zendingnummer

Zendingnummer, in logistics commonly also called verzendnummer or zendingreferentie, is a unique identifier assigned to a shipment or consignment. The zendingnummer is used to track the package throughout the supply chain and to link operational data such as sorting, handover events, and delivery confirmation to a specific shipment.

It is typically generated by the carrier, webshop, or warehouse management system at the moment the carrier label is created. The number is attached to the shipment label and stored in the order's records, enabling customers and staff to retrieve status updates from the carrier's tracking system, warehouse systems, and invoicing.

Formats vary by carrier and country. Some shipments use numeric sequences, others use alphanumeric strings and may include hyphens. The zendingnummer is often presented as a tracking number on emails, SMS, or the shipment label. In consumer communications, customers use it to monitor progress and to request delivery proofs.

In commerce and logistics, zendingnummer is an essential element of traceability, enabling exception handling, proof of delivery, and customs processing for international shipments. It is distinct from the order number, which identifies the customer order within a retailer's system, though the two are commonly linked in the logistics data.