Want to know where your package is? Just text

Wireless service provider Smart Communications Inc. has now made package tracking services more accessible to the public.

Smart recently forged partnerships with leading couriers DHL Worldwide Express, Federal Express, TNT Global Express, Logistics and Mail and Aboitiz Express to develop a package tracking service that runs on SMS (Short Messaging Service).

"What makes this service special is that our GSM subscribers no longer need a PC and visit the couriers’ websites to track down a package. This is very important in the Philippines where only a small fraction of the population has access to a PC," says Anastacio Martirez, Smart’s personal communications and mobile services head.

"For only P2.50 per transaction, anyone with a Smart GSM phone can now obtain real-time tracking information about their parcels," he adds.

Before, shipment couriers dealt with their customers’ anxiety of not knowing whether a package has reached its intended recipient or not by introducing Web-based package tracking services.

A tracking system, developed by major couriers on their websites, enabled customers to get timely information and status-check around the clock, anywhere around the world. Customers only have to log on to the couriers’ sites, click on the tracking hyperlink, type the consignment or airbill number, and click on the "track now" button to get the location of the package.

Today, however, package tracking via SMS is easy. A mobile phone user who wants to know if his DHL package has been received, for example, needs only to enter the query DHL <airway bill number>, and send to 288. A status report will then be sent to the user detailing whether the shipment has been delivered, who signed for it and other tracking information.

The code and access numbers (e.g. 211/288) for the package tracking services vary depending on the courier. Aboitiz Express, for instance, uses ABOITIZ <consignment number> or <airway bill number> and access number 211.

"Smart’s whole slew of package tracking services is the right solution to your business or personal needs as it allows you to track and trace packages more quickly and efficiently," Martirez says.