Guide to Tracking International Shipments: Tools, Tips, and Tricks
As someone who loves to send and receive packages from different corners of the world, tracking international shipments is essential and both crucial and exhilarating. There’s something so thrilling about knowing exactly where your package is and when it’s expected to arrive. It gives a sense of excitement and anticipation that’s hard to describe!
On top of that, being able to quickly spot any potential issues or delays in the delivery process is a huge weight off on shoulders. It’s such a relief to know that your packages will arrive safely and on schedule, which is especially important for valuable or time-sensitive shipments. All in all, tracking international shipments adds an extra layer of fun and peace of mind to the whole shipping experience!
The Importance of International Shipment Tracking
Customer Satisfaction: Keeping consumers happy is critical while running a business. That is why tracking overseas shipments is critical: it helps businesses to keep their customers updated on the status of their shipments, including when they can expect them to arrive.
Inventory Management: Keeping track of inventory is critical for firms that rely on shipping and distribution. That’s where tracking foreign shipments comes in: knowing when shipments are due to arrive allows firms to better manage their inventories and guarantee they’re ready for distribution.
Cost-effective: Tracking may help firms save money by eliminating storage and holding costs, rerouting goods, and delivering replacement shipments.
Security: When transporting important or sensitive materials, security is always a major priority. That is why monitoring international shipments is such a major changer: it allows businesses and individuals to maintain track of their goods and watch their position at all times.
Compliance: Compliance is essential for international trade too. That is why it is so important that international shipments are tracked being part of the procedure. For example, accurate documentation is essential for international trade, and tracking can help ensure that everything is in order. Meeting deadlines is also critical, and tracking can help businesses stay on top of their shipments and ensure that they’re arriving at their destination on time.
Different Ways to tracking International Shipments
If you’re someone who frequently sends or receives packages internationally, you know how important it is to keep track of your shipment’s whereabouts. Nobody likes waiting in the dark, wondering when their package will arrive or if it’s lost in transit. Luckily, there are many ways to track international shipments. Let’s explore some of the most popular options, so you can find the one that best suits your needs and preferences
Carrier Websites: Websites run by carriers are a reliable and practical way to track your international shipment. Simply enter your tracking number on the website of the carrier you’re using, such as FedEx, UPS, or DHL. From there, you’ll have simple access to details about the comings and goings projected delivery date of your shipment, and also information about its current status. It’s a simple and hassle-free way of tracking its progress of your package.
Mobile Apps: Many of us rely almost exclusively on our smartphones in today’s fast-paced world. Additionally, mobile apps from shipping companies like FedEx, UPS, or DHL can be very useful for tracking your international shipments. These applications allow you to track your package from your smartphone or tablet and get real-time updates on its location and anticipated delivery date. This is a great option If you’re on the go and would like to keep track of the progress of your package without having to log in to a computer.
Email and Text Notifications: You’ll be happy to know that some carriers also offer to get updates about your international shipment through email or text message. You can get updates regularly on the whereabouts of your package, from the time it is picked up to the time it is delivered, by subscribing to email or text notifications from shipping companies. This is a great option if you’d choose to receive automatic notifications over continually checking the carrier’s website or mobile app for updates.
Third-Party Tracking Services: You can track packages from various carriers in one location if you use a third-party tracking service, which offers a more thorough tracking experience for your international shipments. These services can be especially helpful if you’re shipping packages with several different carriers because they let you view all of your shipments in one place rather than having to go to the websites of each carrier separately. Keeping track of your shipments and receiving real-time updates on their status is now much simpler.
Tracking Devices: Utilizing the tracking devices that some carriers provide is another choice for following up on international shipments. These accessories, which offer real-time location updates, can be attached to your package. They can be especially useful for shipments of high value or items that need additional security precautions. You can have peace of mind knowing where your package is at all times with this option.
Common Issues with Tracking International Shipments
Tracking international shipments can sometimes be hard due to common issues that businesses and individuals may experience. Here are some of the most usual problems you may encountered when tracking international shipments:
- Inaccurate or delayed tracking data: Carriers occasionally may experience delays in updating the tracking data, which can be upsetting for customers who want to know the status of their shipments.
- Lost or stolen packages: Regrettably, sometimes packages also get lost or stolen during the shipping journey, making it difficult to track their whereabouts.
- Customs delays: Customs inspections and clearance can be a significant cause of delay in the delivery of international shipments. It is important to consider the extra time that may be required for inspections and to ensure that all necessary documentation is accurate and complete to avoid additional delays.
- Weather-related delays: The delivery schedule internationally can be affected by unfavorable weather conditions like hurricanes or snowstorms because they can occasionally cause significant delays due to disruptions or even cancellations.
- Technical issues: Technical glitches or malfunctions with carrier websites or mobile apps can also sometimes hinder the tracking process for international shipments, causing inconvenience for businesses and individuals.
Conclusion:
Keeping track of international shipments is crucial to guarantee that packages arrive at their intended location on schedule and in good condition. Fortunately, there are various options available for tracking international shipments, such as carrier websites and mobile apps, third-party tracking services, and tracking devices.
By leveraging these tools, businesses and individuals can stay informed about the status and location of their shipments, anticipate potential delays, and take necessary actions to ensure that their packages arrive safely and on time.
However, there can be common issues that businesses and individuals may encounter, such as lost or stolen packages, customs inspections, adverse weather conditions, and technical glitches with carrier websites or mobile apps. By being aware of these issues and using reliable tracking methods, businesses and individuals can have more control over their international shipments and better ensure their successful delivery.
