To begin tracking shipments in OpenTrack, you only need a few key shipment identifiers. These identifiers allow OpenTrack to locate your containers across carriers, terminals, rail systems, and vessel tracking networks so monitoring can begin.
OpenTrack continuously analyzes shipment data from multiple logistics systems to deliver real-time updates, detect disruptions, and provide visibility throughout the container lifecycle.
Tracking Requirements at a Glance
Shipment Type | Required Information |
Ocean Imports | Master Bill of Lading (MBL) |
Ocean Exports | Booking Number + Steamship Line |
Domestic Rail | Equipment Number |
Tracking Ocean Import Shipments
Ocean import shipments are tracked using the ocean carrier–issued Master Bill of Lading (MBL).
The MBL uniquely identifies the ocean voyage. Once the MBL is provided, OpenTrack can locate the associated containers and begin monitoring events across the transportation network.
Important: The carrier-issued MBL must be used, not a house bill or freight forwarder reference.
Choose How You Want to Track Containers
Ocean shipments can be tracked in two ways depending on your operational needs.
Track All Containers on a Shipment
Use the Master Bill of Lading only.
OpenTrack will automatically discover and track every container associated with that shipment.
Example
MBL1234567
├ Container 1
├ Container 2
└ Container 3
This is the most common tracking method.
Track Specific Containers Only
Use a Container Number + MBL pair.
Only the containers you specify will be tracked.
Example
Container ABCD1234567 + MBL1234567
If your organization only needs visibility into specific containers, discuss this configuration with your OpenTrack support manager during onboarding.
Tracking Export Shipments
Export shipments can be tracked using:
Booking Number
Steamship Line
This allows OpenTrack to begin monitoring the shipment before the Master Bill of Lading is issued.
Tracking Domestic Rail Shipments
Domestic rail containers can be tracked using the equipment number.
This enables OpenTrack to monitor container movement through rail carrier systems and report standardized rail milestones throughout transit.
When to Start Tracking
OpenTrack is designed to track active shipments moving through the supply chain.
For the best results, shipments should be added as early as possible in the shipment lifecycle, typically when the shipment is booked or during ISF filing.
Booking → Origin → Vessel Transit → Port of Discharge → Delivery → Empty Returned
↑
Best time to start tracking
If shipments are added later in the shipment lifecycle, some events may not populate.
For example, if tracking begins after a container has already been discharged at the destination port, estimated events and earlier milestones may not be available.
Container Retention
Containers remain visible in OpenTrack even after the Empty Returned milestone occurs.
After Empty Returned, the container will remain on the platform for 90 additional days before being automatically removed to maintain platform performance.
Empty Returned → 90 Days → Removed from Platform
Duplicate Tracking
OpenTrack billing is based on unique container and MBL pairs.
If a container is tracked again after the original container record has been removed from the platform, the shipment will begin tracking again and will be counted as a new tracking instance.
Next Step
Now that you understand the information required to track shipments, the next step is to review which carriers and terminals are supported.