Tracking international shipments efficiently is important for confirming the clear & smooth logistics and timely delivery. With proper tracking tools and practices, we can stay on top of our shipments and keep our customers informed. A comprehensive guide on how to track international shipments effectively:

A Comprehensive Guide for Tracking International Shipments Effectively. 

1. Use a Reliable Freight Forwarder or Carrier

• Choose the Right Carrier: When we select a carrier like DHL, FedEx, UPS, Maersk, or MSC, make sure that they offer real-time tracking systems for international shipments.
• Integrated Tracking Solutions: Some freight forwarders provide end-to-end tracking solutions, which means they fix all tracking information from various carriers such as airlines, shipping lines, trucking companies into a single platform.

2. Use Tracking Numbers

• Obtain a Unique Tracking Number: After shipping, the carrier will provide a tracking number which is also called a waybill number for sea freight or AWB number for air freight. This number allows us to trace our shipment across the entire journey.
  
  • For air freight, tracking numbers can be AWB (Air Waybill).
  • For sea freight, tracking numbers can be B/L (Bill of Lading) or container number.
• Input Into Carrier’s Tracking System: Use the tracking number on the carrier’s website to get real-time updates on our shipment’s location, status, and estimated delivery time.
  

3. Leverage Multi-Carrier Tracking Tools

If our shipment involves multiple carriers, then we can use a multi-carrier tracking tool to track all shipments in an one place:

• Track-and-Trace Websites: Websites like Parcel2Go, 17track, Ship24, and AfterShip can fasten tracking information from multiple carriers into a single interface, which allows us to track international shipments from several different carriers at once.
• These services support tracking numbers from various carriers and provide real-time updates and notifications.

4. Set Up Automated Alerts

• Carrier Alerts: Most carriers and freight forwarders offer automated notifications for main events in the shipment’s journey such as dispatch, customs clearance, delivery.
  • Email notifications or SMS updates will notify us of any changes in status or delays.
  • Set up alerts for each stage of the shipment process so we can stay informed throughout the entire journey.
• Third-party platforms: Many tracking tools and apps such as Track My Shipments, Shipment Tracker allow us to set up customized alerts so that we can receive updates directly to our email or phone whenever our shipment reaches a specific milestone.
  

5. Use Tracking Apps

Many international carriers and third-party services giving tracking apps that we can use on our smartphone to easily monitor our shipments:

• Carrier Apps: Apps from FedEx, DHL, UPS, Maersk, and other shipping companies let ust track shipments in real-time, receive updates, and even contact support directly from the app.
• Tracking Aggregator Apps: Apps like Track-POD, AfterShip, or Shipments can get together tracking from various carriers in one place, giving push notifications for status updates and delivery tracking.

6. Monitor Customs and Import Clearance

• Customs Clearance Status: International shipments mostly need customs clearance, which can lead to delays. Make sure to regularly check with our carrier or freight forwarder for updates on customs clearance and whether any additional documentation or fees are needed.
  
• Tracking Through Customs Brokers: Some freight forwarders and third-party providers offer customs tracking services, where we can track our shipment’s clearance status through a middleman. This helps us understand if our goods are held up in customs and what actions need to be taken.
  

7. Estimate Arrival Times

• Transit Time Estimates: Many carriers provide an estimated delivery time depending on the shipment’s departure and current location. This estimate is available on the carrier’s tracking page, but bear in mind that delays due to weather, customs, or unexpected events may affect the final delivery time.
  
• Transit tracking: For sea freight, we can check the vessel’s schedule and current location using vessel tracking websites such as MarineTraffic or Shipfinder to get an idea of when our goods will arrive.
  

8. Monitor Delays or Exceptions

• Shipment Exceptions: Once in a while, shipments may experience delays due to issues such as weather conditions, port congestion, or customs inspections. If our shipment is delayed, most tracking tools will provide an exception report detailing the reason for the delay.
  
• Proactive Communication: Stay in touch with our carrier or freight forwarder if there’s an unexpected delay. Proactive communication can help us to get more proper updates and take necessary actions to minimize breakdown.
  

9. Use Blockchain for Enhanced Transparency

Some companies and forwarders are accepting blockchain technology for shipping, which offers greater transparency and security in tracking international shipments. Blockchain-based tracking systems allow us to access a shared ledger that records every transaction and movement, ensuring that all parties involved such as shipper, freight forwarder, customs, and consignee have access to the same information.

• Smart Contracts: These digital contracts can automate actions, such as releasing payments when the goods are delivered, reducing administrative costs and delays.

10. Partner with a Professional Freight Forwarder

• End-to-end tracking: Partnering with an experienced freight forwarder can simplify the process. They can manage our shipment from origin to destination, providing a single point of contact and offering reliable tracking solutions.
• Freight forwarders can also help with handling exceptions or delays, ensuring that we are promptly informed about any shipment issues.

Summary of Main Tracking Tips

1. Use tracking numbers to follow the progress of your shipment with the carrier.
2. Leverage multi-carrier tracking tools or apps for shipments involving multiple carriers.
3. Set up automated alerts for timely updates on the status of your shipment.
4. Monitor customs clearance through your freight forwarder or broker.
5. Use vessel tracking tools for sea freight and track apps for air freight.
6. Stay informed about delays and exceptions and communicate with your carrier.
7. Consider adopting blockchain technology for more secure and transparent tracking.

By using these methods, you can track international shipments more efficiently, stay informed about their status, and resolve any issues quickly.