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Guide: Bulk Upload Containers
Guide: Bulk Upload Containers

Quick guide to bulk uploading containers via CSV

Bethany Morrill avatar
Written by Bethany Morrill
Updated over 2 years ago

OpenTrack allows you to upload containers via Master Bill of Lading through your account dashboard. But what if you want to add multiple containers using a spreadsheet?

In this guide, we will review how you can easily add multiple containers to your account along with the ability to add additional fields.

Step 1: Navigate to the Bulk Upload screen

In order to bulk upload containers, please navigate to the Bulk Upload screen from the Start Tracking page.

Step 2: Format a spreadsheet with three columns

In order to bulk upload containers, OpenTrack requires three columns: Master Bill, Container ID, and Carrier SCAC Code.

Good:

Master Bill

Container ID

Carrier SCAC Code

MAEU123456

ABCD123456

MAEU

YMLU123456789

ABCD234567

YMLU

Please note that all three values must be present for the bulk upload to work for that container. Here is an example of an upload that would be invalid:

Master Bill

Container ID

Carrier SCAC Code

MAEU123456

ABCD123456

MAEU

YMLU123456789

ABCD234567

Important: In the example above, the first row would upload successfully but the second row would not. You'll receive a message upon uploading your container letting you know which rows did not successfully upload and why.

Please note: If any of these Master Bills or containers already exist in your account, they won't be added.

Step 3: Upload Containers

Once you've formatted your spreadsheet, select your file using the upload widget. Simple click upload, select your file, and view your results in the Start Tracking page.

Important: Once you have selected a file, remember to click on the upload icon!


Master Bill of Lading + Container Requirements

Ocean Carrier Master Bill of Lading (MBL): The ocean carrier master bill of lading is required for successful tracking. When an MBL is added for tracking, the OpenTrack system validates this value against several rules to prevent bad input:

  • MBL is alphanumeric (no special characters)

  • MBL is either all numbers or a mix of numbers

  • MBL has no presence of word "test"

  • MBL is not a container ID

Container ID: A container added for tracking must conform to the ISO 6346 standard.

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