Frequently Asked Questions about ShipTrack

What is the purpose of ShipTrack?

This tool is designed for tracking your own shipments directly in Excel, instead of having to go to each carrier's website to find out when your package will arrive. It returns current delivery status and (where applicable) delivery date into the worksheet cell where the function is placed.

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Can I download/buy the source code for ShipTrack?

Yes, see the Download page for download link. Your contribution is appreciated.

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What carriers can I track with this tool?

See the About page for the official list of carriers.

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How do I use ShipTrack?

ShipTrack may be used as a user-defined function (UDF) on the worksheet, like any other formula. It may also be used in VBA programs, returning shipment status to a String variable. See the About page for more information.

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ShipTrack has stopped working for my carrier.

The carrier's website may have recently changed its design, preventing ShipTrack from retrieving tracking information accurately. Contact me and I will try to fix the addin.

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My workbook has slowed down since using ShipTrack.

Since version 4.2.5, you can make the function volatile by specifying true as the (optional) third parameter. This will cause the function to re-run every time the worksheet recalculates. Otherwise, the formula will only recalculate if you re-enter it.

After using the ShipTrack formula in a worksheet cell, convert the formula to a value (Copy, Paste Values) or put an apostrophe in front of the formula to stop it from running every time the workbook calculates (i.e. '=ShipTrack("tracking number","A1")). Only use the formula at the time you actually need an updated result. If you have a lot of volatile ShipTrack formulas on a worksheet or workbook, they will attempt to retrieve tracking information from the web every time a recalculation is required. This can slow down your workbook significantly. One option may be to put your workbook into manual calculation mode and recalculate whenever you need updated shipment status. However, I don't recommend this.

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ShipTrack returns an error but when I go to the website I see the tracking information.

See ShipTrack has stopped working for my carrier.

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Can you customize ShipTrack for me/my organization?

Yes — use the contact page and we'll discuss privately. Keep in mind this is paid support. The ONLY changes I will make to this application for free are the ones that benefit ALL users, for example adding a new carrier. Otherwise, this tool is only intended to show current delivery status and (where applicable) delivery date.

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What operating systems will ShipTrack work on?

ShipTrack will work on the following operating systems: Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8. Has been tested and works on 64-bit Windows 7.

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Will ShipTrack work on 64-bit Office?

No. VB6 DLLs and runtime files are 32-bit only, and Microsoft has no intention of making them 64-bit compatible. Your only option is to download the source code and convert it to another platform (ex: VBA) that can run in 64 bit Office.

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Will ShipTrack work on 64-bit Windows?

It has been tested and works on 64-bit Windows 7. 32-bit programs run in the WOW64 emulator on 64-bit systems.

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Can you add more carriers?

Ask in the forum. It is usually possible but it depends on the carrier. When asking to add a new carrier, please provide sample tracking numbers.

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Can you change the output to show shipment date?

No — it is assumed that you know the shipment date for your own packages. If you are tracking shipments sent by someone other than yourself, most of the major carriers have their own tools for this. For example, FedEx and UPS can email tracking information to you.

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Can you change the output to show delivery time or address or city or name of receiver or number of stops or something else?

See Can you customize ShipTrack for me/my organization?.

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I downloaded but can't install the source code.

You need a copy of Visual Basic 6.0 to view the source code. VB6 is a commercial program that for the most part can only be found for sale on eBay. You could try importing the modules into a VBA project, but I didn't write them in VBA so I can't guarantee that will work. Please do not contact me to ask me how to use or convert the source code. If you are downloading the source code it is assumed that you know what you are doing.

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I got the email with download instructions, but can't download the source code.

Each download link expires after five download attempts or five days (whichever comes first). If you've tried five times to download the program but still can't complete the download, or five days have passed, please visit the Download page and click the link to download the source code again. This will create a new download link from which you can try again. Also, try downloading from a different computer or ask a friend to try.

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I didn't receive the email with download instructions.

Check your spam folder for an email from

client@e-junkie.com on behalf of Jimmy Pena [wordpress@jpsoftwaretech.com]

The subject should be something like

ShipTrack VB6 Source Code – Download Link Enclosed

Make sure you are checking the same email inbox as the one you used to sign up for the download.

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How do I get notified of updates and new versions?

There are two major update channels: mailing list (email) or forum.

Click here to sign up for the upgrade mailing list. You can sign up for source code update emails, addin updates, or both.

You can also follow the Announcements forum in any of the following ways:

1. Bookmark the forum URL
2. Follow the Announcements forum RSS feed

Announcements are also made on the blog and my Twitter account. The blog has a RSS feed you can subscribe to and receive instant notification in your RSS reader.

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I downloaded and unzipped the addin but when I run the .exe file, nothing happens.

Make sure your system meets the minimum system requirements and you are running the file with administrator rights.

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How can I estimate delivery of my packages?

Most carriers' websites have delivery time and cost estimators. UPS and FedEx have ground maps showing turnaround times.

UPS: http://www.ups.com/maps
FedEx: http://www.fedex.com/us/smallbusiness/updates/june2010/service-maps.html
Purolator: https://eshiponline.purolator.com/ShipOnline/Estimates/Estimate.aspx?lang=e
DHL: http://dct.dhl.com/input.jsp?langId=en

Some carriers offer email updates when packages are delivered and/or delayed.