Purpose: Learn how to track parcels in Sendcloud without creating outgoing shipments, and how to set up your account and API integration for this functionality.
If you are not the contract owner (for example, if you work with a 3PL provider or generate your labels through a marketplace), you will need to request or obtain the carrier’s contract credentials. Otherwise, it will not be possible to use this feature.
What is External Parcel Tracking?
External Parcel Tracking allows you to track parcels in Sendcloud without creating outgoing shipments. This means you can still use Sendcloud’s tracking features even if you use another tool to create and print your labels.
By using External Parcel Tracking, you can:
☑️ See the status of your parcels in Sendcloud.
☑️ Receive notifications and updates for your shipments.
☑️ Automate customer support workflows with Support Automation.
☑️ Analyze your shipping operations with Analytics.
Step 1: Set Up Carrier Contracts
Before parcels can be tracked, you need to connect your carrier contracts in Sendcloud.
- In your Sendcloud panel, go to Shipping → Carriers.
- Add or select your carrier contracts and set them to Active.
- Ensure you have the correct API credentials for tracking.
Step 2: Create a Sendcloud API Integration
Once your carriers are set up, you’ll need an API integration to register parcels for tracking.
- Go to Settings → Integrations in your Sendcloud panel.
- Create a new API integration.
- Use the Create an external parcel for tracking to register parcels.
- In your request, include the carrier contract ID from Step 1.
For testing purposes, you only need to provide the required fields to register a parcel. However, we recommend filling in as many details as possible (such as parcel reference or customer details) to make tracking and reporting more accurate.
If you want to send branded tracking emails, you can also provide your brand_id in the request.