Skip to main content

Shipwell LTL Tracking Guide

S
Written by Shipwell TMS Support
Updated over a week ago

How Shipwell Enhances Shipment Visibility

Shipwell offers a variety of tracking methods to provide shippers with real-time shipment visibility and automated status updates. Our platform supports API, EDI, Telematics, Mobile, and Manual tracking, ensuring seamless integration with carriers, third-party providers, and in-house logistics teams. Whether leveraging automated data feeds from ELDs and APIs, receiving scheduled status updates via EDI, or utilizing mobile and manual entry options, Shipwell provides flexible and reliable solutions tailored to your tracking needs.

Tracking Methods Supported in Shipwell

Shipwell provides various tracking methods to offer flexibility in managing shipments. Below is an overview of the available tracking methods, their functions, and the scenarios in which they are most beneficial.

Tracking Method

How It Works

Best For

Telematics

Uses IoT devices and GPS Data for real-time tracking updates.

Real-time tracking across multiple providers

API

Direct integration with carriers and third-party platforms for automated tracking, real-time status updates, and document management.

Automated status updates & document management

EDI

EDI 214 In-Transit Check Calls provide scheduled status updates on shipment progress.

Traditional LTL carriers with EDI workflows

Mobile

Shipwell Mobile App enables breadcrumb tracking and driver status updates for real-time visibility and location information.

Carriers without automated tracking

Manual

Providers can manually input status updates through the Carrier Portal, ensuring visibility for shippers without automated tracking.

Backup tracking when automation isn’t available

How to Setup Tracking in Shipwell- Configuring tracking in Shipwell involves specific setup steps and carrier integrations tailored to the chosen method—Telematics, API, EDI, Mobile, or Manual updates. Each method has unique requirements, including carrier connectivity, system permissions, data-sharing agreements, or manual data entry processes. This section details the configuration steps for each tracking method to ensure accurate shipment visibility and smooth status updates.

Tracking Method

Required Setup

Supported Documentation

Telematics

Provider Activation

ELD Integration (External documentation coming soon)

API Integration

Carrier setup in Shipwell, and 3rd Party Provider

API setup with the third-party provider is managed directly by Shipwell.

API Carrier Direct Integration

Carrier setup in Shipwell for direct API Integration

EDI

Carrier & Shipwell Authorization & Data Sharing Agreement

Mobile

Driver Mobile Number and Shipwell Application Download

Manual

Shipwell User Profile Creation

How to Start Tracking in Shipwell

Each tracking method in Shipwell has specific requirements to ensure accurate shipment visibility. Below is a breakdown of what’s needed to start receiving tracking data based on the method used.

Tracking Method

Requirements for Getting Tracking Data

Telematics

Power Unit # or Driver Phone# must be provided and linked to an active ELD or telematics device.

API

Carrier or Shipper must send a Dispatch Request and generate a Pro Number for tracking activation.

EDI

Carrier must accept the shipment via EDI 990, and the shipment status must be updated to “Tendered”.

Mobile

Driver’s mobile number must be entered, and the driver must download the Shipwell Mobile App to enable tracking.

Manual

A user or carrier representative must manually enter dispatch details and update the shipment status in the system.

Tracking LTL Shipments with Carriers

To effectively track LTL shipments, the Shipwell system must sync with the carrier's system using a unique identifier called the PRO Number. This ensures both systems can recognize the shipment and provide tracking updates and document images. Shipwell supports three methods for assigning PRO Numbers:

Method

How It Works

Best For

PRO Number from Carrier at Dispatch

Carrier assigns PRO number at dispatch, syncing both systems right away.

Immediate sync at dispatch.

PRO Number from Block of Numbers in Profile

Shipwell assigns PRO number, carrier updates once the freight reaches terminal.

Carrier updates needed after dispatch.

PRO Number from Carrier After Pickup

Carrier assigns PRO number after pickup, requires matching Pickup Number.

Carrier updates after pickup.

Once these requirements are met, tracking data will start flowing into Shipwell’s dashboards, shipment details, and automated alerts, ensuring real-time visibility throughout transit.

Tracking Update Frequency by Method

Tracking update frequency in Shipwell varies based on the tracking method used and the carrier's data-sharing capabilities. Some methods, like Telematics and API integrations, provide real-time or frequent automated updates, while others, such as EDI and Manual tracking, rely on scheduled status updates or user input. Understanding the frequency of tracking updates helps shippers set the right expectations for visibility and ensure proactive shipment management. The table below outlines the update intervals for each tracking method.

Tracking Method

Update Frequency

Notes

Telematics

Every 1-5 minutes

Real-time updates from GPS-enabled devices

API

Hourly

Direct data from carriers

EDI

Status-driven updates

Updates based on shipment progress

Mobile

Varies by provider

Driver-triggered or set intervals

Manual

User-dependent

Entered as updates are received

How to Access Tracking Data in Shipwell

Shipwell provides a centralized and intuitive platform for tracking shipments in real time. Whether you need high-level visibility across multiple shipments or detailed tracking for a single load, Shipwell offers multiple ways to access and interact with tracking data. Users can monitor shipments through customizable dashboards, interactive maps, automated alerts, and detailed shipment views, ensuring seamless logistics management from pickup to delivery.

Tracking data in Shipwell is available in the following key areas:

Shipment Dashboard- Offers users a real-time, customizable view of shipment status, ETAs, and delays with color-coded indicators and automated alerts.

Feature

Description

Customizable Filters

Filters for shipment status, ETAs, and tracking updates to tailor the view.

Color-Coded Indicators

Highlights On-Time (Green), At Risk (Yellow), and Late (Red) shipments for easy tracking.

Automated Alerts

Notifications for delays or key milestone tracking events to keep users informed.

Milestone Tracking Dashboard- Provides real-time updates on critical shipment milestones, with interactive maps, breadcrumb tracking, and geofencing alerts for proactive issue management.

Feature

Description

Key Event Updates

Real-time updates for critical milestones like pickup, departure, arrived at terminal, en route, and delivery.

Interactive Map

Displays real-time location, estimated ETAs, and overlays for weather, traffic, and satellite data.

Geofencing Alerts

Notifies when shipments enter or exit specific zones (e.g., ports, terminals, warehouses, delivery locations).

Geofencing and Breadcrumb Tracking Capabilities- The table below summarizes Shipwell's Geofencing and Breadcrumb Tracking capabilities. It highlights key aspects like geofencing alerts, real-time tracking, route insights, and proactive issue detection, all designed to improve shipment visibility and transit efficiency.

Feature

Details

Geofencing Radius

Default 1,000 meters, non-configurable

Geofencing Notifications

Driver notified 2 hours before stop time

Geofencing Alerts

Alerts when entering or exiting specific zones

Breadcrumb Tracking

Real-time driver location and historical route insights

Enhanced Predictability

Dynamic ETAs based on GPS and external conditions

Issue Mitigation

Immediate awareness of route deviations or stops

Shipment Details Page- Offers a comprehensive view of each shipment, providing key information to efficiently manage and track shipments.

Feature

Description

Detailed Tracking History

Timestamps provide a complete view of the shipment journey.

Event-Driven Tracking Updates

Real-time updates from carriers to keep users informed of critical milestones.

Document Storage

Easy access to proof of delivery (PODs), invoices, and tracking records.

Workflow Management

Streamlines tendering and routing freight through routing guides.

Bid Management

Manages shipments submitted to the spot market for competitive pricing and visibility.

Financials

Tracks freight costs, bill-to party details, and invoices for auditing and settlement.

Automated Alerts & Notifications – Keep users informed in real-time about key shipment events, delays, and exceptions, ensuring proactive management throughout the delivery process.

Feature

Description

Status Change Notifications

Notifies when a shipment progresses through key milestones (e.g., dispatched, picked up, in transit, delivered).

Exception Alerts

Alerts for unexpected delays, missed pickups, or geofence deviations.

Geofencing Alerts

Triggered when a shipment enters or exits a predefined geofence (e.g., terminal or delivery location).

Predictive ETA Updates

Automatic recalculations of estimated delivery times based on real-time tracking data.

By leveraging Shipwell’s advanced tracking tools and real-time visibility, shippers can anticipate delays, proactively manage exceptions, and optimize delivery schedules, ultimately ensuring smoother operations, improved customer satisfaction, and greater control over their freight management.

Did this answer your question?