Version: 1.0
Last Updated: January 2026
Purpose: This document provides step-by-step instructions for navigating and using the Fastway Couriers web application.
- Getting Started
- Tracking a Parcel
- Getting a Shipping Quote
- Understanding Results
- Troubleshooting
- Best Practices
Step 1: Open your web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge)
Step 2: Navigate to the application URL:
- Local development:
http://localhost:8000 - Production:
https://fastway-webapp.ue.r.appspot.com/
Step 3: You will arrive at the home page/dashboard
The application consists of three main pages:
- Home/Dashboard - Overview and quick access to features
- Track Parcel - Search and track your parcels
- Get Quote - Calculate shipping costs
Navigation Bar:
- Located at the top of every page
- Contains links to all main pages
- Active page is highlighted in the navigation
- Mobile-friendly (hamburger menu on small screens)
Method 1: From Home Page
- Click the blue "Track Parcel" button in the hero section
- Or click the "Track Now" button on the tracking feature card
Method 2: From Navigation
- Click "Track Parcel" in the top navigation bar
Step 1: Locate the tracking number input field
Step 2: Enter your tracking number
- Remove any spaces or special characters
- Tracking numbers are alphanumeric (e.g., Z60000983328)
- The system will automatically accept uppercase letters
Quick Test:
- Click one of the blue test tracking number badges
- This will auto-fill the tracking number field
- Available test numbers: Z60000983328, Z30002408261
Step 1: Review your tracking number for accuracy
Step 2: Click the "Track Parcel" button
Step 3: Wait for results
- A loading spinner will appear
- This typically takes 2-5 seconds
- Do not refresh the page while loading
Once tracking is complete, you will see:
Status Overview:
- Current Status (e.g., "In Transit", "Out for Delivery")
- Current Location (depot or facility name)
Additional Information:
- Destination address
- Estimated delivery date
- Service type
Tracking History Timeline:
- Chronological list of all tracking events
- Each event shows:
- Date and time
- Location
- Status/description
- Current event is highlighted in green
Actions Available:
- Print results (click "Print" button)
- Track another parcel (click "Track Another Parcel")
If you see an error message:
"Invalid tracking number"
- Check that you entered the correct tracking number
- Ensure no spaces or special characters
- Try one of the test tracking numbers
"Tracking information not found"
- The parcel may not be in the system yet
- Wait 24 hours after dispatch and try again
- Contact Fastway customer service with your tracking number
"Network error" or "Unable to connect"
- Check your internet connection
- Try refreshing the page
- Wait a few minutes and try again
Method 1: From Home Page
- Click the "Get Quote" button in the hero section
- Or click "Get Quote" button on the quote feature card
Method 2: From Navigation
- Click "Get Quote" in the top navigation bar
Destination Suburb:
- Enter the suburb name (e.g., "Sandton", "Cape Town")
- Use standard spelling
- Required field
Postal Code:
- Enter a 4-digit South African postal code
- Example: 2196 (Sandton)
- Must be exactly 4 digits
- Required field
Weight:
- Enter weight in kilograms (kg)
- Use decimal point for precision (e.g., 2.5)
- Minimum: 0.1 kg
- Maximum: 30 kg
- Required field
Delivery Type:
- Select from dropdown menu:
- Standard Delivery: 2-3 business days (most economical)
- Express Delivery: 1-2 business days (faster service)
- Overnight Delivery: Next business day (premium service)
- Required field
Step 1: Check the box "Add parcel dimensions"
- This reveals the dimensions section
- Only needed for accurate volumetric weight calculation
Step 2: Enter dimensions in centimeters (cm):
- Length: Longest side of the parcel
- Width: Second longest side
- Height: Shortest side
Why add dimensions?
- More accurate pricing for large, lightweight items
- Helps determine if volumetric weight applies
- Volumetric weight = (L × W × H) ÷ 5000
Step 1: Review all entered information
Step 2: Click "Calculate Quote" button
Step 3: Wait for results
- Loading spinner will appear
- Calculation takes 2-5 seconds
- Results will scroll into view automatically
Shipment Details Summary:
- Destination (suburb, postal code, region)
- Parcel weight
- Parcel dimensions (if provided)
- Volumetric weight (if applicable)
Available Services:
- Usually 2-3 service options displayed as cards
- Recommended service is highlighted with a green border and star
- Each service shows:
- Service name
- Description
- Base price (before VAT/fees)
- Total price (all-inclusive)
- Estimated delivery time
- List of features included
Service Features May Include:
- Track & trace capability
- Signature on delivery
- Insurance coverage
- SMS/email notifications
- Priority handling
- Customer support level
Important Information:
- Read the notes at the bottom
- Contains pricing disclaimers
- Delivery time estimates
- Additional surcharge information
Step 1: Compare the available services
Step 2: Click "Select Service" on your chosen option
- Note: In this demo version, this will show a message
- In production, this would proceed to booking
Alternative Actions:
- Print quote for reference
- Get another quote (click "Get Another Quote")
Status Indicators:
- Collected: Parcel picked up from sender
- In Transit: Moving between facilities
- Out for Delivery: On vehicle for final delivery
- Delivered: Successfully delivered to recipient
- Delayed: Experiencing delays (check timeline for details)
- Exception: Issue requiring attention
Timeline Reading:
- Read from bottom to top (oldest to newest)
- Current/latest status highlighted in green
- Dates in DD MMM YYYY format
- Times in 24-hour format
Price Components:
- Base Price: Core delivery charge
- Total Price: Base price + VAT + any surcharges
- All prices in South African Rand (ZAR)
Delivery Time:
- "Business days" excludes weekends and public holidays
- "Next day" means next business day if booked before cutoff
- Times are estimates, not guarantees
Service Comparison:
- Standard: Most economical, slower
- Express: Balanced speed and cost
- Overnight: Fastest, most expensive
Issue: Form won't submit
- Check all required fields are filled
- Look for red error messages under fields
- Ensure values are within valid ranges
Issue: No results appear
- Check your internet connection
- Wait for loading spinner to disappear
- Try refreshing the page
- Check browser console for errors (F12)
Issue: Invalid tracking number error
- Verify tracking number is correct
- Remove spaces and special characters
- Try a test tracking number
- Ensure tracking number exists in system
Issue: Quote returns no services
- Verify postal code is correct South African code
- Check weight is within 0.1-30 kg range
- Try different delivery type
- Contact support if issue persists
Issue: Page layout broken
- Clear browser cache (Ctrl+F5 or Cmd+Shift+R)
- Try different browser
- Check if JavaScript is enabled
- Ensure stable internet connection
Contact Fastway customer support if:
- Tracking shows incorrect information
- Parcel is delayed beyond estimated delivery
- You need to modify a shipment
- Payment or billing questions
- Technical issues persist after troubleshooting
✅ Do:
- Keep your tracking number in a safe place
- Check tracking regularly for updates
- Note the estimated delivery date
- Contact recipient if delivery attempt failed
❌ Don't:
- Share tracking numbers publicly
- Panic if tracking doesn't update immediately
- Refresh the page excessively
- Assume delivery without checking status
✅ Do:
- Weigh parcels accurately
- Measure dimensions for large items
- Compare all service options
- Save or print quotes for reference
- Book services before cutoff times
❌ Don't:
- Underestimate weight or dimensions
- Choose overnight for non-urgent items
- Ignore volumetric weight for large parcels
- Forget to factor in VAT
For Optimal Experience:
- Use modern, updated web browsers
- Ensure stable internet connection
- Bookmark the application for quick access
- Keep tracking numbers organized
- Check spam folder for email notifications
Security Tips:
- Don't share sensitive shipment details publicly
- Verify URLs before entering information
- Log out after using shared computers
- Keep tracking numbers confidential
- Refresh page: F5 or Ctrl+R (Cmd+R on Mac)
- Print: Ctrl+P (Cmd+P on Mac)
- Clear form: Ctrl+Shift+Del (depends on browser)
- Tracking Number: Alphanumeric, no spaces (e.g., Z60000983328)
- Postal Code: 4 digits (e.g., 2196)
- Weight: Decimal number 0.1-30 (e.g., 2.5)
- Dimensions: Whole or decimal numbers (e.g., 30, 45.5)
- Test Tracking 1: Z60000983328
- Test Tracking 2: Z30002408261
- Test Suburb: Sandton
- Test Postal Code: 2196
- Test Weight: 2.5 kg
Revision History:
| Version | Date | Changes | Author |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Jan 2026 | Initial release | Development Team |
Feedback: For suggestions or corrections to this SOP, please contact the development team.
End of Standard Operating Procedure