Speed Post Tracking

September 13, 2025 by Team Instabizfilings

What is Speed Post & Speed Post Tracking

Speed Post is an expensive mail/parcel that postal authorities (such as India post in India) provide to deliver at a faster rate compared to normal post. It is applied to documents, parcels, legal notices, passports etc.
Speed Post Tracking is the process, which enables senders and receivers to track the location and status of their Speed Post consignment during transit: dispatch step, transit steps to delivery.

How Speed Post Tracking Works: Process & Timeline

Here are the steps / phases involved generally:

Phase	What Happens
Booking / Dispatch	The sender takes the package to a post office counter (or in some cases, arranges a pickup). The article is weighed, cost calculated, sender receives a consignment / tracking number (often printed on receipt).
Entry into System	The consignment number is entered in the postal tracking database. The item is barcoded / tagged. Initial scan marks the “Booking” or “Accepted at Origin Post Office.”
Transit / Scans	The item moves through various mail processing centers & transit hubs. At each major stage (sorting, arriving at hubs, dispatch from hubs), there are scans which update status. This gives visibility into where the package currently is (e.g. “In transit”, “At sorting facility”, “Dispatched from [City]”, etc.).
Out for Delivery / On‑Local PO	Once the article reaches the head post office/local delivery office nearest to destination, status updates reflect “Out for delivery” or “At Delivery Post Office”. The local postman / staff will deliver it.
Delivery / Receipt	Upon reaching the recipient, status changes to “Delivered”, often with date/time. Sometimes proof of delivery (POD) or signature is obtained (depending on the service).

Methods of Tracking

A consignment sent by Speed Post can be tracked through:

Method	How to Use	What You Need	Output/Result
Website Tracking	Visit India Post Website and enter tracking ID	13-digit Tracking Number (e.g., EE123456789IN)	Live status of parcel, delivery updates
Mobile App	Download and open India Post Mobile App, enter tracking ID	Smartphone & tracking number	Real-time tracking updates on the app
SMS Tracking	Send POST TRACK <tracking number> to 166 or 51969	Mobile phone & active SMS service	Latest status via SMS
Customer Care	Call India Post helpline or visit local post office	Tracking ID or booking receipt	Status info provided by support staff
Email Inquiry	Send an email to support@indiapost.gov.in with tracking details	Email account & tracking info	Status update reply via email
Post Office Visit	Visit your nearest post office with your receipt	Physical receipt or ID	Staff checks tracking system manually

Tracking Number / Consignment Number Format

In India, Speed Post, EMS etc., use a 13‑character alphanumeric tracking number. Example formats include EE123456789IN. Domestic EMS/Speed Post uses such codes.
There are also formats for other services: Registered Mail (RX...), International EMS, etc. Some very specific codes are used for passports etc.

Recent Update / Important Changes

India post has decided to combine Registered Post service with Speed post in all domestic mail as of September 1, 2025. In the future what was previously referred to as Registered Post will be performed as Speed Post.
Due to that, certain differentiations in terms of speed, price, functionality might be consolidated or modernized. The most current regulations are to be checked by senders and receivers.

Typical Delivery Times & Factors Affecting Them

Delivery time depends on the distance (within the city, same state, inter‑state), transportation method (road, air), and logistics infrastructure in origin/destination.
Usually, within metropolitan/tier‑1 cities, delivery may happen in 1‑2 days. Remote/rural areas may take more.
Delays can happen due to adverse weather, strikes, logistical bottlenecks, holidays, incorrect addresses, customs (for international consignments), etc.

Advantages of Speed Post + Tracking

Transparency : You and recipient can see where the consignment is, know when it is expected.
Accountability : Because each major movement is scanned, delays are easier to trace.
Security : Less risk of loss, misplaced articles; sometimes there is proof of delivery.
Speed : Faster delivery compared to ordinary post, especially when properly processed.
Reliability : Good record‑keeping, consumer recourse in case of loss / damage.

Challenges / Limitations

Tracking delays : Sometimes the tracking status doesn’t update immediately; there can be gaps. People sometimes report “No data found” for a while even after dispatch.
Inaccurate / incomplete scanning : Minor offices may not have scanned articles properly or in time, leading to missing intermediate updates.
Misinformation and delays due to logistics : Poor road connectivity, customs delay, misrouting etc., can affect delivery.
Address issues : Wrong or incomplete address slows down delivery; sometimes local post offices have difficulty locating residences especially in rural or dense urban areas.
Misuse / Scams : There have been instances of people getting calls or messages asking for extra payment or fees to “reactivate” consignments etc., which turn out to be fraudulent.

Legal & Regulatory Aspects

Compensation rules may apply to the postal department (e.g. India Post), in the case of a lost or damaged Speed Post article. The sender will be required to submit a claim with supporting evidence.
There can be permissions or restrictions on particular items (hazardous, restricted goods etc.).
Since Registered Post will be merged with Speed Post (as of Sept 1, 2025 in India), the policy of regulatory terms of Registered Post will be carried over to the respective policy of Speed Post.

Best Practices: For Senders & Recipients

Pack well, label clearly – Ensure the address and contact are accurate, legible. Use proper packaging so the item isn’t damaged in transit.
Retain your receipt & tracking number safely. This is essential for tracking or complaints.
Track regularly – Once you send the item, keep checking the status. If you see an unexpected delay (e.g., stuck at a hub for many days), raise an inquiry early.
Verify with the local post office if tracking shows “In transit” for too long or “No data found”; sometimes the tracking system is slow to update but physically the article may be in transit.
Use the correct SMS method with correct format (capital letters etc.), since these services are case‑sensitive.
Understand the timelines in your region — rural vs. urban, interstate vs. intrastate, etc. This will help set realistic expectations.
Keep proof for insurance / claims — Photos of packaging, declared value receipts, proof of posting, etc. Helps in case of damage or loss.

Common Status Terms / What They Mean

Status updates such as: When you track you will often see some status updates:

Accepted at Origin Office / booked - consignment is delivered.
“In transit / Dispatched from [City] / Arrived at [Hub]” – moving through sorting/processing centers.
Out For Delivery- the local delivery office has it and is going to deliver it soon.
Delivered -Articles have been delivered, and delivery is frequently documented.
“Delivery failure / Return to sender” - when the address assigned to the recipient is invalid or not available etc.

Implications of Merging Registered Post into Speed Post (India)

Because this change is new (since 1st September 2025), some the things to take note of:

Registered Post customers will now receive Speed Post service; it can enhance the speed of delivery, tracking, etc.
Delivery timelines, proof of delivery, pricing, compensation etc. can be matched under the terms of Speed Post.
Others who have been using Registered Post to make notices to the courts etc. should verify whether new conditions (such as delivery proof) are maintained under Speed post.
First glitches in transition can be observed in the system: number tracking formats, policy clarity, etc.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog is purely for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy, reliability and completeness of the content presented, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, for the same.

We expressly disclaim any and all liability for any loss, damage or injury arising from or in connection with the use of or reliance on this information. This includes, but is not limited to, any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential or punitive damage.

Further, we reserve the right to make changes to the content at any time without prior notice. For specific advice tailored to your situation, we request you to get in touch with us.