If you are in the import and export business, you might know the importance of container tracking. If not, then here in this blog, we will discuss all about container tracking.
When running an import and export business, you want to make sure that every product must arrive on time. Not just this, you also want that the goods should be in proper condition. But when you ship things via air, ocean, or inland freight, many things can go wrong. And the last thing you want is unhappy clients.
So what business should do to avoid all mishaps. This is where the concept of container tracking comes as a rescue.
Keeping up to date on the status of all foreign shipments is an essential aspect of organizing a distribution network. The ability to see the containers makes it possible to make informed choices in any kind of interruption.
So without any further ado, let’s understand about the container tracking and what to keep.
In mind while shipping containers online.
Majority of container tracking solutions available today are GPS based.
What is Container Tracking?
Earlier, when people used to import goods outside their nation, they also used to keep track of containers. But the thing was the whole process used to be time-consuming and frustrating.
With the advent of technology, the process has become a walk in a park. Now there are several online tools available that allow businesses to keep an eye on their shipments.
A container tracking system is a software or program that helps businesses know their shipments’ exact location. Not just this, there are many devices available that update about the status of items within the container.
Further, the tracking software alerts the customers about when there is a change in shipment status. These monitoring systems give the shipper vital information about the different phases of the transport and logistics operation.
Logistics Parties Involved in Container Tracking
Most people think that is why there is so much fuss about container shipping; it is an easy job. It can be a simple job if a single person or company handles it. But in shipping, multiple parties are involved, which makes the process complex. Let’s understand what parties are involved in container shipping.
- First Party – The first party is the organization that creates commodities or goods that must be moved via shipping container from one location to another. Cargo tracking is vital to first parties since a delay or disturbance in transporting their containers can create substantial supply chain disruptions.
- Second Party – The second party involves a hauler or shipper. Hapag Lloyd is an example of second-party shippers. These are the people hired for transporting goods. Container tracking is essential to carriers as they’ve been hired to transport goods and are responsible for doing it correctly.
- Third-Party – The third-party involves logistic providers working on behalf of the first party and keeping all container updates. These people deal with various second-party people and first-party people.
- Fourth Party – The fourth party is an individual entity that assists the first party in coordinating its distribution network across different third-party logistics suppliers.
Things to Consider While Tracking Your Container Tracking Online
The shipping container process is quite overwhelming and daunting. If anything happens wrong in the process, it can cause unnecessary delay, which leads to the client’s dissatisfaction. Certain things are worth giving thought to when you are shipping.
1. Ready to Try Different Technology
There are many technologies to choose from, but the technology you choose should just be utilized as a tool to assist you in creating the functionality of the software you need and want.
2. Either Custom Solution or Off The Shelf Module
If you go with an off-the-shelf option, the container monitoring system will be a breeze. However, if you need to monitor hundreds or thousands of container ships, skilled modification and integration will provide you with a system that works exactly how you need it to and will almost always save you money. Depending upon your business requirement, you need to choose the option. If your business is big, always prefer custom solutions and if it is small, go with off the shelf modules.
3. Learn to Handle Change Management
When integrating container tracking, change management should not be overlooked. When you add a feature like container tracking to a massive corporation with thousands of people, you’ll have to substantially alter the way you do business.
4. Learn to Manage IT Integration Process
It is better to start thinking about how you’ll manage the IT integration. In reality, choosing a technology is typically easier than figuring out how to incorporate the proper business process features for reporting exceptions.
That’s it! Here you got all the information about the container tracking system. A shipping container is a complex process, but container tracking eases the work up to a specific limit. When tracking a shipment, it’s really about drawing clear lines and implementing quick adjustments to deal with any problems that arise along the road.
