Post tracking

What is post tracking?

Post tracking, also known as postal tracking, post logging, mail tracking, and parcel or package tracking is the process by which postal orders, whether delivered by couriers, postal services, logistics companies, or others, are able to be followed during the course of their journey. This 'following', is made possible by shipping sector company infrastructure updating the progress of a post as it travels from its original location to its final destination, hence giving us the term post tracking.

Today post tracking is done by most major courier companies, including UPS, DHL, TNT, 4PX, and so on. However, the most recent development in post tracking has been the rise of multi-courier tracking companies, which allow you to track parcels across any number of carriers who may be responsible for delivering your package. Ship24 is a market-leading example in the field, with the possibility of post tracking on over 1,000 couriers and online marketplace orders, using just the post tracking number.

What does post tracking consist of?

Post tracking comprises two main components. First is the assignment of a unique post tracking number to a parcel or package, which allows the handler to identify that package as well as give them the necessary information needed to deliver that package between the locations it is intended to travel to.

The second is the ability for postal depots, warehouses, and forwarding centers to be able to scan package arrivals and dispatches in and out of their various stations - information which could then be passed on to anyone who wanted to track a postal order. These post-tracking 'events' are becoming more and more complex and advanced in line with the booming shipping industry, boosted increasingly by eCommerce and international product availability and delivery.

Overall, post tracking makes for a more efficient postal and package delivery service, making for more reliable, efficient and economic logistical solutions. It is also helpful when ordering from international marketplaces, such as Amazon, BangGood and Shopify

When did post tracking first begin?

Post tracking numbers started being used originally around the 1970s by international postal giant FedEx, as a way to make package delivery more efficient and give the company more overall visibility on the flow of parcels through their delivery network. However, the breakthrough innovation was soon being utilized by customers, which proved extremely popular. On one hand, post tracking gave businesses more information over their supply line, but it also improved the post-purchase experience for customers who could now get information on the progress of their parcel to them.

Essentially, post tracking was a natural development that provided customers with valuable information such as package routes and estimated times of arrival. The post tracking system was equally useful to carriers, who in response to increasing demand for long-distance and cross-border deliveries, struck up partnerships with other courier companies to be able to cater for such deliveries. Post tracking numbers, therefore, became an integral component in enabling the expansion of the postal services sector. Indeed, post tracking continues to be integral today as an almost multinational shipping language that can be understood internationally by delivery partners across the world.

Is post tracking useful?

Post tracking has been a hugely positive development within the shipping industry for the following reasons:

• Delivery efficiency: Post tracking's effect on the delivery sector has been a true win-win for businesses and customers alike. Businesses have been able to collect vital post tracking information which has, in turn, helped them improved their postal service efficiency, not only allowing them to offer faster delivery turnaround times for customers but also to save money. These savings, in turn, have been passed on to customers who can not only now enjoy faster delivery times but benefit from a more reliable service.
• Postal loss: Parcel loss was frequent before post tracking numbers were widely used, and the security of a package was hard to guarantee. Post tracking not only massively improved both of the aforementioned but brought about courier accountability for packages which have led to the development of many popular customer-focused features, such as refunds and returns on packages.
• Everyone benefits: Whether you are conducting a major 200 container business to business shipment from China to the USA, or simply a family member sending to a loved one overseas, post tracking provides a better shipping experience for everyone involved. That's why Ship24 offers a range of post tracking options, both for regular customers and professional businesses. You enjoy post tracking on a single parcel for free today on Ship24 or look at our professional Tracking API or Webhook options for enhanced tracking capability and direct integration with the powerful Ship24 system.

How does post tracking work?

Post tracking relies on courier personnel reporting the arrival or departure of a package, by scanning the post tracking number in to recording its identity, location, status, and the time of the event.

Are there different types of post tracking?

There are different levels of post tracking available from different postal services. Some simply offer standard tracking services, such as depot to depot notifications on status and locations. Others will notify that a package is out for delivery and if the service requires a signature at the point of delivery (so that the sender can obtain proof of delivery) and the recipient is not there, it will also notify of the situation via a post tracking event update.

However, post tracking is evolving and the introduction of things like non-specific 1D linear barcodes, Intelligent Mail barcodes, and 2D matrix barcodes are being developed to add further capability to post tracking.

The future of post tracking could even begin to record things live, such as the environment your package is being carried in, including the temperature, humidity, pressure, elevation, and exposure to light. This could become especially important for businesses shipping within the perishable goods sector for instance.

What is the best post-tracking method?

Although post tracking can be done directly through couriers, in an increasingly complex shipping network - whose never-ending network of delivery partners, international logistics companies, and local couriers are used just to deliver a single parcel - people are looking for a single, all-encompassing tracking website that can offer it all. Step in Ship24.

Universal, multi-courier tracking comes as standard with Ship24's powerful shipment tracking platform, which can integrate with a business within minutes to begin international tracking on 1000s of couriers, logistics companies, and online market places for B2B, B2C or anything else, with a range of price plans to suit your needs. Alternatively, try our free post tracking on up to 10 shipments at once using just the post tracking numbers.

How did post tracking become web-based?

Post tracking became a lot more accessible and easier to use with the development of the internet. It was much more cost-effective than the telephone and the system could be automated, again revolutionizing post tracking. Web-based tracking was pioneered largely by UPS, who saw an increase of online post tracking of over 3 million between 1995 to 1999.

Soon, all major couriers and postal services were offering web-based post tracking, with the switch to post tracking online cemented with the rise of smartphones.