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How to track bill of lading to find cargo and containers?

Learn how to track a bill of lading to find cargo and containers, the importance of bill of lading tracking in the shipping industry, and different methods for tracking.

Imagine you are an Indian textile exporter who has to deliver a large shipment of cotton apparel for a store opening in the US. With the launch date approaching, you have shipped your cargo through ocean freight. Suddenly, you receive a notification that your cargo not reached the destination port. Stress builds — where is your cargo? Is it in a customs backlog, or gliding through the sea? To avoid such situations, exporters can use real-time bill of lading tracking. In this blog post, we will explain what bill of lading tracking is, how it works, various tracking approaches, and the advantages of using this method.

What is bill of lading tracking?

Bill of lading tracking refers to the process of identifying the location and status of goods and containers through a bill of lading. A bill of lading is an official, legally binding shipping document provided by the carrier to the shipper that outlines various details about the goods being shipped from one destination to another. It acts as a receipt of shipment once the goods have been shipped to the agreed destination.

Bill of lading tracking can help you ensure that your consignment reaches the intended destination in good condition and in the shortest time possible. It allows exporters to monitor the following:

● Current location: Track your consignment’s location in real time.
● Past milestones: Track all relevant ports and milestones your cargo has passed during the shipping process.
● Estimated time of arrival (ETA): Receive updates on the expected date and time of the shipment’s arrival at the destination.

Importance of bill of lading tracking in the shipping industry

Businesses engaged in international trade might profit from bill of lading tracking in the following ways:

1. Enhanced visibility

Businesses get real-time information on the location of their shipment which leads to more certainty and better planning.

2. Improved efficiency

By tracking a bill of lading, potential delays to delivery can be identified early, enabling business owners to take necessary measures and plan accordingly.³

3. Reduced costs

Real-time tracking can ensure quick identification and resolution of issues. This can reduce storage and demurrage costs.

Top methods for tracking a bill of lading

There are several ways to track containers through bills of lading. Some of these are as follows:

Container numbers:

The bill of lading may also contain the container number for a shipment. The container number is may be prefixed by codes depending on the type of container. This number can be used to track shipments on carrier websites or through third-party platforms which offer detailed information on the movement of containers and cargo, especially those travelling via sea.

Third-party tracking platforms:

For exporters tracking shipments on multiple carriers, there are specific service providers that help with bill of lading tracking. These platforms are intermediaries that gather all the information about different shipping lines and present it on simple and accessible dashboards. This allows exporters to track the status of all their shipments on a single dashboard. Some platforms also offer additional tracking features such as shipment alerts, route displays, and the historical record of BL status for more advanced tracking.

GPS tracking devices:

In the case of high-value or sensitive products, exporters can fix a GPS tracking device on the shipment to monitor its location at any given time. These devices employ satellite technology, which transmits the precise location of the cargo, providing the highest level of accuracy and security. GPS tracking is most beneficial in cases where the shipment needs to be supervised at all times, like medication, electronics, or perishables.⁵

Visit Exports Compliance Dashboard to meet your documentation requirements

Conclusion

In conclusion, effective bill of lading tracking can significantly improve efficiency and streamline operations in international shipping. From online tracking services and mobile applications to GPS tracking devices, shippers have many choices on how to track and control their consignments. E-commerce exporters, in particular, stand to benefit significantly from streamlined systems like bill of lading tracking, as it ensures transparency, minimizes disputes, and ultimately fosters customer trust and satisfaction. For additional support with international shipping or other aspects of e-commerce exports, exporters can leverage the tools and services offered by e-commerce export programs like Amazon Global Selling.

Amazon Global Selling: Easy e-commerce exports and hassle-free shipping

If you are a business owner and you want to sell your products to the world, Amazon Global Selling enables you to list and sell ‘Made in India’ products on 18 Amazon global marketplaces. As an e-commerce exports program, Amazon Global Selling provides support and guidance at every step of your exports journey – documents and licenses, logistics, payments, advertising, and more.

Registered sellers can choose to ship their products by themselves through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or they can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and outsource order fulfillment to Amazon including packing, storage, delivery, and returns. Amazon Global Selling simplifies the process of international shipping to the world, helping businesses navigate customs and reach a vast audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I track a bill of lading online?

To monitor your cargo online using a bill of lading, visit the website of the company which is shipping your goods. Enter your bill of lading number and see where your shipment is at any time. If you have cargo on multiple carriers, you can also use a third-party tracking platform to view the status of all your shipments on a single dashboard.

Is there any mobile app for tracking BOLs?

Yes, several mobile apps exist to track containers through bills of lading. These apps require you to create an account and link it to your delivery details on the internet. Once connected, you can get instant updates and alerts on the status of your shipment.

How does GPS tracking work for BOLs?

Some shipping containers are equipped with GPS trackers that provide real-time data. This information can be integrated into bill of lading tracking systems, offering detailed updates on your shipment's movement.

Published on August 13, 2024.

Sources:
1. https://www.credlix.com/blogs/bill-of-lading-and-waybill-whats-the-big-difference-2024
2. https://www.vizionapi.com/blog/how-to-track-and-trace-a-containers-with-bill-of-lading
3. https://www.freightforwarderquoteonline.com/news/bill-of-lading-problems-and-issues-to-avoid-as-their-resolution-has-many-complexities/
4. https://www.container-xchange.com/blog/track-bill-of-lading/#bol_number_tracking_importance_of_container_monitoring_in_the_shipping_industry
5. https://osat.com/blogs/blog/the-benefits-of-gps-tracking-for-cargo-containers

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*Map not to scale. The map has been used for design and representational purpose only, it does not depict the geographical boundaries of the country. These do not conform to the external boundaries of India recognized by the Survey of India.