Package tracking refers to the process of tracing milestones of a shipment that has passed from the starting point to the destination where it is supposed to reach at different points of time during sorting, warehousing, and package delivery.
Package tracking is helpful for customers for a seamless online shopping experience to be able to track the whereabouts of both the parcel and the couriers by using a package tracking system. The aim of the parcel tracking system is to provide important details regarding the parcel’s route, the status of delivery, as well as the estimated time and date of delivery for both the seller and customer.
Providing customers with parcel tracking services eventually helps them to check the exact location and status of their package for their peace of mind.
Let us take a look at a step-by-step guide that explains the working of parcel tracking systems to update customers and businesses about the shipment location:
1. Generating a Parcel Barcode
A barcode is created by the courier company to include details like the buyer’s contact information, parcel weight, and destination address after receiving it from an online delivery business.
2. Scanning of the Barcode
The barcode is scanned before it is sent out for delivery by gathering the data, recording it, and then storing it in the tracking system of that particular shipping company’s website.
3. Documentation of the Scanned Information
Recording information like the remaining time that the courier agency has for the delivery of the product, where it was taken from, and also where it will be going to is saved in the database system of the courier company.
4. Parcel Receiving by the Shipper
The shipping company’s branch receives the parcel that has reached closer to the package receiver’s location.
5. Rescanning of the Barcode
The parcel is then scanned again for the other branch of the courier company to be able to keep a record of the time the package was received.
6. Parcel Delivery
The package is scanned again one last time, to update the database information related to the time at which the delivery agent left with the parcel towards its final destination.
7. Successful Package Delivery
This is the last-leg delivery process where the status of the package is updated to “Delivered”. The tracking system gets updated as well, indicating the name of the receiver, the time delivered, and so on.
Customers expect to monitor and track every step of the shipping process to know about the whereabouts of their shipment. Major shipping companies like UPS, USPS and FedEx have made it easy for recipients to be able to track their parcels either through courier websites, apps, or text.
Customers can visit UPS shipment tracking page or download the mobile app to check and find the status of their package using the tracking number provided.
USPS tracking page allows recipients to track the shipment status of their parcels. Alternatively, you can also use their text message or app to ensure prompt shipment delivery.
You can either enter your shipment tracking number at FedEx tracking page or download the FedEx mobile app or via text message to check your shipment status.
Tracking systems have had a big impact on the post-purchase experience it provides to customers by keeping them engaged and informed, resulting in higher customer satisfaction rates and eliminating anxiety.
If any package encounters an issue, customers are able to respond promptly without having to go through the aftermath of missing or losing packages. A user-friendly order tracking system provides clarity and helps customers avoid confusion and frustration.
Customers can depend on cutting-edge tools for clear visibility and transparency regarding their goods and parcels as contemporary logistics technology significantly enhances shipment tracking, guaranteeing fast and dependable deliveries.
However, package recipients are constantly worried about missing packages and package theft that are associated with the last-mile delivery process. CBS News mentions that according to Safewise and Security.org estimates, the number of stolen packages in the last 12 months alone ranges from 100-250 million in the United States, totaling anywhere between $6-20 billion.
With experts saying that consumers should be prepared, especially as this year could set new holiday sales records for online shopping, it is advisable that consumers make use of package receiving services to avoid untoward instances.
Customers can book a package receiving location once they place an online order for their goods to be delivered and avoid incidents related to lost packages and missed deliveries altogether
Stowfly is a package storage service provider and is involved with the task of receiving packages on your behalf as your secondary address. You can find a package receiving location in your neighborhood,either in the form of a restaurant or a convenience store closer to you.
Rest assured that your parcels will be received and held onto until you wish to retrieve them for pricing options starting at a $7.50 subscription for up to 5 packages a month and $15 subscription for up to 15 packages a month.
Currently, Stowfly’s limited-time subscription offer allows customers to receive up to 15 packages safely at a location closer to them—completely free for one month!
Find additional details about how to best utilize Package Receiving Services for all your Early Black Friday Deliveries and Navigating Shein’s Package Delivery Challenges.