“Track international shipments
Importance of shipment tracking
So why is the ability to track cargo so important in this day and age? Simple – because even everyday items are shipped halfway around the world. If this chain of commerce continues to operate uninterrupted for the foreseeable future, if far-flung manufacturers can enter alternative markets with their products; international shipment tracking needs to be both simple and efficient. This is important for both customers and manufacturers.
The first tracking feature for consumer goods and products seems to be the path to timely and correct flow of information – especially regarding expected delivery dates. After all, from a customer’s perspective, it’s the most important thing – knowing exactly when the package they ordered will arrive. But don’t think that shipment tracking is only good for consumers; retailers and manufacturers need this type of technology to collect as much consumer data as possible.
Shipping Container Tracking
For ocean container tracking, you can enter one of the following to track your shipment and get details such as last location, estimated arrival date, etc., depending on the service offered by the particular carrier.
Container Number – Consists of four letters at the beginning (owner code + equipment code), a six-digit serial number, and a check digit at the end.
Bill of Lading Number – A Bill of Lading (BOL) is a standard document issued by the carrier and is required for the carriage of goods by sea.
Reservation Number – This service provides your shipment with a reservation number, provided by the carrier from which you booked your shipment.
Air Cargo Tracking
To track your air cargo, visit the Track Shipment section of the airline website and enter your Air Waybill (AWB) number for details on the airway routing of your cargo, tracking reports, status updates, and the estimated arrival of your shipment time.
An AWB is a document issued by an airline as evidence of a contract of carriage. It contains detailed information about the goods being transported. It has a unique 11-digit number that helps carriers track cargo movement and serves as a way to identify your consignment.
GPS tracking
If you want to keep track of your sea or air cargo, you can connect a wireless GPS device to it. These devices provide the real-time location of the container from the first mile to the last mile. A few things to keep in mind are –
The system relies heavily on signals and network connections, which can sometimes be a problem once cargo is on board.
GPS devices may not be approved by the airline.
Lithium-ion in most wireless GPS devices is classified as a “”dangerous good”” for air travel. Therefore, GPS devices may not be allowed to be marked as checked in.
If the device is damaged or the battery is dead, getting updates will be hindered, especially by sea, as the shipment takes a relatively long time to reach its destination.
Shipping lines and container leasing companies that own shipping containers may install advanced GPS tracking devices on their containers. Designed for ocean shipping, these feature an advanced GPS container tracking system that provides uninterrupted data on time, temperature, speed, latitude, longitude, impact reports and battery information. You can choose to source containers from companies or shipping lines that offer this service.
Benefits of Shipment Tracking
Shipment tracking offers many benefits to shippers and their customers. The advantages of having a shipment tracking number include:
Reduced Customer Anxiety – One of the most obvious but still essential benefits of being able to use a tracking number is helping reduce customer anxiety about when a package will arrive. It’s common for customers to worry about their shipment if it’s important or valuable, or if they need it by a certain date.
Provide delivery information – Tracking numbers and management systems can not only tell customers that their shipments are on their way, but also provide other important details about the entire process from pickup to delivery. Customers can use them to get estimated deliveries, see if delivery dates have changed, and monitor shipping rates per site. After delivery, an update will be made stating where the package will be delivered.
Increased transparency – Package tracking allows carriers and shippers to provide transparency to customers. It kicks off the party and demystifies the process. Especially today, customers trust companies that are open to them and are quick to abandon companies they perceive as deceptive. By providing your customers with all relevant details and the ability to track their purchases, you can help build and build trust between you and your customers.
Reduce customer service costs and needs – By giving your customers an electronic way to track their shipments, your customer service department doesn’t have to spend time answering most tracking-related questions. This allows them to focus on actual customer issues rather than wasting time updating frantic customers on the status of their packages.
Locate lost packages – Tracking numbers help your business locate packages that are lost or sent to the wrong destination. Since they scan at multiple waypoints, the tracking numbers allow the carrier to narrow down the most recent scan and see what went wrong. While a shipment is in transit, a package can be misplaced, delivered to the wrong address, or improperly sorted, but the tracking number can easily identify errors.”
