For individuals as well as businesses, the ability to track packages takes away the hassle involved in the delivery of shipping packages. Generally, every shipping company has its own website and application that customers can use to locate their packages. This helps to determine the exact delivery time. Besides, tracking the packages helps to know if there will be a delay in the delivery or where the package is stuck in transit.
Know the shipping company
The first step to tracking a package is knowing which shipping company is being used. While buyers do not have a choice of the courier service being used, most businesses and sellers generally use some of the popular couriers like the USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, and so on. Each of these has different procedures and steps involved in tracking packages. So, knowing which courier service is being used can make it easier to keep track of a package. Buyers need to contact the sellers to know about the shipping company used for delivering the packages.
Get the tracking number
The tracking number is an important factor that helps to track packages. Sellers should keep this number in their records. It is assigned by the shipping company and forwarded to the seller. This number must be mentioned in the email communication or printed on the receipt given by the shipping company. It is essential that the seller communicates this number to the buyer, and if a buyer has not received this tracking number after the order has been placed, they should contact the seller. It is crucial for the seller as well as buyer to keep track of this number until successful delivery.
The tracking number will help to know whether there are any problems with the shipment. In case of any issues, they can be quickly resolved using the tracking number. Generally, the tracking number is associated with the container or vehicle through which it is being delivered. The location of these containers and vehicles is tracked through technologies like the Global Positioning System (GPS), Internet of Things (IoT), radio frequency identification, and fleet tracking hardware. Once the location of the container or vehicle has been determined, the shipping company knows where exactly a package is, and communicates it to the customer.
Check the delivery timeline
Usually, considering the delivery timeline does not directly help in tracking a package, but it can help figure out whether the package will be delivered on time, early, or late. For instance, some shipping companies have same-day delivery. With this, a package moves faster and is delivered quite quickly. Similarly, packages that are on a two-day delivery timeline will be kept in the warehouse for a few hours before sending them in transit. With the tracking number and the delivery timeline, it gets easier to figure out if there will be any delay in the delivery. In case of delays, one can contact the customer care service of the shipping company.
Use the tracking number
Most shipping companies or courier services have their own website or mobile applications. Customers can head over to these and enter the tracking number to get the status of the package’s delivery. It will also show where exactly the package is right now in transit. Another option is to head over to the seller’s website or mobile application in case packages are sent through an e-commerce retailer. These retailers also have online tracking systems on their own websites. Here, too, the tracking number can be used to track packages.
Contact the shipping company or courier service
Some shipping companies or courier services do not have their own website or mobile application to help customers track their packages. In such cases, contacting the company can be helpful. Call up the customer service number of the company and connect with a representative who can help determine the exact location of the package and give information regarding the exact delivery dates.
Most courier services and shipping companies have phone numbers that can be called at any time. 24/7 customer service is generally available for companies that provide same-day delivery options. This is because they do not want customers to wait until the next business day to learn where the package is and when it will arrive.
Keep track of text and email notifications
Shipping companies, courier services, and even many sellers have systems in place that send notifications to customers about the status of their packages. These are sent through text messages as well as emails. Customers need to check these notifications to learn where their package is and when it will be delivered.
Generally, websites take into account the phone number and email address of the customer as soon as an order is placed to send the package to a specific destination. This information is required to streamline the delivery process. So, whenever the package reaches a warehouse en route to the destination, updates are sent to the customer through SMS or email. These notifications are time-sensitive and provide a convenient way to keep track of the package, as no additional work has to be done to open any website or mobile application to know where a specific package is at the moment.