Maritime trade keeps the world running. How so? Well, ships carry countless goods across the oceans, connecting countries and economies. Without it, our everyday lives would be very different, but managing all those shipping containers is a huge challenge.
Keeping track of containers during their long journeys can be really difficult. It takes a long time to ship things across the ocean, and things sometimes get lost in the complex global supply chain. It’s hard to know exactly where your shipment is, which makes delays, accidents, and even theft a real risk. These problems lead to extra costs, unhappy customers, lost profits, and perhaps legal disputes.
To help you out, this article will look at ways to improve how to track ocean shipment. We’ll explore the different methods and technologies available to help you track your goods better, making your shipping operations safer, more efficient, and more reliable, as well as explain how to choose the best tracking devices!
How to track ocean shipment: main tracking methods
Several methods exist for tracking ocean shipments, each offering varying levels of detail and real-time visibility. Let’s explore three of the most common options:
The bill of lading – or BL – is a key document in international shipping. It’s basically a contract between the company shipping the goods and the one carrying them, proving who owns the goods and acts as a tracking document.
The BL includes important information like the container’s ID number, where the shipment is going and coming from, and what’s inside the container. Many shipping companies have online systems where you can check your shipment’s status using the BL number. However, these updates aren’t always immediate, and you only get a general idea of where your shipment is, not its exact location at any given moment.
GPS trackers offer a more precise and real-time method of monitoring your shipments. These small devices, often attached to containers, use satellite technology to relay location data, providing a much more detailed picture of your goods’ journey. We’ll see more about them later in the article!
Third-party logistics providers (3PLs), on the other hand, provide comprehensive logistics services, including shipment tracking. Many 3PLs have sophisticated tracking systems and offer advanced visibility into your shipments’ progress, potentially offering additional features such as alerts for potential delays or deviations from the planned route.
However, this method depends on your 3PL’s capabilities and technology integration. It relies on a third party, and you will be relying on their technology and updates.
A deep dive into GPS tracking for ocean shipments
GPS trackers are a big step from old ways of tracking ocean shipments. These small devices use signals from satellites to figure out exactly where a container is at any given time. They send this location information using cell phone networks or satellites, depending on where the container is.
Different trackers are made for different jobs. Some are specifically designed to attach securely to shipping containers, tough enough to handle the bumps and weather of maritime transportation; others are more general-purpose and can be used in different situations or environments.
You might even find trackers that measure environmental factors like temperature and humidity inside the container, critical in the pharmaceutical industry.
All this information is usually sent to a central system in the cloud or a secure server. This makes it easy to see exactly where your containers are and check their journey history. You can usually see it all on a map or a dashboard.
Many systems can also send you alerts if something unexpected happens – like a container going off course or something going wrong with its temperature.
Datanet IoT provides a range of top-quality GPS trackers perfect for keeping a close eye on your containers. These devices use the latest technology to give you accurate and reliable information about your shipments, providing secure data transmission and giving you peace of mind about your goods throughout their journey.
Why is tracking ocean shipments so important for businesses?
In today’s economy, reliable and efficient logistics are critical for businesses to maintain an edge over competitors. For companies involved in international trade, this means having clear visibility into the movement of their goods, and that’s where effective shipment tracking comes into play.
Real-time tracking gives you peace of mind, letting you know precisely where your goods are at all times. This visibility is crucial for high-value shipments or time-sensitive goods where potential delays can lead to significant financial losses or missed deadlines.
Accurate location data also lets you prepare for any potential issues in advance. For example, if a shipment is delayed or faces unforeseen circumstances, you can take proactive steps to mitigate disruptions and keep things moving smoothly.
All in all, tracking your shipments helps improve your whole operation. Real-time information lets you improve your logistics, saving time and money. You can plan better and make smarter decisions, in turn streamlining your supply chain.
And knowing where everything is makes it easier to work with suppliers and customers – communication flows much better when everyone knows what’s going on. Furthermore, reliable tracking may improve customer satisfaction, as timely updates and clear visibility into the delivery process foster trust and better relationships with your customers!
How to choose the right GPS tracker for your needs
Choosing the right GPS tracker for your ocean shipments requires you to consider the following:
- What type of assets are you tracking? Standard shipping containers or specialized cargo? Do you need temperature monitoring or other environmental data? The nature of your cargo directly influences the tracker’s required features and level of protection;
- Ocean voyages expose containers to extreme weather, vibrations, and potential saltwater exposure. Your GPS tracker must be durable and reliable enough to withstand these harsh conditions. In these cases, look for ruggedized designs and waterproof casings (like IP68);
- Choose trackers with robust encryption protocols (like AES-256) and secure data transmission methods. Reputable vendors adhere to industry best practices and relevant regulations (like GDPR) to protect your data from unauthorized access. Check for certifications and security features;
- Battery life is crucial for reliable tracking throughout the entire voyage. Consider the trade-offs between features (like real-time tracking vs. extended battery life) and select a battery life sufficient for your needs. Some trackers may need battery replacements during long voyages, so plan accordingly;
- Your GPS tracker should integrate smoothly with your existing systems and software (for example, fleet management platforms or inventory management systems). Check for compatibility, data formats, and APIs for a streamlined workflow;
- A more expensive, feature-rich tracker might offer significant long-term benefits through improved efficiency, reduced losses, and enhanced decision-making. Carefully evaluate the cost-benefit ratio and potential return on your investment;
- Finally, choose a provider that offers comprehensive support, including troubleshooting, software updates, device repair or replacement, and clear communication channels. Look at customer reviews and assess the vendor’s reputation for responsiveness.
Closing thoughts
Effectively tracking your ocean shipments is crucial for success in today’s competitive global market. Gaining every possible edge in efficiency, security, and reliable delivery is essential to staying ahead of the game, and choosing the right GPS tracker is a key element of this strategy!
Datanet IoT provides you with precisely the tools you need. We offer high-quality GPS trackers specifically designed for reliable and secure shipment tracking, as well as advanced solutions for asset, environmental, and oceanographic equipment tracking.
Contact us today to discover how Datanet IoT can help optimize your operations and enhance your bottom line – all at competitive prices!
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