Obsessively keep track of when your packages will arrive. Delivery Status is a widget for the Mac dashboard that's actually useful – it tracks as many packages as you'd like from delivery services all over the world. With this simple widget you'll always be up-to-date about when you should expect a knock on the door.

As a telecommuter I've got to say, I've no idea how people with jobs in physical places manage to be home for packages. They come at unpredictable hours and usually require some sort of signature. Delivery Status won't hang out in your house for you and sign your package, but it will help you keep track of when your packages are going to show up. With support for dozens of global services, this widget even notifies you when something changes.

As XKCD so aptly pointed out, keeping track of packages directly online can make you crazy. Quickly. The refresh button is too alluring. Delivery Status makes the process passive, meaning you'll see refreshed information about your packages when you visit your dashboard and a notification whenever it's necessary.

Track It!

Every time you open your dashboard you'll see a list of packages, completely with current location, expected arrival times and more. They're even color-coded by delivery service:

mac delivery status app

Adding a package is simple. Hover over the bottom of the widget and a "+" will appear at the right. Click that and you'll see the form for adding a package:

mac delivery status notification

Name the package whatever you like, then paste the tracking number for your package. The widget will attempt to guess your delivery service based on the number itself; I've only occasionally had to correct it.

By default, changes regarding your packages are pushed to the notification center – for example, you'll see a popup every time your package is checked-in at a new facility. You can turn this off, if you want. Get to the settings by clicking the "i" at the bottom-left and you'll find this:

mac delivery status app

Pick whatever setting you like – you can even pick between Growl and Mountain Lion's notifications, if you want.

Notably, there's syncing built-in. This is perfect if you have multiple Macs, but it also syncs to any iOS device via a paid app and to your browser thanks to a web app. Get an account at Junebug and you'll be up and running.

Supported Services

This widget supports a shocking number of services, so the odds are yours is supported. Here are all the services listed, for reference:

  • Adobe (US and Canada)
  • Amazon (.com, .ca, .co.uk, .co.jp, .de, .at, .es, .fr, .it)
  • Apple
  • Aramex
  • Australia Post
  • Canada Post
  • City Link
  • DHL (Express, US GlobalMail, Germany, UK)
  • FedEx
  • GLS
  • Google Checkout
  • Hermes Logistik Gruppe (Germany)
  • Hongkong Post
  • Japan Post (EMS, Morning 10 Overnight Mail, Registered Mail, Yu-Pack)
  • La Poste (France)
  • LaserShip
  • OnTrac
  • ParcelFroce
  • Post - Austria
  • Post Danmark
  • Post Italiane (Postacelere1 Plus, Paccocelere1 Plus, Paccocelere1 Maxi, Paccocelere3, Paccocelere Internationale, EMS)
  • Posten - Norway
  • Posten - Sweden
  • PostNL
  • Purolator
  • Royal Mail
  • Sagawa Express
  • Swiss Post
  • TNT (by consignment number, by reference number)
  • TNT Express - Australia
  • UPS Mail Innovations
  • US Postal Service
  • Yamato Transport
  • Yodel

Conclusion

Ordering goods online is amazing, but it's even better if you know when to expect your package. With this widget, and the corresponding iOS app and website, you'll know.

How do you track your packages? Leave your thoughts in the comments below. And remember - donate to people who provide you with free software. It makes the earth better.