In this era of digitalization where everyone depends on the internet our business should be in a digital mode, which makes it easier and more customer friendly. For the day-to-day shipping of the products, container shipping companies become the support for businesses. Shipping companies have not remained untouched by the impact of technology, and the industry has developed several useful tools to aid in the improvement of the shipping process. Container tracking is one such method that has drastically increased the efficiency of the supply chain.

What is container tracking?

Container tracking is a method through which anyone can track the shipment of the container that is delivering goods from one location to another with real-time location tracking or a specific point tracking system.

It is effective because it gives a seamless experience to your business, where everyone can easily find the status and clearance of the container through the system.

With container tracking, it becomes easy for your business to function smoothly. You can use it to track the status of your container- check where it is currently or if it’s given the custom clearance, and more with everything on your fingertips.

How to track your container?

After a container is shipped, you can go about container tracking anytime by:

● Tracking via the Container Number

Container number is an identification number assigned to the container which includes four letters of owner code followed by a six digits serial number. You can use this to digitally track the location of your container.

● Tracking through the Bill of Lading

A Bill of Lading is a legal document including all the details of shipment which is a contract binding the shipper and the carrier. It ensures the safe movement of the container. You can input your BoL number for container tracking.

● Booking number

A booking number is generated when you are making the order for your container and your container is shipped under this number. You can use this number too while tracking your order.

Why is container tracking effective for your import-export business?

Since time is a significant factor in the logistics industry, It is necessary to know the current status of your container. Container shipping is widely used across the world because it is less time-consuming and can ship heavy products. Thus, container tracking becomes crucial.

Tracking your container is necessary because:

1.  Planning for contingencies

In case of a delay in shipment due to unforeseen circumstances, tracking your container can help in planning and executing the necessary action in time.

2.  Reduction of excess charges

If your container is getting delayed for some reason, you shall end up paying the demurrage and detention charges, thus increasing the overall costs. If tracked in time, you can be prepared and thus reduce these costs.

3.  Reduce manual effort

All container information is centralized with the modern-day tracking systems, and it becomes useful in case of keeping track of multiple containers.

4.  Improved customer relations

You can give a real-time location about the status of shipment. It allows better transparency and hence it allows you to build better relations.

The shipping industry acts as the backbone to all businesses relying on export. A real-time tracking system gives a boost to the business and a seamless experience to customers or buyers. You can take the help of a freight forwarder such as Cogoport to aid you in container tracking and knowing the status of your shipment. With everyone counting on the time element in the logistics industry, using technology to stay ahead of your competition is necessary for your growth and success.

Infographic provided by AV Logistics, shipping container tracking