Struggling with skyrocketing shipping costs and slow delivery times that are hurting your e-commerce business? The Fastrac Ontrac program directly tackles this by offering a powerful alternative to major carriers. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to integrate this solution to slash delivery costs, accelerate last-mile shipping, and successfully diversify your carrier mix.
What Is the Fastrac Ontrac Program and Why It Matters
If you feel trapped by rising costs from carriers like UPS and FedEx, you’re not alone. Many brands are seeking carrier diversification to regain control and protect their margins.
Contrary to some confusion, Fastrac is not a separate company. It is the official partner program from OnTrac, a leading last-mile delivery carrier. This program is designed for e-commerce brands, 3PLs (third-party logistics providers), and technology platforms to seamlessly integrate OnTrac’s services. The core value is simple: it gives you direct access to a regional carrier known for being faster and cheaper than the national giants in many areas.
The Direct Benefits of Partnering with OnTrac
Integrating with the Fastrac program isn’t just about adding another shipping option. It’s a strategic move with tangible benefits:
- Significant Cost Reduction: OnTrac can be 10-30% more cost-effective than national carriers in many shipping zones.
- Faster Last-Mile Delivery: Leveraging its dense regional network, OnTrac specializes in 1-2 day delivery across the Western U.S. and beyond, often including weekend service.
- True Carrier Diversification: Reduce your reliance on a single carrier, which mitigates risk during peak seasons and gives you more negotiating power.
How to Slash Your Shipping Costs and Boost Margins
The most immediate impact you’ll feel from using Fastrac Ontrac is on your bottom line. High shipping costs directly eat into your profits. By strategically routing a portion of your packages through OnTrac, you can achieve substantial savings.
A Practical Plan for Cost Reduction
Don’t migrate 100% of your volume overnight. Start with a data-driven approach:
- Analyze Your Shipping Data: Identify the zip codes where you ship the most. Cross-reference these with OnTrac’s service area map (covering 35+ states).
- Run a Cost Comparison: Use your current shipping data to model what your costs would have been with OnTrac’s rates. The savings in eligible zones will become immediately clear.
- Implement a Pilot Program: Route 10-20% of your eligible volume through the Fastrac integration. This allows you to validate the savings and service reliability without major risk.
Accelerate Your Last-Mile Delivery Speeds
In today’s e-commerce landscape, speed wins. Customers expect fast delivery, and last-mile delivery is the most critical and visible part of the shipping journey.
Leveraging a Regional Network for Speed
National carriers have vast networks, but that can sometimes mean longer transit times due to centralized sorting hubs. OnTrac’s model is built on a dense regional network, which often allows for more direct routes. This is the secret behind their ability to offer consistent next-day delivery and 2-day ground service in their core regions. Furthermore, their 7-day-a-week operations mean packages don’t sit idle over the weekend, getting them to customers faster.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Integrate Fastrac Ontrac
Ready to get started? Integrating the Fastrac Ontrac program into your workflow is a straightforward process.
Step 1: Check Your Service Coverage Fit
Your first action is to verify that your customer base is within OnTrac’s footprint. Visit the official OnTrac website and use their service map tool. The value is strongest if a significant portion of your orders ship to the Western U.S.
Step 2: Plan and Launch a Pilot Test
A pilot test is your low-risk proving ground. Select a specific segment of your shipments (e.g., all standard shipping orders to California) and route them through OnTrac. Monitor key e-commerce logistics metrics like on-time delivery rate, package tracking visibility, and any customer service inquiries.
Step 3: Connect Through Your Tech Stack
The Fastrac partner program is built for technical integration. Check if your current e-commerce platform, ERP, or shipping software (like ShipStation, Shippo, or your 3PL’s system) is already an OnTrac partner. If so, the setup can often be done with a few clicks using your API credentials.
Step 4: Activate Proactive Customer Alerts
A great delivery experience is key. Ensure you are using features like OnTrac’s NotifyMe program, which sends proactive SMS tracking updates to your customers. This improves the post-purchase experience and reduces “where is my order?” (WISMO) inquiries to your support team.
| Feature | Fastrac Ontrac | National Carriers |
| Cost | Often 10-30% lower | Standard Market Rates |
| Regional Speed | 1-2 Day Ground Common | 3-5 Day Ground Common |
| Weekend Delivery | Yes | Limited or Premium |
| Carrier Diversification | Excellent for risk reduction | Primary source, high dependency |
Conclusion: Taking Control of Your E-commerce Logistics
In the competitive world of e-commerce, optimizing your shipping strategy is no longer optional—it’s essential. The Fastrac Ontrac program provides a clear, actionable path to achieving two critical goals: lowering your costs and speeding up deliveries. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively diversify your carrier mix, protect your profit margins, and deliver a superior experience that keeps customers coming back. Start your integration today and transform your shipping from a cost center into a competitive advantage.
FAQ’s
Is Fastrac the same as OnTrac?
No, Fastrac is the name of the partner program offered by the carrier OnTrac. It is the gateway for businesses and tech platforms to integrate OnTrac’s shipping services directly into their systems.
How much can I really save with OnTrac?
Savings are highly dependent on your shipping lanes and volume, but many businesses report saving between 10% and 30% on shipments within OnTrac’s core service areas compared to UPS and FedEx ground services.
What is OnTrac’s tracking number format?
OnTrac tracking numbers typically start with the letter “C,” “D,” or “1LS”. You can track packages directly on the OnTrac website.
Where does OnTrac deliver?
OnTrac delivers to over 35 states and Washington, D.C. Their network is most dense and reliable in the Western United States, but they have expanded significantly across the Eastern and Central U.S. Always check their official service map for the most current coverage.
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Hi, I’m James Anderson, a tech writer with 5 years of experience in technology content. I’m passionate about sharing insightful stories about groundbreaking innovations, tech trends, and remarkable advancements. Through Techynators.com, I bring you in-depth, well-researched, and engaging articles that keep you both informed and excited about the evolving world of technology. Let’s explore the future of tech together!
