Effortlessly keeping tabs on your online orders is crucial in today’s world. While many rely on web browser interfaces, Linux users often seek streamlined, efficient methods that integrate smoothly with their workflow. Fortunately, the power of open-source tools provides an excellent solution for tracking your parcels directly from the command line.
One highly effective tool for this purpose is parcels-cli. This utility brings the convenience of package tracking right to your terminal, eliminating the need to open multiple browser tabs or use proprietary applications. It supports a wide range of carriers, making it a versatile choice for tracking shipments from various sources.
Getting started with parcels-cli is straightforward. You can typically install it using Python’s package installer, pip, or preferably using pipx to install it in an isolated environment. If you have pipx installed, the command is usually:
pipx install parcels-cli
If you prefer using pip, you might use:
pip install parcels-cli
Once installed, tracking a new parcel is simple. You’ll need the tracking number provided by the seller or shipping carrier. Use the add command followed by the tracking number and optionally a descriptive name for the package:
parcels add YOURTRACKINGNUMBER “My New Widget”
Replacing YOURTRACKINGNUMBER with the actual number and "My New Widget" with a name you’ll recognize makes managing multiple packages much easier. The descriptive name is optional but highly recommended.
To check the current status of all your tracked parcels, you just need to run the main command without any arguments:
parcels
This command will query the shipping carriers and display the latest status update for each package you’ve added, showing you where your items are and when they are expected to arrive.
Should you wish to remove a package from your tracking list once it has been delivered or is no longer relevant, you can use the remove command followed by the name or ID assigned to the package:
parcels remove “My New Widget”
Using a command-line tool like parcels-cli offers distinct advantages. It’s incredibly fast, allowing you to get updates instantly without waiting for web pages to load. It enhances privacy by potentially keeping your tracking data local rather than relying on third-party tracking websites that might log your activity. Furthermore, for those who work extensively in the terminal, it provides a seamless experience, integrating tracking directly into your daily computing environment. You can even script checks or integrate them into custom notifications.
For Linux users seeking an efficient, private, and powerful way to manage their incoming shipments, parcels-cli stands out as an excellent open-source option. It’s a testament to how command-line tools can simplify everyday tasks and offer superior control over your data. Give it a try and experience the convenience of tracking your parcels directly from your terminal.
Source: https://www.unixmen.com/parcel-tracking-and-linux-using-open-source-tools-for-delivery-management/
