While establishing API integration with a shipment tracking service is definitely possible, it often comes with its own set of challenges.
For professionals like data analysts and supply chain managers, testing that feasibility – what industry experts referred to as Proof of Concept (PoC) – can be much more demanding than just preparing a simple CSV file for import. This approach also allows one to quickly see what tracking details can be exported without complex API integrations.
At TrackingMore, we have placed a strong emphasis on our CSV tracking functionality since 2014. We are continually enhancing our tracking solutions to adapt to our customers’ evolving needs.
In this article, we aim to give you a clear understanding of CSV tracking and how it can benefit your business. You will learn how CSV tracking works, its real-world applications, and some practical tips for integrating it into your logistics operations.
The Essentials of Tracking Data
In the world of tracking and logistics, effective management of tracking data (in this case, how it is uploaded, stored and utilized) can be very important.
The first important thing to explore, therefore, is what information is necessary for import and what can be exported. Having this clarity ensures a smooth tracking process and improves overall efficiency.
You can think of tracking data as systems to navigate through. Incoming tracking data can be processed in various ways: Manually, through internally-designed systems, or via a third-party solution like TrackingMore. Usually, there are sets of information that are required to enter into the data import file. When exporting this data, reports are generated and analyzed for deeper insights into logistics operations.
Tracking Data Imports
With this background established, it essentially lays out what tracking information often useful during tracking data imports:
Tracking Number(s)
They are the unique identifiers for each package – typically under the barcode of each shipping label attached to a package. Tracking numbers are crucial for monitoring and managing shipments, especially when it is passing through third-party solutions such as TrackingMore. With them, detailed package journeys can be retrieved, including the exact package location and real-time status.
For basic data imports, tracking number is often the only required input, while holding most other information optional. However, it is a good idea to include additional details to enhance analysis and improve logistics performance.
Carrier Information
This includes details regarding the shipping services being used, such as the carrier’s name, nature, and service type. Understanding this information is vital for managing expectations regarding delivery times. It also gives accountability when there are package issues and helps evaluate the reliability or quality of carrier services over time.
Shipment Status(es)
It covers the state of the package, such as when it is in transit, out for delivery, experiencing an exception, or has been successfully delivered. Importantly, customers are suggested to import shipment statuses for better management and tracking of their deliveries.
Package Details
It covers information about the contents of the package, including weight, dimensions, and any special handling instructions. Accurate package details are essential for determining costs of shipping and ensuring compliance with carrier regulations.
Origin and Destination
These locations specify where the package is coming from and where it is headed. Knowing these details helps estimating delivery times and managing logistics effectively, paving the way for better route planning and resource allocation.
Customer Information
While customer details such as name, email, and phone number are not strictly essential for tracking purposes, they can help one convey tracking information in a more professional and personalized manner.
Tracking File Exports
Tracking file exports, in this case, is essential for efficient logistics management. Organizations can do a lot of things with tracking file exports, in the forms of dashboards and customizable reports. This approach allows organizations to monitor and analyze their supply chain activities in a timely and efficient manner.
To further optimize logistics operations, supply chain managers often locate specific metrics for their reports and dashboards, including:
- Shipments by destination country, region, or city
- Shipment volumes by carrier
- Delivery days by carrier
- Delivery exceptions by carrier
By incorporating these metrics into your analysis, you can significantly enhance your shipment tracking capabilities and elevate customer satisfaction to new heights.
The Role of Structured Tracking Data
In many cases, the importance of structured tracking data is often overlooked by eCommerce and logistics leaders. To think about this topic, use this analogy:
Think about a library setting. If you want to find a specific book title, such as a Harry Potter novel or a sci-fi classic, it becomes daunting if the books are scattered all over the place. However, if the books are categorized, labelled and neatly stored on shelves, finding the right book, or category of books, will feel easy to you.
This analogy perfectly illustrates the importance of structured tracking data. Each package, from order to transit to delivery, is assigned a unique tracking number, acting as the identifier. This gives clarity to package tracking as it is structured in a clear format with added details that are already neatly organized in columns.
By prioritizing structured tracking data, eCommerce and logistics leaders can improve efficiency, enhance accuracy, and ultimately provide a better logistics experience to their customers. Just like a well-organized library, having everything in its right place makes all the difference when it comes to delivering that kind of “extra mile” for your customer.
Managing Growing Tracking Needs
At the core, tracking serves to enhance clarity within the logistics supply chain.
As we consider the complexities of modern logistics, a critical question arises: “How can we effectively manage the growing tracking needs?” The market offers different methods, but two common solutions stand out.
One approach is API integration, which mostly requires more technical resources. This method is often preferred for advanced tracking solutions like TrackingMore. APIs enable real-time data transfer and automation, making them ideal for high-volume operations where efficiency and visibility is critical.
However, for organizations that may not have the technical expertise or are looking for a simpler solution, CSV tracking emerges as a highly effective alternative. CSV tracking streamlines the upload and transfer of tracking data, ensuring both efficiency and clarity in logistics operations. It allows users to manage large sets of data easily and offers a straightforward delivery method that can be implemented with minimal technical overhead.
Ultimately, choice of method depends on the owner of tracking data, but since this is an article dedicated to CSV tracking, I will focus more on explaining the benefits that CSV tracking can do to your business and how TrackingMore’s CSV tracking works.
Benefits of CSV Tracking
CSV tracking is a powerful tool for businesses navigating the complexities of logistics. As we have constantly highlighted, managing hundreds or thousands of tracking data points can be overwhelming. With CSV bulk tracking, you can effortlessly upload your tracking numbers in an organized format for further analysis and processing.
In summary, CSV tracking streamlines the logistics process and offers several key benefits for your business:
A Hassle-Free Tracking Option
With CSV tracking, uploading large volumes of tracking numbers becomes “effortless”. By using TrackingMore’s CSV Bulk Tracking Feature, you can upload up to 10,000 tracking numbers at once, which saves you significant time compared to manual entry. CSV files are also lightweight and can be easily shared given its compact format.
Besides, API integration can indeed be complex, making it challenging for non-programmers to accomplish. Oftentimes, software service providers have limited compatibility with various eCommerce platforms and systems. For users operating on their own websites or custom-built systems, starting with CSV for logistics tracking can be a wise choice.
What’s more, an average person can handle the data import itself, meaning there’s no need to submit a technical request and wait for an extended period in order to get all the logistics hard work done.
Growth and Scalability
As a business grows, so do its tracking needs. CSV tracking is highly scalable, accommodating an increasing volume of shipments without sacrificing performance. This adaptability ensures that logistics processes can evolve alongside the business.
Improved Collaboration and Insights
CSV tracking helps consolidate tracking information at ease. It means that you can monitor all shipments in one place (for example, via TrackingMore’s shipment tracking solution), as well as exporting tracking data in customizable formats and reports.
Ultimately, the tracking data collected via the CSV function can massively empower the logistics process. Our user-friendly approach not only saves time but also empowers logistics teams and analysts to make informed decisions. Potential applications include:
- Conduct analyses of transit times, delivery rates, exception rates
- Combine shipping costs and carrier performances metrics
- Identify the best-performing logistics providers by destination country/city, the best shipping services, etc.
TrackingMore’s CSV Tracking Feature
TrackingMore’s CSV tracking feature allows users to import and manage tracking numbers in bulk and drives better efficiency in your supply chain operations.
TrackingMore has already integrated with 1,300+ carriers worldwide, including major carriers such as USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, and China Post. Our CSV feature is easy to use and also provides (1) auto-detection and correction of carrier codes, and (2) customized shipment dashboard that tailor to your tracking needs.
In addition, our CSV feature also supports customizable data export, batch exports, and regular report deliveries to the designated email addresses. It delivers a smooth tracking experience akin to the use of webhook notifications, allowing users to manage their tracking data efficiently and stay updated without manual intervention.
How to Use CSV Tracking with TrackingMore
In this section, we will address all the “how” questions related to TrackingMore’s CSV feature, helping you understand our capabilities better.
Setting Up the CSV File for Import
Currently, TrackingMore supports both XLSX and CSV file formats, and offers a CSV Auto-fetch option through Google Sheets connection. The CSV file contains one mandatory column and a few more optional fields – around 19 in total.
| Field(s) | Description | Example |
| Tracking Number (Required) | Tracking number of a package | #1234 |
| Courier Code | Unique code of courier, if you do not fill in a courier code, we will auto detect the courier for you | |
| Order Number | Order ID used within your business | |
| Origin & Destination Country | Country information | United States |
| Customer Data (Name, Email, SMS, etc.) | Customer information that is useful for efficient tracking | John Smith |
| Order and Delivery Date | Format: YYYY-MM-DD | 2025-01-31 |
For the full list of tracking parameters, you can refer to the instructions here to fill out your CSV files properly.
Using TrackingMore’s CSV Feature
To get started with TrackingMore’s CSV functionalities, follow this simple 5-step process:
- Sign up for a TrackingMore account and log in.
- Go to “Shipment Dashboard” if you need to track packages; go to “AWB Dashboard” if you need to track air cargo.
- Click “CSV Import” to download the template and fill out the required field (i.e. tracking number).
- Click “Browse” to select the CSV file you’ve prepared and click “Import”.
- Your shipment data will then appear in the corresponding dashboard and tracking will start soon.
Exporting CSV Tracking Data
Once the file is uploaded, TrackingMore’s system automatically detects the carrier information for each tracking number (if the courier code column is left blank).
You can then:
- Monitor the progress of your shipments in one place; and
- On the “Shipment Dashboard” page, click “Export” and choose “Periodic export” to get detailed reports delivered to your email inbox regularly.
Tips for Processing CSV Tracking Data
To effectively utilize TrackingMore’s CSV feature, consider the following tips to ensure your file is properly structured:
- Make sure the cells are formatted as “text” to prevent truncation of tracking numbers.
- Keep the header row untouched.
- If you have frequently used carriers, set them in the system beforehand to improve the accuracy of auto-detection.
- Review and correct any carrier mismatches after the initial import.
Usually, the common issues involve formatting errors, carrier detection issues, or upload failures. For the first two, we suggest you review your CSV file to see if they adhere to the specified format for upload and auto-detection.
If the header row is always the same, it would be great to ask ChatGPT or automated tools to code and run the program in order to get the visualization you need.
Real-World Applications of CSV Tracking
The advantage of CSV being a common, easy-to-use data import format makes its real-world applications fairly wide.
For instance, eCommerce companies can adopt CSV bulk tracking to manage large volumes of orders efficiently, while online retailers can track inventory shipments seamlessly. Our clients also highlighted improved delivery times and enhanced customer satisfaction by implementing CSV tracking into their own logistics suite.
As a result, CSV tracking has proven to be an invaluable tool for businesses looking for an easy, straightforward manner to manage their shipment tracking efforts.
Setting Realistic Expectations
While the necessary parameters for querying using CSV can be straightforward, it is important to remember that CSV is just one way to encapsulate the information. In fact, the subsequent processing and management of logistics data and the functions offered are considered equally critical to empower a streamlined shipment tracking process.
By implementing CSV tracking, it is also essential to evaluate your current logistics capabilities and choose the right software solutions that support this functionality.
TrackingMore presents itself as a leading order tracking solution in this space. Beyond just CSV file uploads, our platform offers real-time tracking, automatic carrier detection, and user-friendly dashboards that consolidate all tracking information. It provides you with enhanced visibility and control over your shipments at all times.
Elevate Your Logistics Game with CSV Tracking
Overall, CSV bulk tracking can significantly transform how you manage shipments, streamline operations, and drive customer satisfaction. With this powerful tool, you can efficiently upload and track hundreds and thousands of shipments in one go, auto-detect and correct carriers, and consolidate all tracking data into a more user-friendly dashboard.
As logistics become increasingly complex and vital than ever, the ability to perform bulk tracking and leverage data-driven insights can distinguish the good from top-performing brands, making efficient tracking tools like CSV more important than ever.
Investing in advanced logistics capabilities is not only a prudent choice but also a timely one. By embracing CSV tracking, you can elevate your logistics operations and stand out in an ever-evolving market.
The TrackingMore team shares insights on logistics tracking technology, industry trends, and e-commerce logistics solutions to help businesses streamline shipment tracking and enhance customer post-purchase experience.
