Add another entry to the list of things Gmail can do: Package tracking.
Google’s online email client can now track incoming packages based on emails with shipping confirmations that arrive in your inbox. For such emails that also contain tracking numbers, Gmail will display delivery status in the inbox list view, as well as in a summary card on top of individual emails.
Click on the summary and you’ll see more information about your package, including the ability to see detailed tracking and order details.
Google says package tracking will be available “across most major U.S. shipping carriers.” The feature is opt in, meaning you’ll have to allow Gmail to search for tracking numbers in your inbox, and you’ll be able to opt out at any time by going to Gmail’s settings.
Given that my package tracking consists of getting an email with shipping confirmation, reading it, forgetting about it, searching for it in Gmail to get to that “order tracking” button, and repeating this process many times, this is a feature I warmly welcome – though it would be nice if it went global instead of working only in the U.S.
Package tracking will go live “in the coming weeks,” Google said.
Google has also already announced an additional feature for package tracking. Once Gmail’s algorithms discover a delayed package, it will move the appropriate email to the top of your inbox and display a “delay” label. This feature will go live “in the coming months.”
