With eCommerce expanding globally, businesses now have the chance to reach consumers worldwide. The global courier shipment market is expected to grow significantly, from USD 438.5 billion in 2023 to USD 466.79 billion in 2024, and further rise to USD 602.47 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%.
Knowing the process of international shipping tracking is very important for your business. Monitoring shipments effectively provides real-time updates, and there is less concern about losing or missing a package. This is especially crucial for time-sensitive or high-value goods, where a missed delivery can impact customer trust.
As international shipping grows, you will also need effective tracking tools to monitor your orders. This guide will cover the importance of international shipment tracking, different methods of tracking, and how you can track and handle global shipments smoothly.
Why Is International Shipment Tracking Important?
While making sales on a global scale is exciting on many levels, it is equally important to have a reliable tracking system in place for international orders. Here are a few reasons why:
- Reduces Overall Loss
With instantaneous and continuous parcel tracking, both the business and the customer are kept in the loop of where the parcel is. For the brand, it is easier to minimise transit errors such as parcels ending up in the wrong destination country, informing the freight team of any changes in scenarios such as political disputes, weather changes and more. For your customers, the facility to track their orders gives a sense of transparency and in turn, ensures repeated orders in future.
- Minimises The Scope Of Delays
Delivery delays are a constant headache for customers. As a business, all you can do is address the reasons for delays and fix them accordingly, or ensure that it is not repeated in the near future. This can be done proactively if you have an efficient tracking system in place.
- Gets A Schedule Fixed For All International Deliveries
With tracking, it gets easier to predict delivery TATs for various destination countries, which allows you to streamline your orders and plan a hurdle-free delivery for your global customers.
- Builds Consumer Trust
With you in the loop of where your shipment is, you can keep your customers informed with instant updates. Instant updates mean they’re confident in your delivery, and it also creates authenticity in their minds for your brand. Translation – more sales!
How To Track International Shipments?
Tracking shipments across borders can be complex, especially when dealing with multiple carriers and regulations. Here’s how to track international shipments effectively.
- Choose Shipping Provider
Selecting a dependable shipping provider is the first step in tracking shipments. Ensure the company has real-time tracking, reasonable shipping times, and affordable rates. A provider with good international coverage will ensure better delivery updates and disruptions are reduced.
- Use Tracking Software
Tracking software helps manage shipments through features such as automatic updates and delivery alerts. Most platforms allow integration with shipping providers, allowing you to monitor all shipments in one place. Using software minimises errors and saves time.
- Check Tracking Numbers
Every shipment has a tracking number that helps locate packages at any stage. Enter this number on the carrier’s website or tracking platform to see real-time movement. Keeping a record of tracking numbers prevents confusion and helps resolve issues quickly.
- Monitor Shipments
Regularly monitoring shipments will ensure that everything is moving in the right way. Delays can be expected due to customs or weather conditions, so timely checks help resolve problems sooner. Automated tracking tools can provide alerts if there is a case of a delayed or stuck shipment.
- Inform Customers
Keeping customers updated on their shipment’s status helps build trust and reduce inquiries. Automated messages about shipment progress, expected delivery dates, and possible delays can improve customer experience and prevent disputes.
- Report Lost Shipments
If a shipment is delayed beyond the expected time, contact the shipping provider immediately. Some carriers offer insurance or compensation for lost packages. Providing tracking details and shipment history helps in resolving the issue quickly.
Best Ways to Monitor Your International Shipments
Various methods are available, each offering convenience based on different needs. Below are some options you can use.
- Carrier Websites
Shipping companies also offer tracking on their websites. You can input the tracking number to see the updates on location, status, and estimated delivery dates, so you can track shipments without additional tools.
- Mobile Apps
Most shipping carriers have mobile apps that track shipments. With these apps, you can view the status in real-time from anywhere. Apps send instant location shift alerts. This option is for people who prefer tracking on their phones rather than a computer.
- Email and Text Alerts
Many carriers send email and text notifications to track shipments. You can receive automatic updates about the package’s movement without manually checking. Such notifications are for pickup, transit, and delivery, meaning you don’t have to visit the website frequently.
- Third-party Tracking
Using third-party tracking services simplifies shipment monitoring. They enable you to track several shipments from various carriers in one place. You do not have to check multiple websites for updates; they all appear on one dashboard.
- Tracking Devices
Some carriers provide tracking devices to be attached to shipments. Such devices give real-time location updates, adding another layer of security. They are suitable for high-value shipments or sensitive goods that require constant monitoring.
Stages Of International Shipment Tracking For eCommerce Retailers
There are primely three stages of eCommerce shipment tracking for international orders.
- Logistics
For this stage, the carriers use live GPS trackers (disposable) for all of their orders travelling across borders. This helps to update the brand about when the cargo is scheduled to depart, and where and when it is scheduled to reach.
- Transportation
This stage tells by what mode of transportation your goods are being taken, keeps track of them while in transit, and to and from where the pickup is scheduled. This is usually updated via the courier partner.
- Last Mile
This stage is the final countdown to doorstep delivery, where you can track your package from the destination warehouse up until it reaches the consumer. According to a survey, it was observed that customers check order status more than three times the day before or on the day when it is scheduled to be delivered. This largely presents a window for brand visibility via user engagement.
International Order Tracking Made Easy with ShiprocketX
Managing international orders can be challenging, but with ShiprocketX, business owners can simplify the process. It enables easy shipping across more than 220 destinations. The platform offers door-to-door delivery of B2B air shipments with no weight limits while providing fast and reliable transportation to your desired destination.
This service makes it easier to track international orders, knowing that you don’t have a weight constraint. Thus, it guarantees smooth shipping around the globe. To make it simple and easy to use, the site offers managed solutions to grow your business with minimal risk.
With a unique tracking page for every order, ShiprocketX also boosts visibility and increases the chances of customer loyalty. It makes customs clearance very easy while keeping you and your customers updated about changes through notifications.
You can also get security cover for your shipments for their safe transport and handle returns smoothly, making the entire process hassle-free.
Conclusion
Tracking international shipments helps you ensure the packages reach the right destination on time and in good condition. Many options are available, including carrier websites, mobile apps, and tracking devices. These tools help you monitor shipments, predict possible delays, and take quick action when needed. Many shipping partners now offer unified tracking, allowing you to track multiple carriers from one platform. ShiprocketX is one such service that helps international sellers manage shipments efficiently.
