WooCommerce shipment tracking: Best plugins and setup for 2026

By default, WooCommerce doesn’t provide an easy way to track orders and deliveries. However, some store owners might wonder, once the order is placed, does WooCommerce order tracking really matter?

Spoiler alert: Yes, it does.

In 2026, customers expect real-time shipment updates and automated tracking notifications. Without them, post-purchase satisfaction drops, support tickets pile up, and even the risk of fraud can increase. 

In fact, data from Statista shows that shipment tracking is one of the top factors (56%) that online shoppers consider when choosing delivery options. Without it, post-purchase satisfaction drops, support tickets increase, and even the risk of fraud can rise.

WooCommerce shipment tracking provides peace of mind for buyers and saves you time. It bridges the gap between purchase and delivery, thereby improving trust and loyalty.

In this post, we’ll show you why shipment tracking matters and which WooCommerce shipment tracking plugins perform best in 2026. You’ll also learn how to send tracking emails on WooCommerce and set up tracking automatically. 

Beyond that, you’ll discover strategies to turn tracking notifications into opportunities for engagement, repeat purchases, and better post-purchase experiences using tools like Omnisend. 

Let’s get right into it.

Why WooCommerce shipment tracking matters for your store

Shipment tracking plays a bigger role in your store’s success than you realize. Beyond logistics, it shapes customer expectations, operational efficiency, and long-term customer retention. 

The sections below explain where tracking delivers the strongest impact:

Customer expectations and satisfaction

When it comes to online delivery preferences, 56% of U.S. shoppers consider shipment tracking an important factor, ranking it third, only to fast and free shipping.

After all, shipment tracking provides peace of mind that their packages are on the way. It also gives them an idea of how long the parcel will take to arrive, so they don’t miss the delivery.

Additionally, it offers full transparency if shipments are held up and orders are delayed.  According to a 2025 case study, proactive shipping notifications helped a brand reduce support tickets by 35% and increase repeat purchases by 41%. 

This can help you provide a better overall experience for your customers. It also means that shoppers won’t need to contact your support team with questions about their packages. 

Tracking emails also creates a natural opportunity for lifecycle email marketing. It helps keep your brand visible and engage customers while orders are in transit.

Reducing support costs and preventing fraud

On top of this, shipment tracking can help reduce ecommerce fraud. This type of fraud occurs when customers receive their items but report them as undelivered, so they get a refund and their order. 

With WooCommerce shipping tracking, you can see when the package was delivered and where it was left, effectively reducing support costs. 

Viewed strategically, WooCommerce shipment tracking reduces common problems and supports growth. It lowers avoidable costs while strengthening confidence at the most sensitive stage of the customer journey.

The problem with default WooCommerce shipping options

While WooCommerce does offer shipping functionality by default — such as the ability to build shipping zones, offer free shipping and local pickup, and create flat-rate shipping methods — it doesn’t include Shipment tracking. 

While you can manually copy the tracking code from your carrier and send it to each customer, this can quickly become a long, tedious process. 

Common human errors like sending the wrong tracking number, missing carriers, or delayed notifications are bound to happen. This can negatively affect your brand reputation and confuse your customers. 

What to look for in a WooCommerce shipment tracking plugin

If you want to add shipment tracking to your order fulfillment process, automated tools are your best bet. These should include a wide variety of settings, with options to configure custom email notifications. 

A good WooCommerce shipment tracking plugin should also integrate seamlessly with all of the carriers that you use, both nationally and internationally. 

Here’s what to consider when choosing a WooCommerce shipment tracking tool:

• Automation capabilities for hands-off operation to reduce errors and save time
• Customizable email and SMS notifications to keep customers informed
• Seamless carrier integration for both local and international shipments
• Transparent pricing and clear subscription tiers that include free options
• Branded tracking pages to maintain a consistent customer experience
• Analytics, reporting, and advanced insight to monitor delivery performance and customer engagement

Picking a tool that meets these criteria keeps your operations running smoothly and makes your customers happy. Additionally, it turns your tracking updates into meaningful engagement.

The eight best WooCommerce shipment tracking plugins

The table below shows a comparison of the eight top WooCommerce shipment tracking plugins to help you choose the best fit for your store:

1. Advanced Shipment Tracking for WooCommerce

Advanced Shipment Tracking for WooCommerce is a free plugin that lets you add tracking numbers to your order emails and customer account pages. 

It integrates seamlessly with 850+ shipping carriers like FedEx and USPS and supports a variety of both national and international methods. 

All you have to do is select your preferred shipping service, and it will automatically generate a tracking link for each order. Customers clicking the link are directed to their shipment on the carrier’s website.

A premium version is available starting at $129/year and offers additional integrations with tools such as Printful, ShipStation, and Ordoro. It also supports item-level tracking, which is useful for multiple packages or different warehouses.

This plugin is featured in the step-by-step tutorial in the next section so that you can implement WooCommerce shipment tracking quickly.

2. ParcelWILL

ParcelPanel is a dedicated WooCommerce shipment and order-tracking plugin designed to improve the post-purchase experience and encourage repeat purchases.

The free plan is limited to 20 orders per month, making it ideal for small or new stores. It also supports 1,300+ carriers and provides real-time syncing and tracking.

One standout feature is the branded tracking page, which displays your logo and branding instead of the carrier’s site. This gives you more control over the customer experience and provides an opportunity to reinforce your branding. 

ParcelWILL’s premium plan unlocks additional features for scaling stores, including integration with major fulfillment tools.

3. ShipStation for WooCommerce

If you’re looking to shave time off the fulfillment process, ShipStation is an excellent choice. One of its standout features is the ability to integrate all your carrier accounts across various sales channels. 

So, for example, you could sync FedEx and USPS with your WooCommerce dropshipping store, Amazon marketplace, and Etsy shop, then manage all of those shipments from a single dashboard. 

Also, like ParcelWILL, it enables you to direct customers to a branded tracking page. 

On this page, you can feature your business logo and brand colors to help maintain a strong visual identity. You can also add links to drive traffic to your social media accounts. 

ShipStation only offers a 30-day free trial. After that, the Starter plan begins at $14.99/month.

4. AfterShip Tracking

AfterShip automatically adds tracking numbers and courier info to WooCommerce orders. 

It allows you to provide promised delivery dates, which can reduce cart abandonment and improve transparency. Customers can see the order status on the confirmation and history pages.

Moreover, seven standardized shipment statuses are available, including Out for Delivery and Failed Attempt. 

Customers can find these details on the Order Confirmation and Order History pages. You can also send post-purchase emails and SMS messages. It also integrates with marketing automation platforms like Omnisend, allowing personalized tracking email workflows. The Essential plan starts at $11, and the free tier supports up to 50 shipments per month.

5. TrackShip

This WooCommerce shipment tracking plugin sends customers real-time updates on their deliveries, so they’ll always receive up-to-date tracking information. 

It’s also a great tool for optimizing your overall shipping strategy, since you’ll gain valuable insights into delivery times and carrier performance. 

The free plan is limited to 50 shipments per month, and the paid plan starts at $11 per month. You’ll get access to 950+ shipping providers like USPS, FedEx, DHL, Royal Mail, and Australia Post. 

With this tool, you’ll have an exclusive shipment dashboard to manage deliveries. Plus, you can fully customize the tracking page on your WooCommerce store and send delivery confirmation emails.

6. Shippo

When you integrate Shippo with your WooCommerce website, your orders will automatically be imported, allowing you to generate shipping labels right away. 

Before printing your labels, you can then compare rates across top carriers like USPS and FedEx.

One of the best parts about Shippo is that it provides highly detailed shipment updates, including addresses and carrier information. 

This also helps you have a record for reference in case issues arise. Additionally, customers will receive arrival estimates (as well as updates on any changes). 

Shippo’s free Starter plan includes up to 30 shipping labels per month. Paid plans start at $17/month for higher label volumes and additional branded features.

7. Orders Tracking for WooCommerce

As the name suggests, this plugin is ideal for tracking orders on your WooCommerce website.

For instance, you can add and edit tracking numbers and tinks for each item within an order. You can also keep customers up to date via email or SMS and add details to PayPal transactions.

Orders Tracking for WooCommerce currently supports over 90 shipping carriers worldwide.

The simplicity of this plugin is also a huge bonus. All you have to do is select a shipping provider and enter a tracking number. The plugin will then automatically generate a tracking link. 

Orders Tracking for WooCommerce is free to use, with a Pro version available at a custom price.

8. Route

Route is another post-purchase solution that offers a range of advanced shipping features and options. It includes package protection for lost or damaged parcels, as well as carbon-neutral shipping. 

Better yet, when customers track shipments, you can present relevant product recommendations to drive more sales.

For package tracking, you can send proactive shipping updates via email, SMS, and push notifications. Shoppers will receive messages when an order is placed, shipped, delayed, or delivered.

Route offers a free plan for standard shipment tracking and post-purchase features. Its custom plans have advanced options, available with pricing tailored to each brand.

Best free WooCommerce shipment tracking plugins

For budget-conscious store owners, several WooCommerce shipment-tracking plugins offer free tiers. 

These plugins can help you add tracking functionality without immediately investing in a premium plan. While free versions often come with some limits, they’re sufficient for small or startup stores.

Here’s a breakdown of the top free options and what to expect from each:

• Advanced Shipment Tracking for WooCommerce
  • Unlimited orders 
  • Supports 300+ carriers
  • Includes basic tracking emails
• ParcelWILL
  • Allows up to 20 orders per month
  • Supports 1,200+ carriers
  • Includes a branded tracking page 
• TrackShip
  • Limited to 50 shipments per month 
  • Real-time updates 
  • Supports 770+ carriers 
• Orders Tracking for WooCommerce
  • Unlimited orders 
  • Supports 80+ carriers
  • Includes a dedicated tracking page 
• Route 
  • Full post-purchase platform access with consumer-funded pricing
  • Includes tracking updates via email, SMS, and push notifications 

Free tiers are ideal for small businesses, trial purposes, or stores with low shipping volume. 

As your order volume grows, upgrading to premium ensures higher order limits, advanced tracking, and branded notifications. This helps you maintain a professional customer experience without disruption.

For your store, starting with a free WooCommerce plugin is a smart way to test post-purchase engagement while keeping costs low.

How to set up Advanced Shipment Tracking for WooCommerce 

In this section, we’ll show you how to add WooCommerce shipment tracking functionality to your store. You can use any of the plugins above, but we’ll use Advanced Shipment Tracking for WooCommerce for this tutorial:

Step 1: Install and activate the plugin

The first step to implementing WooCommerce shipment tracking is to install the plugin you want to use. 

You can uninstall the Advanced Shipment Tracking plugin for free directly within the WordPress dashboard. To do this, head to Plugins > Add New Plugin. Then, enter the plugin name in the search box, as shown in the image below:

The plugin should be one of the first results that appear. To activate it, click on Install Now > Activate:

Step 2: Configure WooCommerce shipment tracking

With the plugin successfully installed on your site, you’re ready to configure WooCommerce shipment tracking via the plugin’s settings.

Refresh your browser and hover your mouse over the WooCommerce menu; you’ll now notice a new option called Shipment Tracking:

Click on this to access the plugin’s settings, as seen in the image below:

On this page, several areas require your attention. We’ll go through them individually in the following sections.

General settings

The plugin’s settings enable you to customize how shipment tracking works. 

In the General Settings, you can select which order statuses display tracking information on your WooCommerce Order page. The following image shows you where to find these settings:

Here, you can choose which shipment statuses trigger emails that include a tracking link. Note that this tracking data will also be accessible on the customer’s Account page and Order Details page.

Next is the Order Statuses & Notifications section, where you can rename the Completed order status label to Shipped.

You can also change the font and color for the Partially Shipped and Delivered statuses, as seen in the following image:

If you click on the gear icon next to each option, you’ll be taken to the Email Customizer, where you can modify the style and content of your WooCommerce emails for shipping and order. Here’s an example:

The Shipment Tracking API setting is only relevant if you’re using a third-party platform to manage your deliveries. It simply enables you to change the shipping date format:

Next, you’ll see the Usage Tracking option, which controls the information shared with the plugin developers.

You can enable PayPal tracking at the bottom of this page, but you’ll need the Pro plugin to do so. When this feature is enabled, the plugin will automatically send the tracking code and order status to PayPal when orders are marked as Shipped. 

Shipping carriers

In the next tab, you can sync with your preferred shipping carriers. You can choose from over 300 top services, like DPD, DHL, Canada Post, and more. 

Simply click on the Enable Carriers button, and a window will appear on the right side of the page, as you can see below:

You can search for carriers by name or country, or browse the available options. Then, click on the Add button next to the ones you’d like to use. 

Additional options

Although we’ve shown you how to configure the plugin’s settings and insert your shipping carriers, there are more options available. In the CSV Import section, you can bulk import tracking data to multiple orders, as shown in the following example:

The Integrations tab enables you to connect the plugin to other useful services, like Ordoro or ShipStation:

The last few options let you upgrade to the plugin’s pro version or install TrackShip if you need a full-service shipment-tracking solution.

Step 3: Add tracking information to orders

With all the plugin’s settings configured, you’re ready to add tracking information to your WooCommerce orders. 

To do this, head to WooCommerce > Orders. You should see two new columns: Status and Shipment Tracking. Here’s an image to help you find them:

Now, you can either create a new order manually or edit an existing one from the list. On the Edit order page, locate the Shipment Tracking section, which we’ve highlighted in the image below:

Then, click on Add Tracking Info. A panel will open where you can enter the tracking number, shipping carrier, and shipping date:

If the order has already been shipped, you can mark it as Completed using the checkbox at the bottom of the window. Finally, click on Fulfill Order. 

Orders marked Completed can trigger tracking emails, depending on your notification settings.

If you want to notify customers that their order has been delivered, update the order status accordingly and click Update in the Order actions panel:

Step 4: Verify your setup

To confirm everything is working, return to your Orders page. If you see a tracking number and carrier listed under Shipment Tracking, this means the setup is complete.

Here’s what it looks like:

You can also place a test order using your own email address. When the order is marked as Shipped or Completed, you should receive an email containing a tracking link.

Now that tracking is set up, learn how you can automatically send tracking emails to customers.

How to automatically send shipment tracking emails in WooCommerce

How do you measure whether customers receive timely updates without manual effort? You automate the process. 

Here’s what you need to know about automating WooCommerce shipment tracking emails and turning them into valuable post-purchase touchpoints:

Setting up automated tracking notifications

Default WooCommerce order emails are limited. The good news is that you have two solid options to automate shipment-tracking emails in WooCommerce.

Option 1: Use a tracking plugin’s built-in email features

Plugins like Advanced Shipment Tracking allow you to automatically send emails when tracking information is added, when order status changes, or when an order is marked delivered. 

You can manage this from the plugin’s email customizer, which you already saw in the setup tutorial. This works well if you want basic automation. Tracking is added, an email goes out, and the customer stays informed.

Option 2: Connect to a dedicated email marketing platform

This gives you more control over timing, content, and personalization. Instead of sending a generic update, you can trigger emails based on events such as shipped, out for delivery, or delivered.

For your store, this means fewer “Where is my order?” messages and a smoother, automated post-purchase experience.

Customizing tracking email templates

Automation alone isn’t enough. You must also optimize the look and feel of your tracking emails. Customers should be able to recognize your store the moment they open the email. 

When used well, tracking emails supports lifecycle email marketing by keeping customers engaged during a critical moment in the buying journey.

You can customize key elements like:

• Subject lines: Reinforce trust and set expectations clearly
• Branding: Use logo placement, colors, and tone that match your storefront
• Tracking link placement: Display it prominently so customers can find it instantly
• Additional content blocks: You can add product recommendations, reviews, feedback requests, and delivery tips

Using Omnisend for personalized tracking emails

While tracking plugins handle the basics, they lack advanced personalization. This is where Omnisend can help. 

Omnisend’s personalization, segmentation, and automation features let you turn shipment tracking emails into full engagement workflows. 

Instead of sending a single message to everyone, you can personalize content based on customer data, order value, or purchase history. You can provide a different experience for VIP or loyalty program customers and first-time buyers. 

Here’s how Omnisend takes tracking emails further:

• Advanced personalization: Send dynamic content based on customer data and purchase history. VIP customers receive different messages than first-time buyers.
• Segmentation-driven delivery: Send premium tracking updates to high-value segments. Adjust tone, offers, or timing based on lifecycle stage.
• Branded, drag-and-drop templates: Omnisend’s thoughtfully designed layouts help you stay on-brand. You can make customizations without coding.
• Email + SMS coordination: Pair tracking emails with SMS delivery alerts. Reach customers on their preferred channel.
• Seamless shipping integrations: Omnisend offers native integration with AfterShip. With this, you can send real-time status updates.

The video below explains how to design an email with Omnisend’s email builder:

Your tracking emails can do more than inform customers. They build confidence, encourage repeat purchases, and improve ROI.

With Omnisend, merchants see an average return of $79 for every $1 spent. You can start with the free plan and upgrade as your needs grow. This way, you don’t take on a significant risk upfront.

Bonus strategies to optimize the post-purchase experience

Now that you’ve set up WooCommerce shipment tracking and automated your tracking emails, you’re already ahead of most stores. 

If you want to go further, post-purchase optimization is a must. These five additional methods will help you build stronger customer relationships after checkout:

1. Personalize your shipment notifications 

Shipment tracking emails are often generic, but personalization can turn them into meaningful post-purchase interactions.

Sending messages that match your customers’ behavior, order history, or loyalty program status increases engagement and repeat purchases.

However, email marketing tools like Omnisend allow you to segment your audience and tailor emails to make them more impactful. Additionally, by automating email campaigns, you can save time and effort. 

For example, you can send messages highlighting rewards or early access for VIP customers in your loyalty program. Meanwhile, first-time buyers will benefit from tips for using your product.

You can also integrate Omnisend with their tools on this list, such as AfterShip. 

This integration ensures that tracking data flows automatically into your personalized workflows. This way, emails are sent at the right time without manual input. 

You can also choose from a range of email templates that contain ready-made messages, subject lines, and workflows:

Consider these personalization strategies for your shipment notifications:

• Order-based content: Adjust messaging depending on items purchased, shipping method, or order value
• Customer behavior: Show different messages to repeat buyers vs. new customers
• Lifecycle-based segmentation: Offer tailored suggestions or cross-sells depending on how long someone has been on your list
• Branded messaging: Use colors, images, and tone consistent with your brand to reinforce identity

For your store, this means shipment emails will do more than inform — they will encourage repeat purchases, and strengthen brand loyalty. 

You can send personalized order confirmation emails, deliver cross-sell and upsell campaigns, automate abandoned cart sequences, and launch a welcome series. And there’s so much more! Learn about all of Omnisend’s features.

2. Offer loyalty and referral programs

Another way to improve the post-purchase experience is to let customers sign up for reward or loyalty programs. Every time they shop with you, they earn points, which they can later redeem for rewards like free shipping or discounts. 

Tracking emails is an ideal place to promote these programs because they typically have high open rates. 

With Omnisend, you can automatically include loyalty program sign-up CTAs in your shipment-tracking emails. This encourages signups right when customers are most engaged.

You can also integrate referrals into your loyalty program. When shoppers refer your store to their friends and family, they can earn points that can kick-start a mutually beneficial, long-term relationship.

3. Simplify returns and exchanges

A 2024 Statista survey found that online shoppers consider returns essential, and many are less likely to purchase again after a poor return experience. 

So, a great way to optimize the post-purchase experience is to make it easy for customers to return or exchange items. 

Feature your return policy clearly on your website — in the footer, on product pages, at checkout, and similar locations. You may even want to include a link to the policy in your post-purchase emails. 

Consider offering free returns or extended return periods, especially around the holiday season when people are buying more gifts. 

You could also go a step further and create a self-service returns portal where shoppers can request a return or exchange without having to contact your team. This saves your customers and your team from unnecessary hassle and extra work.

4. Provide discounts for future purchases

Selling to people who have already purchased from your store is typically much easier than converting new customers. Offering discounts on future purchases is a great way to do this.

With Omnisend, you can include next-purchase incentives directly in your tracking emails. So, customers see a personalized offer while they’re checking their order. status 

Dynamic discount codes help each customer receive a unique code. This helps prevent sharing or abuse.

In the image below, you can see an Omnisend email template for delivering personalized discounts to your customers’ inboxes:

Since you already know these customers are interested in your products, it’s the perfect opportunity to extend their lifetime value and nurture loyalty. 

5. Make customer support readily available

While shipment tracking and simplified return policies should reduce the need for customers to contact support, it’s impossible to eliminate all requests. 

So you must make it easy and painless for shoppers to reach out to your team with any questions or concerns. 

Offer a variety of support options so there’s something for everyone. Think email, live chat, contact forms, phone numbers, and social media. 

Compile all of this information on a single page and include it in the footer, on the checkout page, and in other prominent locations.

Additionally, include direct links to your support channels in every tracking email. This way, customers can reach you instantly if issues arise.

For a smaller team that can’t be available 24/7, chatbots are a great option. They can answer simple questions and guide shoppers to resources until a team member is available.

Wrapping up

The post-purchase experience is a chance to build trust and brand loyalty, and to secure repeat business. 

Now that you’ve learned how to set up WooCommerce shipment tracking, you can automate tracking emails and implement proven post-purchase methods to improve repeat purchases.

Go further than simply informing customers. Guide them from checkout to delivery with clarity, consistency, and purpose. 

Remember, tracking setup creates transparency, and automated emails keep customers informed at the right moments. Lastly, post-purchase strategies strengthen engagement long after the sale.

To help with this, we’ve reviewed a variety of WooCommerce shipment-tracking plugins that work seamlessly with your WooCommerce. 

Want to take things up a notch in 2026? Leverage Omnisend to transform tracking emails into branded, personalized, and automated touchpoints.

Plus, you’ll get access to an entire suite of email and SMS tools, email templates, advanced segmentation, dynamic ecommerce blocks, and powerful A/B testing.

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