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β€˜Your order is confirmed with Order ID: FX-250123-110-12345. You can track the status of your order shipment with Tracking ID: LP-12345-628-110.’ 

If you use logistics, transport, or courier services for business or personally, then the terms Order ID and Tracking ID (also known as Order number and Tracking number) must be familiar to you. These are common terms that logistics shipping companies use for shipping and order fulfillment.

Today, with the rise of domestic and international shipping and e-commerce business, logistics companies prioritise efficiency in transportation and delivery. Tracking order status is a key feature that customers demand, making it necessary for businesses to build capabilities that facilitate order ID tracking. So, let’s understand what Order ID and Tracking ID are, how they are different, where and how these IDs are used, and how to track the order ID status.

What is an Order ID?

An Order ID is a unique number that gets assigned to an order placed by the customer (online or offline). In several cases, it is also known as a Reference number or even Purchase ID.

An Order ID is provided when a buyer/customer places an order. Businesses have different Order ID formats that are unique to their business and facilitate the entire order fulfilment process. The Order ID number format usually consists of letters, numbers, and characters in a structure unique to the business.

Order number example:

MET111ddddxxxxDEL – where β€˜MET’ refers to the seller company code, β€˜111’ is a specific code used by the company, β€˜dddd’ refers to the order placement date, β€˜xxxx’ is the actual Order number for the customer, β€˜DEL’ is the final destination code.

(This is a sample and not specific to any business.)

Tracking ID and Order ID

Are Order ID and Order Number the same?

The order number is the same as the Order ID. Businesses usually use either of these terms to denote the unique identifier when a customer places an order.

An Order number can be used to:

  • Fetch details about a particular order
  • Get updates on its delivery ETA and status
  • Connect with the customer service team or transport companies for any queries

In general, the Order number can be of 4 to 20 characters, with a mix of alphabets, numbers, and special characters. It’s unique to every business.

In cases where a business is doing its own shipment, the Order number can also double as the Tracking number. However, most businesses outsource logistics services and provide separate identifiers for Order ID and Tracking ID to simplify the process.

Why is the Order number Important?

Understanding the Order ID or Order number is crucial for both the buyer and seller, and any 3PL logistics service provider involved in the actual transportation of goods.

It acts as proof of transaction and facilitates communication. When a customer requires specific details about their purchase, the Order ID number helps the business generate, track, and fetch all relevant information about the specific order. Details like date of order, items and quantity, price, payment status, etc., can easily be fetched.

Here are 5 key reasons why Order Number is important in logistics and eCommerce:Β 

    1. Provides a Unique Reference: Order number is a unique reference for each order purchased in a purchase order, which allows customers and businesses to easily find an order or track it in the system.
    2. Necessary for Customer Support: When issues arise or customers want an update, an order number provides customer service teams the ability to bring the right information quickly. This can help facilitate faster service and greater accuracy.
    3. Allows for tracking and fulfillment: It links an order, tracking ID, invoice, and shipping information. This is critical for pulling delivery tracking and shipping schedules to ensure orders are fulfilled on time.
    4. This assists with auditing and record keeping: Order numbers are very useful for maintaining updated business records, auditing, and preparing transactions, reports, and reconciliations.
    5. Aids with Returns, Replacements, and Refunds: In most cases, either returns or warranty claims must refer back to an order number in order to make the purchase valid. Accurate referencing of an order number will assist with the processing of the return, replacement, or refund for the original order.

Similarly, details on packaging, labelling, shipment partners, and delivery ETAs can also be fetched using the Order status tracking mechanism, though for tracking purposes, most businesses generate a separate Tracking ID.

What is the Tracking ID Number?

A Tracking ID or number is a unique identifying number that is given to a shipment to track its progress. It is provided by the shipping company or carrier, or 3PL service provider, as the case might be, and enables stakeholders to track their shipment during transit.

Similar to an Order ID, the Tracking number also consists of a series of alphanumeric and special characters.

Tracking number example:

BALM123xxxxaaaaKOL – Where β€˜BALM’ can stand for the code for the logistics services company, β€˜123’ its unique identifier, β€˜xxxx’ the customer Tracking ID, β€˜aaaa’ codes related to date/type of shipment or any other, β€˜KOL’ the final destination

(This is a sample and not specific to any business.)

Why is the Tracking number important?

The Tracking ID number is important as it enables customers and businesses to track in real-time the status and location of a package from its place of origin to its destination. It further:

  • Ensures transparency in that customers can view their order’s journey
  • Reassures customers by providing ETA on delivery
  • Helps to address any delivery-related issues and hence improves customer service

Tracking ID is critical in an e-commerce business where multiple delivery partners are used for last-mile delivery. Tracking number provides status details on the package, such as – shipped from warehouse, arrived at distribution centre, delivery partner assigned, out for delivery, delivered to customer.Β 

To businesses and customers, both Order ID vs Tracking ID are unique and should be used accordingly.

Tracking ID number

What do Order number and Tracking number look like?

What does an Order number look like? What does a Tracking number look like? These are obvious questions at this point. We have already discussed the Order ID format and Tracking ID format. Here, let us look at the sequence of alphanumeric digits and characters closely and understand the same.

Order ID format

Let us look at our example from before. Consider a fictitious India-based company, FX Garments, which receives an order and gives it the following identifier: Order ID: FX-250123-110-12345

A breakdown of this Order ID may read like:

  • FX:Β Company code
  • 250123:Β Date of placing the order
  • 110:Β Delivery location code
  • 12345:Β Order sequence number

Similarly, different companies can have different formats for Order numbers that can be understood by them and used for reference. As a customer, you only need to provide this Order number during all interactions with the company.

Tracking ID format

In the same context, let us look at what the tracking number looks like. The Tracking number is usually provided by the logistics company, usually a 3PL partner offering services for warehouse logistics and last-mile delivery, or any other.

In our above example, consider FX Garments using LP Transporters (fictitious) as their third-party logistics provider.

Once the order is received, an agent in LP Transporters’ warehouse will check inventory and prepare the package (e.g., quantity, packaging, labeling, etc.). Before shipping, a Tracking number will be provided (Tracking ID: LP-12345-628-110) to enable all entities to track the status and location of the package.

A breakdown of the Tracking ID may read like:

  • LP: Logistics partner company code
  • 12345: The original order sequence number
  • 628: The unique shipment sequence number
  • 110: Delivery location code

As mentioned, the Tracking number and Order number are unique to businesses, and each follows its nomenclature. For customers, what matters is knowing the respective Order vs Tracking numbers as a reference for Order-related enquiries or Tracking status.

When looking for a seamless logistics transport experience, tryΒ Logistics on Tata nexarc.Β We have partnered with leading logistics service providers and offer affordable and reliable PTL services. You can get competitive prices, doorstep delivery, and ship across multiple locations. Book a shipment now.

How to find the Order ID Number?

Having access to your Order number is necessary. But what if you don’t know what your Order number is? Let us help you to learn:

  • Where to find the Order number
  • How to find the Order number online

When you place an order, the seller sends a transaction email and/or SMS (or even WhatsApp message) confirming your order. You can track the Order number mentioned in this email/SMS communication.

Similarly, if you want to find the Order number online, you can find it on the seller’s company website. In most cases, the journey looks like this:

Log in to account > Visit β€˜My Orders’ > Click to view the list of orders with the Order ID number

The process is the same if you want to find the Tracking number. When your order is ready for shipment, an email/SMS message will be sent, updating you with Tracking ID details to help you track the delivery timelines of your package.

Note: Many businesses today, especially those that have air consignments, use AWB numbers or air waybills that provide details about the goods being transported.

What is Order ID tracking?

Order ID tracking refers to tracking the status and location of your order. It refers to how customers and businesses can check the status of a package using the Order ID. Though this is not the most common practice for checking the status/location of a package, many small businesses with a limited number of orders use the Order ID number as the single point of reference for fetching all details about a specific order, including its real-time status.

In most cases, customers can log in to their account (company website) and check the real-time order status. Most businesses provide critical information such as the date of order placed, order details, payment status, payment mode, any code applied, real-time shipment updates, and delivery ETA.

This is similar to a self-service function where customers can track order status without having to contact the customer support team for updates. This is often considered a critical feature that enhances customer experience and engagement with the business.

Order status tracking

How to Track Order Status?

Once you have the Tracking number, it is easy to track the status of your order. All you have to do is visit the company website (3PL or freight forwarding company website) and enter your Tracking ID number in the search box to learn the status of your order.

It is important to note the following about tracking the order status:

  • For security reasons, many websites require you to log in to your account to view order status
  • For easy access, communications sent to your registered email ID and phone number come with the Tracking ID
  • In some cases, emails/SMS are sent for important status updates (e.g., order out for delivery, delivery attempted, etc.)

Real-time order status tracking is the norm today, especially for e-commerce businesses. Depending on the service provider, order status tracking can be basic or detailed.

  • Basic order status tracking: Order placed > Order Shipped > Out for delivery > Order delivered
  • Detailed order status tracking: Order placed > Order processed > Ready to be shipped > Shipped from warehouse > Arrived in distribution centre > Delivery partner assigned > Out for delivery > Order delivered

How to use the Order number or the Tracking Number?

As can be understood by now, when it comes to shipments and transportation, Order IDs and Tracking IDs are important for both the seller and customer. There are compliance and taxation details, payment updates, transporter details, and more that get mapped to these IDs.

As a customer, use Order ID for checking purchase details and as a reference for support, and use Tracking ID to find the location and status of your delivery.

Check this table for a quick summary of the difference between Order ID and Tracking ID.

Order number vs Tracking number

Order ID number Tracking ID number
Provided by the seller upon confirmation of a purchase order Provided by the seller or logistics partner when the order package is ready to be shipped
There can be only one Order ID for every order placed There can be more than one Tracking ID for a single Order ID if the shipment is done in multiple packages or via different logistics partners
Can be used for tracking the status of a package, and adding to better customer experiences It is used for tracking the status and location of a package only

How to Use Order Number and Tracking ID Effectively

As an MSME managing multiple orders across marketplaces and logistics providers, understanding how to use order numbers and tracking IDs can facilitate the overall shipping process.

  • In B2B versus B2C logistics: In B2C deliveries (eCommerce, etc.), tracking IDs are essential for customers to track their shipments and have transparency of the estimated delivery. In B2B versus B2C deliveries, there is sometimes a significant delay between the booking (purchase order), shipment, and invoicing. In these scenarios, the order number is useful to link together invoices, dispatch times, and your internal referencing, while the tracking ID will give you real-time shipping updates for your procurement and management teams.
  • Used effectively across ERP and Order Management Platforms: Order numbers and tracking IDs can easily be auto-synced on ERP systems and logistics software to minimise data errors and communicate to sales, dispatch, and accounts.
  • Consolidated view with B2B logistics platform: Platforms like Tata nexarc’s logistics dashboard allow MSMEs to have a consolidated view of multiple orders and tracking updates on all transporters, to help with deliveries, procrastination, and cost management.

If you know how to value and use order numbers and tracking IDs properly, it will ultimately help your business with transparency, avoid order discrepancies, and provide customers with a positive shipping experience.

What is a Shipment Tracking Number?

A shipment tracking number is useful when you have to track a shipment. In today’s world ofΒ e-Commerce shipping, a shipment tracking number is provided when an order is shipped and can provide the latest updates on the package’s location and delivery timelines.

Tracking vs Shipment vs Consignment number

At this point, you must be wondering if there is any difference between tracking ID, shipment tracking number, and consignment tracking number. Let’s find out:

Tracking ID Shipment Tracking Number Consignment Number
A unique identifier provided by the logistics provider to track a package during transit. It can be the same as a tracking number, but it refers to tracking parcels in shipping. Unique identifier for a batch of goods
Used for couriers, packages, or any other Used mainly in shipping and e-commerce logistics Used for multiple packages under one Order ID or Reference number for ease of tracking
Real-time tracking details on status and location Tracking details on the shipment process Tracking details of multiple packages across the journey grouped as one consignment

Smart Tips to Manage Orders and Track Shipments Better

Tips to manage orders and track shipments

Efficient management of order tracking plays an important role in successful logistics operations, especially for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) handling multiple shipments daily. Here are some useful methods to keep an eye on your order tracking:Β 

  • Keep It Streamlined with Digital Solutions: Use integrated logistics platforms like Tata nexarc that help you quickly identify and access order numbers, tracking IDs, shipment status, weight, and proof of delivery in one place.
  • Link with Government Platforms: If you are fulfilling orders via GeM (Government eMarketplace) and/or eProcure, just double-check that your tracking IDs comply with their various standards and policies. If an MSME has put in a high volume of orders and incorrect data entry occurs, then this can put your shipment in the delay queue, or worst case, lead to payment holds.
  • Utilize PM Gati Shakti Insights for Planning Logistics: An MSME that handles bulk or intercity movements should try to leverage its logistics planning with the PM Gati Shakti framework, which enables businesses to optimise the route planning metrics and reduce the delivery time to their end consumers.
  • Automate Communication with Notifications: Another good practice for order tracking is to automate the SMS or email notifications for order status updates, and both parties can view the tracking information. Automating notification updates minimises the need for any proactive follow-ups on behalf of the order originator.
  • Monitor with Dashboards: Using real-time dashboards will allow you to identify delays, optimise costing, and have multiple transport partners managed on one platform with ease.

By having smart technology solutions combined with government platforms, MSMEs can speed up deliveries, build trust with customers, and grow sustainably in the marketplace.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Managing multiple orders can get complicated. Here are some common gaffes companies makeβ€”and how to correct them:

  • Use the wrong tracking ID format: Always check the courier format they require before entering it.
  • Expense or broken tracking links: Share your links only after your shipment is picked up.
  • Mistakes in manual entry: The best way to avoid typos from plain human error is to use auto-syncing tools that connect already existing order systems you use to your tracking partners.Β Β Β Β 
  • Confusing an order number with a tracking ID: Your order number will be something for your internal references. Your tracking ID will be something you send to your customers to monitor the movement of your shipment. Do not confuse the two.
  • No updates on shipment status: Not staying in contact with your customers about shipment status, or your shipment not being updated, is not going to inspire confidence in what you are doing. Turn on automatic status notifications to stay ahead of that.

FAQs

Does Order number mean the same as Tracking number?

The order number and tracking number are different. Order numbers are provided at the time of placing an order, which confirms the purchase. Tracking numbers are provided when the order/package is shipped and enable sellers and customers to track the status and location of a package. (Note: For best results, ensure that your shipping and billing addresses are updated.)

Can a single order have multiple tracking IDs?

Yes. A single order can have more than one tracking ID if the packages are being shipped by different 3PL logistics partners or provided by different sellers, or even arriving on different dates. For instance, while shopping on an e-commerce platform, if you have ordered three different shirts from three different sellers, it is possible to have one Order Number and three Tracking IDs as provided by the seller’s transportation partner.

How many digits are Order Number and Tracking Number?

There is no fixed length or format for the Order number and Tracking number. Companies follow their own nomenclature. In most cases, Order Numbers and Tracking Numbers range between 4-20 characters (alphanumeric and special characters).

Can Order Number and Tracking Number be the same?

In most cases, no. Companies provide different order numbers and tracking numbers for confidentiality and ease of tracking (especially when shipment is being carried out by different logistics providers). However, with small businesses with their own in-house logistics operations, they may be the same.

Can I track my order with Order Number (and no Tracking Number)?

This depends on the service provider. In general, if it difficult to track status without the Tracking ID. In many cases, when you login to the company website, and input the Order ID, the results display the status and location of your order. In such cases, you can track your order even without your Tracking ID. If transportation is being managed by a different provider, it may be difficult to track details without the Tracking ID. There are however providers who offer this additional feature, adding to overall positive customer experience.

What should I do if my tracking ID has not updated?

If your tracking ID indicates no updated status, your shipment could still be in the system, and there may be a lag, or your package might not have been picked up yet. Wait 24 hours, and if there is still no update, contact the seller or courier.

Can I change the shipping address once I have received the tracking ID?

In most cases, when a tracking ID has been generated and an order has been dispatched, you are unable to change the address. However, some couriers allow you to reroute your package as part of an additional charge.

Do all courier companies provide tracking ID numbers?

Yes, the majority of courier services offered in a modern fashion provide tracking IDs for visibility into where your shipment is in the process of delivery. Smaller local transporters may not provide pinpoint tracker IDs, and as a result, this is why tracking may not be available on all shipments.

How does tracking ID help with returns shipments?

Tracking ID gives customers and sellers an opportunity to monitor return shipments and know the status of product pickups, refunds, etc, during product return, product exchanges.

Am I able to find out the status of bulk orders using the tracking ID?

Yes, if an order is shipped as one package, all items can use the same tracking ID. If it is shipped in parts, each will have its own tracking ID.

Sohini is a seasoned content writer with 12 years’ experience in developing marketing and business content across multiple formats. At Tata nexarc, she leverages her skills in crafting curated content on the Indian MSME sector, steel procurement, and logistics. In her personal time, she enjoys reading fiction and being up-to-date on trends in digital marketing and the Indian business ecosystem.