Yamato tracking

What is Yamato?

Yamato Transport Co., Ltd. is one of Japan's largest logistics companies and the dominant operator in the country's door-to-door parcel delivery market. The company holds over 40% of the domestic parcel delivery market a position built over several decades of operation. Yamato is commonly known by its nickname "Kuroneko," the Japanese word for "black cat," a name drawn from the company's corporate logo depicting a mother cat carrying a kitten inside a yellow oval. This logo was introduced in 1957 and has since become one of the most recognized corporate symbols in Japan, visible on thousands of delivery vehicles nationwide. Yamato operates as part of Yamato Holdings Co., Ltd., a group comprising more than 40 companies across delivery, contract logistics, global business, and mobility services.

The company was founded in 1919 in the Chuo ward of Tokyo by Koshin Kogura, who began operations with four trucks and an initial capital of 100,000 yen. In 1923, Yamato extended its routes to Yokohama and secured a contract with Mitsukoshi, Tokyo's most prestigious department store at the time, to deliver customer purchases directly to their homes. In 1970, Yamato managed the logistics of artworks and machinery shipped from around the world to Japan's World Expo site, and in 1971 opened a representative office in New York to handle parcel deliveries between the United States and Japan.

The year 1976 marked the decisive turning point in the company's modern history with the launch of TA-Q-BIN, a door-to-door delivery service aimed at individual consumers rather than corporate clients. At the time, the Japanese logistics industry focused almost exclusively on corporate bulk shipments, and the prevailing view held that small-scale individual parcel delivery was not commercially viable. Yamato launched the service in defiance of that consensus, and by 1979 had delivered its ten millionth TA-Q-BIN parcel. Throughout the 1980s, Yamato expanded further with niche offerings including Ski TA-Q-BIN in 1983 and Golf TA-Q-BIN in 1984.

• Founded: 1919 in the Chuo ward of Tokyo, formally incorporated a decade after founding
• Founder: Koshin Kogura
• Headquarters: Ginza, Tokyo, Japan
• Parent company: Yamato Holdings Co., Ltd., overseeing more than 40 group companies
• Domestic market share: Over 40% of Japan's parcel delivery market
• Annual delivery volume: More than 2 billion parcels per year on the domestic network
• Global facilities: Over 7,000 business facilities worldwide
• International footprint: Operations in 24 to 26 countries and regions through 26 overseas subsidiaries
• Strategic alliance: Business partnership with UPS, under which UPS packages arriving in Japan are handled and delivered by Yamato Transport
• Brand nickname: Kuroneko, meaning "black cat" in Japanese
• Flagship service: TA-Q-BIN (宅急便), a trademarked door-to-door express delivery brand covering multiple specialized variants

Yamato's primary domestic competitors are Japan Post Service, Sagawa Express, and Nippon Express. In the e-commerce sector, Yamato has become a central delivery partner for online retailers and individual sellers across Japan, processing the bulk of its annual parcel volume through this channel. The company has also built a significant international presence spanning Asia, Europe, and the Americas, and has continued to develop cross-border logistics services to meet growing demand for shipping to and from Japan.

Which countries does Yamato deliver to?

Within Japan, Yamato Transport operates the most extensive parcel delivery network in the country, covering all 47 prefectures including remote areas such as Hokkaido in the far north and Okinawa in the south. The domestic network is built on thousands of Sales Offices, sorting facilities, and drop-off points connected by a logistics infrastructure that runs 365 days a year. On the majority of domestic routes, Yamato aims for next-day delivery, though shipments covering long distances, such as from Tokyo to Hokkaido or to Okinawa, may require two or more days in transit.

Internationally, Yamato Holdings maintains a global logistics network through 26 overseas subsidiaries, with operations spanning 24 to 26 countries and regions. The International TA-Q-BIN service offers door-to-door delivery to more than 200 countries and regions worldwide, though the range of eligible destinations for non-document items varies depending on whether both parties to the shipment are private individuals or businesses. The geographic concentration of Yamato's international infrastructure is in Asia, where the company has the deepest operational roots and maintains the broadest range of localized services.

• Japan (domestic): All 47 prefectures, including Hokkaido, Okinawa, and remote island territories
• East Asia: China (through Yamato China Company Limited), South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau
• Southeast Asia: Singapore, Thailand Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, and India
• Europe: United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and France, with broader European destinations served through Yamato Transport Europe B.V.
• Americas: United States (through Yamato Transport USA Inc., based in New York) and other destinations accessible via the international service
• Rest of world: More than 200 countries and regions accessible through the International TA-Q-BIN door-to-door service

For the European market Yamato Transport Europe B.V., headquartered in the Netherlands, handles freight forwarding, delivery, and full logistics services across the region. In a notable development, Yamato Holdings launched an international multimodal transport service connecting Southeast Asia and Europe by truck and rail on May 1, 2024, building an additional supply chain corridor between the two regions. In the Americas, Yamato Transport USA Inc. provides both consumer shipping services between the United States and Japan and business-to-business logistics solutions for corporate clients.

What are the Yamato services and delivery times?

Yamato Transport's service portfolio is built around the TA-Q-BIN brand which covers a range of specialized delivery products tailored to specific types of cargo, delivery conditions, and customer segments. The standard TA-Q-BIN handles the majority of domestic parcel volume, while additional variants address particular needs such as temperature control, sports equipment, and airport luggage. For e-commerce operators, Yamato has developed a dedicated product line supporting unattended delivery, reflecting the shift in consumer preference away from attended home delivery in Japan. All domestic TA-Q-BIN services operate 365 days a year across all regions of the country.

• TA-Q-BIN (Standard): The flagship door-to-door domestic delivery service covering all regions of Japan. Parcels can be dropped off at convenience stores, Yamato Sales Offices, or PUDO station lockers, or collected directly from the sender's address. Delivery time slots can be specified at the time of sending.
• TA-Q-BIN Compact: A smaller-format service for items fitting within a designated compact box, with a simplified flat-rate pricing structure available for both sending and receiving.
• Cool TA-Q-BIN: A temperature-controlled delivery service available in chilled and frozen variants, for perishable goods, fresh food, and other temperature-sensitive items.
• TA-Q-BIN Time Service: A guaranteed time-slot delivery option allowing senders to specify a named delivery window, providing greater certainty for both parties to the shipment.
• Ski TA-Q-BIN: Launched in December 1983, this service allows skiers to send equipment directly to ski resorts up to a day before their arrival, removing the need to travel with bulky gear.
• Golf TA-Q-BIN: Launched in 1984, this service enables golfers to send clubs and equipment directly to golf courses up to a day before their tee time.
• Airport TA-Q-BIN: A service for sending suitcases and bulky luggage between airports and homes or hotels across Japan. Counters are available at major Japanese airports for both sending and receiving.
• Round Trip TA-Q-BIN: A two-way delivery service for items that need to be sent out and returned, such as rental equipment or goods dispatched for repair.
• EAZY Service: A dedicated delivery product for e-commerce businesses supporting unattended delivery ("okihai"). Approximately 500 million of Yamato's annual parcels are handled through this service. Eligible drop locations include in front of the door, security boxes, gas meter boxes, garages, storage units, bicycle baskets, and building reception areas.
• International TA-Q-BIN: Door-to-door delivery from Japan to more than 200 countries and regions worldwide, as well as inbound delivery to Japan, with customs clearance coordination included.
• International TA-Q-BIN Eco: A lower-cost international option for lighter shipments, with reduced weight and size thresholds compared to the standard international service.
• International TA-Q-BIN Oversize: For larger and heavier international parcels exceeding the standard size limits of the regular international service.
• Kuroneko International Moving: A full relocation service for individuals moving internationally, covering the shipment of household goods rather than individual parcels.

For domestic TA-Q-BIN shipments, Yamato aims for next-day delivery on most routes across Japan, with same-day delivery possible on shorter distances when parcels are dropped off early enough. For long-distance routes such as Tokyo to Hokkaido or Okinawa, two or more days may be required. Customers can check estimated delivery dates for any route using Yamato's online rate and delivery date search tool. The TA-Q-BIN Time Service allows senders and recipients to select from defined delivery windows including morning, afternoon, and evening slots.

For international shipments via International TA-Q-BIN, transit times vary considerably depending on the destination. Asian neighbors such as South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and mainland China generally receive faster service due to shorter distances and more frequent carrier connections. Destinations in Europe, North America, and more distant regions involve longer transit windows. All international delivery estimates are subject to potential extension caused by customs inspection at the destination country, a process that falls outside Yamato's direct operational control.

What are the Yamato rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

Yamato Transport prices domestic TA-Q-BIN shipments based on whichever of two measurements produces the higher rate, either the parcel's actual weight in kilograms or its dimensional size calculated as the sum of length, width, and height in centimeters. This approach means both heavy items and physically large but lightweight items are priced at a rate reflecting their true transport cost. Based on this calculation, parcels are assigned to a size bracket such as 60-size, 80-size, or 100-size, with each bracket corresponding to a range of combined dimensions. Rates also vary by origin and destination prefecture within Japan.

• Domestic TA-Q-BIN maximum size: 200 cm total (length plus width plus height combined)
• Domestic TA-Q-BIN maximum weight: 30 kg per parcel
• TA-Q-BIN Compact pricing: Flat-rate for items fitting within the designated compact box dimensions, simplifying costs for small and lightweight shipments
• International TA-Q-BIN Eco limits: Up to 5 kg in weight and up to 80 cm total dimensions
• Standard International TA-Q-BIN limits: Up to 25 kg in weight and up to 160 cm total dimensions
• International TA-Q-BIN Oversize limits: Up to 50 kg in weight and up to 300 cm total dimensions, with no single side exceeding 200 cm
• International insurance coverage: Standard International TA-Q-BIN includes per-box insurance coverage as part of the rate. The Eco tier includes a lower coverage ceiling.
• International fuel surcharge: A fuel surcharge applies to all international shipments and is adjusted on a monthly basis
• Drop-off discount: Customers who drop off parcels at convenience stores, PUDO stations, or TA-Q-BIN agencies rather than requesting home pickup collection are eligible for a reduced rate

For international commercial shipments, an "All Prepaid" handling fee applies in addition to the base shipping rate, with an exception granted for personal gifts valued below a defined threshold. International pricing incorporates insurance coverage as part of the base charge, with the coverage ceiling varying between the standard and Eco service tiers. Senders using drop-off points such as convenience stores, PUDO lockers, or Yamato Sales Offices receive a discount on the standard rate compared to requesting home pickup.

What are the Yamato delivery options?

Yamato Transport gives recipients considerable flexibility in choosing when and where they receive their parcels. For standard home delivery, recipients can pre-select a preferred delivery time slot from a set of defined windows available both at the time of dispatch and when requesting redelivery after a missed attempt. If nobody is home when delivery is first attempted, the driver leaves an Attempted Delivery Notice at the address containing the driver's direct phone number and a QR code for requesting redelivery. Redelivery is provided at no additional charge, and requests made before 7:00 PM can be accommodated on the same day.

• Delivery time slots: Morning (AM), 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Available at the time of sending and when requesting redelivery.
• Redelivery request: Recipients can call the driver directly using the number on the Attempted Delivery Notice, scan the QR code on the notice, or submit a request through the Yamato website or mobile app
• Convenience store pickup: Recipients can redirect their parcel for collection at a FamilyMart, Lawson, or MiniStop location. The parcel must be collected within 4 days of notification.
• PUDO station locker pickup: Recipients receive a PIN code by email or SMS and can collect the parcel within 3 days. Yamato has helped develop a network of over 6,800 carrier-agnostic lockers across Japan, with access to over 43,000 total pickup spots across all formats.
• EAZY unattended delivery: Recipients can pre-authorize delivery to a specific location around the property, such as in front of the door, a security box, a gas meter box, a garage, or a bicycle basket. The driver sends a photo confirmation upon completion.
• Digital key delivery: For apartment buildings with compatible smart locks, Yamato supports electronic key-based unattended delivery, allowing the driver to access the building entrance without requiring the recipient to be present.
• Parcel holding at Sales Office: The parcel is held at the local Yamato Sales Office for up to one week from the date shown on the Attempted Delivery Notice. Perishable goods have shorter holding windows.

Standard TA-Q-BIN traditionally requires a seal, known as a hanko, or a signature upon receipt to confirm delivery. For EAZY parcels and other unattended delivery arrangements, this requirement is waived. When unattended delivery is completed, an automated notification is sent to the recipient including a photo of the parcel placed at its designated location, serving as confirmation that the shipment has been delivered.

What should I do if my Yamato parcel is lost or damaged?

Yamato Transport provides a compensation framework for domestic parcels that are lost or damaged while in the company's care. For standard TA-Q-BIN shipments, compensation is paid up to a maximum of 300,000 yen per parcel when the loss or damage is attributable to Yamato's handling during transit. A separate compensation ceiling applies to TA-Q-BIN Compact shipments. The claim must be filed within 14 days of the date the parcel was received at the destination. For damaged items, Yamato requires that the physical condition of the parcel and its contents remain verifiable at the time of the claim, so recipients should not discard damaged packaging or contents before reporting the issue, as compensation may be denied if the damage cannot be assessed.

• Domestic compensation limit: Up to 300,000 yen per parcel for standard TA-Q-BIN shipments lost or damaged due to Yamato's negligence during transit
• Claims deadline: 14 days from the date the parcel was received at the destination address
• International compensation: If the declared value was not specified on the shipping label, liability is limited to 22 SDR (Special Drawing Rights) per kilogram of the shipment's weight
• Damaged items requirement: The condition of the item and packaging must be verifiable at the time of the claim. Do not discard damaged contents or packaging before contacting Yamato.
• Items excluded from compensation: Items that cannot be shipped by TA-Q-BIN, dangerous goods prohibited from air freight, items prohibited under International TA-Q-BIN rules, and items prohibited by the destination country's laws
• Customer support phone (toll-free within Japan): 0120-67-9625
• Customer support phone (from overseas): +81-3-6834-7503
• Service hours: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, daily

For international shipments where the item's value was not declared at the time of sending, compensation is calculated at 22 SDR per kilogram rather than on the basis of the item's actual value. This makes it particularly important for senders to accurately record the declared value on the shipping label and commercial invoice before dispatch. Items falling into prohibited categories are entirely excluded from compensation regardless of circumstances. Additional support is available through the official FAQ portal, which covers topics including redelivery procedures, prohibited items, tracking inquiries, and service-specific questions in English.

Does Yamato handle international shipments and customs formalities?

Yamato Transport's International TA-Q-BIN service covers door-to-door delivery to more than 200 countries and regions worldwide, handling logistics from pickup in Japan through to final delivery at the destination address. The range of eligible destinations for non-document items varies depending on whether the sender and recipient are private individuals or businesses. When both parties are private individuals, some destination countries restrict delivery to documents only. Non-document shipments to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and South Korea are available to qualifying business customers, particularly mail-order businesses meeting specific conditions set by Yamato.

Customs clearance is a mandatory stage of all international shipments. When a parcel arrives at the destination country, it is subject to inspection by local customs authorities, who may assess import duties, taxes, or other charges based on the item type, quantity, and declared value. By default, the recipient is responsible for paying any customs charges levied at the destination. For all international shipments other than personal gifts, a commercial invoice is required for customs declaration purposes, and the FOB, or Free on Board, price of the goods must be stated on the invoice. Yamato requires that the information on the commercial invoice match exactly what is contained in the parcel, as any discrepancy found during customs inspection is treated as a false declaration and the parcel may be returned to the sender.

Prohibited items vary by destination country due to local laws and international treaties, and Yamato maintains a country-by-country list of restricted goods to help senders verify compliance before shipping. There are also universally prohibited items that cannot be sent under any circumstances, including dangerous goods and items restricted by international convention. Delivery times for international shipments are subject to extension caused by customs processes at the destination, which fall outside Yamato's direct operational control. For individuals relocating abroad rather than sending individual parcels, Yamato offers the Kuroneko International Moving service, which manages the full logistics of household goods shipment for international moves.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track a Yamato parcel online, different statuses appear at each stage of the delivery process. These updates are available through the official tracking portal and through the Kuroneko Yamato mobile app, accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Tracking records are maintained for approximately 90 days from the date of dispatch. The tracking number for domestic TA-Q-BIN shipments is a 12-digit numeric code, printed on the waybill slip in three groups of four digits separated by hyphens, and can be entered with or without hyphens in the tracking search field. Here are the main statuses and their meanings.