Tracking number import allows you to upload tracking information for multiple orders at once using a CSV file.
This is essential when you receive tracking numbers in bulk from your shipping carrier or fulfillment center.
Why Import Tracking Numbers?
Importing tracking numbers helps you:
- Save Time: Update hundreds of orders in minutes
- Reduce Errors: Avoid manual entry mistakes
- Fulfill Efficiently: Process bulk shipments quickly
- Keep Customers Informed: Send tracking info automatically
- Stay Organized: Match tracking numbers to orders accurately
- Integrate Systems: Connect your shipping system with your store
When to Import Tracking Numbers
Use tracking import when:
- Your shipping carrier provides a tracking export file
- Your fulfillment center sends tracking data
- You use shipping platforms that generate CSV files
- You have tracking numbers in a spreadsheet
- You process daily shipments in bulk
- You update orders after dropping packages at the carrier
- You work with third-party logistics (3PL) providers
Before You Start
Make sure you have:
- A CSV file with order numbers and tracking numbers
- Correct carrier information for each shipment
- Orders that match the tracking data
- Verified orders are not already fulfilled
- A data backup (optional but recommended)
Preparing Your CSV File
Required File Format
Your CSV file must contain the following columns:
Required Columns (Minimum)
- order_id: Shopify order ID (must match exactly)
- tracking_number: Tracking code provided by the carrier
Note: You can import using only these two columns, but including additional columns is recommended.
Optional but Recommended Columns
- tracking_company: Carrier name (DHL, UPS, FedEx, DPD)
- tracking_url: Full tracking URL
- notify_customer: 1 to notify customer, 0 to skip notification
Minimum CSV Example
order_id,tracking_number 6872584650845,1234567890 6872584650846,ABCD1234567890 6872584650847,9876543210
Full CSV Example (Recommended)
order_id,tracking_company,tracking_number,tracking_url,notify_customer 6872584650845,DHL,1234567890,https://www.dhl.com/track?id=1234567890,1 6872584650846,UPS,ABCD1234567890,https://www.ups.com/track?id=ABCD1234567890,0 6872584650847,FedEx,9876543210,https://www.fedex.com/track?id=9876543210,1 6872584650848,DPD,DPD123456789,https://www.dpd.com/track?id=DPD123456789,1 6872584650849,DHL Express,DHL999888777,https://www.dhl.com/track?id=DHL999888777,0
Formatting Requirements
- Order Numbers: Must match exactly, including symbols and casing
- Tracking Numbers: No spaces or special characters
- Carrier Names: Use consistent, supported carrier names
Step-by-Step Import Guide
1. Prepare Your File
- Review the CSV for errors
- Verify order numbers and tracking numbers
- Ensure carrier names are consistent
- Save the final file
2. Access the Import Feature
- Go to the Batch Jobs or Orders section
- Select Import Tracking Numbers
- Or choose Fulfill Orders → Import from CSV
3. Upload Your CSV File
- Click Choose File or Upload
- Select your CSV file
- Review the data preview
4. Map CSV Columns
- Order Number column
- Tracking Number column
- Carrier column (if included)
- Any additional fields
5. Configure Import Options
Fulfillment Options
- Mark orders as fulfilled
- Update tracking only
Notification Options
- Notify all customers
- Notify based on CSV
- Do not notify customers
Error Handling
- Skip invalid rows
- Stop import on first error
6. Review and Confirm
- Verify order count
- Confirm notification settings
- Review carrier selections
7. Start Import
- Click Import to begin
- A batch job is created
- Confirmation is displayed
8. Monitor Progress
- Open the Batch Jobs dashboard
- Track processing status
9. Review Results
- Successfully imported orders
- Failed rows with error reasons
- Customer notifications sent
- Import summary
Common Import Errors
- Order not found
- Order already fulfilled
- Invalid tracking number
- Order canceled
- Invalid carrier name
- Duplicate tracking number
Best Practices
- Test with a small file first
- Validate CSV formatting
- Import in manageable batches
- Review failed rows promptly
- Archive CSV files for reference
Next Steps
- Verify customer notifications
- Monitor deliveries
- Archive fulfilled orders
- Set up automation for regular imports