StarTrack Tracking Explained: Status Meanings, Delays, and Better Options
If you searched “star track,” you’re almost certainly looking for StarTrack courier tracking – Australia Post‘s business delivery network – not the sci-fi franchise. You’re in the right place. StarTrack’s official Track & Trace page is a JavaScript shell with no explanatory copy, which means it won’t tell you what a status means, why your parcel looks stuck, or what to do next. That’s exactly the gap this guide fills.
Below, you’ll find a step-by-step tracking walkthrough, a plain-English glossary of every common status, a troubleshooting flow for when tracking stops updating, a breakdown of StarTrack’s service types and pricing, and a practical framework for comparing courier options if you ship regularly. Everything is structured so you can scan it on your phone and get your answer fast.
Whether you’re a receiver wondering why your parcel hasn’t moved or a business sender evaluating StarTrack against alternatives, this is the only guide you need.
Quick answers
What is StarTrack?
StarTrack is a business of Australia Post that operates as a courier, freight, and logistics service built for business shippers. It covers metro and regional Australia through the Australia Post network.
How does tracking work?
Enter your consignment number into the Track & Trace tool and you’ll get a real-time update. No account is needed for basic tracking.
When should I call support?
Phone the StarTrack Contact Centre on 13 23 45, available 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM weekdays. Call if your tracking hasn’t updated in 24+ hours or if a delivery was attempted but no card was left.
What “star track” usually means
If you typed “star track” into Google, the results are noisy. You’ll see Star Trek TV shows, entertainment listings, and a handful of courier pages. The one you want is StarTrack (one word, no space) – the freight and logistics arm of Australia Post.
Founded in 1974, StarTrack is a business of Australia Post that focuses on business-grade parcel delivery and freight, rather than consumer letter mail. Its full acquisition by Australia Post in 2012 further integrated its express parcel and freight capabilities with Australia Post’s extensive network.
The scale is significant. StarTrack claims delivery reach across 12.6 million locations in Australia, backed by 17,000+ vehicles and 1,000+ daily national flights to 65+ destinations. That network is what separates it from standard Australia Post consumer parcels – StarTrack is built for business freight, time-critical shipments, and high-value logistics, not casual one-off sending.
For readers who landed here looking for the TV show: that’s Star Trek, over on IMDb and Paramount+. For everyone else tracking a parcel, read on.
How to track a StarTrack parcel step by step
Before you start, make sure you have your consignment number handy. This is the reference code printed on your dispatch notification email, shipping label, or sender’s invoice. StarTrack account numbers are eight digits long and are different from Australia Post account numbers, which are 10 digits. You don’t need a StarTrack account to use basic Track & Trace.
What you need:
Your consignment number (from the sender’s dispatch notification or the label on the parcel)
A web browser or mobile device
No login or account required for basic tracking
Step-by-step:
Go to startrack.com.au/track
Enter your consignment number in the Track & Trace field
Read the most current status returned – this updates each time the parcel is scanned at a facility or handoff point
Check the estimated delivery window if one is shown
Note the next expected scan event so you know when to check again
The Track & Trace tool provides the most current info StarTrack has on the status of your item. That said, “real-time” means scans happen at facilities and handoff points, not continuously while a parcel is in a moving vehicle. Expect gaps between scans during transit legs.
For account holders: myStarTrack Online goes further – you can dispatch freight, create pickup bookings, run Track & Trace, calculate costs, and analyse freight trends with live tracking visibility.
What StarTrack tracking statuses mean
Each status reflects where in the scan network the parcel sits, not its precise physical location at that moment. Here’s a plain-English glossary:
| Status | Plain-English Meaning | What the Sender Should Do | What the Receiver Should Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Label Created | Shipping label generated but parcel not yet scanned into the network | Confirm the parcel was handed to the driver or dropped off | Wait – the first scan should appear within 24 hours |
| Picked Up | Driver has collected the parcel | No action needed | Tracking will update as it enters the sorting network |
| In Transit | Parcel is moving between facilities | Monitor for delivery ETA | Check back in 12-24 hours for the next scan |
| At Facility | Parcel arrived at a sorting or distribution centre | No action needed | Delivery is approaching – watch for “Out for Delivery” |
| Out for Delivery | Parcel is on the delivery vehicle for your area | Be available for enquiries | Be available to receive or ensure a safe drop location |
| Attempted Delivery | Driver attended but could not complete delivery | Check if the receiver’s address details were correct | Look for a “Sorry We Missed You” card with next steps |
| Ready for Collection | Parcel held at a depot or business hub for pickup | Let the receiver know collection is available | Arrange to collect your parcel using the Missed Delivery tool with ID and consignment number |
| Delivered | Parcel confirmed as delivered | Retain proof of delivery for records | Confirm receipt and check item condition |
| Proof of Delivery Available | Signature or delivery confirmation on file | Download POD from myStarTrack Online if needed | Request POD from sender if required |
| Delayed / Exception | An issue is preventing normal transit | Contact StarTrack on 13 23 45 if unresolved after 24 hours | Wait for an updated scan or call the sender |
What “attempted delivery” really means
This is the status that causes the most confusion. It means the driver arrived at the delivery address but couldn’t hand over the parcel – typically because no one was home, the premises were inaccessible, or security wouldn’t allow entry. If you received a “Sorry We Missed You” card that shows depot collection is available, you can arrange to collect your parcel using the Missed Delivery tool. If your item has been delivered to a Business Hub or returned to a StarTrack depot, you may be able to have your item redirected or redelivered to an alternative address by completing an online form. It takes up to 48 hours for your item to be delivered once you have completed your redirection or redelivery form.
Why StarTrack tracking may not update
A “stuck” tracking status doesn’t always mean something has gone wrong. Scan gaps have structural explanations, and understanding them saves you a support call.
Five common reasons your tracking looks frozen:
Overnight movement between facilities – Parcels often move on trucks or flights overnight. No scan occurs until the parcel arrives at the next facility during processing hours.
Handoff to a subcontractor – StarTrack uses agent networks in some areas, and those networks may scan at a different cadence or only on arrival.
Remote or regional routes – Facility stops are less frequent on long-haul or rural corridors, so the gap between scans can stretch to 24-48 hours.
Peak volume periods – During Christmas, Click Frenzy, and end-of-financial-year sales, processing backlogs slow scan updates. With 9.8 million households shopping online and peak 2025 seeing 110.7 million parcels delivered nationwide (up 7.6% year on year), these bottlenecks are real.
Label created but not yet picked up – The sender generated the label but hasn’t handed the parcel to a driver yet. This status can sit for 24+ hours.
When to wait, when to recheck, when to escalate
No update for 24 hours: Wait. This is normal during transit legs, especially for interstate shipments.
Label created but no scan after 24 hours: Contact the sender to confirm the parcel was dispatched.
Attempted delivery but no card left: Use the Missed Delivery tool on the StarTrack support page to arrange collection or redelivery.
Held for collection but depot unclear: Complete the online form via the Missed Delivery tool, and a Customer Service Consultant will contact you within one business day with the facility address and collection times.
Suspected lost or damaged: If you’re a StarTrack customer with Transit Warranty, you can make a claim by completing the claim form online. Receivers should contact the sender first, as they’re best placed to lodge a claim.
Delivery speeds, service types, and coverage
StarTrack offers a range of service tiers. Here’s how they break down:
| Service Name | Typical Speed | Best For | Coverage Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Same-Day | Within hours | Urgent metro documents and parcels | Metro areas only |
| Next-Day / Overnight | Next business day | Time-sensitive business freight | Metro-to-metro, key corridors |
| Express Road | 1-3 business days | Cost-effective express freight | National, with longer times for regional |
| Premium | Next business day with priority handling | High-value or priority shipments | Major metro and regional hubs |
| Airlock | Secure air freight | Sensitive or high-security items | Airport-to-airport |
| Next Flight | First available flight | Urgent, critical shipments | 65+ domestic flight destinations |
| Speciality Freight | Varies | Temperature-controlled, oversized, or high-value goods | Selected routes and facilities |
The network behind these services is considerable: 12.6 million delivery locations, 17,000+ vehicles, and 1,000+ daily national flights. Coverage and speed claims are strongest in metro areas. Regional and remote routes add transit time, and some service tiers aren’t available outside capital cities.
What StarTrack costs and who it suits
StarTrack is a business-first service, and both its pricing and account structure reflect that.
For one-off senders, Next Flight is the only service available for a one-off delivery using a credit card, with a minimum delivery cost of $345.55 plus other charges and GST. That’s the entry point for non-account senders – it’s positioned for urgent business freight, not a casual parcel to a friend.
Regular business shippers access StarTrack through a myStarTrack account, which unlocks dispatch tools, pickup booking, cost calculators, and freight trend analysis. The account application process involves a sales inquiry, and pricing is typically negotiated based on volume.
Who StarTrack suits well:
Businesses shipping freight at consistent volumes
Companies needing express or same-day metro delivery
Shippers of high-value, temperature-sensitive, or oversized goods
Organisations already integrated with the Australia Post ecosystem
Who may want to compare alternatives:
Occasional senders who want transparent upfront pricing
Small businesses that don’t want an account application process
Anyone shipping standard parcels at lower price points
What to compare if you ship regularly
If you’re evaluating couriers for ongoing business shipping, the decision comes down to a few practical criteria. Here’s a framework:
| Criteria | StarTrack | Aeros Couriers |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking | Track & Trace via consignment number; myStarTrack Online for account holders | Live tracking with carrier comparison across multiple providers |
| Upfront Pricing | Negotiated via account; not publicly listed | Instant quotes shown before booking; starting from $4.90 for a box up to 25 kg (ex GST) |
| Account Required | Yes, for regular services (sales inquiry process) | No account application required |
| Insurance Included | Transit Warranty available (claim-based) | Included up to $500 per consignment |
| First Redelivery | Available via Missed Delivery tool; terms vary | First redelivery free |
| Minimum Send Cost | $345.55+ for one-off Next Flight | From $4.90 (ex GST) |
| Best Suited For | High-volume business freight with account relationships | Businesses and individuals wanting instant quotes, no lock-in, and transparent all-in pricing |
Both services suit different shipper profiles. StarTrack fits high-volume business freight where you want dedicated account management and access to speciality services like same-day or temperature-controlled logistics. Aeros suits businesses and individuals who want to see a price before committing, ship without an account application, and get wholesale bulk purchasing discounts as volume grows.
The criteria that matter most will depend on your shipment frequency, average parcel value, and whether you need account-free booking or prefer a negotiated relationship.
Why tracking matters for eCommerce customers
Tracking isn’t a nice-to-have anymore. It’s a baseline expectation, and the data backs that up.
As a nation, Australians headed online to shop in bigger numbers than ever before in 2025, with 9.8 million households shopping online – a new record – and 41% shopping at least fortnightly. Australians spent a total of $82.6 billion online in 2025, up 14% year on year.
On the delivery side, 69% of shoppers want a range of delivery options at checkout, including out-of-home collections such as Parcel Lockers and returns. And 26% expect same or next-day delivery when things are urgent.
Mobile tracking behaviour has shifted dramatically. According to Australia Post, 80% of visits to its Track page come from mobile devices, and app users track deliveries four times more often than website users. In FY24, the AusPost app had 6.4 million active users and 372 million visits. App users are also 3.6 times more likely to use Parcel Lockers, showing how tracking engagement connects directly to delivery flexibility.
Peak 2025 saw 110.7 million parcels delivered nationwide, up 7.6% year on year, with 7.9 million households shopping online and Parcel Locker deliveries rising 18%.
For business senders, the practical takeaway is this: when customers can’t track their parcel easily, they contact the sender, not the courier. Poor tracking visibility creates support overhead for your business. The report shows that AI adoption has continued to surge, with six in 10 Australians now using AI, and about three in 10 Gen Z shoppers already consult AI before buying. Structured, clear delivery information isn’t just a customer service play – it’s how your brand shows up in AI-driven shopping journeys.
How Aeros Couriers fits as a practical alternative for businesses
If StarTrack’s account-first model and pricing structure don’t match how you ship, it’s worth knowing what else is available.
The profile of a business that benefits from comparing Aeros Couriers typically looks like this: you ship regularly or occasionally, you want to see a price before committing, you don’t want to go through an account application process, and you need redelivery handled without extra cost.
Key Aeros differentiators (factual):
Starting from $4.90 for a box up to 25 kg (ex GST), with wholesale bulk purchasing discounts
No account application required – get an instant quote and book immediately
Insurance included up to $500 per consignment
First redelivery free – no extra charge if the first attempt fails
Live carrier comparison tool – see prices across carriers for your specific route and parcel size
Reward points program – every dollar spent on shipping earns points redeemable for future bookings or over 10,000 branded merchandise items through Simply Merchandise
This may suit you if you want upfront pricing with no lock-in, account-free booking, and included insurance without filing a separate warranty claim. It’s also worth comparing if you ship standard parcels rather than speciality freight and want transparent all-in pricing before you click “book.”
Ready to compare? Get an instant quote at Aeros Couriers without signing up. See prices for your route and parcel size before deciding.
The bottom line
StarTrack is a strong option for business-grade freight with metro speed, national reach, and the infrastructure of Australia Post behind it. But its tracking page doesn’t explain what statuses mean, its pricing isn’t visible without an account, and its one-off sending starts at $345.55.
For business shippers evaluating their options, the decision comes down to how you ship. If you move high volumes of freight and want a dedicated account relationship with speciality service tiers, StarTrack is worth a proper inquiry. If you want upfront pricing, instant quotes, no account friction, and included insurance from your first parcel, compare what Aeros Couriers offers for your specific route.
Either way, tracking visibility matters more than ever. Your customers expect it, your support costs depend on it, and the courier you choose should make it straightforward.
FAQ
What is StarTrack Track and Trace?
StarTrack’s Track & Trace tool provides the most current info available on the status of your item. It returns real-time consignment status without requiring an account. Access it at startrack.com.au/track by entering your consignment number.
How do I track a StarTrack parcel without an account?
No account is needed. Go to startrack.com.au/track, enter your consignment number (found on your dispatch notification or shipping label), and the current status will display immediately. Simply enter your consignment number into the Track & Trace tool and you’ll get a real-time update.
Why is my StarTrack tracking not updating?
The three most likely causes are overnight facility movement (no scan until the parcel reaches the next hub), scan gaps on regional routes where stops are less frequent, or a label-created-but-not-picked-up status where the sender generated the label but hasn’t dispatched the parcel. Wait 24 hours after the last scan before escalating. If you need help, phone the Contact Centre on 13 23 45 during business hours (8:00 AM to 6:00 PM weekdays).
What does “attempted delivery” mean on StarTrack?
It means the driver arrived at the delivery address but couldn’t complete the handover – usually because no one was home or the premises were inaccessible. If you received a “Sorry We Missed You” card, you can arrange to collect your parcel using the Missed Delivery tool. You can also request redelivery or redirection to an alternative address, which takes up to 48 hours once the form is completed.
Does StarTrack do one-off deliveries?
Yes, via Next Flight. Next Flight is the only service available for a one-off delivery using a credit card, with a minimum delivery cost of $345.55 plus other charges and GST. This is positioned for urgent business freight rather than low-cost casual sending. For more options when sending individual parcels, Australia Post recommends visiting your local Post Office or the Australia Post website.
