AfterShip Courier Tracking

AfterShip Courier Tracking

AfterShip operates as a comprehensive multi-carrier tracking platform serving customers and businesses globally, including extensive coverage in India. Unlike traditional courier companies, AfterShip aggregates tracking data from 1,100+ carriers worldwide, providing unified tracking solutions. This guide delivers detailed insights into using AfterShip for tracking shipments, understanding its features, and maximizing its capabilities.

Understanding AfterShip Platform

AfterShip is not a courier service provider but rather a tracking technology platform that consolidates shipment tracking data from multiple courier companies into a single interface. The platform serves individual customers, e-commerce businesses, and enterprises requiring comprehensive tracking solutions.

Core platform capabilities include:

  • Multi-carrier tracking from single dashboard
  • Support for 1,100+ global courier services
  • Automated tracking notifications
  • Branded tracking pages for businesses
  • API integration for e-commerce platforms
  • Predictive delivery date calculations
  • Exception and delay alerts
  • Analytics and performance reporting
  • Customer notification automation
  • Returns and reverse logistics tracking

How AfterShip Tracking Works

How AfterShip Tracking Works

AfterShip functions as a tracking aggregator by connecting to courier company APIs and databases, retrieving tracking information, and presenting it in a unified format. The platform automatically detects which courier is handling your shipment based on the tracking number format.

Platform architecture includes:

  • Automatic courier detection algorithms
  • Real-time API connections to carriers
  • Centralized tracking database
  • Intelligent data normalization
  • Predictive analytics engine
  • Notification automation system
  • Multi-language support
  • Mobile-responsive design

Supported Courier Services in India

Also Track: AGC Courier Tracking

AfterShip supports extensive Indian courier services, enabling customers to track shipments from virtually any domestic or international carrier through a single platform.

Courier CategoryExamplesCoverage
Major Indian CouriersBlue Dart, DTDC, Delhivery, XpressbeesPan-India
India Post ServicesIndia Post, Speed Post, Registered PostNationwide
International CarriersDHL, FedEx, UPS, Aramex, TNTGlobal with India delivery
E-commerce LogisticsAmazon Shipping, Flipkart Ekart, ShadowfaxMetro and Tier-1 cities
Regional CouriersProfessional Couriers, Gati, TCIRegional coverage
Express ServicesBlueDart Express, FedEx Express, DHL ExpressTime-definite delivery

The platform continuously adds new carriers, maintaining up-to-date integration with emerging logistics providers in the Indian market.

How to Track Shipments Using AfterShip

How to Track Shipments Using AfterShip

Website Tracking Method

AfterShip’s official website provides free tracking services for individual shipments without registration requirements.

Complete tracking process:

  1. Visit AfterShip official website
  2. Navigate to tracking page or homepage
  3. Enter tracking number in search field
  4. Platform automatically detects courier
  5. View comprehensive tracking information
  6. Access detailed shipment history
  7. Set up email notifications (optional)

The platform displays tracking data in standardized format regardless of the original courier’s interface design, improving readability and consistency.

Mobile App Tracking

AfterShip offers dedicated mobile applications for iOS and Android devices, providing enhanced tracking capabilities beyond browser-based access.

Mobile app features:

  • Track unlimited shipments simultaneously
  • Push notifications for status updates
  • Barcode scanning for quick tracking number entry
  • Offline access to tracking history
  • Widget support for home screen tracking
  • Shipment organization by status
  • Estimated delivery date predictions
  • Exception alerts for delayed packages

Download AfterShip app from Apple App Store or Google Play Store for comprehensive mobile tracking experience.

Browser Extension Tracking

AfterShip provides browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, enabling quick tracking access while browsing e-commerce websites or email confirmations.

Extension capabilities:

  • Automatic tracking number detection on web pages
  • One-click tracking from detected numbers
  • Quick access to all tracked shipments
  • Desktop notifications for updates
  • Integration with Gmail for order tracking
  • Auto-import tracking numbers from emails

API Integration for Businesses

E-commerce businesses and developers can integrate AfterShip’s tracking API into their platforms, automating tracking processes and customer communications.

API capabilities:

  • Automatic tracking number submission
  • Real-time tracking data retrieval
  • Webhook notifications for status changes
  • Batch tracking for multiple shipments
  • Custom tracking page creation
  • Delivery notification automation
  • Returns management integration
  • Analytics data access

AfterShip Tracking Status Definitions

AfterShip normalizes tracking statuses from different couriers into standardized categories, making it easier to understand shipment progress regardless of the carrier.

AfterShip StatusMeaningExpected Action
PendingTracking number createdAwaiting courier pickup
InfoReceivedShipment info registeredPackage being processed
InTransitMoving through networkNormal progression
OutForDeliveryWith delivery agentDelivery expected today
AttemptFailDelivery unsuccessfulCheck reason and reschedule
DeliveredSuccessfully completedNo action needed
AvailableForPickupHeld at facilityVisit location for collection
ExceptionUnusual event occurredCheck details or contact courier
ExpiredTracking inactiveLikely delivered without scan
PendingAwaiting informationMonitor for updates

These standardized statuses simplify tracking across multiple couriers with different terminology and status systems.

Key Features for Indian Users

Multi-Carrier Tracking Dashboard

Track shipments from multiple Indian and international couriers simultaneously through a single dashboard, eliminating the need to visit individual courier websites.

Dashboard capabilities:

  • Unified view of all shipments
  • Filter by delivery status
  • Sort by expected delivery date
  • Search by tracking number or recipient
  • Bulk status updates
  • Export tracking data
  • Performance analytics
  • Exception management

Automated Notification System

AfterShip sends automated email and SMS notifications for important tracking milestones, keeping customers informed without manual tracking checks.

Notification triggers include:

  • Shipment information received
  • Package in transit updates
  • Out for delivery alerts
  • Successful delivery confirmation
  • Delivery attempt failures
  • Exception and delay notifications
  • Estimated delivery date changes
  • Package available for pickup alerts

Configure notification preferences to receive updates through preferred channels at desired frequency levels.

Estimated Delivery Date Prediction

AfterShip’s predictive analytics engine calculates estimated delivery dates based on historical carrier performance data, current transit progress, and destination characteristics.

Prediction factors include:

  • Carrier historical performance
  • Origin-destination distance
  • Current package location
  • Service tier selected
  • Day of week and season
  • Weather conditions
  • Holiday schedules
  • Regional delivery patterns

These predictions typically show 85-90% accuracy for major Indian carriers, helping customers plan for package arrival.

Exception and Delay Alerts

The platform automatically identifies shipments experiencing delays or exceptions, sending proactive alerts before customers notice issues.

Exception detection includes:

  • Transit delays beyond normal timeframes
  • Multiple failed delivery attempts
  • Packages stuck at customs
  • Address issues or undeliverable situations
  • Damaged package notifications
  • Lost shipment indicators
  • Unusual routing patterns

Early exception detection enables proactive resolution, reducing customer anxiety and support inquiries.

Business Solutions and Features

Branded Tracking Pages

E-commerce businesses can create custom-branded tracking pages matching their website design, maintaining brand consistency throughout the post-purchase experience.

FeatureFree PlanPaid Plans
Basic Tracking50 shipments/monthUnlimited
Email NotificationsYesYes
Branded Tracking PageNoYes
Custom DomainNoYes
Remove AfterShip BrandingNoYes
API AccessLimitedFull access
Webhook NotificationsNoYes
Advanced AnalyticsNoYes
Priority SupportNoYes
Multiple Users1 userMultiple users

Customer Notification Automation

Businesses can automate customer communications throughout the delivery journey, reducing support inquiries and improving customer satisfaction.

Automated communication features:

  • Customizable email templates
  • SMS notification integration
  • Multi-language support
  • Personalized tracking links
  • Estimated delivery updates
  • Delivery confirmation messages
  • Exception notifications
  • Feedback request automation

Analytics and Reporting

Comprehensive analytics provide insights into carrier performance, delivery success rates, transit times, and exception patterns.

Available analytics include:

  • Carrier performance comparison
  • Average delivery times by route
  • Delivery success rates
  • Exception frequency analysis
  • Customer satisfaction metrics
  • Transit time trends
  • Geographic performance data
  • Seasonal pattern identification

These insights help businesses optimize carrier selection, identify problematic routes, and improve overall logistics performance.

Returns Management

AfterShip includes returns portal functionality, streamlining reverse logistics processes for e-commerce businesses.

Returns features include:

  • Self-service returns portal
  • Automated return label generation
  • Return shipment tracking
  • Return processing automation
  • Refund workflow integration
  • Return reason analytics
  • Customer communication automation

Tracking Accuracy and Update Frequency

AfterShip’s tracking accuracy depends on the underlying courier’s tracking system quality and update frequency. The platform retrieves tracking data as frequently as couriers make it available.

Courier TypeUpdate FrequencyData Accuracy
Premium InternationalEvery 2-6 hours98-99%
Major Indian CouriersEvery 6-12 hours96-98%
Regional CouriersEvery 12-24 hours93-96%
India Post ServicesEvery 24-48 hours90-94%
Budget CouriersEvery 24-72 hours88-93%

AfterShip automatically checks for updates at optimal intervals, balancing data freshness with API rate limits and system performance.

Privacy and Data Security

AfterShip implements comprehensive security measures to protect user tracking data and personal information.

Security implementations include:

  • SSL/TLS encrypted data transmission
  • Secure cloud infrastructure (AWS, GCP)
  • SOC 2 Type II compliance
  • GDPR compliance for European users
  • Data encryption at rest
  • Regular security audits
  • Access control and authentication
  • Privacy policy compliance
  • Data retention policies
  • Secure API authentication

The platform does not share individual tracking data with third parties without explicit user consent.

Limitations and Considerations

Dependent on Courier Data Quality

AfterShip’s tracking accuracy relies entirely on the underlying courier’s tracking system. If a courier provides incomplete or inaccurate tracking data, AfterShip cannot improve that information.

Potential limitations:

  • Tracking gaps from courier systems
  • Delayed updates during peak seasons
  • Incomplete tracking for regional couriers
  • Limited data from courier without APIs
  • Customs clearance information gaps

Tracking Number Format Recognition

AfterShip’s automatic courier detection works for most standard tracking number formats but may struggle with non-standard or ambiguous formats.

Detection challenges:

  • Similar tracking number formats across couriers
  • Custom tracking numbers from forwarding services
  • Internal reference numbers vs actual tracking numbers
  • Tracking numbers from courier aggregators

API Rate Limits

Free plans include tracking limits, while paid plans offer higher volumes with tiered pricing based on shipment quantity.

Plan limitations:

  • Free: 50 shipments per month
  • Essentials: 100-500 shipments per month
  • Pro: 500-2,000 shipments per month
  • Premium: 2,000+ shipments per month
  • Enterprise: Custom volume pricing

Integration Capabilities

E-commerce Platform Integrations

AfterShip offers pre-built integrations with major e-commerce platforms, enabling seamless tracking automation without custom development.

Supported platforms include:

  • Shopify
  • WooCommerce
  • Magento
  • BigCommerce
  • PrestaShop
  • OpenCart
  • Wix
  • Squarespace
  • Amazon Seller Central
  • eBay

These integrations automatically import order data, submit tracking numbers, and update customers throughout the delivery process.

Shipping Software Integrations

AfterShip connects with popular shipping and logistics software, creating end-to-end visibility from order placement through final delivery.

Integration partners include:

  • ShipStation
  • Shippo
  • EasyPost
  • ShipRocket (India-specific)
  • Shiprocket
  • ShippingEasy
  • Ordoro

Customer Service Platform Integrations

Connect AfterShip with customer service tools to provide support teams with tracking visibility during customer interactions.

Supported platforms:

  • Zendesk
  • Freshdesk
  • Gorgias
  • Help Scout
  • Intercom
  • Klaviyo (email marketing)
  • Mailchimp

Comparison with Direct Courier Tracking

AspectAfterShipDirect Courier Tracking
Multi-carrier Support1,100+ carriersSingle carrier only
Unified DashboardYesNo
Standardized StatusesYesVaries by courier
Predictive Delivery DatesYesLimited
Exception AlertsAutomatedManual checking
Branded ExperienceAvailableNot available
AnalyticsComprehensiveLimited or none
API IntegrationRobustVaries by courier
Mobile AppUnified experienceSeparate apps needed
CostFree/Paid plansAlways free
Update FrequencyDepends on courierReal-time from courier
Data AccuracySame as sourceDirect from source

Best Practices for Using AfterShip

For Individual Customers

Tracking Management:

  • Create free account for tracking history
  • Enable email notifications for important shipments
  • Use mobile app for on-the-go tracking
  • Organize shipments by expected delivery date
  • Archive delivered shipments regularly

Exception Handling:

  • Act quickly on delivery failure notifications
  • Contact courier directly for address corrections
  • Monitor exception alerts for time-sensitive packages
  • Save proof of delivery documentation
  • Provide feedback for tracking experience improvement

For E-commerce Businesses

Implementation Strategy:

  • Start with free plan to test functionality
  • Integrate with existing e-commerce platform
  • Customize branded tracking pages
  • Configure automated customer notifications
  • Train support team on AfterShip features

Optimization Tactics:

  • Monitor carrier performance analytics
  • Identify problematic shipping routes
  • Optimize carrier selection based on data
  • Reduce support inquiries through proactive notifications
  • Use returns portal for streamlined reverse logistics
  • A/B test notification timing and content
  • Analyze delivery performance by region

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Tracking Number Not Found

When AfterShip cannot locate tracking information, several factors may be responsible.

Resolution steps:

  • Verify tracking number accuracy from original source
  • Wait 12-24 hours for courier system registration
  • Manually select courier if auto-detection fails
  • Check if courier is supported by AfterShip
  • Confirm tracking number is not internal reference
  • Contact courier directly if issue persists

Incorrect Courier Detection

AfterShip occasionally misidentifies the courier handling a shipment due to similar tracking number formats.

Correction process:

  • Manually select correct courier from dropdown
  • Verify tracking number format with courier website
  • Report persistent detection issues to AfterShip support
  • Note courier name when saving tracking number

Delayed Tracking Updates

Tracking information may update slower than expected due to courier system delays or API limitations.

Understanding delays:

  • Courier tracking system update frequency varies
  • Peak seasons create processing backlogs
  • Some couriers provide limited API access
  • Manual tracking on courier website may show faster updates
  • International shipments experience longer gaps

Missing Delivery Confirmation

Tracking may show “Expired” status when couriers fail to provide final delivery scan.

Handling expired status:

  • Check with recipient for actual delivery
  • Contact courier for delivery confirmation
  • Request proof of delivery documentation
  • Verify package received despite tracking status

Mobile App Advanced Features

Push Notification Customization

Configure granular notification preferences controlling which updates trigger alerts.

Customization options:

  • Enable/disable notifications by status type
  • Set quiet hours for notification delivery
  • Priority shipment notifications
  • Exception-only notification mode
  • Delivery day reminders
  • Multiple device synchronization

Widget Support

Add home screen widgets displaying active shipment statuses without opening the app.

Widget capabilities:

  • Current status overview
  • Estimated delivery dates
  • Exception alerts
  • Quick access to detailed tracking
  • Multiple widget sizes
  • Auto-refresh functionality

Barcode Scanning

Scan tracking barcodes from shipping labels or receipts for instant tracking addition.

Scanning features:

  • Camera-based barcode recognition
  • Support for multiple barcode formats
  • Automatic courier detection
  • Batch scanning for multiple packages
  • Historical scan archive

Future Platform Developments

AfterShip continues evolving its platform with emerging technologies and expanded capabilities.

Expected innovations:

  • Enhanced AI-powered delivery predictions
  • Carbon footprint tracking per shipment
  • Augmented reality package visualization
  • Voice assistant integration
  • Blockchain-based tracking verification
  • Advanced fraud detection
  • Sustainability metrics for carriers
  • Enhanced real-time GPS tracking integration

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is AfterShip free to use for tracking personal shipments in India?

Yes, AfterShip offers a free plan allowing individuals to track up to 50 shipments per month across all supported couriers. The free plan includes basic tracking functionality, email notifications, and access to the mobile app. You can track shipments from any Indian courier supported by AfterShip (including Blue Dart, DTDC, Delhivery, India Post, and many others) without creating an account, though registration provides access to tracking history and saved shipments. For tracking more than 50 shipments monthly or accessing advanced features like branded tracking pages and API access, paid plans are available starting with the Essentials tier.

Q2: How does AfterShip automatically detect which courier is handling my shipment?

AfterShip uses sophisticated algorithms that analyze tracking number formats, structures, and patterns to automatically identify the courier handling your shipment. Each courier typically uses distinct tracking number formats (specific length, character patterns, prefixes, or check digits). When you enter a tracking number, AfterShip’s system compares it against a database of known tracking number formats from 1,100+ couriers worldwide. The platform achieves approximately 95% accuracy in automatic courier detection. If automatic detection fails or identifies the wrong courier, you can manually select the correct courier from the dropdown menu to retrieve accurate tracking information.

Q3: Why does AfterShip sometimes show less detailed tracking information than the courier’s official website?

AfterShip displays tracking information retrieved from courier APIs and databases, which may contain less detail than what couriers show on their official websites. Some couriers provide limited data through their APIs while reserving more detailed information for their own platforms. Additionally, API update frequencies may differ from real-time website updates, creating temporary information gaps. For the most comprehensive and immediate tracking details, checking the courier’s official website directly is sometimes necessary. However, AfterShip’s value lies in consolidating tracking from multiple couriers into a single interface rather than providing the absolute most detailed view of individual shipments.

Q4: Can businesses use AfterShip to send tracking notifications to customers automatically?

Yes, AfterShip provides comprehensive automated notification capabilities for e-commerce businesses through paid plans. Once integrated with your e-commerce platform (Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, etc.), AfterShip automatically imports order data and tracking numbers, then sends customized email and SMS notifications to customers at key delivery milestones including shipment confirmation, in-transit updates, out-for-delivery alerts, and delivery confirmation. Businesses can fully customize notification templates with their branding, logos, and messaging while maintaining consistency with their overall customer experience. This automation significantly reduces customer support inquiries about order status and improves customer satisfaction through proactive communication.

Q5: Does AfterShip support tracking for Cash on Delivery (COD) shipments in India?

Yes, AfterShip fully supports tracking COD shipments from Indian couriers that offer COD services. The platform tracks COD shipments identically to prepaid shipments, displaying all available tracking information including delivery attempts, payment collection status (when provided by the courier), and delivery confirmation. However, the level of COD-specific information (such as payment collection confirmation, remittance status, or COD amount) depends entirely on what data the individual courier provides through their API. Major Indian couriers like Delhivery, DTDC, and Blue Dart that support COD services integrate well with AfterShip. For businesses, AfterShip’s analytics can help monitor COD delivery success rates and identify patterns in COD-related delivery failures or returns.