Plans: Enterprise Standard and Advanced Platforms: All platforms
Overview
Multi-piece shipments are common for D2C brands shipping large or bulky items that cannot fit into a single package. In such cases, one order is shipped as multiple physical pieces, each with its own tracking number. The Multi-piece shipment (MPS) feature in AfterShip is designed to automatically detect, import, and link these related tracking numbers, providing complete visibility into the full shipment journey.
This article explains how multi-piece shipments work, which carriers are supported, and how merchants can use this feature to track all pieces of a shipment efficiently.
Logic Definition
Before getting into how this feature works, you must understand the following logic and what they mean:
Logic | Definition |
How to define a multi-piece shipment (MPS) in AfterShip | A multi-piece shipment (MPS) is a single consignment that is split into multiple physical pieces and shipped from the same origin to the same destination. Each piece has its own tracking number and may move or be delivered at different times. |
| MPS detection relies entirely on carrier data. Both the master tracking and all associated child trackings must be trackable through the carrier’s system. If the carrier does not return complete tracking data for all pieces, AfterShip cannot identify or support the MPS scenario. |
How to define the Master tracking number in AfterShip | The master tracking number must be a unique and independent tracking number used to represent the overall consignment. It cannot be the same as any child tracking number. If a carrier assigns one of the package tracking numbers (for example, “Box A”) as the master, this grouping is not supported by AfterShip. |
How to define the Child tracking number in AfterShip | A child tracking number represents an individual piece within a multi-piece shipment. Each child tracking is independently trackable and has its own shipment status and estimated delivery date (EDD). |
Important: Some carriers label the first tracking number created/printed as a “master” for technical or labeling purposes, such as FedEx. In AfterShip, if that number does not represent the overall consignment status across all pieces, it is not treated as a master tracking number.
Carrier coverage for multi-piece shipments
Supported carriers
Carrier | MPS supported | Master trackable | Child trackable |
FedEx | Yes | -- | TRUE |
UPS | Yes | -- | TRUE |
Australia Post | Yes | TRUE | TRUE |
Australia Post API | Yes | TRUE | TRUE |
StarTrack | Yes | TRUE | TRUE |
StarTrack Express | Yes | TRUE | TRUE |
Toll IPEC | Yes | TRUE | TRUE |
CouriersPlease | Yes | TRUE | TRUE |
DHL | Yes | TRUE | TRUE |
VTFE | No | TRUE | FALSE |
Allied Express | No | TRUE | FALSE |
Hunter Express | No | TRUE | FALSE |
Settings: Enable auto-detect and import multi-piece shipments
When a tracking number is imported (a master or a child), the system automatically checks if it belongs to a multi-piece shipment. If detected, the system will:
Import the master tracking number and all related child tracking numbers
Automatically link master and child shipments for clear visibility
How to enable?
This setting is turned off by default. To turn it on:
Go to Settings > Shipment tracking.
Toggle on Auto-detect and import multi-piece shipments.
Alternative way
Navigate to any MPS shipment details page.
A banner at the top will prompt you to enable the settings.
Once enabled, importing any related tracking number will automatically bring in and link all associated pieces when a multi-piece shipment is identified.
Details page visibility: View linked master and child shipments
When a multi-piece shipment is detected, the shipment details page provides a consolidated and structured view.
Master shipment view
The master tracking view displays:
All linked child tracking numbers
Key details for each child shipment:
Estimated delivery date (EDD)
Pickup status
Latest shipment status
This view offers a complete snapshot of how the entire consignment is progressing.
Child shipment view
The child tracking view displays:
The related master tracking number:
Latest master shipment status
Total consignment weight
Key shipment details per child tracking:
Estimated delivery date (EDD)
Pickup status
Latest shipment status
This allows piece-level tracking while maintaining visibility into the overall shipment.
Shipment filters: Find multi-piece shipments
To quickly locate multi-piece shipments, the Shipments list includes a dedicated filter ‘Is multi-piece shipment’. Using this filter helps logistics and support teams focus on complex consignments without manually searching through all shipments.
Multi-piece shipment vs. order-split shipment
Multi-piece shipment
Occurs when a single consignment is split into multiple packages because the item is large, heavy, or bulky.
The relationship between packages is created by the carrier or logistics provider.
All pieces belong to the same shipment and share the same origin and destination, but they may move through the delivery network independently and be delivered at different times.
Order-split shipment
Occurs when a merchant splits an order into multiple shipments due to inventory constraints, fulfillment rules, or items being shipped from different warehouses.
The relationship between packages originates from the e-commerce platform level.
Each shipment is treated as a separate consignment and may be dispatched from different warehouses with its own tracking and delivery timeline.
Key takeaways
Multi-piece shipments allow a single consignment to be tracked across multiple packages with respective tracking numbers.
Enable auto-detect and import multi-piece shipment to automatically import and link master and child tracking numbers.
Master and child shipment views provide both consolidated and piece-level visibility, respectively.
Dedicated filter, ‘Is multi-piece shipment’, makes it easy to locate multi-piece shipments in the shipment dashboard.
Carrier support depends on whether both master and child tracking numbers are trackable.
FAQs
Q. How is a Multi-Piece Shipment (MPS) defined in AfterShip?
A Multi-Piece Shipment (MPS) refers to a single consignment that includes multiple packages (child shipments) grouped under one master shipment. The master tracking number must be a specific, independent tracking number and cannot be the same as any of the child tracking numbers.
Q. Which carriers support Multi-Piece Shipment tracking?
MPS tracking is supported by several major carriers, including UPS, FedEx, DHL, and others. Carrier support varies based on whether both master and child tracking numbers are trackable.
Q. How to enable multi-piece shipment feature?
Navigate to Settings > Shipment tracking > enable Auto-detect and import multi-piece shipments.
Q. Do the latest versions of the API and Webhook support MPS?
Currently, the MPS feature of API and Webhook is controlled by a whitelist. Contact support to request access or assistance with enabling MPS support for API or Webhook.
Q. Can I filter my shipment list to show only multi-piece shipments?
Yes. In the Shipments dashboard, use the Is multi-piece shipment filter to quickly locate master shipments and their associated child shipments.
Q. Is there a limit to the number of child shipments shown on the shipment details page?
Yes. The shipment details page can display up to 99 associated child tracking numbers for a single master shipment.