TILTS: Next generation package tracking from FedEx and UPS

I remember when tv dinners used to take 45 minutes to cook in the oven. Then microwaves came along and those same tv dinners could be cooked in 3-4 minutes. But now even 3-4 minutes seems too long to wait and I find myself longing for the next big thing that will cook my tv dinner in 15 seconds.

It's scary how fast new technology becomes yesterday's news. Another example of this is shipping companies and their tracking information. Several years ago, it was a big deal to be able to track your UPS or FedEx package on the Internet. Using your computer, you could easily tell when your package left the shipping facility, when it was on the truck for delivery and even the exact time it was delivered.

I want it all

But now that's not good enough for me any more. Now I want even more information like when my house is next on the delivery route. I want this because occasionally I still get those annoying stickers on my door telling me that something really cool was supposed to be delivered to my house but, because I wasn't home to sign for it, the shipping company will have to try again the next day.

I see no reason why companies like FedEx and UPS can't send me a text message to alert me that the next package they are delivering is mine. That way, if I am expecting a package but don't want to be a prisoner in my home all day, I can feel free to run my errands knowing I probably still have enough time to get home to sign for a package after I get my text message alert.

Morning or afternoon delivery is no longer acceptable

I'm probably even limiting myself to just wanting to know when I'm next. If I can use web sites like FlightAware and OrbitzTLC Traveler Update to show me the exact position of a plane in the sky and when it is expected to land, FedEx and UPS can certainly give me an estimate of what time my package will delivered during the day. Simply saying morning or afternoon delivery is no longer acceptable.

What do you think? Would you like to see these tracking enhancements? Leave a comment below and let me know. Who knows, maybe someone from FedEx or UPS will read this blog along with your comments and make it a reality!

Disclaimer: Technologies presented in the Technology I'd Like To See (TILTS) series are based on my original (and sometimes delirious) thoughts. I present them here to the public only because I can not afford to implement any of them myself. If you steal borrow one of my ideas and end up filthy rich because of it, please remember where you got the idea and throw a little love my way. Something like a BMW or a big fat check would do just fine.