“Where is my stuff?” It is the most common question asked by AliExpress shoppers. You ordered a $5 gadget three weeks ago, and the tracking status hasn’t changed since it left China. Is it lost? Is it stolen? Or is it just… sitting there? Understanding AliExpress shipping methods is the key to preserving your sanity. Not all shipping options are created equal, and choosing the wrong one can mean the difference between waiting 2 weeks or 3 months.
Here is the ultimate guide to AliExpress logistics.
The 3 Tiers of AliExpress Shipping
When you check out, you are usually presented with a list of shipping options. They generally fall into three categories:
1. Economy Shipping (The “Slow Boat”)
- Common Names: Cainiao Super Economy Global, Yanwen Economic Air Mail, SunYou Economic Air Mail.
- Cost: Usually Free or under $1.
- Tracking: Fake/Limited. You will see updates while it is in China. Once it says “Arrived at destination country,” tracking stops. You will not know if it is at your local post office or still in customs.
- Speed: 30–90 days.
- Verdict: Only use this for cheap items (under $5) that you don’t need urgently. Never use this for expensive electronics.
2. Saver Shipping (The “Middle Ground”)
- Common Names: AliExpress Saver Shipping, Cainiao Saver Shipping.
- Cost: $1–$3.
- Tracking: Basic. It usually provides tracking up until delivery, but updates can be slow.
- Speed: 20–45 days.
- Verdict: A decent upgrade for items worth $5–$15. It is more reliable than Economy but slower than Standard.
3. Standard Shipping (The “Gold Standard”)
- Common Names: AliExpress Standard Shipping, Cainiao Standard For Special Goods.
- Cost: $3–$10 (often free for items over $10).
- Tracking: Full End-to-End. You can see exactly when it clears customs, when it reaches the distribution center, and when it is out for delivery.
- Speed: 10–25 days.
- Verdict: Always choose this. It is the most reliable method. If the package is lost, AliExpress usually refunds you instantly because they manage the shipping themselves.
How to Track Your Order Correctly
The AliExpress app gives you basic tracking info, but it is often delayed or badly translated. For accurate details, use these third-party tools:
The “Received by local delivery company” Myth
You might see a status update that says: “Received by local delivery company”. Don’t panic. This usually does not mean your neighbor has it. It means the package has been handed over to the local courier (like USPS, Royal Mail, or PostNord) for the final leg of the journey. It might still take a few days to arrive.
Recommended Tracking Sites
Don’t rely solely on the AliExpress app. Copy your tracking number (usually starting with specific letters like LP, SY, or just numbers) and check:
- ParcelsApp: Excellent for decoding “mystery” tracking numbers from budget carriers.
- 17TRACK: The industry standard for international logistics.
- Postal Ninja: Great for seeing the specific carrier handling the package in your country.
What To Do If Tracking Stops?
It is normal for tracking to “freeze” for 5–10 days while a package waits for a flight or sits in customs. However, if it has been stuck for more than 15 days with no update:
- Check Your Buyer Protection Time: Look at your order details. If the “protection time” is running out (e.g., less than 5 days left), you must act.
- Message the Seller: Ask them to check the status. Sometimes they have more info.
- Open a Dispute: If protection is ending and you don’t have the package, open a dispute for “Item not received” > “Logistics tracking problem”.
Pro Tip: If you bought a Global Version phone (as discussed in our previous article), sellers almost always use AliExpress Standard Shipping. This is good news because it requires a signature upon delivery, making it much safer than cheap shipping methods.
Summary
- Cheap items ($1-$5): Economy is fine, but don’t expect tracking.
- Mid-range items ($10+): Upgrade to AliExpress Standard Shipping.
- Expensive Tech: Never settle for anything less than Standard or Premium (DHL/FedEx).
Shipping is part of the AliExpress game. A little patience—and the right shipping method—goes a long way!