What is IMB tracking?
When a seller uses TCGTracking to ship your order they print your address on an envelope that also includes a special barcode called an Intelligent Mail Barcode — or IMB for short. This is a USPS standard barcode that allows your envelope to be tracked as it moves through the postal network.
Think of it like a fingerprint for your envelope. Every barcode is unique to your specific shipment and every time a USPS machine or postal worker scans it, that location and time gets recorded and sent to TCGTracking so you can follow along.
IMB tracking is completely free. The seller does not need to purchase postage or pay extra for tracking — it is built directly into the envelope printing process.
Important: While most envelopes receive regular scan updates, some may never receive an initial scan or a final delivery scan. This is an exception but it does happen. Your mail is still routed and delivered normally by USPS — the lack of a scan does not mean your package is lost or undeliverable.
IMB tracking numbers are specific to TCGTracking and do not work on the USPS website. To track your package always use the TCGTracking tracking page at
tcgtracking.com/track.php.
How it works
Here is the simple version of what happens behind the scenes:
- The seller prints your envelope with a unique IMB barcode using TCGTracking
- When the envelope enters the USPS system a scanner reads the barcode
- USPS records that scan event and shares it through their Informed Visibility data feed
- TCGTracking picks up that data and updates your tracking in real time
- You can check the status of your package at any time at tcgtracking.com/track.php
All of this happens automatically. The seller does not need to do anything after dropping your envelope in the mail — the tracking updates on its own as USPS scans it along the way.
Your package's journey
Here is what typically happens to your envelope from the moment it is shipped to the moment it arrives at your door:
📬
Shipped
Seller drops your envelope in the mail or at post office
🔍
First Scan
USPS scans the barcode at regional facility and tracking begins
🏭
In Transit
Moving through USPS sorting facilities
🏠
Delivered
Arrives in your mailbox
Not every envelope gets scanned at every single facility, most times it scans at regional facilities. Gaps between scan events are completely normal and do not mean your package is lost.
What the statuses mean
Here is a plain English explanation of each tracking status you might see:
PendingThe seller has printed your label but USPS has not scanned the barcode yet. Your package has not officially entered the postal system. This is normal and can take a day or two after shipping before the first scan appears.
In TransitYour envelope has been scanned and is moving through the USPS network toward you. You may see multiple In Transit updates as it passes through sorting facilities.
Out for DeliveryYour envelope is on a delivery vehicle and should arrive today. Keep an eye on your mailbox!
DeliveredUSPS has confirmed your envelope was delivered. Check your mailbox if you have not seen it yet — sometimes the scan happens slightly before or after physical delivery.
Return to SenderUSPS is returning the envelope to the seller. This can happen due to an address issue, an undeliverable address, or the mail being refused. Contact the seller as soon as possible to resolve the issue.
ExceptionSomething unexpected happened — such as a delivery attempt failure, damage, or another issue. Contact the seller if this status appears so they can help investigate.
If you don’t receive your package within 3 business days after a delivery scan or within the expected delivery time frame please reach out to your seller.
Common questions
No. IMB tracking numbers are specific to TCGTracking and do not work on the USPS website. To track your package use the TCGTracking tracking page at
tcgtracking.com/track.php and enter your tracking number there.
Check all your mailboxes and any secure mail areas first. USPS sometimes scans a delivery slightly before the physical delivery happens. If it has been more than a day since the Delivered status appeared contact the seller — they can look into it further.
Gaps in tracking are common and do not always mean your package is lost. Envelopes often travel between facilities without being scanned. If there has been no movement for more than 7 days reach out to the seller — they are the best person to help investigate.
This is normal! USPS often routes mail through regional sorting hubs that may appear to be in the wrong direction geographically. Your package is most likely on the most efficient route even if it looks like a detour on a map.
Contact the seller as soon as possible. Let them know your correct address and they will reship your order once it arrives back with them. Make sure your address is up to date on your marketplace account to prevent this from happening again.
It depends on your USPS mail forwarding settings. Some standard envelopes may be forwarded automatically if you have a forwarding request active, but this is not guaranteed. The safest option is to update your address with the seller before they ship your order.
IMB tracking uses the same USPS scanning network but through a different data feed called Informed Visibility. It works similarly to standard tracking but can only be viewed through TCGTracking — not on the USPS website directly.
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