【Updated 2019.12】You probably have quite a few packages coming during shopping season, so here’s a summary of how to automatically track USPS, UPS, and FedEx packages. UPS has now added a rewards feature: users can choose to have upcoming packages delivered together, or reroute packages to a pickup location to earn rewards. These rewards can be redeemed for merchant gift cards. (Thanks to Creamboy for the tip.)

Tracking Mail and Packages

Normally, if you have a tracking number, you can go to the carrier’s website and track the delivery directly. But sometimes the sender may not provide a tracking number—for example, when a bank mails you a credit card via UPS. In those cases, how can you automatically track the shipment? Today I’ll share how to automatically get package information associated with your mailing address.

UPS My Choice

For UPS packages, the easiest way is to sign up for UPS My Choice. Once a tracking number is created with your name and address, the package will automatically appear in your UPS account, and you’ll receive an email alert the day before delivery. You can also change the delivery time or leave delivery instructions in your account.

Sign Up

How It Works

  • You can view recent packages directly in My Choice
  • You’ll get a reminder the day before delivery. If the date changes, you’ll also receive an email alert. You’ll get another alert after the package is delivered.

Rewards Feature (by Creamboy)

A rewards feature was added recently: users can choose to have upcoming packages delivered together, or reroute packages to a pickup location to earn rewards. First, you need to register for UPS My Choice®. After signing up, go to the following page:

It appears this may not be available in all areas, so give it a try after signing up.

You’ll see that some upcoming packages have a $ symbol. Expand them and you can choose to schedule those packages for delivery on the same day. Once confirmed, you’ll earn rewards. They may initially show as Pending; presumably they become usable after successful delivery on the selected day. Rewards can be redeemed for gift cards from major merchants.

On the right side of the interface, you can also reroute all packages to the nearest pickup location.

There’s also a special Holiday Season promotion: reroute all packages to a UPS Access Point, and the more packages you reroute, the more rewards you earn.

This UPS service can reduce the number of delivery attempts, make package pickup more convenient, and help you earn a little extra when you don’t need a package urgently.

FedEx Delivery Manager

FedEx also has an automatic tracking system. As long as a tracking number is created with your name and address, you’ll receive an email right away, without needing to check the merchant’s order page yourself. At the same time, the tracking information will appear in your FedEx account. You’ll also get an email notification after delivery is completed.

Sign Up

How It Works

  • You’ll get an email when tracking is created, another reminder the day before delivery, and one more after successful delivery

My USPS Informed Delivery

Besides package alerts, USPS also added the Informed Delivery feature. This feature automatically scans letters mailed to you and sends the images to your inbox. If you’re anxiously waiting for a credit card sent by regular mail, being able to see it earlier is definitely helpful.

【Updated 7/14】After receiving an email, I found that USPS now not only scans letters, but can also automatically add packages being sent to your home within the same account. Overall, it’s becoming more and more convenient—you no longer need to search around for tracking numbers. Log in to your USPS account and you can see both your mail and packages at a glance.

Sign Up

How It Works

  • You’ll receive an email one or two days before delivery, including scanned images of your letters
Thanks to a group member for providing the image

Summary

The biggest conveniences of automatic tracking are:

  • You can keep packages from each carrier in one account and log in to check them directly, without digging through emails or order status pages;
  • Even without a tracking number, shipments can still be matched automatically based on your address.
  • You can prepare the day before delivery and avoid missing a package.

I recommend signing up for these services—I’ve found them quite convenient.