Container Tracking Not Working Why? Common Problems and Solutions

1.Wrong Container Number Entry

1. The most common reason container tracking is not working is entering incorrect container numbers into tracking systems.

2. Maersk container numbers like MAEU1234567 must be entered exactly as they appear on shipping documents, with no spaces or extra characters.

3. MSC containers using format MSCU9876543 often get confused with similar-looking numbers, especially when handwritten on documents.

4. COSCO containers numbered COSU5432109 can be misread if the container photos are unclear or documents are poorly printed.

5. Double-check your container number against multiple documents including the bill of lading, commercial invoice, and any container photos you have.

6. Container numbers from lines like Hapag-Lloyd (HLCU format) or CMA CGM (CGMU format) must match exactly for tracking systems to work properly.

2.Tracking Information Not Yet Available

• Container tracking systems don't show information immediately after booking, especially for shipments with carriers like Evergreen or Yang Ming.

• Tracking data typically appears 24-48 hours after the container is physically loaded at origin ports like Shanghai, Ningbo, or Shenzhen.

• APL and NYK Line containers may not show tracking updates until they're processed through terminal systems at departure ports.

• Pre-loading activities like container pickup from suppliers or movement to port terminals don't always generate tracking updates immediately.

• OOCL and "K" Line systems sometimes take up to 72 hours to populate tracking information for newly booked containers.

3.System Maintenance and Downtime

1. Shipping line websites experience regular maintenance periods when container tracking temporarily stops working.

2. Maersk typically schedules system maintenance during off-peak hours, but tracking may be unavailable for several hours during updates.

3. MSC's tracking platform occasionally goes offline for system upgrades, especially during their quarterly technology updates.

4. COSCO and other Chinese carriers sometimes have extended downtime during Chinese holidays when technical staff are unavailable.

5. Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM coordinate maintenance with European business hours, which may affect tracking availability in other time zones.

6. Try alternative tracking methods like third-party websites or mobile apps when primary carrier websites are down.

4.Container Not Yet in System

New containers from manufacturers like CIMC or Singamas may not appear in tracking systems until they're officially delivered to shipping lines. Leased containers from companies like Triton or Textainer need time to be registered in the operating shipping line's tracking database.

One-way leased containers moving between different carriers may experience tracking gaps during handover periods. MSC containers leased to alliance partners like Maersk or CMA CGM sometimes show delays in cross-system data sharing.

Empty container positioning moves don't always generate tracking updates, especially for containers moving between inland depots and port terminals.

5.Incorrect Booking Reference

Using booking numbers instead of container numbers causes tracking failures across all major shipping lines.

Maersk booking references like MAEU12345678901 are different from actual container numbers and won't work in container tracking systems.

MSC booking confirmations contain multiple reference numbers, and using the wrong one prevents successful tracking.

COSCO bookings may cover multiple containers, requiring individual container numbers rather than the master booking reference.

Freight forwarder references from companies like Kuehne + Nagel or DHL differ from actual shipping line container numbers.

Always use the 11-character container number format rather than booking references for tracking purposes.

6.Transshipment and Vessel Changes

• Containers changing ships at hub ports like Singapore, Dubai, or Rotterdam may experience tracking gaps during transfers.

• Maersk containers moving through their Tanjung Pelapas hub sometimes show delayed updates during vessel transfers.

• MSC containers transshipping at their Mediterranean hubs may have 24-48 hour tracking delays during the transfer process.

• Alliance services where COSCO containers move onto Evergreen vessels can create temporary tracking disruptions.

• Ocean Alliance partners including CMA CGM, COSCO, and OOCL share vessel space but maintain separate tracking systems.

• Tracking typically resumes once containers are loaded on the next vessel and processed through the new ship's systems.

7.Port Terminal System Issues

Major ports like Los Angeles, Hamburg, or Shanghai occasionally experience system outages that affect container tracking.

APM Terminals at ports worldwide sometimes have connectivity issues that delay tracking updates for all shipping lines using their facilities.

PSA Singapore terminal systems may experience delays during peak processing periods, affecting multiple carrier tracking systems.

COSCO-operated terminals prioritize their own containers, potentially causing tracking delays for other carriers' equipment.

Hutchison Ports facilities serve multiple shipping lines, and system prioritization can affect tracking update timing.

Port labor strikes or equipment failures can completely halt tracking updates until normal operations resume.

8.Mobile App vs Website Differences

• Shipping line mobile apps sometimes show different information than their websites due to data synchronization delays.

• Maersk's mobile app may update faster than their website during peak usage periods when web servers are overloaded.

• MSC's app includes push notifications that work even when the website tracking shows outdated information.

• Evergreen's mobile platform often provides more detailed status updates than their basic web tracking interface.

• OOCL and Yang Ming apps include additional features like port maps and vessel schedules that aren't available on websites.

• Try both mobile and web platforms when tracking isn't working properly, as they often pull data from different servers.

9.Third-Party Tracking Alternatives

1. Universal Container tracking websites like MarineTraffic or VesselFinder can locate your container's vessel when individual carrier tracking fails.

2. Container-tracking.org aggregates data from multiple shipping lines and may show information when primary sources don't work.

3. FreightWaves and other industry platforms provide alternative tracking methods using vessel schedules and port data.

4. TraceContainer.com offers multi-carrier tracking that can help when individual shipping line systems are experiencing problems.

5. Freight forwarder platforms like Flexport or Freightos may have better tracking integration than direct carrier websites.

6. These alternatives are especially useful during carrier system maintenance or when tracking multiple containers from different lines.

10.Documentation and Reference Issues

1. Bills of lading from freight forwarders may contain house bill numbers instead of master bill numbers needed for tracking.

2. Consolidated shipments through companies like DB Schenker require master bill numbers rather than individual house bill references.

3. LCL shipments may not show individual tracking until containers are deconsolidated at destination ports.

4. Customs broker references differ from shipping line tracking numbers and won't work in carrier systems.

5. Export documentation may show different container numbers than import documents if containers are changed during loading.

6. Always verify container numbers across multiple documents to ensure you're tracking the correct equipment.

11.Timing and Processing Delays

Weekend and holiday processing at ports can delay tracking updates for 2-3 days during non-working periods.

Chinese New Year and other major holidays cause extended delays in tracking updates from Asian shipping lines.

European carriers may have limited tracking updates during August vacation periods when staff levels are reduced.

Peak season congestion from October through January can overload tracking systems and delay updates.

Customs processing delays don't always generate tracking updates, creating gaps in visible shipment progress.

Weather-related port closures can halt all tracking updates until normal operations resume.

12.Carrier-Specific System Problems

Maersk's tracking system occasionally experiences overload during peak booking seasons, causing intermittent failures.

MSC's database updates happen at specific intervals, so recent status changes may not appear immediately.

COSCO's system integration with Western tracking platforms sometimes creates delays in international shipment visibility.

Hapag-Lloyd's merger activities have occasionally caused temporary tracking system disruptions during platform consolidations.

CMA CGM's acquisition integration sometimes affects tracking consistency across their expanded network.

Regional carriers may have less sophisticated tracking systems that update less frequently than major global lines.

Troubleshooting Steps When Tracking Fails

1. Start by verifying your container number format matches the shipping line's standard pattern exactly.

2. Try tracking on both the carrier's website and mobile app to see if different platforms show updated information.

3. Contact your freight forwarder or customs broker for alternative tracking methods and current status updates.

4. Check third-party tracking websites that might have information when primary sources fail.

5. Verify that you're using container numbers rather than booking references or bill of lading numbers.

6. Wait 24-48 hours and try again, as many tracking issues resolve themselves once systems sync properly.

Bottom Line

Container tracking problems usually stem from incorrect number entry, system timing issues, or temporary technical problems rather than serious shipment issues. Most tracking failures resolve within 24-48 hours once systems update properly.

When standard tracking methods fail, alternative platforms and direct communication with freight forwarders provide backup options for monitoring your shipment progress. Understanding these common problems helps you troubleshoot tracking issues quickly and avoid unnecessary concern about your cargo's status.