Container Tracking System:

In this article we explain everything you need to know to track your containers with SiteTrax: what information you will find in our container tracking system, how to use it, and how to make the most of its features, acronyms you should know, etc. .

If you have any questions about our container tracking system that are not clear in this article. You can contact us.

Container Tracking: What is it?

People also use Container tracking or shipment tracking names that most commonly refer to sitetrax container tracking systems.

There are online container tracking tools that allow you to locate real time coordinates in which a certain container is located. The tracking systems that provide the most value for shippers are those that report the various changes in the status of a container.

These tracking systems provide vital information to the shipper about the various stages of the logistics process, including details of when the container has moved from one stage to another.

Among the most important changes collected in these tracking systems are the following:

• For collection of merchandise container has sent to the shipper.
• This container has arrived at the terminal and is pending customs clearance.
• The container has been loaded at the port of origin
• The container has arrived at or has left the port of transshipment The container has arrived at

Common Acronyms in Container Tracking System:

acronyms in container tracking: We use series of acronyms in container tracking systems, which we apply almost universally in the sitetrax transport industry.

The most important that you will find in our container tracking system are the following.

ETD (Estimated Time of Departure): to indicate the day on which the container is estimated to leave the port of origin (POL) and begin its transit.

ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival): used to indicate the day on which the container is estimated to arrive at the port of destination (POD)

T/S (Transshipment): in the case of a route with transfers, T/S indicates that the container has arrived at the secondary port and is awaiting departure to the main port of destination.

POL (Port of Loading): the port of origin where the container was loaded onto the vessel

POD (Port of Discharge): the final port of destination where the container will unload.

Track & Trace: our container tracking system

‘ Track & Trace is a container tracking system available to all our customers, with which you can track the shipments you have active on our platform at a glance.

Valid for all shipping companies and for all routes, from a single point you will be able to know where your containers are.

The information you will find in our monitoring system will allow you to:

Better manage your supply chain.

Save time on calls to the shipping company.

Find out about delays at the port of arrival, transfer or departure and the possible extra costs.

Make informed decisions about costs, time and efficiency.

Unique features of our container tracking system:

Tracking without reference numbers

Unlike other container tracking systems, SiteTrax Track & Trace allows access to container status by simply logging in.

This means that instead of having to enter the reference or booking numbers, all of the container information is already mention directly in the tracking section, within the user area.

Tracking containers from different shipping companies

Another unique feature of our container tracking system is that it allows you to track containers from different shipping companies at the same time.

In the case of simultaneous shipments with different shipping companies, you can access the tracking systems of each shipping company, but this implies accessing each of the websites separately and entering the appropriate reference numbers in each of them (number of booking, bill of lading or container number).

In the Track & Trace of SiteTrax you can find them all under the same list, regardless of the shipping company with which they are being managed.

Limitations of SiteTrax Container Tracking System:

SiteTrax is continually working to improve its container tracking system.

Despite the unique advantages of our system recently mentioned in the market, our Track & Trace currently has some limitations that you should be aware of, such as the following:

In the case of groupage or LCL, in which the information could be less complete than in full container or FCL shipments. For example, some consolidators do not offer upgrades when the load is in the warehouse.

There is currently no information on status changes related to ground transportation.

The updates available once the cargo is inside the port are limited by the information provided by the port itself. Most of the updates related to cargo activity within the ports include the entry. And exit of goods from the terminal, as well as the departure and arrival of ships. However, there are ports that only provide updates on arrival and departure.

How to use our container tracking:

Below we show you how to access our container tracking system. Step by step and how to get the most out of its functionalities.

Sign in to SiteTrax. You can do this by clicking on “Log in” at the top right of any page on our website.

Access your user area.

Under the “Track & Trace” tab, you will find the list with all the reservations. Select the shipment you want to locate and click on the Track & Trace link.

Once you have accessed the status of the selected shipment.  You will see a graph with the position of the shipment within the international transport chain. Timeline with the breakdown of changes in the status of the shipment and its current status.

Container Details:

In this chart you can view the shipment’s departure date, current status and estimated arrival date. Giving you a better overview of the international transport chain.

If an unexpected change occurs, you can anticipate and find a plan B, if necessary.

Container tracking from the shipment timeline

In the timeline, you can follow each step in the journey of your containers in more detail. It includes a detailed and exhaustive breakdown of the most important milestones and events, such as arrival at the terminal. Boarding, unloading, etc.

The timeline is divided into milestones and events. In the following image you can see an example of what the timeline of a shipment with SiteTax looks like.

Monitoring of different shipping companies at the same time:

As you can see, from the main view of Track & Trace you have access to a list with all your reservations. From here you can track all your containers, regardless of the shipping company. This prevents you from having to make calls to each of the shipping companies. Or access their container tracking systems one by one.

Automatic notifications:

In addition to our container tracking system, SiteTrax has developed a functionality that allows you to track your containers automatically.

From the moment the container enters the port. You will begin to receive emails with precise information on the most relevant status changes. That the shipment goes through throughout the entire international transport chain.

Notifications arrive the moment the shipment reaches a milestone. Additionally, so that all the shipping documentation is prepared before the required dates. Automatic notifications will also notify you of possible changes or required actions. Such as completing the information or attaching a document in the document upload section.

If you need more information about SiteTrax services, take a look at what happens after booking your ocean freight online with us.