Understand Everything About Container Tracking

Your containers make multiple stops and are handled by many parties on their way to the final destination, the market. Therefore, tracking in marine shipping is crucial to ensuring that your container makes it safely from the loading dock to the doorstep of your consumer.

This post will go through several Container Tracking methods, how to implement an efficient tracking approach, and how to better manage exceptions.

What Exactly is Container Tracking?

A container will travel far along the supply chain from the factory to the store. The most challenging aspect of such an excursion is dealing with the unexpected.

This may occur because of a strike, heavy traffic at the terminal, or terrible weather. Whatever the reason, it always ends up costing more because of shipment delays.

Tracking allows you to know where your packages are at all times, no matter where they may be. This is crucial data for foreseeing the outcomes of any process disruption.

To provide this information, a container will be tracked and notified when it moves through a series of checkpoints along its route:

1. The consignee picked up the empty container from the terminal and drove it out.
2. The port terminal staff verified the container’s contents and seal and gave the container the “Gate in Full” status.
3. The container has been put onto the ship and is prepared for departure.
4. The container’s ship has left the port of loading (POL), as shown by the departure sign. Find out when the ship is expected to arrive at its next destination.
5. The ship has arrived at the discharge port (POD).
6. The container has been unloaded from the ship and is ready for pickup; the container has been filled and is ready to be delivered; the container has been withdrawn from the restricted area.
7. The emptied and sanitized container is logged into the system, signaling that it is now available for reuse.

Also, Read: Benefits of Tank Container Software

What are the Advantages of Container Tracking?

Supply chain visibility increases, expenses are decreased, and exceptions are dealt with more quickly, thanks to tracking.

The Benefits of Container Tracking are as Follows:

1. Faster Delivery

You, as a logistics manager, understand how precious time is. Early notification of exceptions allows for more timely responses. You may respond more quickly to changes by monitoring your containers and receiving real-time carrier notifications.

2.  Save Money

Demurrage and detention fees are assessed when a company’s container is delayed at the port or when an empty container is returned later than expected.

Saving money on demurrage and detention can be accomplished by container tracking at sea and on land. The cost of a trucker waiting an extra hour for your container increases every time it’s late. Demurrage and detention fees can be reduced if you and your partners know when the container is expected to arrive.

3. Better Communication With Customers

With an efficient Container Tracking system, you may give your final consumer additional insight into your container’s whereabouts, current status, and expected arrival time. As a result, they will feel more at ease, have a deeper understanding, and be more able to adapt to changes.

How much detail is Needed to Track a Container?

If you want to track a container, you’ll need either the bill of lading, the container number, or the booking number.

Bill of Lading

Details about the consignment, such as its kind, final destination, and the ship it was put onto, can be found on the bill of lading, abbreviated Bol. or B/L. A contract between the carrier, shipper, and consignee, this legal document is essential in the shipping industry. You may use the number on any bill of lading to track your shipment, regardless of its kind.

Container Number

ISO uses the BIC (Bureau of International Containers) to provide each container with a special identification number. It says such on the top right of the door and the sides for the mechanics. The first three letters represent the owner, while the fourth represents the equipment category; for example, HLXU1234569 combines four letters and seven numbers.

• The letter “U” indicates this is a shipping container, and the owner-assigned six-digit serial number comes next.
• The final digit is the verification digit.

Booking Number

The shipping firm will provide the booking number. It is used by agencies and carriers when a cargo reservation has been made.

Conclusion

The Internet of Things has brought about a dramatic change in container tracking in recent years. The proliferation of smart containers and, by extension, data has mandated the widespread adoption of application programming interfaces.

The shipping industry has entered a new era marked by rapid digitization. SeaknotsIT Container Tracking is the future of container tracking, and you can try it out today. Make your business more efficient, safer, and more formidable in the marketplace.