• by Ray Schultz , November 11, 2022

Package tracking appears to be an important service as the holiday season approaches. 

In October, Yahoo Mail announced updated Package Tracking Alerts — Automatic alerts that stay at the top of the inbox to inform the shoppers where their package is in transit or if it is ready at the store for pick-up.

This feature is included in Yahoo Mail’s new Mail app that started rolling out on iOS and Android last month. As part of this, Yahoo Mail is also offering a Receipts View that tracks receipts from all  orders in one place. 

Earlier this month, Gmail announced a package-tracking service.  

“For orders with tracking numbers, Gmail will prominently display your current delivery status in your inbox list view and in a summary card at the top of individual emails,” writes Ilya Brown, vice president, product at Gmail, in a blog post. “Package tracking will be available across most major U.S. shipping carriers and will provide important details at a glance, such as estimated arrival date and status — like “Label created,” “Arriving tomorrow” or “Delivered today.” 

Brown adds: “You can opt in to receive package tracking updates right from your inbox or in Gmail settings. Gmail will then automatically look up order statuses using your tracking numbers and surface them in your inbox. You can opt out at any time through your Gmail settings.” 

These services provide convenience to consumers. But they may also help brands as they face a clogged-up delivery system. A study released last week by the CMO Council and Attabotics found that delivery to the home has placed increased pressure on 50% of businesses.  

Yahoo Mail and Gmail appear to be taking up some of the notification work.