Tracking your freight shipment isn’t just about peace of mind – it’s a strategic move that can streamline your operations and save you from unexpected surprises. This guide will demystify freight shipment tracking so you can stay up to date, keep your supply chain on track, and manage any surprises as easily as possible.
Search, book, manage, and track freight in one place
The importance of tracking your freight shipments
Let’s break down why shipment tracking matters:
Keeping your supply chain on schedule
Ever tried to plan a welcome party, but you’re not sure when the guest will show up? That’s what it feels like without real-time shipment tracking – except with higher stakes. Keep track of where your shipment is and you’ll be able to update your providers, stay on top of your inventory, and meet delivery deadlines more effectively.
Catching any potential issues or delays
Sometimes shipments end up taking a scenic route, thanks to weather or traffic snags. Tracking helps you see these detours and respond accordingly, keeping your business on track (pun definitely intended).
Identifying patterns and trends in your shipping activities
Tracking helps you spot trends in your shipping activities and offers actionable insights to optimize your supply chain and shrink operational costs. For example, you might notice recurring delays on one route, or surges in demand at certain times of the year. This insight allows you to adapt for more efficiency in the future.
Resolving specific procedure-related issues
Navigating procedure-related hurdles like freight inspections or customs is a headache. Tracking catches these problems early. For example, if your goods get stuck at customs, you can troubleshoot with your forwarder before the problem snowballs.
Enhancing communication and collaboration with partners and customers
Knowing your shipment status means you can share this information with partners and customers. This kind of transparency builds trust.
Shipment tracking gives you the reins of your logistics operations. The result? Increased efficiency, happier customers, and a healthier bottom line.
How to track international shipments
Thanks to logistics technology, freight tracking gets easier and more accurate all the time. Here are some of the ways to track a shipment.
Documentation
Freight documents, especially the Bill of Lading (BoL) or Air Waybill (AWB), are like the passport stamps of your shipment, showing where it’s been and where it’s going. In many cases, importers and exporters can track shipments by entering the BoL or AWB information on their carrier’s website.
Transportation management systems
Many freight forwarders offer transport management systems so you can track your shipment on their websites. Alternatively, you can use a third-party tracking provider.
Asking your forwarder for updates
In some cases, importers and exporters communicate directly with their freight forwarders for status updates.
If you use Freightos.com, you’ll get status updates and tracking information right on the platform, so it’s all at your fingertips.
Alternative reference numbers to track your freight cargo
The BoL and AWB are the most commonly used documents for tracking freight. But your shipment has other numbers associated with it, and these are all used to track shipments. Here are some examples:
Container number
If you’re shipping a full container load (FCL), you can use the assigned container number for tracking.
Delivery order number
Carriers or freight forwarders assign this unique number to identify the shipment, particularly in last-mile deliveries. You can use it for both ocean shipping tracking and air shipment tracking.
Purchase order (PO) number
This is used as a reference number to tie all communications and paperwork related to the shipment back to your shipment. It is crucial for accurate record-keeping and ensures that the correct items are shipped to the right destination.
Using Freightos To Track Your Air, Ocean, and Container Shipments
If you’re managing multiple shipments, staying on top of tracking can become a juggling act.
Forget about keeping all those balls in the air! On Freightos.com, you can search, book, and track all your shipments in one place. You’ll also get document management, seamless communication with providers, and support whenever you need. Ready to start?
