Consignment Number Meaning in Logistics Explained

In today’s fast-paced logistics and e-commerce world, understanding shipment details is crucial for both businesses and customers. A consignment number plays a vital role in tracking parcels and ensuring smooth delivery. But what is a consignment number, and why is it important? 

In this blog, we will explain the meaning of the consignment number, how it differs across courier services like India Post and Speed Post, and how you can obtain and track it efficiently. You’ll also learn about common tracking issues, courier-wise tracking links, and how platforms like WareIQ simplify the entire logistics process, making shipments transparent and hassle-free.

What is a Consignment Number?

A consignment number is a unique code assigned to every shipment for easy tracking and identification. It acts as a digital fingerprint for your parcel, ensuring transparency at every stage of delivery.

In logistics, understanding the meaning of the consignment number is essential. It helps carriers, businesses, and customers track a shipment’s location and its expected arrival time. 

Each package, once shipped, receives a specific code that connects it to the sender, recipient, and delivery route.

For example, a consignment number in India Post is a 13-character code. It starts with two letters representing the service type (e.g., “EM” for Express Mail Service), followed by 9 random digits, and ends with “IN” to signify India.

While an order ID is generated when you place an order, and a tracking number may vary by courier, the consignment number is the universal reference used to monitor a shipment’s journey from dispatch to delivery.

What is a Consignment Number in Post and Courier Services?

A consignment number is a unique alphanumeric code assigned to every parcel sent through India Post’s Speed Post service. 

The Speed Post service by India Post is widely used for its speed, reliability, and affordability. When you send a parcel through this service, you receive a printed receipt. 

This receipt is proof of acceptance and includes your consignment number. It must be kept safe so you can track your shipment later.

A typical Indian Post consignment number sample looks like this: EK123456789IN. It has 13 characters: two letters, nine digits, and two letters at the end.

Here’s what each part represents:

• The first letter indicates the type of service (E = Speed Post, R = Registered Post, P = Passport Letter, C = Registered Parcel).
• The second letter shows the booking state (K = Karnataka, W = West Bengal, etc.).
• The nine-digit code is computer-generated and unique to each parcel.
• The last two letters “IN” stand for India.

How to Obtain a Consignment Number

A consignment number is generated automatically when you book a shipment. The first two letters in the code indicate the service type, helping you identify the kind of parcel or mail sent.

Here’s how to get a consignment number in different cases:

When Shipping Via India Post

Visit your nearest post office or book online through the India Post website. Once your parcel is accepted, the system generates a 13-character consignment number printed on your receipt. This number lets you track your package from dispatch to delivery.

When Sending Registered Post

Every registered post automatically receives a unique consignment number. Keep the receipt safely, as you’ll need it to check the delivery status or raise a service query.

When Ordering From an E-Commerce Brand

The seller or courier partner assigns a consignment number once your order is shipped. You can find it in your order confirmation email or message, or in the “Order Tracking” section on the website.

How to Track Consignment Using the Consignment Number

Tracking a parcel using a consignment number is quick and easy. India Post and courier companies offer online tools that display real-time shipment updates.

Follow these simple steps to track your package through India Post:

1. Visit the official website.
2. Click on the Track ‘N’ Trace option on the homepage.
3. Select the Consignment ID tab.
4. Enter your consignment number in the box shown on the screen.
5. Type the captcha code shown in the image, then click Validate.
6. After validation, click Search to view the current status, date, and delivery location.

This process works for both Speed Post and regd post tracking. The system shows whether your parcel is booked, in transit, or delivered.

Courier Company Tracking Links

For courier tracking, visit the respective courier’s website. Each courier has its own tracking portal, but the steps are almost identical.

Common Issues with Consignment Tracking & How to Fix Them

Tracking issues are common in logistics, but most can be fixed easily.

• Delay in tracking updates:
  Tracking data may take a few hours to appear after dispatch. Wait and recheck later for real-time status.
• Invalid or missing consignment number:
  Verify the number on your receipt or email. Even a single incorrect character can cause an error.
• Wrong courier selection:
  Use the correct courier’s tracking page. Entering the number on another company’s site doesn’t return any results.
• Misrouted consignments or server downtime:
  Sometimes, technical glitches or routing errors cause delays. Contact customer support for assistance.

Most courier websites now offer digital support tools and chatbots that help locate parcels faster. Using platforms like WareIQ ensures automated updates and accurate multi-courier tracking in one place.

How WareIQ Simplifies Consignment Tracking & Logistics Management

WareIQ is a Y-Combinator-backed eCommerce full-stack fulfillment platform that powers seamless multi-channel fulfillment across D2C, marketplaces, quick commerce, and B2B (general and modern trade).

Pan-India Fulfillment Network

• 12+ WareIQ-operated fulfillment centers across major cities.
• Seller Flex and FAssured compliant network.
• Partnerships with top shipping carriers covering 27,000+ pin codes for last-mile delivery.

Multi-Channel Fulfillment Platform

• Plug-and-play integrations with Amazon, Flipkart, Nykaa, Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, and leading WMS/ERPs.
• Centralized dashboard to manage orders, inventory, and shipments across channels.
• Analytics tools to assess operational performance and fulfillment efficiency.

AI-Led Inventory Optimization

• Inventory LogIQ, WareIQ’s smart planning engine, predicts demand, automates replenishment, and minimizes stockouts.

Tech-Enabled Returns & Quality Control

• Returns QC solution captures and stores HD media evidence of damaged or missing products.
• Reduces marketplace claim rejections and improves returns accuracy.

Seller Enablement Support

• Dedicated account manager and complete business compliance support: GST registration, APOB/PPOB setup, COD verification, and NDR management.

Smart Shipping and Real-Time Tracking

• Multi-carrier engine enabling same-day and next-day delivery across India.
• Control Tower and automated workflows reduce NDRs and RTOs.
• Custom-branded tracking pages with precise Estimated Delivery Dates (EDD) for a better customer experience.

Proven Results

• Lotus Herbals: 3x online revenue growth at lower logistics cost.
• Blissclub: Faster deliveries and 3x sales growth in one year.
• Cuddles for Cubs: 500%+ monthly order volume increase in one year.
• Lil Goodness: 260% rise in online orders within four months.
• Kama Ayurveda: Scaled nationwide with same/next-day delivery through WareIQ.

FAQs

Supercharge your fulfilment with WareIQ now, contact our team.