Container tracking is the process of monitoring shipping containers from their origin to their final destination using container identifiers and tracking technologies to provide visibility into their location and status. For e-commerce brands and supply chain teams that import products internationally, it is a key part of managing inbound freight, meeting delivery deadlines, handling large cargo volumes, and resolving delays before they affect inventory or customers.
As global supply chains have grown more complex, efficient container tracking has become essential for reducing costs and improving shipment visibility. This guide explains what container tracking is, how it works, the main tracking methods, what information you need to track a container, common tracking status terms, the benefits of real-time tracking, the limits of manual tracking, and how Forceget helps centralize container visibility.
What is a Container Tracking System?
Container tracking is the process of monitoring and following the process of a shipping container tracking systems that take lead from its origin to its final destination.
It involves using technology to record and transmit data about the container’s location, status, and other relevant information. This data is then made accessible through various platforms, enabling stakeholders to track the progress of their shipments in real-time.
Essentially, container tracking provides visibility into the supply chain, allowing businesses to optimize operations, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.
How Does Container Tracking Work?
Container tracking relies on a unique identifier, typically a container number, to monitor the movement of containers.
This number is assigned to each container and serves as a reference point for tracking its journey, though in some workflows a Bill of Lading number or master bill is also used as the reference. Various technologies, including GPS, RFID, and telematics, as well as AIS, are employed to capture and transmit data about the container’s location, status, and other relevant information, with AIS collecting vessel movement data from ships and satellites. This data is then processed and made accessible through container tracking systems, allowing stakeholders to monitor the progress of their shipments and see updates tied to carriers and ports. Carrier integration can also pull tracking information from Electronic Data Interchange feeds and terminal operating systems. Milestone scanning records events such as gate-in and vessel loaded as part of container movements.
How to Track Containers?
To track a container, you typically need a container number, which is a unique identifier assigned to each container. This number, often a combination of letters and numbers, is essential for pinpointing the container’s location within the wide global supply chain.
Once you have this number, you can enter it in a search bar on online platforms provided by shipping lines, logistics providers, or third-party tracking services to search for updates; depending on the platform, you may also use a tracking number, container tracking number, bill of lading number, or lading number.
While some shipping lines offer their own tracking systems, many businesses opt for a container tracking tool from third-party logistics providers (3PLs) or digital freight forwarders that aggregate data from multiple carriers, providing a more comprehensive tracking solution.
What Information is Required to Trace a Container?
In addition to the container number, other pieces of information can be helpful for tracing a container:
Bill of Lading (BL) number: This document outlines the terms and conditions of the shipment, and the bill of lading number is a key reference used to trace cargo; some shipments may also be referenced by a master bill.
Shipper and Consignee information: Knowing the parties involved in the shipment can assist in tracking down the container.
Vessel Name and Voyage Number: This information is useful for tracking ocean shipments.
Port of Origin and Destination: Identifying the starting and ending points of the journey can aid in tracking progress.
Container Tracking Status Terms
To interpret the information provided by container shipment tracking systems, it’s essential to understand common status terms, which a container tracking system may display as part of shipment status updates:
In transit
The container is currently moving between locations. This status indicates that the container is on its way to the destination port or inland transportation hub.
Arrived
The container has reached its destination port. This signified the successful compilation of the ocean voyage, and the container is awaiting customs clearance or further transportation.
Delivered
The container has been delivered to the consignee’s location.
This final status indicates that the shipment has reached its intended recipient.
On Hold
The container is temporarily stopped due to various reasons, such as customs clearance delays, port congestion, or awaiting further instructions.
Exceptions
An unexpected event or delay occurs, requiring further investigation.
This status might indicate issues like equipment failure, missed connections, or documentation discrepancies, and exceptions can still surface after milestone events such as gate-in or vessel loaded are recorded during loading.
Benefits of Real-Time Tracking Shipping Containers
Real-time container tracking systems offer substantial advantages for businesses and supply chain stakeholders.
By providing up-to-date information on a container’s current location, real time status, and estimated arrival times, it empowers businesses to make informed decisions, optimize operations, and enhance customer satisfaction. High data accuracy is essential for reliable decision-making.
With real-time visibility, businesses can proactively address potential issues through alerts about delays and exceptions, minimizing their impact on the supply chain. This increased control over the shipping process enables companies to improve their overall efficiency and reduce costs. Predictive analytics can use machine learning models to forecast Estimated Times of Arrival (ETAs). Real-time updates and notifications can reduce customer inquiries by 30% and improve communication with customers.
Why Manual Tracking of a Shipping Container Isn’t The Best Option
Manually tracking shipping containers is a team-consuming and error-prone process.
Relying on phone calls, emails, or physical documents can lead to delays, inaccuracies, and missed opportunities. Automated container tracking systems, on the other hand, provide real-time data, and their functionality depends on easy implementation as well as automation, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing the risk of human error. An api can send tracking data and tracking events directly into existing software systems, reducing repetitive work. Furthermore, manual tracking lacks the ability to analyze large volumes of data to identify trends and patterns, which is crucial for supply chain optimization.
Forceget’s Digital Platform for Real-Time Container Tracking
Forceget offers a cutting-edge digital platform and container tracking tool designed to revolutionize container tracking.
Our advanced technology provides real-time visibility into the location, status, and movement of your containers, helping you follow the container’s journey, see its current position, and monitor key transport milestones so you can make informed decisions and optimize your supply chain operations.
With Forceget’s container tracking technology solution, you can monitor the progress of your shipments with up-to-date location information, view essential details such as vessel name, ETA, and container status, and use tracking data for faster status updates shown on mobile.
An api can integrate events into your existing software and display them inside your own systems. A single connection can track 98% of global shipments.
Stay informed about potential delays, exceptions, or changes in shipment status, and use data-driven insights to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Systems handling 5 million TEUs yearly give customers stronger visibility.
Provide accurate and timely shipment updates to your clients through alerts sent to their inbox, which can help increase customer return rates significantly. Explore Forceget.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions:
How do container tracking websites obtain real-time data?
Container tracking websites collect real-time data from various sources, including GPS devices installed on containers, satellite systems, and AIS, which gathers vessel movement data from ships and satellites, as well as communication networks used by shipping companies.
Are there any fees associated with using container tracking websites?
Users can track containers without paying any additional fees thanks to the vast majority of container tracking websites that provide their services for free.
Is container tracking available for all shipping routes worldwide?
Container tracking is widely available for most major shipping routes across the globe. However, some remote or less-traveled routes may have limited tracking capabilities.
Can I track historical data of my containers using these methods?
Certain container tracking methods provide the convenience of historical data retrieval, enabling users to access past tracking information related to their containers. This feature allows stakeholders to review and analyze previous shipment details, including archived status updates, container movements, and the current location at earlier stages of the supply chain.
