AfterShip Technology Intelligence

What is AfterShip?

AfterShip is a shipment tracking platform that helps e-commerce businesses track deliveries across multiple carriers. Founded in 2012 in Hong Kong by Teddy Chan and Andrew Chan, AfterShip integrates with over 1,100 carriers worldwide.

AfterShip provides branded tracking pages, automated delivery notifications, and analytics for shipping operations. The platform reduces "Where is my order?" support tickets by proactively updating customers. Features include multi-carrier tracking, delivery date predictions, and returns management. Over 10,000 retailers use AfterShip to improve post-purchase customer experience.

Key Features

Tracking

• Multi-carrier: 1,100+ carriers supported
• Branded Pages: Custom tracking experience
• Auto-detect: Carrier auto-detection
• Real-time: Live tracking updates

Notifications

• Email: Automated email updates
• SMS: Text message alerts
• Webhooks: Custom integrations
• Triggers: Status-based notifications

Analytics

• On-time Delivery: Performance metrics
• Transit Time: Carrier comparison
• Exception Rate: Issue tracking
• Reports: Exportable analytics

Returns

• Returns Portal: Self-service returns
• Label Generation: Return shipping labels
• Tracking: Return shipment tracking
• Automation: Return policies

Use Cases

E-commerce Tracking

Online stores provide shipment visibility to customers. Branded tracking pages match store design. Proactive notifications reduce support inquiries. Cross-sell opportunities on tracking pages.

Multi-Carrier Management

Retailers shipping with multiple carriers centralize tracking. One dashboard for all shipments. Compare carrier performance easily. Standardized tracking experience regardless of carrier.

Support Ticket Reduction

Customer service teams reduce WISMO (Where Is My Order) tickets. Automated updates keep customers informed. Self-service tracking reduces calls. Exception alerts enable proactive support.

Returns Management

Brands simplify the returns process. Customers initiate returns without contacting support. Automated return label generation. Track returns back to warehouse.

Delivery Experience

Companies improve post-purchase experience. Delivery predictions set expectations. Delay notifications manage disappointment. Positive experiences drive repeat purchases.

Operations Analytics

Logistics teams optimize shipping operations. Identify underperforming carriers. Track delivery time trends. Make data-driven carrier decisions.

Code Examples

Create Tracking (Node.js)

const AfterShip = require('aftership')('YOUR_API_KEY');

// Create a tracking
const tracking = await AfterShip.tracking.createTracking({
    tracking_number: '1234567890',
    slug: 'ups',
    title: 'Order #12345',
    customer_name: 'John Doe',
    emails: ['[email protected]'],
    order_id: '12345'
});

// Get tracking info
const result = await AfterShip.tracking.getTracking({
    slug: 'ups',
    tracking_number: '1234567890'
});

console.log(result.tracking.tag); // Delivered, InTransit, etc.

Webhook Handler

app.post('/aftership-webhook', (req, res) => {
    const { event, msg } = req.body;
    const { tracking_number, tag, subtag } = msg;

    switch(tag) {
        case 'Delivered':
            // Trigger review request
            sendReviewRequest(msg.emails);
            break;
        case 'Exception':
            // Alert customer service
            notifySupport(tracking_number, subtag);
            break;
        case 'OutForDelivery':
            // Send delivery day notification
            sendDeliveryNotification(msg);
            break;
    }

    res.status(200).send('OK');
});

Tracking Widget

<!-- AfterShip Tracking Widget -->
<div id="as-root"
     data-slug="YOUR_DOMAIN"
     data-locale="en">
</div>
<script src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.aftership.com/track-button/track-button.js"></script>

REST API

# Get tracking
curl -X GET \
    -H "aftership-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY" \
    "https://api.aftership.com/v4/trackings/ups/1234567890"

Platform Comparison

AfterShip vs Route

• Insurance: Route includes package protection
• Carriers: AfterShip more carriers
• Returns: Both offer returns management
• Pricing: Route takes percentage of GMV

AfterShip vs Narvar

• Enterprise: Narvar enterprise-focused
• SMB: AfterShip better for smaller stores
• Features: Narvar more comprehensive
• Cost: AfterShip more affordable

Strengths

• Wide carrier coverage
• Easy integration
• Affordable pricing
• Good Shopify app
• Reliable tracking updates

Considerations

• Feature limits on lower tiers
• Returns limited in basic plans
• Customer support varies by plan
• Some carriers less reliable
• Branding options limited