Google Search Integrates Online Package Tracking

Google is going to add package tracking to its search bar, according to a report by VentureBeat.

The function won’t be limited by carrier, and any company will be able to add itself to the service.

“People frequently come to Google Search looking to find information on the status of their packages,” Google said in a blog post. “To make it easier to find, we have created a new package tracking feature that enables shipping companies to show people the status of their packages right on Search.”

Delivery companies will be able to integrate their APIs so people can get all the information they need about the path of a package from warehouse to doorstep. The move means that smaller companies will get the same cache as larger ones.

The new feature will also mean that people can track packages right from the search bar and forego any additional steps.

“Through the package tracking Early Adopters Program, which is available in all countries, shipping companies can sign-up to participate in this feature and give feedback on how to improve it,” Google said. “To take part in the program, a carrier will need to provide a RESTful JSON or XML API that returns the package tracking information. We can work with you to reuse an existing API or set up a new one.”

Google hasn’t given an exact date for when the feature will actually be introduced, but Google is going to test the feature with various delivery companies before it is officially introduced.

Google also laid out information for what companies need to do to be eligible for the program.

“You must be a package delivery company or the sole authorized provider of packing tracking information for a package delivery company,” Google said. “Google Package Tracking makes real-time calls to a RESTful JSON API to retrieve package tracking information. You will need to make this API available to Google and meet certain availability, content, and responsiveness guidelines.”