Tuesday, 11 June 2024

How do you Track Cargo when Shipping from China to Canada?

 

Tracking cargo from China to Canada is essential for ensuring timely delivery and managing logistics efficiently. Various methods and tools are available for tracking shipments, whether you are using air, sea, or rail transport. Here’s a detailed guide on how to track your cargo during this journey:

1. Tracking via Freight Forwarder or Carrier

Most freight forwarders and shipping carriers offer robust tracking systems. Here’s how you can use them:

Freight Forwarder

· Tracking Number: Once your shipment is booked, your freight forwarder will provide a tracking number or a reference number.

· Online Portal: Log in to the freight forwarder’s online portal using the tracking number. The portal will provide real-time updates on the shipment status.

· Email/SMS Updates: Some freight forwarders offer email or SMS notifications for key events in the shipment’s journey.

Shipping Carrier

· Bill of Lading (B/L) or Airway Bill (AWB): These documents contain tracking information.

· Carrier Website: Enter the B/L or AWB number on the carrier’s website to get updates.

· Examples: Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM for sea freight; FedEx, UPS, DHL for air freight.

2. Tracking Systems for Different Transport Modes

Sea Freight

· Container Number: You can track your shipment using the container number, which is unique to each container.

· Shipping Line’s Website: Most shipping lines, like Maersk, COSCO, and Evergreen, have tracking tools on their websites.

· AIS Tracking: Websites like MarineTraffic and VesselFinder use AIS (Automatic Identification System) to track the real-time position of ships.

Air Freight

· Airway Bill (AWB) Number: The AWB number provided by your carrier can be used for tracking.

· Carrier’s Website: Airlines like Cathay Pacific, Air China, and others offer tracking services on their websites.

· Third-Party Services: Platforms like FlightAware and FlightRadar24 can track flights carrying cargo.

Rail Freight

· Tracking Number: Rail freight services provide tracking numbers specific to rail shipments.

· Rail Company’s Website: Companies like China Railway or Canadian National Railway (CN) offer tracking on their websites.

3. Third-Party Tracking Platforms

Various third-party platforms aggregate tracking data from multiple carriers, providing a unified tracking experience:

· Ship24: Allows tracking of shipments from multiple couriers and freight forwarders.

· TrackTrace: Supports tracking of sea, air, and land shipments.

· Parcel Monitor: Provides updates for parcels from numerous carriers.

4. Customs and Port Authority Tracking

Canadian Customs (CBSA)

· Cargo Control Number (CCN): This number is used for customs tracking.

· Customs Broker: Your customs broker can provide updates on the status of customs clearance.

Port Authority

· Port Website: Major ports like Vancouver or Halifax offer tracking services for incoming vessels.

5. Using IoT and GPS Tracking

For high-value or sensitive shipments, IoT and GPS tracking devices can be attached to containers or pallets to provide real-time location and condition data.

· IoT Devices: These devices can monitor temperature, humidity, and shock, transmitting data in real-time.

· GPS Trackers: Provide precise location updates, ideal for ensuring security and tracking high-value goods.

6. Documentation and Communication

· Regular Updates: Maintain regular communication with your freight forwarder and carrier for updates.

· Documentation: Ensure you have all necessary documents, including the Bill of Lading, Airway Bill, and Commercial Invoice, as they may contain tracking information.

Example Scenario: Tracking a Sea Freight Shipment

1. Booking Confirmation: Your freight forwarder provides a booking confirmation with a container number and Bill of Lading.

2. Online Tracking: Use the container number on the shipping line’s website (e.g., Maersk) to monitor the shipment’s progress.

3. AIS Tracking: Check the vessel’s position using MarineTraffic.

4. Port Authority: Track the vessel’s arrival at the port of Vancouver on the port authority’s website.

5. Customs Clearance: Use the Cargo Control Number to monitor the customs clearance process via your customs broker.

Conclusion

Tracking cargo from China to Canada involves using a combination of tools provided by freight forwarders, shipping carriers, and third-party platforms. By understanding how to leverage these resources, you can ensure real-time visibility and manage your logistics more effectively, leading to smoother and more predictable shipping operations.

Media Contact

China Top Freight
info@chinatopfreight.com
+86–18928445749
A2110, Block A, Mid-term Longguang Nine Diamond Business Center, Longhua District, Shenzhen
https://chinatopfreight.com/

Services: sea freight air freight rail freight door to door

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