And why don't some vendors give them out to customers, what is the whole dynamic going on here.
Is it only safe to check from public wifi using tor?
Is tor use a red flag for USPS and will they suddenly consider investigating the package if they notice you checked tracking on something with traffic coming from a tor exit node? I've heard some people on this sub say this.
Safest way is to not check. Next safest way is my usps, and never individually track the package, check the dashboard. This may come off as blunt, but the majority of vendors simply do not want to fucking do dumb shit like give out tracking numbers unless required; so it generally stated. I'm not even a vendor, but can you imagine the logistics of actually running a successful vending operation that rakes in a good amount of money? Responding to requests for tracking numbers would be the least of their concerns if they have actually sent it out. There are too many entitled cunts ordering off the dark net markets that somehow equate the words "USPS priority" means "I get it in 3 days no matter wat usps said so" and then threatening with bad reviews. The shit is not amazon.
It's honestly just rude to request the tracking number unless it hasn't been received in an acceptable time frame. Props to vendors that do give out tracking numbers, but a lot of people also check that shit with TOR, which is just a solid no. USPS does red flag TOR connections, just don't do it OP.