The basics of shipment tracking

Transportation of goods is one of the oldest businesses that has been around for centuries in one form or another, and the demand has only continued to increase as time has gone by. Back in the day, sending a package meant going over to the post office, filling out a bunch of forms, seeing your parcel disappear behind the counter, and then waiting to hear from the person you’d sent it to, that it had reached them safe and sound. And hope and pray the package did not get lost, delayed, or damaged in transit.

How times have changed! Historically, the reason to offer package tracking was just that so senders and receivers could know about the route their package would take, and get an estimated date of delivery. Today, one can print a shipping label at home, and get the parcel collected from one’s doorstep too. And you can get information about the journey said package is undertaking, from start to finish, literally tracking its whereabouts from your doorstep to the doorstep of the person you’re sending it to all thanks to technology.

Every package, whether sent by regular United States Postal Service or through a private courier company like FedEx, DHL, UPS, or TNT, gets a unique identification code, in the form of a bar code, and that code, when scanned with the bar scanners that every employee of the postal or courier service who is handling the package has, gives one the latest information as to its location along the trail. So, each time the parcel is loaded or unloaded from a truck, train, mail van, or airplane, it gets scanned and each successive scan updates the available information, which you can track using the tracking number that the courier service has provided you with for just that purpose.

This is real time tracking, where the courier delivery company or United States Postal Service worker has a handheld scanner which they wave in front of the package’s barcode and the information is updated online and anyone with the package’s tracking number can look up its trajectory along the path, online. Or if you prefer, you can also choose to have said information sent to your mobile phone or email id, which means you get live updates automatically. This service is not always available from every courier service or for every kind of package, but you can check to see if it is.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

  • Features of LG Q8
    A new phone called the LG Q8 has been launched by the brand with specifications and features that closely resemble one of the other LG cell phones, the V20, which is priced at around $480. The latter came out in the last year and was a moderate hit. The first news of the LG Q8 was seen on the Italian site of the brand, which failed to mention the price or the specs of the phone. While some people had a good experience with the LG cell phone called the V20, it lacked the premise for higher audio recording and instead came with an option for a removable battery. To make up for these minor inconveniences, one of the best LG cell phones, the Q8 was launched with certain features that overtook the V20 in many ways. Some of these features are:
    • A smaller 5.2-inch display as compared to the V20 display size of the 5.7-inch
    • A non-removable battery
    • An IP67 certification
    • Water resistance abilities
    Some other specifications of the phone include:
    • A display size of 5.2-inch with a resolution of 2,560x1,440 pixels
    • 564 ppi pixel density
    • 5.87 x 2.83x 0.31 inches dimensions
    • Android 7.0 Nougat mobile software system
    • It weighs 146 grams
    • Its dimensions in millimeters are 149 x 72 x 8 mm
    • It comes with a 2.15GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor
    • With 4K video capture capacity, it comes with a 4 GB RAM and a storage capacity of 32 GB
    • The Q8 boasts of an expandable storage of 2 TB and a 3,000mAH battery
    • A 16 MP rear camera also works in its favor
    • It has rear finger print sensor clearly positioned on the back, other sensors that include the proximity sensor, light sensor, and accelerometer.
    • It charges quickly and has a single SIM slot for GSM.
    • A regular audio jack of 3.5 mm and loudspeaker capabilities are present in the phone.
    It is expected to be launched in January 2018 and is available on 4G and 2G networks. The LG Q8 is now increasingly being touted as a sleeker, repackaged version of the V20 model.
  • Things To Keep In Mind Before Buying Dog Food

    Following the saying, you are what you eat, one should choose the food for his/her pet wisely. The pet food industry in the market has grown to a large scale; however there are many renowned brands that do not offer proper nutritional value as they claim to offer. This has led to a huge rate of canine diseases and premature death of dogs. Hence, one should ditch the low quality food now and embrace the ones that can offer health benefits to your dog.

    What to look for?

    When you are visiting the pet shop, you need to keep in mind that the products having massive advertising banners may not ultimately be the best choice for your puppy’s health. There are certain aspects that you need to keep in mind before buying dog foods and qualities that best puppy food should have:

    • Always look for fresh meat and the animal fat must be avoided. The fresh meat has 65-75% water and 15-25% protein. However, the meat meal is just opposite to the fresh meat which has more meat in it. You can go for the meat and bone meal but you need to keep in mind that the manufacturers try to dupe you by mixing other impure components in the meal. This can lead to ill-hygiene of your pet and make you think that the meal may not be the best puppy food around.
    • Try to get the food that has high level of protein. Choosing among pork, turkey, chicken, lamb, bison and venison can be better options. If your dog is fond of fish, then you can get salmon for it.
    • Before buying a food product, you can do little research on it. By researching thoroughly, you can understand what it is made of and whether it includes any animal fat or grease. This can even give you an idea on what type of food packaging the product has.
    • Read the entire product information while buying to know whether your canine is allergic to any of the ingredients.

    Food ingredients to be avoided

    As your mongrel is a living being, it must not be fed whatever is available in the market. You must look out for these ingredients in the best puppy food to keep your puppy’s health safe and sound:

    • Beef tallow
    • Animal fat
    • Processed meat
    • Hydrochloric acid
    • Brewer’s rice
    • Wheat bran
    • Soy flour
    • Chemical coloring and preservatives
    • Sweetened treats
    • Corn
    • Sugar
    • Flavoring agents
    • Animal digest
    • Whole wheat flour

    Factors to keep in mind

    Comparison and assessment is the solution to every problem and even for choosing the best puppy food, you should compare following these factors:

    • If your puppy has a thin physical structure, you can think of adding more fat to its diet.
    • If your mongrel is of heavy weight, you need to add lean and Omega-3 and 6 fatty-acid in its food.
    • To avoid the diet being mundane, you can rotate the food products routinely. You can feed fish one day then the next day, you can feed it chicken or turkey.
    • In case of digestive problems, you can offer food with other protein source or grain-free elements.
    • Often it is seen that your pet is never fully content even after having a heavy meal. In this case, you can offer it foods enriched with protein and fat.

    Recommended food products

    As the US market is now being filled with low quality dog foods, it is high to time to embrace the best puppy food that are actually healthy for your canine. Here is a list of food that your mongrel can try out:

    • California Natural Dog Food
    • By Nature Dog Food
    • Bravo Raw Food
    • Artemis
    • Acana Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
    • Blue Buffalo Dog Food
    • Natural Planet Organics Dog Food
    • Natural Balance Dog Food

    Henceforth, it is your duty to feed your dog with the best puppy food and maintain its health. However, before purchasing puppy food, taking proper consultation with the vet is needed. Buying food by looking at an advertisement can lead to ill health of your dog.

  • 5 ways to give a twist to your regular apple juice recipe
    Apple juice is one of the most versatile beverages that you can use. You can create recipes for smoothies, shakes, mocktails, and cocktails by mixing apple juice with other ingredients to give an interesting twist. Whether your are a health freak, a teetotaler or love sipping on a cocktail or two, apple juice can be made interesting depending on your choices and needs. Here are five apple juice-based recipes to make drinks using apple juice. Apples are available all the year round. Their availability is not restricted to a particular geographical region or a season. So you can use the following recipe for apple-based drinks, anytime and anywhere you want.
    • Apple delight smoothie: This smoothie has a creamy consistency and a sweetish flavor. In a blender, pour in half cup of apple juice, three-fourth cup diced apple, three-fourth cup of low-fat yogurt (vanilla-flavored, if you prefer), slices of half a banana and a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Blend all the ingredients together.
    • Spiced apple juice:In a saucepan, pour a carton of  apple juice, runny honey (depending on your preferred level of sweetness), half cinnamon stick, half teaspoon of ginger and freshly grated nutmeg. Warm the concoction and stir it gently with a wooden spoon. Make sure that it does not boil. Add a few drops of lemon if required.
    • Mulled apple juice: In a pan, simmer 1 liter of apple juice with strips of orange peel, one stick of cinnamon and three cloves. Add sugar or honey as per your taste and preferences, simmer it for about five to ten minutes before serving.
    • Hot apple brandy: This alcoholic punch can be easily made by mixing six cups of apple juice, one and half cups of apricot brandy, three sticks of cinnamon and half a teaspoon of ground cloves. Simmer it for 30 minutes and serve.
    • Apple, elderflower and mint sparkle: This non alcoholic punch can be made by mixing together cloudy apple juice with a small proportion of elderflower cordial. Roughly chop a fistful of mint leaves and throw it in the mixture. Stir everything well and pour the mixture in a chilled flask. Serve it by pouring equal proportions of the mixture and sparkling water in your juice glasses.
    Make sure that you have fresh apples in hand when you use these recipes to make these drinks. Your concoctions will taste better if you use fresh and good quality apples for the recipes. If you can find farm fresh apples, your drinks will have a wholesome flavor and aroma and will be an epicurean delight.
  • Top 10 water bottle brands preferred by celebrities
    Water bottles have become a popular accessory for people staying on their feet, especially for celebrities often surrounded by paparazzi. Water bottles help keep them hydrated while they tour different cities for work. Such accessories also help reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles and are some excellent environmentally friendly options. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of using water bottles and to know the brands favored by celebrities. Things to consider before choosing a water bottle There are several things to consider before selecting a water bottle. Some of them are enlisted below.
    • Brand reputation
    • Design
    • Material
    • Durability
    • Sustainability
    Popular water bottle brands preferred by celebrities S'well The S'well bottles are made of high-quality stainless steel and come in various sizes and designs. They are known for their triple-layered, vacuum-insulated construction that keeps drinks cold for up to a day or hot for up to 12 hours. In addition, they are BPA-free and eco-friendly. Hydro Flask It is another popular water bottle brand used by celebrities. The company has garnered fame for its high-quality stainless steel water bottles safeguarding drinks for hours. They boast TempShield™ insulation technology, which keeps beverages at their desired temperature for hours. In addition, these water bottles come in various sizes and colors and are BPA-free and eco-friendly. They are also durable and resistant to dents and scratches. Bkr Bkr is a popular water bottle brand among US celebrities. The brand's glass water bottles feature a silicone sleeve that provides a secure grip and protects the glass from breaking. BKR water bottles come in various sizes, including 500ml and 1 liter, and are available in various colors and designs. The bottles are dishwasher safe and are free from BPA, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals. The primary reason why celebrities prefer BKR water bottles is their sleek and stylish design. Additionally, the glass construction of the bottle is eco-friendly and more sustainable than plastic water bottles, making it a popular choice among environmentally conscious celebrities. Klean Kanteen Klean Kanteen is another popular water bottle brand among stars. The brand's water bottles are made of stainless steel and come in various sizes. Klean Kanteen water bottles are BPA-free, reusable, and have interchangeable caps, including sports and loop caps, making them versatile. The stainless steel construction of the bottles makes them long-lasting and resistant to damage, which is ideal for celebrities who lead busy and active lifestyles. Additionally, the interchangeable caps make the bottles suitable for various activities, such as hiking or running, making them popular among fitness-conscious celebrities. Contigo Contigo is a famous water bottle brand known for its high-quality and durable water bottles designed to keep drinks cold for up to 28 hours and hot for up to 10 hours. The bottles have a leak-proof lid and a vacuum-insulated stainless steel body that prevents condensation and keeps the exterior dry. They also feature a wide mouth opening. The water bottles are available in different sizes and colors; some models even come with a straw for convenience. CamelBak CamelBak is another popular water bottle brand among US celebrities, known for its innovative hydration solutions for outdoor activities and sports. The water bottles from CamelBak feature a leak-proof cap and a durable construction that can withstand rough use. They are available in various sizes and styles, including water bottles with built-in filters and hydration packs that one can wear like a backpack. Some models also come with a bite valve allowing easy drinking while moving. Nalgene Nalgene’s water bottles are BPA-free and are available in various sizes and colors. The most popular size is the 32-ounce bottle, which can hold enough water to keep one hydrated for a long time. These bottles are designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions and are perfect for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. The water bottles are also easy to clean and can be used for hot and cold beverages. YETI YETI is a high-end brand that is known for its quality and durability. The brand’s water bottles are made of stainless steel and are vacuum-insulated to keep drinks hot or cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours. The lids are also leak- and spill-proof, making them perfect for outdoor activities. The most popular pick is the 26-ounce bottle, perfect for daily use. The water bottles are also compatible with various accessories, including straw lids, chug caps, and bottle slings. Corkcicle Corkcicle is a water bottle brand known for its stylish and functional water bottles in various colors and designs. They are made of stainless steel, making them durable and long-lasting. They come triple-insulated to keep drinks cold for up to 25 hours and hot for up to 12 hours. It comes with a screw-on cap that ensures a leak-proof seal. Furthermore, the brand also offers accessories such as lids, straws, and canteen caps. Vapur Vapur water bottles are known for being lightweight and collapsible, making them easy to carry around. They are made of BPA-free materials, which makes them safe for drinking water. Furthermore, they come with a flip cap which makes drinking easy. Additionally, they are easy to clean. A water bottle is an easy and convenient way to ensure a person stays hydrated throughout the day. Staying hydrated helps with better physical and cognitive performance, improved digestion, and clearer skin for celebrities. Reusable water bottles are also a sustainable choice, as they help reduce the amount of plastic waste. 
  • 5 laptops you won’t need to cram into your backpack
    Do you find yourself rushing to work or class every morning? Hurrying to catch that bus that you always seem to miss? Stuffing your over-sized notebook into your bag as you run out the door only to have it stick out awkwardly? While we can’t possibly help you with the first two problems, we can definitely help you with the third.  Here’s a list of some of the most compact notebooks that will slip into your backpack or briefcase with no trouble.
    • HP Elitebook Folio G1
    As of January 4, 2016, HP’s 0.47-inch Elitebook Folio G1 is the world's slimmest and lightest business-class laptop computer. This ultra-thin notebook doesn’t compromise on its keyboard to gain this status. This includes the 12.5-inch UHD display, a couple of USB-C ports with Thunderbolt, Bang & Olufsen audio, and IR camera along with Windows Hello biometric authentication.
    • Razer Blade Stealth
    The 0.52-inch-thick Blade Stealth is all mobility and all power. While it doesn’t fall under the gaming notebooks category that Razer typically makes, it’s powerful for its size. Ultralight and ultra-thin, the 12.5-inch Blade Stealth sports dimensions of merely 13.1 x 321 x 206 mm and weighs just 1.29 kg, so you won’t feel like you’re lugging rocks around.
    • Acer Aspire S7
    The 0.5-inch thick Ultrabook looks absolutely stunning. This premium award-winning laptop computer runs your choice of 5th Generation Core processor and offers a robust performance while not draining your battery. With a feather-light weight of 1.3kg, the Aspire S7 will slip into your bag without a whisper.
    • Asus Zenbook UX305CA
    The 0.5-inch thick and 1.17-kg light Asus Zenbook UX305CA is one of the best laptop computers when it comes to convenient portability. Its 13.3-inch display is great and supports resolutions of 1920 x 1080 pixels resolutions. What’s more; the battery is like gold, and when combined with the Core M processor, it gives you an unbelievable performance.
    • LG Gram
    If you want to buy laptops online and are very confused with the options available, the 0.5-inch LG Gram is a clear choice. It has a neat carbon magnesium and lithium magnesium body that offers durability and style and weighs only 0.97kg. The notebook has a 128GB SSD and an 8GB DDR3L SDRAM that packs a mighty performance.
  • Negotiating a deal on used motorhomes
    Negotiating a deal on used motorhomes A buyer looking for a used motorhome cannot easily go in to buy with a fixed budget, and therefore, need an expendable one not just for the purchase but also for the after costs. Justifying the amount spent is always a hard-task for the buyer, and it is essential to make sure you buy a good motorhome with minimal damages so that the cost spent repairs and maintenance do not affect the road trip savings. To play the negotiation to the buyer’s side, here are some things which can be noted as cost-markers and can be reduced in the seller’s price tag if asked the right way. Start with the facts Look at the used motorhome and evaluate what is there and what isn’t. Look beyond the obvious damages because the hidden ones are major expenses. Look more than once because you may have missed something easily at first glance. Odor, mold, leaks, rust, awnings, and roof, are six factors that need indefinite scrutiny because this is where the obvious indemnities lie. A used motorhome is cheaper than a new one because there are depreciation costs as well as other major reasons such as the top six issues which determine its price. If the motorhome has more than one damage but is still salvageable then take the deal to a negotiation face and let the seller now that you know the defects but ready to take the deal if the price is your slab or a mid-ground from theirs. Get the records Sometimes the seller may be wary of providing full proof of the vehicle's history including the modifications done because they may not have done it with quality as claimed. Doing a thorough check for fraudulent claims is the first step, and then move on to question the seller about the specifications about any furnishing done and compare it with the proof presented. Any red-flags on the deal, then use it to negotiate your terms if it's trustworthy or drops the deal and walk way to avoid unwarranted stress.