TRack Shipment

In the export-import business, a successful transaction doesn’t end when the goods leave our facility; it ends when they are safely in your hands. A key part of managing this process is knowing where your shipment is at all times. Being proactive with tracking and prepared for potential delays can save you time, stress, and money.

Here is a simple guide on how to track your international shipment and what steps to take if it runs into a delay.

Once your shipment is officially on its way, we will provide you with all the necessary tracking details. This information will come in the form of a Bill of Lading (B/L) number for sea freight or an Air Waybill (AWB) number for air freight. These are unique codes that allow you to monitor your cargo’s journey.

• For Sea Freight: The B/L number is your key to tracking. You can enter this number on the website of the shipping carrier (e.g., Maersk, MSC, Hapag-Lloyd). This will give you real-time updates on the vessel’s location, its departure and arrival dates, and its planned route.
• For Air Freight: The AWB number is your tracking ID. Most major airlines and freight forwarders have online portals where you can enter this number to see your shipment’s status, including its current location and an estimated time of arrival.

As you track your shipment, you’ll see it move through a series of key milestones. Understanding these will help you know if the shipment is on schedule.

• Shipment Received/Booking Confirmed: The carrier has officially accepted your cargo and it’s ready to be loaded.
• Loaded on Vessel/Aircraft: Your goods have been loaded onto the carrier and are on their way.
• In Transit: The shipment is en route to the destination.
• Arrival at Port/Airport: The shipment has reached the destination and is waiting to be unloaded.
• Customs Clearance: The goods are being processed by customs officials. This is often a critical stage where delays can occur.
• Ready for Delivery/Pickup: The shipment has been cleared by customs and is ready to be collected by your local freight forwarder or delivered to your final destination.

Despite the best planning, delays can sometimes happen. The key is to act quickly and calmly.

1. Stay Informed and Communicate:

The moment you notice a status update indicating a delay, your first step should be to contact your freight forwarder or our team. We are your primary point of contact and have direct access to the carrier’s systems and representatives. We will provide you with the official reason for the delay, whether it’s due to port congestion, a customs inspection, or an unforeseen weather event.

2. Understand the Reason for the Delay:

Not all delays are the same.

• Customs Hold: This is a common reason. It could be for a random inspection or because of incomplete documentation. If this happens, we will work with the customs broker and provide any additional information required to expedite the process.
• Port Congestion: Sometimes, a port is simply too busy to unload cargo quickly. In these cases, your only option is often to wait, but we will keep you updated on the revised timeline.
• Weather or Mechanical Issues: These are external factors beyond anyone’s control. Your carrier or our team will provide a new estimated time of arrival as soon as one is available.

3. Have a Contingency Plan:

If a shipment is delayed and your business relies on it, it’s a good practice to have a contingency plan. Can you adjust your inventory to manage the gap? Is it possible to arrange for a partial shipment via a faster method (e.g., air freight for a small portion of a sea freight order)? Having a plan in place will prevent a single delay from disrupting your entire operation.

At OFFSHOREWAVE, we believe in proactive communication. Our team monitors every shipment we send and will alert you to any potential issues before they become a problem. We are your partners in this process, and we are committed to helping you manage every step of the journey, even when the unexpected happens.