Turkey Post – PTT, The National Postal Service of Turkey and Its Tracking

Turkey Post (PTT): Connecting Anatolia and the World

 

Turkey Post (Posta ve Telgraf Teşkilatı – PTT) is the official national postal and telegraph organization of Turkey. As a state-owned enterprise, PTT provides a comprehensive range of postal, courier, banking, and logistics services across the vast and strategically located country, serving as a vital communication and commerce backbone for millions of citizens and businesses.

PTT has a long history and continues to modernize its operations, adapting to the demands of the digital age and expanding its role in Turkey’s burgeoning e-commerce market and international trade.

 

A Rich History of Communication and Evolution

 

The origins of postal services in Turkey date back to the Ottoman Empire, with the establishment of the first post office in 1840. The modern PTT, as we know it today, has evolved through various reorganizations, constantly adapting to new technologies and market needs.

Key aspects of PTT’s operations:

• Extensive Domestic Network: Operating thousands of post offices and service points across Turkey, ensuring reach even in remote areas.
• Strategic Location: Leveraging Turkey’s unique geographical position bridging Europe and Asia, PTT serves as an important transit point for international mail and parcels.
• E-commerce Development: PTT has significantly invested in parcel logistics and e-commerce solutions, becoming a key player in supporting Turkey’s growing online retail sector, both domestically and for cross-border trade.
• Diversified Services: Beyond traditional mail and parcels, PTT offers a wide array of services including banking (PTTBank), logistics, e-government services, and philately.
• Modernization Efforts: Continuously upgrading its infrastructure, including sorting centers and delivery methods, to enhance efficiency.

PTT is an indispensable part of Turkey’s public infrastructure, facilitating communication, commerce, and financial inclusion.

 

Core Services Offered by Turkey Post (PTT)

 

PTT offers a broad spectrum of services:

• Mail Services (Domestic & International):
  • Standard Letter Post: For letters and postcards.
  • Registered Mail (Taahhütlü): For important documents requiring proof of sending and receipt.
  • Express Mail (Acele Posta Servisi – APS Kurye): For faster domestic mail delivery.
• Parcel Services (Domestic):
  • PTT Kargo: Standard parcel delivery across Turkey.
  • APG (Acele Posta Gönderisi): Expedited domestic parcel delivery.
  • Pickup/Drop-off Points: Utilizing post offices and authorized agents for convenient parcel handling.
• International Mail and Parcels:
  • PTT International Parcel: For sending parcels globally with various speed options (Economy, Priority).
  • EMS (Express Mail Service – PTT APS Kurye): Turkey’s premium international express service, offering fast and trackable delivery worldwide.
  • Registered Small Packet: For trackable international small packets, popular for e-commerce.
  • PTT is a common handler of inbound international e-commerce parcels into Turkey.
• Financial Services (PTTBank): Money transfers, bill payments, pension payments, and banking services.
• E-Government Services: Facilitating access to various government services through its network.
• Logistics Solutions: For businesses, including warehousing and distribution.

 

Monitoring Your Delivery: Mastering Turkey Post (PTT) Tracking

 

PTT provides a reliable and detailed tracking system for its registered mail, parcels, and express services, offering good visibility into your shipment’s journey, especially crucial for international e-commerce.

 

How to Track Your PTT Package:

 

1. Locate Your PTT Tracking Number (Takip Numarası):
   • Format: PTT tracking numbers are typically 13 alphanumeric characters:
     • Registered Mail (International): Starts with R followed by a letter, then 9 digits, ending with “TR” (e.g., RA123456789TR).
     • EMS (APS Kurye): Starts with E followed by a letter, then 9 digits, ending with “TR” (e.g., EE123456789TR).
     • International Parcels: Starts with C followed by a letter, then 9 digits, ending with “TR” (e.g., CP123456789TR).
     • Domestic PTT Kargo/APG: Can be purely numeric (e.g., 12345678901) or alphanumeric.
   • Where to find it:
     • Your shipping receipt from a PTT post office.
     • The shipping confirmation email/SMS from the sender or online retailer.
     • The shipping label itself.
2. Use the Official PTT Website:
   • Go to gonderitakip.ptt.gov.tr/Home/Index (the tracking page on the PTT website) or navigate to the “Gönderi Takip” (Shipment Tracking) section from their main page, www.ptt.gov.tr.
   • Enter your tracking number into the designated field.
   • Click “Sorgula” (Query). The website provides detailed updates, including the current location and status.
3. Utilize Third-Party Universal Tracking Sites (Highly Recommended for International):
   • For international shipments, using universal tracking platforms is often highly effective. They can automatically detect the transition from an international carrier to PTT (or vice-versa) and provide a more seamless view of your package’s entire journey.
   • Popular options include: 17TRACK, AfterShip, ParcelsApp, PKGE.net, etc.

 

Decoding Common PTT Tracking Statuses:

 

PTT provides detailed tracking updates in Turkish, often with English translations available on their website or universal trackers.

• “Kabul Edildi” (Accepted): The item has been accepted by PTT from the sender.
• “Yurtdışı Kabul Geliş Kaydı Yapıldı” (International Inbound Registered): For international inbound, the item has arrived in Turkey.
• “Ptt İşyerine Girdi” (Entered PTT Office): The item has arrived at a PTT facility (e.g., sorting center, local post office).
• “Ptt İşyerinden Çıktı” (Departed from PTT Office): The item has left a PTT facility.
• “Gümrüğe Sevk Edildi” (Sent to Customs): The item is in transit to customs for processing.
• “Gümrükte” (At Customs): The item is undergoing customs procedures.
• “Gümrükten Çıktı” (Cleared Customs): The item has successfully cleared customs.
• “Dağıtıcıya Verildi” (Given to Delivery Agent): The item is with the delivery person and is out for delivery today.
• “Dağıtıma Çıktı” (Out for Delivery): Similar to the above.
• “Teslim Edildi” (Delivered): The item has been successfully delivered. This often includes details of who received it.
• “Adres Eksik / Hatalı” (Address Incomplete / Incorrect): An issue with the address.
• “Alıcı Adreste Yok / Kapalı” (Recipient Not at Address / Closed): Delivery attempted but failed.
• “Ptt İşyerinde Bekliyor” (Awaiting at PTT Office): The item is ready for pickup at a PTT office.

Important Considerations for PTT Tracking:

• Customs Clearance: For international shipments entering Turkey, customs procedures can sometimes cause significant delays. Ensure all necessary documentation is in order.
• Language: While English translations are often available, understanding the Turkish terms can be helpful for precise updates.
• Delivery Attempts: PTT usually attempts delivery multiple times before holding the package at a post office for pickup.

 

The Backbone of Turkish Communication and Trade

 

Turkey Post (PTT) is a robust and continuously evolving national postal operator, playing a multifaceted role in connecting the nation and facilitating its engagement with the global economy. Its widespread network, comprehensive services, and reliable tracking system make it an indispensable partner for domestic and international communication and commerce across Turkey.