Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- How Shippo Tracking Works
- Utilizing Shippo Tracking Features
- Understanding Tracking Events and Substatuses
- FAQ Section
- Conclusion
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced e-commerce world, delivering a seamless shipping experience is crucial for customer satisfaction and business growth. Managing shipments from various carriers can be a complex task, often leading to confusion and frustration for both businesses and customers. This is where Shippo Tracking comes in – a powerful solution designed to streamline your shipping processes and provide real-time visibility into the journey of your packages.
Shippo Tracking is not just about tracking numbers. It’s a comprehensive system that offers standardized data, complete tracking history, and instant notifications through webhooks. This means you can stay informed about your shipments, keep customers updated, and proactively address any potential issues. The benefits of using Shippo Tracking are numerous:
- Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Providing real-time tracking updates empowers customers to monitor their package’s journey, increasing transparency and reducing anxiety about delivery.
- Reduced Customer Support Queries: By offering a self-service tracking solution, you can minimize the number of inquiries about order status, freeing up your support team to handle more complex issues.
- Streamlined Operations: Shippo’s automated tracking system saves you valuable time and resources, allowing you to focus on other critical aspects of your business.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the workings of Shippo Tracking, explore its powerful features, and answer frequently asked questions to help you leverage this solution for a smoother and more efficient shipping experience.
How Shippo Tracking Works
Shippo Tracking is built on a robust API that integrates seamlessly with your existing e-commerce platform. This enables you to manage and track shipments directly within your system, simplifying the process and eliminating the need to switch between multiple platforms.
API Integration
Shippo’s API allows you to interact with their tracking system programmatically. This means you can integrate tracking functionality into your website, apps, and other systems, providing a unified and automated experience.
Normalized Data
Shippo’s tracking API provides standardized data, ensuring consistency across various carriers. This means you’ll receive the same information format regardless of the carrier used, simplifying data integration and analysis.
Complete Tracking History
Shippo offers a comprehensive tracking history for every shipment, providing a detailed timeline of events from the moment the label is created to its final delivery. This allows you to understand the entire journey of your packages and identify any potential bottlenecks.
Real-Time Updates and Webhooks
Shippo’s webhooks allow you to receive real-time notifications about tracking events, such as when a package is picked up, in transit, or delivered. This provides immediate updates, enabling you to stay informed and take timely action when needed.
Branded Tracking Pages
Shippo allows you to create branded tracking pages that provide customers with a seamless and personalized experience. You can customize the look and feel of these pages to match your brand identity, ensuring consistency and a positive brand impression.
Utilizing Shippo Tracking Features
Now that we understand the foundation of Shippo Tracking, let’s dive into how to utilize its various features.
Tracking Live Shipments
Shippo’s tracking API allows you to track live shipments, providing real-time updates on the status and location of your packages. This is particularly useful for keeping customers informed about their orders and proactively resolving any delivery issues.
To track live shipments, you need to first create a webhook that listens for tracking events. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
-
Create a webhook:
- Set the webhook Event Type to Track Updated.
- Set the webhook Environment to Production.
- Set the webhook URL to a valid address that can receive webhook notifications.
-
Register a tracking number:
- Submit a POST request to Shippo’s tracks endpoint with the following parameters:
- carrier: The carrier name (e.g., “usps”).
- tracking_number: The tracking number of the shipment.
- metadata: Optional user-specific information about the shipment (e.g., “Order 000123”).
- Submit a POST request to Shippo’s tracks endpoint with the following parameters:
-
Receive webhook notifications:
- Shippo will automatically send webhook notifications to your configured URL whenever there is a tracking update for the registered shipment.
It’s important to note that certain carriers require you to connect their accounts to your Shippo account to track their shipments. This is necessary for Shippo to access tracking data and send you updates. For a comprehensive list of carriers and their requirements, refer to the Shippo documentation.
Tracking Shippo Shipments
If you purchased a shipping label through Shippo, tracking is automatic, providing you with real-time updates. The latest tracking status is accessible via the corresponding Transaction object’s tracking_status field.
Tracking Individual Shipments
You can track individual shipments, even those created outside of Shippo, by sending a GET request to the Tracking Status endpoint with the carrier and tracking number.
Adding Metadata
Shippo allows you to add metadata to tracking requests. This is a free-form field where you can include any user-specific information, such as order details, customer notes, or internal references. Adding metadata connects the tracked shipment to your existing webhooks, ensuring notifications are delivered for that specific shipment.
Understanding Tracking Events and Substatuses
Shippo provides detailed information about tracking events, including the status and substatus of the shipment.
Status Definitions
The tracking status provides a high-level indication of the package’s location in the delivery process. Here’s a list of possible status values:
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
PRE_TRANSIT |
The label is created but the package hasn’t been picked up by the carrier yet. |
TRANSIT |
The package has been scanned by the carrier and is in transit. |
DELIVERED |
The package has been successfully delivered to the recipient. |
RETURNED |
The package is en route to be returned to the sender, or has been returned successfully. |
FAILURE |
The carrier indicated an issue with the delivery. This doesn’t indicate a technical issue, but a delivery one. |
UNKNOWN |
The package hasn’t been found in the carrier’s tracking system. |
Substatus Definitions
Substatuses provide finer details about the current status of your package. Each substatus definition is also available in the Shippo API Reference documentation.
| Status | Substatus | Definition | Meaning | Action Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
PRE_TRANSIT |
information_received | Information about the package received. | The carrier has received the necessary details about your package. This is normally the first step in the shipping process, indicating that the shipment information is in the carrier’s system. | |
TRANSIT |
address_issue | Address information is incorrect. Contact carrier to ensure delivery. | There is a problem with the address provided for the delivery. The address may be incorrect or incomplete. You must contact the carrier to correct the address and ensure the package can be delivered. |  |
TRANSIT |
contact_carrier | Contact the carrier for more information. | The carrier needs more additional information or action from you. You should contact the carrier to resolve any issues or get more details about the package status. | |
TRANSIT |
delayed | Delivery of the package is delayed. | The delivery of the package is experiencing a delay. This could be due to various reasons such as weather conditions, high shipment volumes, or logistical issues. | |
TRANSIT |
delivery_attempted | Delivery of the package has been attempted. Contact carrier to ensure delivery. | The carrier tried to deliver the package but was unsuccessful. This may be due to no one being available to receive it or other access issues. You should contact the carrier to arrange for another delivery attempt. | |
TRANSIT |
delivery_rescheduled | Delivery of the package has been rescheduled. | The scheduled delivery date for the package has been changed. This could be due to the recipient’s request or other logistical reasons. | |
TRANSIT |
delivery_scheduled | Package is scheduled for delivery. | Your package is planned for delivery on a specific date. The carrier has set a delivery date for your package. | |
TRANSIT |
location_inaccessible | Delivery location inaccessible to the carrier. Contact the carrier to ensure delivery. | The delivery location cannot be reached by the carrier. This could be due to physical barriers, restricted access, or other obstacles. You should contact the carrier to resolve the issue and ensure delivery. | |
TRANSIT |
notice_left | Carrier left a notice during an attempted delivery. Follow the carrier instructions on the notice. | The carrier left a notice at your address during an attempted delivery. This notice will have instructions on how to receive your package, such as scheduling a redelivery or picking it up from a carrier location. | |
TRANSIT |
out_for_delivery | Package is out for delivery. | Your package is currently on its way to the delivery address. This can also mean your package was scanned by a package handler and placed on a pallet to be loaded on a vehicle for delivery. It is with the carrier’s delivery personnel and should be delivered soon. | |
TRANSIT |
package_accepted | Package has been accepted into the carrier network for delivery. | The carrier has received your package into their network and it is ready to be processed for delivery | |
TRANSIT |
package_arrived | Package has arrived at an intermediate location in the carrier network. | Your package has reached a transit point in the carrier’s network. This is typically an intermediate facility where packages are sorted and sent to their next destination. | |
TRANSIT |
package_departed | Package has departed from an intermediate location in the carrier network. | Your package has left a transit point in the carrier’s network and is on its way to the next destination. | |
TRANSIT |
package_forwarded | Package has been forwarded. | Your package has been redirected to a different address. This could be due to a forwarding request by the recipient or an address correction. | |
TRANSIT |
package_held | Package held at a carrier location. Contact the carrier for more details. | The carrier is holding your package at a specific location. You should contact the carrier to find out why it is being held and how to retrieve it. | |
TRANSIT |
package_processed | Package has been processed at an intermediate location. | Your package has been processed at a transit point and is ready for the next step in the delivery process. | |
TRANSIT |
package_processing | Package is processing at an intermediate location in the carrier network. | Your package is currently being processed at a transit point. This involves sorting and preparing it for the next leg of its journey. | |
TRANSIT |
pickup_available | Package is available for pickup at a carrier location. | Your package is available for pickup at a carrier location. You can go to the specified location to collect your package. | |
TRANSIT |
reschedule_delivery | Contact the carrier to reschedule delivery. | You need to contact the carrier to arrange a new delivery date for your package. This might be due to an issue with the initial delivery attempt. | |
DELIVERED |
delivered | Package has been delivered. | Your package has been successfully delivered to the recipient’s address. | |
RETURNED |
return_to_sender | Package is to be returned to the sender. | Your package is being sent back to the sender. This could be due to an undeliverable address, refusal by the recipient, or other reasons. | |
RETURNED |
package_unclaimed | Package is unclaimed. | Your package has not been claimed by the recipient. You may need to contact the carrier to arrange for collection or redelivery. | |
FAILURE |
package_undeliverable | Package is not able to be delivered. | The carrier is unable to deliver your package. This could be due to address issues, recipient unavailability, or other reasons. You should contact the carrier to resolve the issue. | |
FAILURE |
package_disposed | Package has been disposed of. | The carrier has disposed of your package. This usually happens when a package is undeliverable and unclaimed for an extended period. | |
FAILURE |
package_lost | Package has been lost. Contact the carrier for more details. | Your package has been lost in the shipping process. You should contact the carrier for more details and to possibly file a claim for the lost item. | |
UNKNOWN |
other | Unrecognized carrier status. |
FAQ Section
What carriers does Shippo Track?
Shippo supports tracking for a wide range of carriers, including USPS, FedEx, DHL, UPS, and many more.
Can I track shipments from other carriers?
You can track shipments from carriers not supported by Shippo directly, but you might not receive complete tracking history or real-time updates. Shippo’s API offers standardized data, so it’s best to use it for all your shipments whenever possible.
How do I set up Shippo Tracking?
Setting up Shippo Tracking is relatively straightforward. You need to create a Shippo account, link your carrier accounts, and create a webhook. The Shippo website and documentation provide step-by-step instructions.
What are the costs associated with tracking?
Shippo’s tracking features are free for shipments created within the Shippo platform. However, there’s a cost associated with tracking shipments created outside of Shippo, usually on a per-shipment basis. Check the Shippo website for current pricing.
How can I customize my Shippo Tracking pages?
You can customize your Shippo Tracking pages to match your brand identity. Within your Shippo account, you can upload your logos, colors, and other branding elements to create a personalized tracking experience for your customers.
What are the different tracking event substatuses?
Substatuses provide more granular information about the shipment’s current location and status. Refer to the Shippo API Reference documentation for a complete list of substatuses and their definitions.
What happens if a package is undeliverable?
If a package is undeliverable, Shippo’s tracking system will update the status to “FAILURE” and potentially provide a substatus, like “package_undeliverable.” You’ll receive a notification via your webhook, allowing you to contact the carrier and resolve the issue.
How do I use Shippo’s test environment for tracking?
Shippo’s test environment allows you to experiment with their tracking API using mock data and test tokens. This is a great way to test your code and integration before using it in a production environment. Refer to the Shippo documentation for instructions on accessing the test environment.
Conclusion
Shippo Tracking is an invaluable tool for e-commerce businesses seeking to streamline their shipping processes and improve the customer experience. By providing real-time tracking, comprehensive history, and automated notifications, Shippo Tracking empowers you to stay informed, provide transparency to customers, and proactively address any potential issues.
By integrating Shippo Tracking into your business, you can deliver a seamless and reliable shipping experience that fosters customer loyalty and drives business growth.