FreightDesk Online: Shipment Tracking Options for 3PLs
Shipment tracking for LTL freight when a third-party logistics provider (3PL) is in the mix is a bit different than shipping with an asset-based carrier.
The tracking number for an LTL freight shipment is called a "PRO Number". For shipments tendered to a 3PL, its PRO number is not usually known until the day after the pickup. Until then, the only identifier is the "Bill Of Lading Number" (a.k.a. "BOL), which is seldom trackable on the carrier's website.
If you are using FreightDesk Online to convert your Shopify orders into shipments and are taking advantage of one of the integrations for a 3PL, you'll have a category of settings for shipment tracking titled, "Shipment Tracking Number Preference (for 3PLs only)" Below is a description of these options...
Only update the Shopify tracking number field with the PRO number once it is known
This setting will update the order status in Shopify as fulfilled, only after the PRO number is known. It ensures that the customer has a usable tracking link that can be used to check the shipment status. The disadvantage of this option is that the shipment notification is delayed by a day. If the transit time is 1-day, the receiver might receive the email notification the day the shipment will be delivered.
Update the Shopify tracking number field with the BOL number when the BOL is printed, and replace it with the PRO number when the PRO number is known
When the Bill Of Lading (BOL) is printed, the customer will immediately receive the Shopify shipment notification email. The BOL number is not trackable, which can lead to confusion. The next day, when the PRO number is published, Shopify will be updated and will resend the shipment notification. At this point the shipment is trackable, although between the time the first shipment notification is sent - with the BOL number - and the second one is sent with the trackable PRO number - can be confusing.
Update the Shopify tracking number field with the BOL number when the BOL is printed, and write the PRO number to the Order Notes once it is known
When this setting is enabled, the customer will never receive a shipment notification email from Shopify that includes a trackable number. Shopify will notify the customer that the order shipped, but no tracking data will be available.
Conclusions
Choose the setting that best meets your needs. For most, the option "Only update the Shopify tracking number field with the PRO number once it is known" will be best. Although the shipment notification email will be delayed overnight, they will typically go out by 10:00 AM Central Time, before the delivery schedule of most LTL freight providers.