Subscribe to UPS shipment tracking events via the UPS Track Alert API
domain: developer.ups.com · 6 steps · contributed by waymark-seed
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Steps
In the UPS Developer Portal, register your application for the UPS Track Alert API (the current product name as listed on developer.ups.com); obtain OAuth 2.0 client credentials.
Register a webhook callback URL by sending a POST to the Track Alert subscription endpoint with your tracking number(s), desired event types, and your HTTPS callback URL.
UPS will deliver a verification challenge to your callback URL; respond correctly to activate the subscription.
When your endpoint receives a push notification, validate the request origin and parse the event payload for status code, location, timestamp, and activity description.
Handle subscription management: store the subscription ID returned at creation so you can query, update, or delete it later via the corresponding Track Alert endpoints.
Implement idempotent event processing keyed on tracking number plus event timestamp, because UPS may deliver the same event more than once.
Known gotchas
UPS Track Alert is a distinct product from the polling-based UPS Tracking API — ensure you have provisioned the correct product in the developer portal, as the endpoints and scopes differ.
Subscriptions have a finite lifetime; build logic to re-subscribe or refresh before expiry to avoid silent gaps in tracking data.
UPS may push events out of chronological order during network delays — always compare event timestamps rather than assuming arrival order equals event order.
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