Have you ever sat down and wondered how companies keep track of shipping containers? Is it because they have GPs signals? Or is it simply because they do this through satellite?
In this article, we will be taking an in-depth look at how different companies around the world track their shipping containers. So without any further delay, let’s dive right into it.
Tracking system
To begin with, it is essential to remember that with so many companies around the world, there has been a system that allows individuals or customers to locate their shipping containers and get an estimated time of their package date and arrival.
Many online tracking websites have aimed to help individuals access the exact locations of their shipping containers. This can be done in multiple ways, such as through a GPS tracking system or satellite image.
Not just that, but customers can also check the location and get notifications on their phones regarding the status of their shipment.
Website information
Sometimes, a company may not provide details for an individual to track online shipments, such as Vizion API. In this case, they may have a portal on their website, which customers can visit and type in their reference number and other shipping details to know where the container is headed and how long it will take to arrive at the designated location.
Most of the time, you would need a cargo ship name and number, which will help you identify where the container shipment is currently.
Computerized storage
A huge proportion of people out there do not know this, but before a cargo shipment is loaded to travel, all necessary precautions and data are saved and re-checked online.
It does not matter how bulky or small the shipment is, as every container is marked with a number fed into a computer which is then given to the customer to locate the shipment.
It is worth mentioning that every cargo unit out there has a twelve-character alphanumeric identification code inked on the cargo box. This 12-number code is essential as it helps to identify every cargo unit.
Bill of landing
Many metal cargo shipping containers are sometimes marked with a bill of landing rather than the twelve-number code as it is more convenient and helps to identify them from another typical cargo shipment.
If you are someone who does not know what a bill of landing or BOL for short is, it is simply the documentation issued to the carrier specifying each trip. Shipping companies typically track their containers through the references marked in the bill of landing.
Moreover, companies have various checkpoints that allow the shipment to be verified. This is particularly important as it helps the company workers to see if any damages have been done or to simply re-input the data and authenticate the customer that their shipment is on its way.
Conclusion
So hopefully, you have understood some of the ways the company tracks your shipping container. You may think that the process is unreliable and comes with risk, but that is not always the case. Shipments can be made quickly with strict security, unique codes, and references.
