A FedEx reference number is an identifier the shipper assigns to a shipment, such as a purchase order, invoice or customer number, so the package can be found by the sender’s own records. Unlike a FedEx tracking number, which FedEx generates, a reference number is chosen by the shipper. FedEx lets you track by reference, but because references aren’t unique, the search usually needs an account number or the ship date and destination too.
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How is a FedEx reference number different from a tracking number?
The tracking number belongs to FedEx and the reference number belongs to you. FedEx assigns a numeric tracking number to every package when the label is created, and it’s unique, so anyone who has it can look up the shipment. A reference number is optional text the shipper types in, and the same reference can appear on many shipments.
| Feature | Reference number | Tracking number |
|---|---|---|
| Who creates it | The shipper | FedEx |
| Required? | Optional | Every package has one |
| Format | Letters and numbers the shipper chooses | Numeric, set by FedEx |
| Unique? | No; can repeat across shipments | Yes |
| Typical contents | PO, invoice, order, customer or RMA number | FedEx-generated digits |
| Best used by | The sender’s business | Sender and recipient |
FedEx also uses other identifiers, such as door tag numbers, which start with “DT” followed by 12 digits and are left when a delivery attempt fails. Our FedEx tracking and delivery guide explains each type of number and what it shows.
How do you track a FedEx package by reference number?
FedEx’s Advanced Tracking lets you look up as many as 30 packages at once by tracking or reference number. According to FedEx’s tracking help, a reference search works in one of two ways:
- With an account number. Enter up to 30 references along with the shipper’s FedEx account number, and FedEx shows every shipment on that account that matches.
- Without an account number. Enter the reference plus the ship date (within 15 days either side of the actual date), the destination country and, for countries that use them, the destination postal code.
FedEx shows only unique matches. If a reference matches more than one shipment, you’ll be asked to pick the FedEx service or add the account number. That’s why reference tracking works best for the business that created the label, which knows the account and ship date.
If you’re a recipient with only an order number, ask the sender for the tracking number instead. Other ways to find a package are covered in our guides to whether you can track FedEx by address and FedEx map tracking.
Where does a FedEx reference number come from?
The shipper adds it when creating the label, whether in a FedEx online shipping tool, an integrated shipping system or at a FedEx counter. FedEx shipping tools typically offer more than one reference field, for example a general customer reference plus fields for a purchase order, invoice and department number, so a business can record several identifiers on one shipment.
The reference then travels with the shipment record. It’s printed in the reference area of the label, shows up in the shipment details when the shipper tracks the package, and carries through to the shipment’s line on the FedEx invoice. The same reference fields are available whichever service you choose, from the options compared in FedEx 2Day vs Express Saver to the wider range in our FedEx services guide.
Why do businesses use FedEx reference numbers?
Reference numbers connect a package to the record that created it. Common uses include:
- Order lookup: customer service can find a shipment by the order number a customer quotes, instead of asking for the tracking number.
- Billing reconciliation: accounts staff can match each line on a FedEx invoice to the purchase order, customer or cost center it belongs to.
- Department cost allocation: a department code in the reference field splits one shared account’s shipping spend by team.
- Returns: putting a return merchandise authorization (RMA) number on a return label lets the warehouse match an inbound box to the original order before opening it.
Reference lookups also help when tracking stalls. If a shipment looks stuck, finding it by order number and checking the scan history is the first step in our guide to fixing FedEx tracking that isn’t updating, and our explainer on FedEx shipping map times shows how long each lane should take.
What reference number mistakes should you avoid?
A few habits undo the point of a reference number:
- Reusing the same value on many shipments, which makes a reference search return several packages.
- Leaving the field blank, which means the shipment can’t be matched to an order or invoice later.
- Letting formats drift, for example “PO-1234” in one system and “1234” in another, so the shipping record no longer matches the order system.
- Using unusual symbols, which some systems strip or reject. Letters, numbers and a simple hyphen are safest.
Treat the reference as a consistent key that matches your order or accounting system, and both tracking and invoice reconciliation stay simple. For more on how FedEx handles accounts, labels and claims, see our FedEx frequently asked questions and our FedEx shipping guide. Our roundup of the best shipping services and solutions compares carriers more broadly.
If you’re open to UPS or USPS instead, ParcelPath offers up to 85% off UPS and up to 89% off USPS, and UPS labels have their own reference fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a FedEx reference number used for?
A FedEx reference number is used to link a shipment to the shipper’s own records, such as a purchase order, invoice, customer or RMA number. Businesses use it to find packages by order number, reconcile FedEx invoices line by line and split shipping costs by department, without having to look up FedEx tracking numbers.
Can I track a FedEx package with a reference number?
Yes. FedEx lets you track up to 30 shipments by reference. With the shipper’s account number, FedEx shows every matching shipment on the account. Without it, you also need the ship date (within 15 days), the destination country and, where required, the destination postal code. Only unique matches are shown.
Is a FedEx reference number the same as a tracking number?
No. FedEx generates a unique tracking number for every package, while the shipper chooses the reference number and can reuse it. Anyone with a tracking number can look up the package, but a reference search usually needs extra details, such as the account number or the ship date and destination, to find the right shipment.
Where do I find the reference number on a FedEx shipment?
The reference number is printed in the reference area of the FedEx shipping label, appears in the shipment details the shipper sees when tracking, and carries through to the shipment’s line on the FedEx invoice. If you received a package and need the reference, ask the sender, since it comes from their records.
Sources
Part of our FedEx Tracking and Delivery guide. Related: FedEx Tracking Not Updating, FedEx Shipping Map Times, Can I Track FedEx by Address.
