Online package tracking services are available from most carriers, but not all tracking options are the same. Finding a quality service or software that can track your packages from the loading dock to the customer's front door is essential. Once you've implemented the use of a service or software, keep your customers as informed as you are about their orders.

Making the most of online package tracking services is easier if you find a service provider or software that is easy to operate. Pick a service that can be intermingled with your current business, and make sure you can easily use the service to keep customers informed as well. Find a tracking service that will post shipping updates using an online parcel tracking system right from your store website. To make the most of online package tracking services, you should:

1. Use the best, easiest-to-use shipping tracking software to keep track of your shipments.

2. Find out the latest trends and news about online package training software.

3. Stay informed using major package carrier online tracking services.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use easy-to-use parcel tracking software to keep your customers informed

Get the latest in online package tracking software to integrate into your retail business. Find software with complete tracking capabilities from order to delivery. Make sure the software offers tracking of all the major carriers you use. If you need to keep better track of packages coming into your loading docks, find software to help.

I recommend: Get e-commerce help from WebBizIdeas.com. They offer a complete line of software including package tracking to keep your customers informed. Get ShipMate software to keep track of incoming shipments, packages and mail, or choose the SCLogic software to track packages online.

Keep up with the latest online parcel tracking services trends by reading business publications

The best way to find out what new technology or options exist with online package tracking is to pick up a business publication. E-commerce related magazines and online newsletters can keep you up-to-date on any new trends in the tracking field.

I recommend: Seek information from the Inc.com website. The business publication includes many tracking-related articles with informative tips. E-Commerce Times is another great online publication that offers package tracking trends and news, and CIO Magazine is a leader in e-commerce business news.

Use major carrier online package tracking systems

Another less costly option for smaller businesses is keeping track of shipments on their own. Set up accounts with all the major carriers so you can easily access tracking information online. Keep your customers informed by emailing them tracking numbers for their packages so they can check the delivery status on their own, without having to depend on you.

I recommend: Keep informed with online package tracker services from providers like UPS, FedEx and USPS. Each has their own tracking system that will tell you the exact location of any package you need tracked. For a one-stop easy access website that links to all of the major carriers, try The Shopping Depot.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A parcel tracking program can boost business immensely. Shoppers are more willing to purchase through e-commerce websites that offer up-to-the-minute tracking information so they can keep track of their buys.

Online package tracking services have become a must-have, whether you're waiting for a part to get your assembly line running or watching your biggest order ever go out to a new client. While they once were the domain of the big companies, today there are online parcel tracking services you can access right from your PC.

With myriad online package tracking systems, you first need to decide how big or how little you want to go; but before you feel too boxed in, use the info here to:

1. Consider whether free online package tracking services will meet your needs.

2. Be the master of your shipping domain without losing your shirt for package tracking services.

3. Explore industry heavy hitters in package tracking to find the best fit.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use established online package tracking systems to get you going

Business friendly sites and established package shippers can do most of the work for you by combining label printing, calling for pick up and tracking an online package. If you're not ready to dive in with your own package tracking software system, this may be the way to go.

I recommend: PayPal, friend to businesses everywhere who want to be paid, has opened its own shipping center with an online package tracking program, another payoff for the small business owner. PackTrack.com's online package tracker services will let you track most of the major shippers in a one-stop shop.

Buy a low cost package tracking application to help you compete with the big boys

New applications are popping up constantly, so you don't have to sink a lot of money into your shipping costs. You are able to use your own PC and printer or a label printer with these products that won't break the bank.

I recommend: Pitney Bowes Shipstream Manager is a middle of the road, all in one tool that uses USPS tracking. Take advantage of a 60-day free trial offer. In order to become more user friendly, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has added printable labels, call for pick up and online tracking, though that tracking tends to update less frequently than the private shippers.

Get a parcel tracking program to ship and track your parcels to clients or within your business

When you have more than you feel commercial shippers can handle and you are ready to go out on your own, using trusted software applications will be to your advantage. Some can help you track from your door to your client's. Others will help you do that, plus keep track of what you are shipping within your own business.

I recommend: The eTrac system from Datatrac will help you streamline your service by thoroughly examining current practices and implementing their technology. Bear Tracks specializes in internal tracking systems and offers a wide variety of products online in their Bear River Store.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Whether you opt for parcel tracking software or online parcel tracking services, remember to review your practices frequently so you can decide if your current method is still working or you've outgrown it.

Online package tracking systems and shipping tracking software can help your business by keeping your tangible goods moving from point A to point B. As a product provider, your consumers expect efficient shipping and do appreciate when you can provide up-to-date shipping information. Online package tracking services can offer you just that. They bring the most up-to-date information to your fingertips both for your reference, that of your client and your final records.

Online package tracking services education and training can help you familiarize yourself with what package tracking entails and how to trouble shoot tracking your package if the situation arises. You can probably reflect back on a time when you tried to track a package and you were unsuccessful in finding the correct number. Knowing how to handle that situation is just as important as having the tracking number in the first place.

1. Start with the basics of online parcel tracking services.

2. Seek out the most helpful parcel tracking software, tricks and tips.

3. Find out about online package tracking systems and package tracking software from private companies.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn the basics of online package tracking systems

Find out the basics of online package tracking systems. Find out how to even have that information sent to your cell phone.

I recommend: PackTrack.com offers helpful basic information for beginning shippers on tracking an online package. They offer information telling you what the tracking number is on a package, where you can locate the tracking number on your package, how to go about tracking your package as well as troubleshooting information. Learn how to get tracking information sent to your cell phone from 4INFO. You can leave your computer and not have to sit around and wait for your delivery confirmation.

Find the most helpful online parcel tracking services, tips and tricks

Take advantage of online parcel tracking services that offer helpful resources information that teaches you how to use their site as well as tips and tricks to help you learn as you go and grow.

I recommend: PackageMapping.com offers many helpful online package tracking systems tips and hints on their FAQs page. There you can find information on adding their application to your iPhone or iPod Touch as well as adding the PackageMapping.com to your website. PackageMapping.com can help you track the following online parcel tracking system companies: UPS, U.S.P.S., FedEx, DHL and Canada Post Corporation. Subscribe to the What's New newsfeed from Packagetrackr to learn about all of their most up-to-date features and benefits as a tracking tool.

Learn about online package tracking systems and package tracking software from private sources

Find out about package tracking software and online parcel tracking services from private companies offering their products and/or services.

I recommend: Check out the package tracking tips and hints from Lifehacker. The site offers not only tip information, but downloads as well. Learn about tracking solutions from A2B Tracking Solutions. Their parcel tracking program uses barcode technology.