The Key Role of Waybill Number and Tracking Number in Logistics

Logistics and transportation are undoubtedly the key link between sellers and buyers. However, in the face of complex international fulfillment processes, confusion between waybill number and tracking number, difficulty in querying, etc., often become hot pain points that trouble merchants and consumers. They are not only related to the tracking and transportation of goods, but also directly affect the customer service experience. This article will answer common doubts about Waybill Number and Tracking Number in international fulfillment and provide professional solutions.

Definition of Waybill Number and Tracking Number

What is a Waybill Number?

Waybill Number is a non-transferable transportation document that records the contents, origin, route and destination of the shipment in detail. As a contract between the sender and the recipient, it provides detailed information about the shipment to facilitate customs clearance, query and tracking. Waybill Number is more used for internal management and settlement of logistics companies to ensure that the goods can be transported to the destination accurately and as proof that the goods have been received by the carrier, but in some cases, customers can also track the package through it.

Main features of the waybill number

Identification: Identify specific goods in the logistics chain.

Tracking: Allows businesses and customers to track the movement of goods in real time.

Liability: Provides a reference for claims, package loss or cargo damage.

What is Tracking Number?

Tracking Number is a unique identifier provided by the carrier to customers to track the location of the package within the logistics network. It usually consists of numbers and possible letters and is the key to package tracking. With the tracking number, the shipper and consignee can check the real-time location and status of the package on the logistics company's official website or a third-party platform.

Where can I check the waybill number?

Shipping label

The waybill number will be displayed on the shipping label attached to the package, usually in a barcode format with a series of alphanumeric characters below or near the barcode.

Email notification

After shipment, the carrier or online store usually sends a notification containing the waybill number via email.

E-commerce platform order details

If you place an order through an e-commerce platform, you can view the logistics information, including the waybill number, in the order details.

Online platform

Some online platforms or the official website of the carrier also provide a waybill number query service.

Seller customer service

If the waybill number cannot be found through the above methods, you can contact the seller's customer service and provide the order information to obtain the waybill number.

How to track the package by the waybill number?

Get the waybill number

After the carrier issues the bill of lading, the shipper or freight forwarder will provide the waybill number to the consignee.

Select a query platform

Go to the official website of the carrier or use a third-party logistics query tool such as Chinadivision.

Enter the waybill number

Enter the waybill number in the query interface and select relevant options (such as container number or destination port) to ensure the query is accurate.

Check the shipping status

The query results usually include important information such as the current location of the goods, the estimated arrival time, and the deadline for pickup.

What is the difference between DHL Waybill Number and Tracking Number?

Logistics companies such as DHL usually assign a Waybill Number and a Tracking Number to the same package. Waybill Number is mainly used for internal management and settlement of logistics companies, while Tracking Number is used by customers to track packages. Although the two can be used interchangeably in some cases, it is recommended that customers give priority to Tracking Number when tracking packages to ensure the accuracy and real-time nature of the information.

What is the difference between Electronic Waybill and Paper Waybill?

Electronic Waybill is a digital version of paper waybill, which has the advantages of environmental protection, high efficiency and convenience. Electronic waybills can be sent and received through e-mail, mobile APP and other channels, without printing and mailing, which greatly saves time and cost. At the same time, electronic waybills can also realize real-time update and sharing of data, and improve the transparency and traceability of logistics transportation.

Common pain points and solutions for B2C companies

Difficulty in querying waybill numbers:

Solution: Establish a close cooperative relationship with logistics companies to ensure the accuracy and real-time nature of waybill number information. At the same time, provide multiple query channels, such as official website, APP, mini program, etc., to facilitate customer query.

Logistics information is not transparent:

Solution: Use advanced logistics management system to realize real-time update and sharing of data. Provide customers with detailed logistics tracking information, including package location, estimated delivery time, etc., to reduce customer complaints.

High logistics costs:

Solution: Optimize the layout of the logistics network and improve transportation efficiency. At the same time, establish cooperative relationships with multiple logistics companies, conduct price comparisons and negotiations, and reduce logistics costs.

Cross-border logistics is complex:

Solution: Provide professional cross-border logistics services, including assistance in customs declaration, customs clearance, taxation and other links. At the same time, understand and comply with the laws and regulations of various countries to ensure the smooth progress of cross-border logistics.

Package loss or delay

Solution: Purchase transportation insurance to ensure that you can get compensation when the package is lost or damaged.

As a professional international warehousing and logistics service provider, Chinadivision has rich international fulfillment experience and advanced logistics management systems, and understands the importance of waybill numbers and tracking numbers in international logistics. We provide comprehensive logistics solutions to help B2C companies efficiently manage international order fulfillment. If you have any questions about waybill numbers, tracking numbers or international fulfillment, please contact Chinadivision and let us provide professional logistics support for your business.

More related FAQs

Where can I check the waybill number?

The waybill number can be found on the shipping label, or through email notifications or online platform inquiries.

How to track a package by waybill number?

By entering the waybill number on the carrier's official website, you can learn about the progress of cargo transportation in real time and ensure that the cargo arrives at the port on time.