International container search is crucial if you want complete visibility and control over your shipments throughout the supply chain process. Luckily, tracking your units in near real-time without hassle is within your reach. Read this blog to get a full overview of shipping container query.
As a business owner or shipper, you’ve probably encountered the following problems: inconsistent tracking data, unexpected holdups, disruptions to your supply chain, and frustrated customers.
If accurately monitoring your container fleet and avoiding costly delays is an ongoing struggle for your business, it’s time for a better solution—and we have just the right one for you.
Container xChange is the largest global online shipping container marketplace, offering container tracking, estimated arrival times (ETAsWhat is estimated time of arrival? Estimated time of arrival, commonly known as ETA, is a frequently used term globally to denote the time of coming. In the shipping & logistics industry, it is ... More), and instant alerts all in one place.
We revolutionize the way you handle your container logistics, so you can say goodbye to unreliable data and juggling multiple platforms to receive updates. With our digital solution, stay up to date on the whereabouts of your units with just a few clicks. Keep reading for all you need to know.
What is an international container search?
An international container search is used to track and locate shipping containers as they move across borders, through various stages of the supply chain process. This provides visibility into the container’s journey, from the point of origin all the way to the final destination.
Container searches usually require a container number and BIC code (issued by the Bureau International des Containers) in order to locate units on their journey and provide updates on their movements.
Container number and BIC codes explained
Before we get into the importance of tracking your shipping containers, let’s understand container numbers and BIC codes.
A container number is a unique global identifier that tracks and manages shipping containers throughout their lifecycle.
A complete container number is made up of a BIC code and a unique number. The BIC is used to identify the container owner or operator and cannot be used on its own.
Here’s an example of a container number with a BIC code:
ABC U 123456 7
ABC: Container owner’s code (shipping or leasing company)
U: Equipment category (freight container)
123456: Unique serial number
7: Check digit
Now, let’s look at why it’s necessary to track your containers and shipments.
International container search: Why should you track your containers?
Container tracking has become one of the most crucial aspects of the global supply chain network. With millions of shipping containers in transit at any given moment, knowing the whereabouts of your shipments is essential for effective logistics management.
Container tracking allows you to:
Deal with emergencies fast: Weather events, congestion, and accidents can happen at any stage of the shipping journey. With container tracking, you can handle emergencies as soon as they occur to minimize damage to your supply chain.
Make alternative arrangements: In case of unexpected delays due to strikes, equipment failures, and customs issues, being notified early helps you to make the necessary arrangements and avoid follow-up costs.
Maintain good customer relations: Your customers expect their deliveries on time, and when shipments are delayed, this affects their trust in your business. Container tracking helps you maintain a good working relationship with your customers, as you’ll provide them with regular updates and warn them of any potential issues.
Save on costs: Knowing exactly when your containers will arrive at a particular port allows you to schedule transportation and avoid additional storage costs. Besides this, near real-time tracking helps your business to avoid unnecessary fees like demurrage and detention, which may crop up if your containers are held at a port for too long.
Don’t let the challenges of international container search slow you down. Join Container xChange and experience the convenience, visibility, and control you need for your container management and international shipping success. Click on the banner below to learn more.
Benefits of using digital software to manage shipping container query
Using digital software to manage your shipping operations is beneficial for your business in a variety of ways. Here are some of the most important reasons to go digital.
Near real-time tracking:
Digital technologies, such as GPS and API tracking, enable real-time monitoring of containers. This means accurate and up-to-date information about the location, status, and condition of your units.
Improved visibility:
Using reliable digital software provides visibility into shipping container movements by capturing and analyzing data related to your shipments. This includes departure and arrival times, as well as transit routes.
Streamlined documentation management:
Digitalization automates and streamlines documentation processes, such as bills of lading, customs declarations, and other paperwork associated with international container shipments. This reduces manual errors and delays, and saves time.
Enhanced collaboration between partners:
Digital tools enable better collaboration and communication between parties in international container logistics, including shipping lines, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and other stakeholders. This in turn fosters trust and strengthens working relationships.
Advanced search capabilities:
Digitalization enables advanced search and analytics capabilities. So, you can find your containers based on various criteria, such as container or booking number, vessel name, or port of loading/unloading.
Common problems with shipping container query
Rising demands in international shipping, increased port congestion, and higher container traffic volumes make managing your container fleet challenging. Here are some of the most common problems faced by container owners and shippers:
Delayed tracking updates: When tracking data is not updated regularly enough or there are long gaps in between updates, important information can be missed, and delays can’t be preempted in time.
Several factors can cause this, including issues with GPS software, poor network coverage, and manual entry errors at checkpoints.
To avoid this issue, make sure you choose a reliable digital platform like Container xChange for your shipping container tracking, in order to get near real-time data.
Missing or incorrect container information: If the container number or other important details are incorrect, this makes getting accurate shipping container query results difficult.
To prevent issues with container queries, always double check container numbers, BIC codes, and booking references.
Inconsistent status across different platforms: Using multiple platforms or sources to track containers (such as carrier and third-party systems) can be overwhelming. This is because most systems have different refresh rates and data sources, and there’s often limited integration between platforms.
Instead, use a single, comprehensive solution like Container xChange for all of your container queries, and avoid inconsistencies and confusion once and for all.
How xChange helps you streamline your container operations
Here is how xChange tracking can revolutionize your container operations:
Get a global overview of your fleet:
On our platform, you’ll have a global view of your entire container fleet on one dashboard. You can focus on any container number, location or partner you need to in just seconds.
See estimated arrival times:
On xChange, you’ll receive regular ETAsWhat is estimated time of arrival? Estimated time of arrival, commonly known as ETA, is a frequently used term globally to denote the time of coming. In the shipping & logistics industry, it is ... More on your containers, so that you can plan accordingly and make alternative arrangements for your units when needed.
Receive alerts when containers require your attention:
You’ll be alerted immediately if containers require your attention due to emergencies, unexpected delays, or other potential issues. So that you can create a workaround and avoid incurring extra port charges, or letting customers down.
Easily share updates with partners on the platform:
Keeping partners up to date is of the utmost importance if you want to maintain good working relationships. On our platform, it’s quick and easy to share updates with other members, so that everybody stays in the loop.
Keep track of your containers in one place on xChange
With our cutting-edge container monitoring and tracking features, you can take charge of your container inventory and gain real-time visibility into your shipments like never before.
Once you subscribe to our platform, these are some of the benefits you’ll be able to enjoy:
Stay in control of your containers throughout the international shipping journey, make informed decisions, and optimize your logistics operations. Say goodbye to uncertainties and hello to improved visibility and efficiency with Container xChange. Click the banner below to chat with our expert team about getting started today.
International container search: Common FAQs
What is an international container search?
An international container search is the process of tracking and locating shipping containers as they move across borders and through various stages of international transportation. This process uses tracking numbers to monitor container movements.
How do you track international shipments?
Containers can be tracked by inputting the container number into an international container search tool, or tracking system. In this way, containers can be monitored throughout their journey using their unique identification number, and delays preempted.
How does container tracking work?
Container tracking works by monitoring containers using GPS trackers, RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) tags, and unique identification codes such as container numbers and BIC codes.
