New apps let online shoppers track their holiday packages

The postal service, UPS and FedEx all have their hands full with packages in December, and some new package-tracking apps can help you make sure gifts arrive safely on your doorstep.

The Slice app will update you at every stage of the shipping process, from the moment after the order is placed to whenever it lands on the doorstep.

Slice will also let you know if the price on your gift drops right after you bought it, which could help save you money. Slice is free for iOS and Android, and it also works with the Apple Watch.

Another app, Parceltrack, takes information from more than 50 delivery services and puts them in a single app. It predicts when you'll receive a package and keeps a handy history of the stuff you've bought. Parceltrack is also free on Apple and Android.

A third app, Aftership, organizes your tracking numbers in a single app, sending you notifications every step along the way. What makes it unique is that it works with 430 shipping companies, and it's still growing. Like the others, it is free for Apple and Android devices.