separate document number, not the same as a parcel tracking number.
• Reference number: A custom number assigned by the shipper (retailer, business) that Purolator links to your shipment. This only works if the shipper enabled reference-number tracking when they created the label.

Where to find your tracking number: check your order confirmation email, your account on the retailer's website under "Order History," the physical shipping label on the box, or any SMS notification sent by Purolator at the time of dispatch.

Step 2: Choose Your Tracking Method

Purolator offers four primary ways to check shipment status. The right choice depends on how many packages you need to track, how often you need updates, and whether you are a business or an individual recipient.

Method A: Purolator Website (purolator.com)

1. Open a browser and go to purolator.com.
2. Click Track in the top navigation bar, or go directly to the tracking page at purolator.com/en/shipping/tracker.
3. Enter up to 25 tracking numbers at once in the text field, one per line.
4. Click the orange Track button.
5. Review the results: each tracking number displays its current status, the last scan location, the estimated delivery date, and a full scan history timeline.
6. Click any individual result to expand the detailed event log, which shows timestamps, facility names, and the type of scan recorded at each stop.

Method B: Purolator Mobile App

1. Download the Purolator app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store — search "Purolator" and look for the official red logo.
2. Open the app. You do not need an account to track; tap Track a Shipment from the home screen.
3. Type or paste your tracking number, or tap the barcode scanner icon to scan the label directly with your phone camera.
4. Tap Track to see the current status and full scan history.
5. To receive push notifications on status changes, tap Notify Me and allow the app to send alerts. You will get a notification at each major scan event: in transit, out for delivery, delivered, or exception.

Method C: Phone and Live Agent

1. Call 1-888-SHIP-123 (1-888-744-7123), available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
2. Follow the automated prompts and say or enter your tracking number when asked.
3. The automated system reads back the last recorded scan event and estimated delivery date.
4. If you need more detail or have an exception on your shipment, say "agent" or press 0 to speak with a customer service representative who can access the full shipment record and initiate a trace if needed.

Method D: Third-Party Universal Tracking Platforms

Platforms such as 17track.net, AfterShip, Parcelsapp, and Ship24 all support Purolator tracking numbers. Enter your Purolator tracking number on any of these sites and they pull data directly from Purolator's system. This is useful if you are tracking packages from multiple carriers in one place, or if you want to embed tracking into a business workflow without building a direct API integration.

Step 3: Understand What the Status Updates Mean

Purolator scan events follow a consistent sequence. Knowing what each status means prevents unnecessary concern and helps you act quickly when something genuinely needs attention.

Status Message	What It Means	Action Required?
Shipment information received	The shipper created a label but Purolator has not physically scanned the package yet.	No — wait for the next scan.
Picked up	Purolator driver collected the package from the sender.	No — shipment is moving.
In transit	Package is moving between Purolator facilities or on a linehaul truck.	No — normal progress.
Arrived at facility	Package reached a Purolator sort center or depot.	No — will be sorted and dispatched.
Out for delivery	Package is on a delivery vehicle heading to your address today.	Be available if a signature is required.
Delivered	Package was scanned as delivered at the destination address.	Confirm receipt; check safe-drop location if not found.
Delivery attempted	Driver came but could not complete delivery (no one home, access issue, signature required).	Check door for notice; reschedule or redirect.
Held at depot / Available for pickup	Package is at a Purolator depot or retail location waiting for you.	Bring ID and pick up before the hold period expires.
Exception / Shipment delay	An unexpected event interrupted delivery: weather, address issue, customs hold, or damage.	Contact Purolator or the shipper for resolution.
Return to sender initiated	Multiple failed delivery attempts; package is going back to the shipper.	Contact the shipper to arrange redelivery or refund.

Step 4: Set Up Proactive Notifications

Rather than manually refreshing the tracking page, configure Purolator to push updates to you automatically.

• Email notifications: On the web tracking results page, enter your email address in the notification field and select which events trigger an alert (out for delivery, delivered, exception).
• SMS notifications: Available through the same notification panel on the website, or automatically sent by Purolator for certain shipment types when the shipper has enabled it.
• App push notifications: Enabled per-shipment inside the Purolator app after tapping "Notify Me" on a tracked package.
• API webhooks (for businesses): Purolator's E-Ship Web Services API sends event data to your endpoint in real time, eliminating the need for polling.

Step 5: Use Purolator Your Way to Customize Delivery

If you are the recipient, Purolator's Purolator Your Way service lets you change what happens before the driver arrives. This is only available when the shipper has enabled it and before the package is out for delivery.

• Reschedule delivery to a different date that works for you.
• Redirect to a Purolator retail location or depot for pickup at your convenience.
• Authorize a safe drop — give the driver permission to leave the package without a signature at a specific location (front door, side entrance, with a neighbor).
• Hold for pickup at a Purolator Ship Centre if you know you will not be home.

To access these options, click the link in your Purolator delivery notification email or SMS, or find the "Manage Delivery" option on the tracking results page when logged in.

Step 6: Track Purolator Freight and LTL Shipments

Freight tracking works differently from parcel tracking. Use the BOL number — not a parcel tracking number — and go to the Purolator Freight tracking portal, which is separate from the standard parcel tracker. The BOL trace shows shipment weight, number of pieces, origin terminal, destination terminal, and estimated delivery date for full truckload and less-than-truckload freight. If you received a PRO number from the freight dispatcher, that also works as a search identifier on the freight portal.

Common Purolator Tracking Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Most tracking problems are caused by a small set of predictable errors. Avoiding them saves significant time and frustration.

Mistake 1: Searching Too Soon After Label Creation

A label can be created hours or even a full business day before Purolator physically scans the package at pickup. If you see "Shipment information received" and nothing else, the package has not entered the Purolator network yet. Wait until the next business day before assuming there is a problem. This is especially common with online retailers who batch their end-of-day pickups.

Mistake 2: Using the Wrong Number Type

Entering a BOL number into the parcel tracker, or a parcel tracking number into the freight portal, always returns no results. Confirm which type of shipment you have before choosing the tracking tool. If you received a 12-digit number, use the standard tracker. If you received a BOL document, use the freight portal.

Mistake 3: Ignoring the Exception Status

An "Exception" scan does not always mean the package is lost. It frequently means a minor issue — an unreadable label, a missed pickup window, or a weather delay — that resolves itself within one business day. However, if the exception status remains unchanged for more than 48 hours, contact Purolator directly with your tracking number and ask them to initiate a trace investigation.

Mistake 4: Waiting Too Long on a Failed Delivery

After a failed delivery attempt, Purolator holds the package at the local depot for a limited period — typically five business days — before returning it to the sender. Many recipients miss this window because they do not check the door notice or their email promptly. Act within 24 hours of a failed delivery attempt to reschedule or arrange pickup.

Mistake 5: Contacting the Wrong Party

If you bought something from a retailer and Purolator is the carrier, the retailer controls the shipment record and is responsible for filing a formal claim if the package is lost or damaged. Purolator customer service can provide scan data and initiate a trace, but only the shipper (the retailer) can open a formal investigation or issue a replacement. Contact the retailer first for resolution; use Purolator directly only for real-time status information.

Mistake 6: Assuming "Delivered" Means at Your Door

A delivered scan means the driver recorded a successful delivery, but the package may be at a safe-drop location, with a building concierge, in a mailroom, or — less commonly — at the wrong address due to a label error. Before reporting a package as missing, check all possible drop locations at your address and ask neighbors or building staff. If genuinely not found, report it to the shipper within 24 to 48 hours so they can file a claim while the delivery record is fresh.

Mistake 7: Not Using Multi-Shipment Tracking for Business

Individual businesses that manually track each shipment one at a time lose significant time. The Purolator website allows up to 25 tracking numbers per search. For higher volumes, the Purolator E-Ship API returns tracking data programmatically, and third-party logistics platforms like AfterShip or ShipStation aggregate Purolator data alongside other carriers into a single dashboard, reducing manual tracking effort to near zero.

Purolator Tracking for International Shipments

Purolator handles international shipping through a partnership with UPS for cross-border and global deliveries. When a Purolator shipment crosses into the United States or beyond, the tracking handoff works as follows:

• Your Purolator tracking number remains valid and shows Canadian leg scan events on the Purolator tracker.
• Once the shipment crosses the border and enters the UPS network, a UPS tracking number is generated and linked to your shipment. You will receive this number by email if the shipper configured notifications correctly.
• Track the international portion using the UPS tracking number at ups.com or any universal tracking platform that supports both carriers.
• Customs clearance delays appear as a hold status on the UPS tracker. These are outside Purolator's control and are resolved by the customs broker or the recipient providing required documentation.

Tools and Automation for Purolator Tracking

The most efficient way to manage Purolator tracking at scale is to connect Purolator's API or data feeds to a centralized tracking platform, automate status notifications, and trigger workflows based on shipment events — eliminating the need for manual lookups entirely.

Purolator's Native Tracking Tools

Purolator provides several built-in tools that form the foundation of any tracking workflow:

• Purolator Online Tracking Portal: The primary self-serve interface at purolator.com, supporting single and multi-package lookups by PIN, reference number, or BOL number.
• Purolator E-Ship Server and E-Ship Web: Business shipping platforms that include integrated tracking dashboards, giving shippers visibility into all outbound shipments from a single interface.
• Purolator API (E-Link): A SOAP-based web service that allows developers to embed tracking queries directly into order management systems, warehouse software, or customer-facing portals. It returns structured shipment status data, scan events, and estimated delivery windows programmatically.
• Purolator Mobile App: Available for iOS and Android, the app supports barcode scanning, push notifications for status changes, and delivery confirmation lookups — useful for recipients who want passive tracking without logging into a browser.
• Email and SMS Notifications: Purolator's notification system can be configured to send automated alerts at key milestones: shipment picked up, in transit, out for delivery, delivered, or exception triggered.

Third-Party Tracking Platforms

For businesses shipping with multiple carriers alongside Purolator, a unified tracking platform eliminates the need to check carrier portals individually. These platforms aggregate data from Purolator and other carriers into a single dashboard:

• AfterShip: Supports Purolator tracking natively, allowing merchants to send branded tracking pages and proactive email or SMS notifications to customers.
• Narvar: Enterprise-grade post-purchase experience platform with Purolator carrier integration, used by large retailers to reduce "where is my order" (WISMO) support tickets.
• ShipStation: Imports Purolator tracking numbers alongside other carriers, providing a consolidated shipment view and automated customer notification rules.
• 17TRACK: A free multi-carrier tracking aggregator that supports Purolator PINs and is commonly used by recipients who receive packages from multiple carriers.
• Shippo: Connects to Purolator for label generation and tracking, useful for small to mid-size e-commerce operations that want a single API for both tasks.

How AutoSEO Automates Purolator Tracking Workflows

AutoSEO is a platform that automates the operational and content workflows surrounding carrier tracking, including Purolator. Rather than requiring teams to manually monitor shipment statuses, update customer-facing pages, or build tracking integrations from scratch, AutoSEO handles these processes systematically.

Specifically, AutoSEO can:

• Automatically pull Purolator tracking data via API and surface it in customer portals or internal dashboards without manual input.
• Generate and update tracking status pages dynamically, ensuring that shipment information is always current without requiring a developer to push changes.
• Trigger automated email or SMS sequences based on Purolator shipment events — for example, sending a delivery confirmation email the moment a package is marked delivered, or alerting a customer service team when an exception status appears.
• Consolidate Purolator tracking alongside other carrier data, giving operations teams a single source of truth for all shipments.
• Monitor tracking page performance and flag anomalies — such as a spike in failed tracking lookups — that may indicate a data feed issue or a carrier-side problem requiring escalation.

For e-commerce businesses processing high shipment volumes, AutoSEO's automation reduces the manual workload associated with post-purchase communication and exception management, while maintaining accurate, real-time tracking visibility for both staff and customers.

Integrating Purolator Tracking Into Your Tech Stack

The Purolator E-Link API is the primary integration point for businesses that want programmatic tracking access. Key integration considerations include:

• Authentication: E-Link uses a key-based authentication model. Credentials are issued through your Purolator business account and must be included in every API request.
• Request format: E-Link uses SOAP/XML, which differs from the REST/JSON format common in modern APIs. Businesses using REST-first platforms may need a middleware layer or a third-party connector to translate requests.
• Polling vs. webhooks: Purolator's API is poll-based, meaning your system must query it at intervals to check for status updates. This differs from webhook-based carriers that push updates automatically. Setting an appropriate polling frequency (every 15 to 60 minutes for most use cases) avoids rate limit issues while keeping data reasonably current.
• Error handling: Build logic to handle common API responses including invalid PIN, shipment not found, and service unavailable — each requires a different downstream action.

How to Measure the Success of Your Purolator Tracking Setup

A well-functioning Purolator tracking setup reduces customer service contacts, improves delivery visibility, and catches exceptions before they become complaints. The key metrics to track are WISMO rate, tracking page engagement, exception rate, and notification open rates.

Core Metrics to Monitor

Metric	What It Measures	Target Benchmark
WISMO Rate	Percentage of orders that generate a "where is my order" support contact	Below 5% of total orders
Tracking Page Visit Rate	Percentage of recipients who actively check their tracking link	40–70% for e-commerce shipments
Notification Open Rate	Percentage of tracking emails or SMS messages opened by recipients	60–80% for transactional tracking emails
Exception Rate	Percentage of shipments that encounter a delay, failed delivery, or other exception	Varies by season; monitor for spikes above your baseline
Exception Resolution Time	Average time from exception detection to resolution or customer communication	Under 4 hours for proactive outreach
Tracking Data Accuracy	Percentage of tracking events that match actual delivery outcomes	Above 98%
API Error Rate	Percentage of programmatic tracking requests that return errors	Below 1%

Continuous Improvement Practices

• Review exception reports weekly to identify patterns — recurring delays at specific facilities or routes may warrant a conversation with your Purolator account manager.
• A/B test notification timing and messaging to improve open rates and reduce inbound support contacts.
• Monitor tracking page load performance; slow pages reduce engagement and increase WISMO contacts.
• Set up alerts for API polling failures so that a technical issue does not silently result in customers receiving no tracking updates.

FAQ

How do I track a Purolator package without a PIN?

If you do not have the Purolator Identification Number (PIN), you can track using a reference number assigned by the shipper, a Bill of Lading (BOL) number for freight shipments, or a purchase order number if the shipper configured their account to accept it. Log in to the Purolator tracking portal, select the appropriate search type from the dropdown, and enter the alternative number. If none of these are available, contact the shipper directly to obtain the PIN, as Purolator assigns it at the time the label is created and the shipper receives it first.

What does "In Transit" mean on Purolator tracking?

"In Transit" means your package has been picked up and is moving through the Purolator network toward its destination. It does not mean the package is on a delivery vehicle — it may be at a sorting facility, a regional hub, or moving between cities. The timestamp and location shown alongside the status indicate where the package was scanned most recently. If the status has not updated for more than 48 hours on a domestic shipment, contact Purolator customer service to initiate a trace.

Why is my Purolator tracking number not working?

There are several common reasons a Purolator tracking number may return no results. First, there is typically a delay of several hours between label creation and the first scan entering the system — if the shipper just created the label, wait until the package has been physically picked up. Second, verify that you are entering the full PIN without spaces or extra characters. Third, confirm you are using the correct search type in the portal (PIN versus reference number). If the package was shipped more than 24 hours ago and the number still returns no results, contact Purolator at 1-888-SHIP-123 with the tracking number and shipment date.

What is a Purolator BOL number and how do I use it to track freight?

A Bill of Lading (BOL) number is a document identifier used for freight and commercial shipments, distinct from the parcel PIN used for standard courier packages. To track using a BOL number, go to the Purolator tracking portal, select "BOL Number" from the search type options, and enter the number. BOL tracking is most relevant for Purolator Freight shipments — palletized or large commercial cargo — rather than standard small parcel deliveries. The BOL is generated by the shipper and accompanies the freight throughout transit.

Can I track multiple Purolator packages at the same time?

Yes. The Purolator online tracking portal supports multi-package lookups. Enter up to 25 PINs at once, separated by line breaks or commas depending on the interface. For businesses tracking hundreds or thousands of shipments simultaneously, the Purolator E-Link API is the appropriate tool — it allows batch tracking queries and returns structured data that can be fed into dashboards or order management systems. Third-party platforms like AfterShip and ShipStation also support bulk Purolator tracking for multi-carrier operations.

How do I change a Purolator delivery if I will not be home?

Purolator offers several delivery modification options through its "Your Way" service. If you have received a tracking notification with a delivery date, you can use the link in that notification or visit the Purolator tracking portal to request a delivery hold at a Purolator depot, redirect the package to a Purolator Ship Centre for pickup, schedule a specific delivery date, or authorize the driver to leave the package without a signature. These options are available for eligible shipments and must typically be requested before the package is loaded onto the delivery vehicle for that day.

What should I do if Purolator tracking shows "Delivered" but I did not receive my package?

First, check around your property including any secondary entry points, with neighbors, or in a mailroom if you live in a multi-unit building. Purolator drivers sometimes leave packages in sheltered locations and note it in the delivery record. Check the tracking details for any delivery notes or a photo confirmation if one was captured. If the package is genuinely missing, contact the shipper first — they are the account holder and have the authority to file a trace or claim with Purolator. The shipper can initiate a formal investigation, which Purolator typically begins within one to two business days.

Does Purolator offer real-time GPS tracking?

Purolator does not offer continuous GPS tracking in the way that some last-mile delivery services do. Tracking updates are event-based, meaning the status changes when a driver or facility scanner physically scans the package at a checkpoint. On delivery day, Purolator's "Your Way" notifications can provide an estimated delivery window and an "out for delivery" alert, which narrows the expected timeframe. For businesses requiring finer delivery visibility, integrating Purolator's API with a tracking platform that aggregates scan events provides the most granular picture available.

How long does Purolator keep tracking information available?

Purolator retains tracking history and proof of delivery information for a defined period after the shipment is completed. For most standard shipments, tracking details including scan history and delivery confirmation are accessible online for up to 90 days after delivery. For freight and commercial shipments, records may be retained longer depending on the service agreement. If you need proof of delivery documentation beyond the online availability window, contact Purolator customer service or your account representative to request archived records.

Can I track a Purolator international shipment the same way as a domestic one?

Purolator international shipments — typically handled through the Purolator International service in partnership with UPS — use the same PIN-based tracking system for the Canadian portion of the journey. Once the package crosses the border and is handed off to the partner carrier, tracking may transition to that carrier's system. In many cases, the same Purolator PIN will continue to return updates as the package moves internationally, but for full end-to-end visibility you may need to also track the shipment using the partner carrier's tracking number, which is usually provided alongside the Purolator PIN in the shipping confirmation.