A Complete Guide on How to Track Shipping Containers: Step-by-Step Guidance for Effective Tracking
Why Container Tracking is Important
Container tracking plays a pivotal role in improving supply chain efficiency. With millions of containers moving globally, tracking allows businesses to manage inventory, reduce the risk of lost or delayed shipments, and ensure timely deliveries. Here’s why container tracking is so important:
- Real-Time Visibility: Provides updates on the location and status of containers throughout the entire journey, improving decision-making and operational efficiency.
- Customer Transparency: Gives customers accurate, real-time data on their shipments, enhancing customer satisfaction and trust.
- Minimized Delays: Enables proactive management of potential delays by providing alerts and tracking progress through various checkpoints.
- Reduced Costs: Helps optimize routes and avoid unnecessary storage or detention fees, saving money for businesses.
How Container Tracking Works
Tracking shipping containers involves a combination of technology, including GPS, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), and IoT devices, to provide real-time data on container locations. Container tracking solutions use these technologies to offer updates and insights into shipment progress, while also keeping all stakeholders informed.
The tracking process involves the following steps:
1. Container Assignment and Identification
Each shipping container is assigned a unique identification number, also known as the Container Number (or Box Number). This identifier is critical for tracking as it allows the system to associate the container with specific shipments and destinations.
- How It Works: The container is tagged with a unique ID, often using barcode scanning or RFID tags, which allows the system to recognize and track the container at various points during its journey.
2. Real-Time Location Tracking
Once the container is on its way, real-time tracking begins. Modern tracking solutions use GPS or other location-based technologies to track the container as it moves across ports, oceans, or railways.
- How It Works: GPS-enabled devices or RFID tags on the container communicate its location at regular intervals. This data is then transmitted to the container tracking software, providing real-time updates on its whereabouts.
3. Integration with Carrier Systems
Container tracking systems are often integrated with carriers’ databases, including ocean shipping lines, railroads, and trucking companies. This allows logistics companies to gather accurate data from multiple sources and provide a unified view of the container’s status.
- How It Works: The container’s tracking information is transmitted to the logistics platform or software, which aggregates the data from various carriers to provide a centralized dashboard.
4. Customs and Port Updates
Tracking systems also integrate with port authorities and customs officials to provide updates on the container’s status at various checkpoints, including customs clearance, port arrival, and unloading.
- How It Works: The container tracking software receives status updates from port terminals, customs agencies, and warehouses, allowing businesses to monitor the container’s journey through customs and port procedures.
Step-by-Step Process: How to Track Shipping Containers
Tracking a shipping container can be done easily with the right tools and knowledge. Here’s a step-by-step guide to tracking shipping containers effectively:
Step 1: Obtain the Container Number
The first step in tracking a shipping container is to obtain the Container Number. This unique identifier is assigned to every container during the booking or shipment process.
- Where to Find It: The container number is usually provided by the shipping company or carrier on the Bill of Lading, shipping receipt, or the transport documents.
Step 2: Choose a Tracking Platform
Several container tracking platforms are available, ranging from carrier-specific tracking systems to third-party logistics (3PL) platforms. Choose a solution that provides real-time tracking across multiple carriers and offers the best functionality for your needs.
- Popular Platforms:
- Project44: A comprehensive tracking platform for container tracking across multiple carriers.
- FourKites: Offers end-to-end visibility and predictive analytics for container shipments.
- CargoSmart: Provides container tracking with detailed status updates and analytics.
Step 3: Enter the Container Number
Once you’ve chosen a tracking platform, enter the Container Number into the system’s tracking tool. This will allow you to access real-time data on the location and status of the container.
- How It Works: The tracking platform will display information such as the container’s location, estimated arrival time, and any delays or issues that have been flagged during transit.
Step 4: Monitor the Shipment Progress
After entering the container number, regularly monitor the shipment’s progress through the tracking dashboard. Many systems will provide automatic notifications and alerts if there are delays, changes in delivery estimates, or issues at customs.
- What to Look For:
- Location: See where the container is located (port, on land, in transit, etc.).
- Status Updates: Get alerts on when the container arrives at various checkpoints like ports, customs, and warehouses.
- Estimated Arrival Time: Check the updated expected delivery time to plan accordingly.
Step 5: Resolve Potential Issues
Real-time tracking solutions allow you to identify potential problems early, such as delays at customs, missed connections, or carrier issues. With timely information, you can take corrective action to minimize the impact on your supply chain.
- How It Helps: The platform may provide alerts about delays or issues, and you can work with the carrier or port authority to resolve them proactively.
Step 6: Confirm Delivery and Unloading
Once the container reaches its destination, confirm the delivery status and monitor its unloading process. Some tracking platforms provide delivery confirmation once the container has been unloaded and delivered to the final destination.
- How It Works: The tracking system will update the delivery status, allowing you to confirm the container has arrived and been unloaded at the destination.
Best Container Tracking Software Solutions
When it comes to tracking containers, the right software platform is key to achieving optimal results. Here are some of the best container tracking software solutions to consider:
1. Project44
Project44 is one of the leading platforms for real-time container tracking, providing end-to-end visibility across various transportation modes and carriers.
- Key Features: Real-time tracking, predictive analytics, integration with TMS and ERP systems.
- Best For: Logistics companies looking for comprehensive, multi-modal tracking and predictive insights.
2. FourKites
FourKites offers a powerful visibility platform with multi-modal container tracking and predictive analytics to optimize shipment routes and reduce delays.
- Key Features: Real-time tracking, multi-carrier support, predictive alerts, and customizable reporting.
- Best For: Freight forwarders looking for advanced analytics and global shipment visibility.
3. CargoSmart
CargoSmart provides container tracking solutions with predictive analytics and integrated carrier information for seamless shipment management.
- Key Features: Real-time tracking, carrier integration, predictive analytics, and schedule optimization.
- Best For: Freight forwarders and logistics providers seeking better coordination with carriers.
4. Transporeon
Transporeon offers a comprehensive logistics platform with real-time shipment tracking, providing end-to-end visibility and alerts for potential delays.
- Key Features: Multi-modal tracking, predictive analytics, real-time alerts.
- Best For: Companies looking for flexible and user-friendly container tracking software.
Conclusion
Tracking shipping containers has become an essential part of modern logistics, providing real-time visibility and helping businesses optimize their supply chain operations. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily track containers, monitor shipments, and resolve issues before they impact delivery timelines.
With the right container tracking software, logistics companies can enhance efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and minimize the risk of delays. Whether you are tracking containers across sea, rail, or truck, the ability to monitor your shipments in real-time is crucial for success in today’s fast-paced logistics world.