An effective container tracking system comprises a virtual dispatch workstation that allows for accurate cargo information flow. As a crucial tool in the supply chain, a web based track and trace system provides convenient and effective ways to follow the current location of containers, by container number. As such, it is important to identify the critical benchmarks required in a specific supply chain. Those benchmarks can serve multiple purposes throughout the information flow. Aside from the obvious which insures that the goods arrive to end destination timely, there is the inevitable return of the container to the ocean carrier.

Much of the shipping container industry is built on outsourcing various parts of the process to different specialty companies. Therefore, it is wise to select a web based container tracking system that includes the return of the shipping container, as well as comprehensive understanding of this part of the transportation process. The ocean carrier owns the shipping container and the chassis used to transport them.

They contract pick up services from the port or container yard to the manufacturers’ door with trucking or drayage companies who perform the actual pickup and delivery, and although they are responsible for the shipping container, the consignee is responsible for unloading in a timely manner. Most ocean carriers provide for a limited number of free days from the time containers are delivered to the customer door until they are due back. This is typically 3 to 5 days.

After the last day, a per diem fine is assessed upwards of $250 per day. It is important to remember that free days include weekends, as well. This is a fee that is charged for additional days, is known as a demurrage charge, and can quickly become expensive without anyone knowing differently. To capture this data the customer would need information that was as close to real time as possible, that is delivered in an e-mail or some other type of electronic form of notification, which identifies the remaining number of free days, as well as contact information for the trucker when container pick up is ready.

Ideally, a notification or delivery order to the carrier for pick up would be generated upon receipt of the trigger, thus creating a permanent record of that date stamps the transaction. Having this information for future reference is a good idea, even though the manufacturer has returned the shipping container timely delays after pick up by trucker are possible, and this will protect you in the event proof is needed to verify the time and day the return was made. A good web based tracking system can trigger this event to insure that the task is carried out and that the shipping container is returned timely.

A good web based container tracking system will provide the necessary tools in order to capture critical benchmarks such as the return of empty shipping containers. Taking a proactive position with returning shipping containers timely will result in a positive transportation experience, that is free of additional costs.

If you experience stock outs, non-compliant packaging fines, missing or stray containers, or have difficult customer count reconciliations, you can avoid all of that by being a little more proactive. Unfortunately, its very difficult to be proactive without a comprehensive Container Tracking System.

Vestigo Corporation provides patented Tracking Systems for all types of returnable shipping assets. Other container tracking systems require you to adapt your operations to the rigid design of their software. With Vestigo, your tracking system is tailored and modeled to meet your needs and goals.