Now, track your parcel via SMS

Want to know where the parcel you sent has reached? Well, you can track it down in few minutes via an SMS.

Blue Dart Express has announced the launch of an upgraded service that enables customers to track their shipment via SMS from anywhere in the country.

''Customers can avail this service by messaging their airway bill number and an automated response provides the current status of their package. Through an SMS, one can also get an alert on the cellphone, whenever the delivery is made,'' Malcolm Monteiro, chief operating officer, Blue Dart said.

He said, ''Technology has been the biggest differentiator for Blue Dart. It has, since its inception in 1983, used advanced technology to provide the customer a competitive edge. This SMS-based service is another step in this direction."

On Blue Dart's plans for expansion, Monteiro, who will be taking over as its managing director in March, said two more aircraft - Boeing 757 will be added to its fleet of five B737 and this will help double the company's capacity of handling freight.

''Over a period of time, the 737s will be phased out and more of 757s will be inducted,'' he added.

He said his company handles 125,000 tonne express and airfreight loads. The range is from a document to a charter load. Of this, 35 per cent comprises documents and the proportion of non-documents is increasing, he added.

The company's market share has increased to 39 per cent after it entered into an alliance with DHL, with First Flight at a distant second at 18 per cent, he said.