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Majority of the trades that tends to happen globally takes place via ocean freight shipping. Hence, ocean freight has become a number one choice when it comes to international shipping. In this, large goods are transported which are packed into cargo. Moreover, it is also deemed as one of the economical, efficient, and environmentally friendly form of transportation. The best part is that it is completely safe as compared to other shipping modes which are available in the market.
The only downside is that it is a space that is not very predictable. You may face visibility problems beyond the port. The reason is that a lot of shippers are looking out for container capacity that is good. But they want to pay only a limited price against the same. Hence, the balance of demand supply becomes very volatile.
Also, in the case, when the supply is lower, then the cargo needs of shippers gets very difficult to accommodate. Hence, due to this ocean freight tends to become a complex affair especially when the transportation is done internationally. Also, dealing with international standards, paperwork, and market volatility does not do into good.
So, in this article, we would discuss about how ocean freight shipping can be tracked. Let us have a look:-
How tracking of the ocean freight shipping can be done?
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Shipment tracking using container number
When it comes to sea freight tracking, each of the shipping containers has alphanumeric sequence attached to it. This is regarded as the container number. The number is unique to each of the shipping container. This can be used to track and identify the movement of the container. So, one of the common ways trough which ocean freight can be tracked is through container number.
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Shipment tracking using booking number
A booking number is basically a value that is assigned to the space that is reserved on the carrier. Booking number as well can be used to track and identify the shipment status. This number can easily be obtained through freight forwarder or carrier. Additionally, these numbers can also be found on invoices or receipts which are generated once the reservation is confirmed.
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Tracking using the Lading number Bill
A lading number bill is basically binding document the carrier provides to the shipper. It is a unique number which you will find on the document. Further, it is given when the cargo is accepted by the carrier for the shipment purpose. So, shipment can easily be tracked using bill of lading number.
Why it is important to track ocean freight?
Supply chains are quite complicated and hence the visibility of ocean freight is one of the biggest challenges that you might have to deal. Also, when it comes to poor visibility, people mainly relate it to cost. But, it can cause a number of other problems as well. This includes detention fees, demurrage and complication in the port schedule.
Furthermore, there are a number of risks involved when it comes to ocean freight shipping. These includes customs complications, theft, visibility issues, delays, overboard containers etc.
Also, one of the most complicated issues that a lot of shippers face is getting the data regarding the ocean freight visibility. They mostly obtain it from ocean carriers which are not a reliable source. The major objective of the carrier is to make sure that freight reaches to the destination. Hence, they usually avoid informing any other aspects related to shipment.
So, if relevant data regarding ocean container/shipment is not available, then a lot of trouble can occur in intermodal shipments. Thus, if delay happens, then the complete journey can get disrupted. For example, if the delay happens due to rerouting of the vessel, then the entire journey would face delay and hence the process would become disruptive.
Also, you should understand that accessing the data of ocean freight is very hard. There can also be situation where the disruption in supply chain can take place. Hence, you should invest in a good ocean freight container tracking visibility solution.
So, here are few of the challenges that you might have to go through:-
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Global Regulations that are changing
There are a number of changes that can take place globally. These include the changes in technology, compliance, equipment inspections, and cyber security regulations. Hence, all of these can effect sea freight.
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Disruptions in Market
There can be situations where ocean freight can be disrupted due to market regulations. Hence, the resources which are available should be managed in a right way.
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Political environment
If any changes take place politically on an international level, then transportation and shipping can get affected due to it. Also, if changes in terms of government take place in a country, then it can have varying results as well. These include the changes in restrictions, regulations and fluctuations in the demand supply.
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Challenges in terms of cost
Ocean shipping can greatly be affected due to increments in taxes, costs as well as other expenses. Some of the other charges include detention and demurrage charges. So, to manage it in an effective manner, containers should be optimized in a right way.
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Loss of Ocean Cargo
There can be situation when ocean cargo might fall overboard. Some of the other causes of ocean cargo loss are theft, bad weather, shipment spoilage etc. Thus, due to all of these, growth of carrier, satisfaction of customer and reputation of the shipper can be put into risk.
So, if you are looking to tackle such challenges, then it is important that you get data regarding ocean freight shipping. With real-time data, you can understand where your shipment is and it can help you in case of events.
What are the benefits of Ocean Container Tracking Software?
There are a number of benefits associated with ocean container tracking software. These includes:-
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Capturing the shipment movement
With an ocean container tracking software, the movement of shipment can be tracked in real time. Moreover, carrier performance can also be assessed. This is usually done by comparing the date of milestone with the actual event.
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Getting automated update
Tracking software offers best in class tracking solution. Hence, you won’t have to visit a number of websites to know about the shipments. All the important milestone of the journey would be captured automatically. After this, the updates would be sent directly to the inbox.
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Custom relationship is boosted
One of the good things about this software is that tracking data would be shared with your customers. So, your customers would get all the updates of the journey. In this way, their complete experience is improved while presenting them with great transparency.
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Integrated dashboard
You would be provided with an integrated dashboard. Hence, you will have all the information regarding your shipment. You can also use the predictive analytics through which the cost can be saved.
Final Verdict
Above are some of the ways through which ocean freight shipping can be done.
So, if you are looking out for ocean freight tracking platform, then you can trust OpenTrack for that.
You will get access to all the information on this platform. Also, the charges for usage are very competitive.
So, if you want to know more about the platform we are offering, then you can contact us. After this, we would provide you a walk around of our platform. In this way, you can use the platform in the right manner.
