I have shipping choices that specify speed, not carrier (basic, 3 day, 2 day, overnight) so I can use whatever is cheapest/best depending on the package size, weight and desitnation.
Funkydunk did a little mod for me so that the tracking area for the customer (when they log in to view an order) is now a text area, not a single text line. I can enter whatever info I want; kind of like a mini message board for the customer.
I enter notes on the order (using html) which allows me to put any tracking info in there I want. It's all manual - but since my orders have so many variables, it works for me.
For example, here's an entry in the "tracking info" for a recent order:
Code:
Proofs sent: 4/16
Shipped: 4/19</p>
Click here to track your package.</p>
Doing it this way allows me to make any notes I might have for the customer, as well as list tracking info for any carrier I've chosen to use. It won't work for those of you that are more automated and use the shipping calculators, but if you do things manually maybe this will give you an idea.
~Beth