If you're expecting the arrival of an important package, keeping track of its status can be crucial. Luckily, WorldShip, UPS's shipping software, can help you easily track inbound shipments. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of using WorldShip to track UPS inbound shipments, step by step.
Understanding WorldShip and Its Features
Before we dive into how to track inbound shipments with WorldShip, let's first discuss what WorldShip is and its features. WorldShip is a software solution used by businesses to manage their shipping operations, including tracking packages, printing labels, and managing customs forms. Along with tracking outbound shipments, it can also track inbound shipments.
One of the key features of WorldShip is its ability to integrate with other software solutions, such as accounting and inventory management systems. This allows businesses to streamline their shipping processes and reduce errors by eliminating the need for manual data entry.
Another important feature of WorldShip is its reporting capabilities. Businesses can generate reports on shipping costs, delivery times, and other metrics to help them make informed decisions about their shipping operations. These reports can also be used to identify areas for improvement and optimize shipping processes.
Setting up Your WorldShip Account for Inbound Shipment Tracking
In order to track inbound shipments using WorldShip, you'll need to ensure that your account is set up for it. First, log in to your WorldShip account and navigate to the Options menu. Then, select the Tracking tab and ensure that the option for inbound tracking is selected. Once this is done, you're ready to start tracking inbound shipments.
It's important to note that not all carriers support inbound tracking through WorldShip. Before setting up your account, check with your carrier to ensure that they offer this service. If they do, you'll need to provide them with your WorldShip account number so that they can link your inbound shipments to your account.
Once your account is set up for inbound tracking, you'll be able to view the status of your inbound shipments in real-time. This can help you better manage your inventory and plan for incoming shipments. Additionally, you can set up email notifications to alert you when your inbound shipments are on their way, so you can be prepared to receive them.
Navigating the WorldShip Interface: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that your account is set up, let's take a closer look at the WorldShip interface. When you first open WorldShip, you'll see a dashboard that displays your recent shipments. To track an inbound shipment, click on the Tracking tab and select "Track Import" from the dropdown menu.
One of the most useful features of WorldShip is the ability to create and save shipment profiles. This allows you to quickly and easily create shipments with pre-filled information, such as the recipient's address and shipping method. To create a new shipment profile, click on the Shipment History tab and select "Create Shipment Profile" from the dropdown menu.
Another important aspect of the WorldShip interface is the Address Book. This feature allows you to save frequently used addresses, such as your own business address or the addresses of your regular customers. To add a new address to your Address Book, click on the Address Book tab and select "Add New Address" from the dropdown menu.
Adding Inbound Shipments to Your WorldShip Dashboard
Once you're on the "Track Import" screen, you can add inbound shipments by entering their tracking numbers and selecting "Add." Alternatively, you can import a list of tracking numbers from a file. Once you've added an inbound shipment, it will appear in the "Inbound Shipments" section of your dashboard.
It's important to note that you can only add inbound shipments to your WorldShip dashboard if you have the necessary permissions. If you don't see the "Inbound Shipments" section on your dashboard, you may need to contact your administrator to request access.
In addition to tracking inbound shipments, you can also use WorldShip to manage your outbound shipments. This includes creating shipping labels, scheduling pickups, and generating reports to track your shipping activity. With WorldShip, you can streamline your shipping process and save time and money on your shipping operations.
Understanding the Different Tracking Options Available in WorldShip
WorldShip offers several different tracking options, including "Track Import," "Track Export," and "Track All." Inbound shipments should be tracked using the "Track Import" option. This will allow you to view detailed information about the shipment, such as its status, estimated delivery date, and any exceptions or delays.
For outbound shipments, the "Track Export" option should be used. This option provides similar information to the "Track Import" option, but is specifically designed for outbound shipments. If you want to track both inbound and outbound shipments, the "Track All" option is available. This option will display all shipments associated with your account, regardless of whether they are inbound or outbound.
Using Search Filters to Find Specific Inbound Shipments
If you have multiple inbound shipments to track, you may want to filter your results to find a specific shipment. WorldShip allows you to filter your inbound shipments by tracking number, date range, and location. This can help you quickly find the shipment you're looking for.
Another useful filter option is to search by shipment status. This allows you to easily locate shipments that are in transit, have been delivered, or are still in processing. You can also filter by shipment type, such as ground or air, to narrow down your search results.
It's important to note that the more specific your search filters are, the more accurate your results will be. If you're having trouble finding a specific shipment, try adjusting your filters or double-checking the tracking number. With the right search filters, you can easily manage and track all of your inbound shipments in one place.
Creating Custom Reports for Inbound Shipments with WorldShip
If you need to generate reports for your inbound shipments, WorldShip makes it easy to do so. Simply navigate to the Reports tab and select the "Create Custom Report" option. From there, you can select the data fields you want to include in your report and generate it with just a few clicks.
Custom reports can be a powerful tool for analyzing your inbound shipments and identifying areas for improvement. With WorldShip, you can save your custom report settings for future use, making it even easier to generate the reports you need. Additionally, you can schedule reports to be generated automatically at regular intervals, ensuring that you always have the most up-to-date information at your fingertips.
Managing Multiple Inbound Shipments with WorldShip's Batch Processing Feature
If you have a high volume of inbound shipments to track, WorldShip's batch processing feature can save you time and effort. This feature allows you to import a list of tracking numbers and track them all at once. Once the batch process is complete, you can view the status of all your inbound shipments in one place.
In addition to tracking inbound shipments, WorldShip's batch processing feature can also be used to create shipping labels for multiple packages at once. This is especially useful for businesses that need to ship out a large number of packages on a regular basis. By importing a list of package details, such as weight and dimensions, you can quickly generate shipping labels for all of your packages.
Another benefit of using WorldShip's batch processing feature is the ability to customize your shipment information. You can add specific reference numbers, such as purchase order numbers or customer names, to each shipment in the batch. This makes it easier to track and manage your shipments, as well as provide accurate information to your customers.
Troubleshooting Common Issues When Tracking Inbound Shipments in WorldShip
If you're having trouble tracking inbound shipments using WorldShip, there are a few common issues you may encounter. These include incorrect tracking numbers, system errors, and connectivity issues. If you run into any of these issues, contact UPS customer service for assistance.
That concludes our guide to using WorldShip to track inbound shipments. With WorldShip's powerful tracking features, you can easily monitor the status of your shipments and stay informed every step of the way.
However, there are a few additional tips that can help you troubleshoot these issues on your own. First, double-check that you have entered the correct tracking number and that it is formatted correctly. If the tracking number is correct, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, or restarting your computer. If you are still experiencing issues, try accessing WorldShip from a different browser or device.
Another common issue is that the shipment may not have been scanned into the system yet. In this case, try checking the tracking information again in a few hours or the next day. If the shipment still does not appear in the system, contact the sender to confirm that the package has been shipped and to obtain the correct tracking number.
