IMB Tracking

A buyer’s guide to how TCGTracking monitors your card orders through the mail.

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 lets your envelope 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 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:

1. 📬 Shipped — Seller drops your envelope in the mail or at the post office.

2. 🔍 First Scan — USPS scans the barcode at a regional facility and tracking begins.

3. 🏭 In Transit — Moving through USPS sorting facilities.

4. 🏠 Delivered — Arrives in your mailbox.

Tip

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:

Pending

The 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.

In Transit

Your 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 Delivery

Your envelope is on a delivery vehicle and should arrive today. Keep an eye on your mailbox!

Delivered

USPS has confirmed delivery. Check your mailbox if you have not seen it yet — sometimes the scan happens slightly before or after physical delivery.

Return to Sender

USPS is returning the envelope to the seller, usually due to an address issue or refused mail. Contact the seller as soon as possible to resolve it.

Exception

Something unexpected happened — a delivery attempt failure, damage, or another issue. Contact the seller so they can help investigate.

Caution

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

Can I track my package on the USPS website?

No. IMB tracking numbers are specific to TCGTracking and do not work on the USPS website. Use the TCGTracking tracking page at tcgtracking.com/track.php and enter your tracking number there.

My tracking shows delivered but I have not received anything.

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.

My tracking has not updated in several days. Is my package lost?

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.

Why does my package seem to be going in the wrong direction?

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.

My tracking shows Return to Sender. What do I do?

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.

I moved recently. Will my order be forwarded to my new address?

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.

Is IMB tracking the same as normal USPS tracking?

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.