📦 Trackers | Ship24 - Tracking API Documentation (2024)

Introduction to Tracker​

In order to have Ship24 track your shipments, you need to create a Tracker for each shipment on which you wish to receive tracking results. A Tracker is basically an instruction for Ship24 to track a shipment and is composed of a tracking number and a few shipment-related information such as courier information, origin country, destination country, etc.

Did you know?

Tracking numbers are not unique, you could have a shipment handled by FedEx in the US shipped in March and a shipment handled by GLS in Europe in March as well, with both of which sharing the same tracking number.

That's why we recommend providing as much information as possible on top of the tracking number when creating a Tracker. Based on that, a unique trackerId is systematically generated by Ship24 for each Tracker created and shared in the API response. We recommend storing and using Ship24's trackerId on top of the tracking number to identify and match information to a specific shipment. This Ship24's trackerId is also present in our webhook messages.

Alternatively, you can also provide a unique shipmentReference when creating a Tracker, which will be present in our API response and webhook. However, we don't verify the unicity of this data so please make sure it's fully unique for each shipment on your side before using it as such.

Trackings endpoints overview​

A Tracker can be created using one of the following endpoints:

  • Create tracker POST /v1/trackers

Create a new tracker, which means you are asking Ship24 to start tracking this shipment based on its tracking number.

  • Create tracker and get tracking results POST /v1/trackers/track

Create a new tracker and get tracking results synchronously. As tracking results are fetched synchronously from couriers, the initial response time of the API may be up to one minute.

Once created, a Tracker will track the corresponding shipment by automatically and continuously gathering the tracking results from the different couriers and sources of data.

Tracker can be viewed and modified using the following endpoints:

  • Update an existing tracker PATCH /v1/trackers/:trackerId

Update an existing tracker by id. Data related to the shipment (i.e. destination country, shipping date) can't be modified if the Tracker already gathered shipment tracking information. Updating a Tracker is recommended in case you wish to provide additional courierCode afterward, however, it's best to provide all recommended information at the creation of a Tracker.

  • Get an existing tracker GET /v1/trackers/:trackerId

Get an existing tracker by id. Please note that this endpoint will only return the Tracker information and not the tracking result. See Get tracker results by id or Get tracker results by tracking number to get the tracking result.

  • Get existing trackers GET /v1/trackers

Get the list of existing trackers, using page-based pagination.

Tracking results from a Tracker can be retrieved in different ways:

1- Automatically receive webhook notifications for new tracking results. See webhooks.

This is the most efficient way to receive tracking results as you don't need to call our system at regular intervals, and you get informed as soon as we discover new events.

2- Fetch instantly the latest tracking results from our system using one of the following endpoints:

  • Get results for an existing tracker GET /v1/trackers/:trackerId/results

If you store Ship24's trackerId in your system, this is the best way to fetch tracking results from an existing Tracker.

  • Get tracker results by tracking number GET /v1/trackers/search/:trackingNumber/results

If you don't wish to store Ship24's trackerId in your system, you can use this endpoint to search a Tracker by tracking number. However, if you create two different Tracker for two different shipments going to two different destination countries with different couriers, that have the same tracking number, you will get an array of Tracker as a response. As tracking numbers are not unique, we always recommend using Get results for an existing tracker with Ship24's trackerId instead.

  • Create tracker and get results POST /v1/trackers/track

As this endpoint is idempotent, it can be used initiallyto create the Tracker and get tracking results, and later on to get subsequent results by calling it again. This is the simplest way if you wish to have just one unified endpoint that can be called again and again to get tracking results. However, make sure the payload sent is always the same, as a new Tracker will be created if any information in the payload changes, and keep in mind that the initial call will be long, as explained in the endpoint definition.

📦 Trackers | Ship24 - Tracking API Documentation (2024)

FAQs

What is API in tracking? ›

The Tracking API provides the opportunity to track shipments by reference, package or shipment number. It is an easy way to get shipment details and events and make them available for customers. The information available in this API is the same that is publicly available from the Tracking website. Authentication.

What is API for GPS tracking? ›

Application Programming Interfaces (APIs): APIs serve as interfaces that enable communication and interaction between different software applications. In the context of GPS trackers, APIs provide a standardized way to access and control the tracking data and functionalities.

What is the difference between API and track? ›

Tracked properties are private, where properties decorated with @api are public and can be set by another component. @track is powerful, but remember, track a property only if you want the component to rerender when the property's value changes.

How do I track an API request? ›

The simplest way to view your API metrics is to use the Google Cloud console's API Dashboard. You can see an overview of all your API usage, or you can drill down to your usage of a specific API. To see an overview of your API usage: Visit Cloud console's APIs and Services section.

What software is used for GPS tracking? ›

Choosing the Right Software
GPS Tracking SoftwareFree VersionMobile App
GPS InsightNoYes
QuartixNoYes
AutoWizNoYes
GPSWoxNoYes
3 more rows
Jul 25, 2024

What is needed for GPS tracking? ›

GPS tracking requires a device to be installed in a vehicle, on an asset, or to be worn by a person. The device then provides information about its exact location and subsequent movements, enabling tracking in real-time.

What is the difference between GPS and GPS tracking? ›

The purpose of using GPS navigation is to reach a destination point or identifying one's own position in the map. The purpose of tracking is to identify something or someone else's position on a map.

What does API mean for? ›

API stands for Application Programming Interface. In the context of APIs, the word Application refers to any software with a distinct function. Interface can be thought of as a contract of service between two applications. This contract defines how the two communicate with each other using requests and responses.

What does API stand for in shipping? ›

A shipping API is part of a family of codes, called application program interfaces, responsible for allowing web applications to communicate seamlessly. Shipping APIs simplify and streamline the shipping process by allowing you to access shipping capabilities from one platform within your own platform.

What does API mean in travel? ›

This is known as Advance Passenger Information (API). Your airline will let you know what they need from you. Usually, they will ask you to provide your name, date of birth and passport details when you book your flight or check in.

What is API in trucking? ›

Application programming interface, commonly known as API, is a popular method for integrating directly to your freight provider. API integrations can minimize or eliminate those frustrating back-and-forths that drain your team's time and cut into productivity.

References

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