MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) is a global leader in container shipping, and it’s easy to see why. Founded in 1970, this forward-thinking company is headquartered in the beautiful city of Geneva, Switzerland. MSC boasts an extensive route network, covering significant ports worldwide and offering unparalleled services for the transportation of goods around the globe. With a vast fleet dedicated to transporting various containers, including dry goods and cold chain goods, MSC is your go-to partner for seamless international shipping.
How to track an MSC container
Tracking an MSC container is very simple. You can track it in the following ways:
- You can enter the container number, waybill number, or voyage number on the “Tracking” page to track it by visiting the MSC official website. The specific steps are as follows:
- Visit the MSC official website: MSC official website.
- Find the “Track & Trace” function on the homepage.
- Enter the container number (usually 4 letters and 7 numbers) or other tracking information (such as the waybill number or voyage number).
- Click search, and you will see the container’s latest status, location, and estimated time of arrival.
- Use the MSC mobile app. MSC provides a mobile app that allows users to track containers anytime, anywhere. After downloading the app, you can enter the container number for real-time tracking.
- Third-party container tracking platforms In addition to the MSC website and app, third-party platforms (such as MarineTraffic, CargoTracking, SeaRates, etc.) provide global container tracking services and support container tracking for multiple shipping companies. Through these platforms, you can view the sailing status of MSC vessels and the location of containers.
- Phone or email inquiries: If you do not have internet access or need more detailed information, contact MSC customer service. MSC provides 24/7 customer service; you can get the latest information on your container by phone, email, or online chat
How container tracking works
Container tracking is based on the global positioning system (GPS), wireless communication technology, and container management systems. The basic principle is as follows:
- Container identification: Each container is given a unique identifier, usually consisting of four letters and seven numbers. This identifier tracks the container’s location and status during transport.
- Containers containing real-time location data are loaded onto ships during transport and are equipped with GPS systems. The data is sent to the monitoring system using satellite positioning and AIS (Automatic Identification System) technology.
- Containers are scanned and recorded at each stage of the journey (e.g., loading and unloading at ports, transshipment, customs clearance, etc.). Workers use RFID (radio frequency identification) or barcode scanners to scan the containers and record their status and location. This data is updated in real-time to MSC’s container management system.
- Information sharing: MSC uploads container location information, status information, estimated arrival time, and other data to the cloud system so users can query the relevant information in real-time via the Internet or mobile app.
- Tracking and notification: Based on the container number, users can query the container’s current location, port of departure, port of destination, estimated arrival time, etc. If there is any delay or transportation problem, the system will notify the relevant personnel immediately.
Through these technologies, MSC and other shipping companies can provide customers with accurate container tracking services to ensure the transparency and safety of the cargo transportation process.
What are the advantages of the MSC tracking system?
1. Real-time updates and high-precision positioning
MSC’s tracking system uses the Global Positioning System (GPS), AIS (Automatic Identification System), and other positioning technologies to enable real-time tracking of containers. This means that customers can obtain the exact location of their goods and keep track of the progress of their containers at any time. The status and location of containers are updated in the system to ensure the timeliness and accuracy of the information.
2. Global coverage and information transparency
MSC’s shipping routes cover significant ports worldwide, and the container tracking system provides real-time information on the status of shipments worldwide. No matter where your goods are located, you can view the shipment’s progress through the MSC tracking system, significantly improving information transparency.
3. Convenient online query function
Through MSC’s official website, mobile app, or third-party tracking platform, users can easily query the latest information on the container. Just enter the container, waybill, or voyage numbers, and you will get instant tracking information, avoiding the tedious query process.
4. Multiple search methods
The MSC tracking system provides multiple search methods, including:
- Container number search: directly enter the container number to search.
- Waybill number search: view the cargo transportation process by waybill number.
- Voyage number search: find the transportation status of the entire route by voyage number.
This diverse search method allows users to flexibly choose according to different needs, ensuring they can quickly obtain the required information.
5. Automated notifications and alerts
The MSC tracking system provides real-time location data and automatically sends notifications of delays, changes, or other vital information based on the container’s transport status. This is very important for customers, as they can understand the status of their goods in advance and adjust their plans in time.
6. Enhanced cargo security
With real-time tracking of containers, customers can monitor the status of their goods at any time, reducing the risk of loss or damage. The system can also monitor the environmental data of the container (such as temperature, humidity, etc.), which is especially important for transporting cold chain goods.
7. Reduce manual intervention and improve efficiency
MSC’s tracking system dramatically reduces the need for manual intervention and improves the efficiency of the entire shipping process through automated data updates and queries. Users can query relevant information through the system, saving time waiting for customer service responses.
8. Convenient customer support and services
MSC provides 24/7 customer support if customers encounter problems using the tracking system. Customers can consult the MSC customer service team anytime via phone, email, or online chat to get professional help and answer their questions.
9. Improve customer experience and satisfaction
By providing accurate, timely, and transparent container tracking information, MSC enhances customers’ trust and satisfaction. Through the real-time tracking system, corporate and individual customers can effectively manage cargo transportation, reduce uncertainty in transportation, and improve supply chain efficiency.
10. Integration with other transport services
The MSC tracking system supports MSC’s own transport services and provides data integration with other transport services (such as trucking, rail, etc.), providing a more comprehensive logistics tracking service. This integration allows customers to view information about the entire transport chain on one platform, simplifying management and coordination.
