• On The Insider: Britney's Bikini-Clad Top 10
May 28, 2008 2:25 PM PDT

Track multiple packages with maps using TrackThePack

by Josh Lowensohn

Package tracking is really one of the better inventions of the 20th century. One of my favorite tools for said activitiy is TrackThePack, a delightfully simple tool that lets you track packages from a multitude of services, and keep them together in one simple list. It also throws each shipping location the package visits onto a map, which is neat, but mostly useless.

If you're unregistered, you can only run a single tracking number at a time. Registered users get the added benefit of pulling in the package updates as an RSS or iCal notification feed. People who will be away from a computer can also sign up to get SMS updates, a handy feature offered by some (but not all) package carriers. This way you can get it from all of them without sharing any of your personal information.

For heavy-duty users, the service offers a Firefox extension that lets you track a package just by right-clicking on the tracking number, which will automatically add it to your package queue.

Related: Trackthis tracks packages on Twitter

Track one or more packages from multiple services with TrackThePack.

(Credit: CNET Networks)
Josh Lowensohn writes for Webware.com, CNET's blog about Web applications and services. E-mail Josh, or follow him on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/Josh.
Recent posts from Webware
Smartphone users, keep complaining
Two new remote Webcams: Mole and Vue
Google launches Maps tool for finding flu vaccine
Get a $10 Restaurant.com gift certificate for 80 cents
Hundreds of Facebook groups hijacked
Plan your wedding with these Web resources
Twitter, LinkedIn team up for self-promotion free-for-all
'Elf Yourself' returns with Facebook and Twitter power
Add a Comment (Log in or register)
by PandemicSoul May 30, 2008 11:13 AM PDT
This service is basically useless at the moment.

trackmyshipments.com offers the ability for you to forward tracking e-mails and it automatically adds the tracking info for you. If you're someone who ships 5+ packages a day, you have no interested in manually adding tracking info.

Think about it: if you're someone who tracks few enough packages that it's easy for you to manually add them, then you're probably going to just use the UPS/FedEx interface. Anyone who really tracks a lot of packages needs more automated functionality.

On the upside, it's much better looking that the alternative I mentioned above. I'll move over immediately once they start include automatic tracking from e-mails I forward.
Reply to this comment
by garfieldv1 June 19, 2008 4:28 PM PDT
TrackThePack got very nice icons, and the HUGE search box is my favorate, but I don't know why it requires you register. That's kind of disappoint...
I personally like the other provider better, www.packagetrackr.com, I discovered this site from facebook, it provides a widget to allow you share tracking info with friends (kinda show off, right?), and with google maps. Also I found a vista sidebar gadget from www.packagetrackr.com, which helps a lot when you do multiple tracking or monitoring the delivery status.
About the trackmyshipments.com, I think they pay the upstair person to post msg like that. It requires register & pay $20 per year...At least, not working for me.
Reply to this comment
advertisement

About Webware

Say No to boxed software! The future of applications is online delivery and access. Software is passé. Webware is the new way to get things done.

Add this feed to your online news reader

Webware topics

After 5 years, Firefox faces new challenges

Mozilla helped reshape the Web since releasing Firefox 1.0 five years ago. Now it's got a reawakened Microsoft and Google Chrome to reckon with.

There's a map for that: GPS or smartphone?

Almost every handset comes with mapping software these days, but standalone GPS devices are becoming more affordable than ever.

Inside CNET News

Scroll Left Scroll Right