Faq How Can I Confirm My Vehicle Was Actually Loaded on the Ship as Planned?
You can independently verify that your vehicle has been loaded onto the vessel by tracking the shipment using the official documentation we provide. The key is the Bill of Lading (B/L) Number and the Vessel Name & Voyage Number. We will send you this information as soon as the shipment is booked and the Bill of Lading is issued.
Essential Tracking Information We Provide
After your vehicle is loaded, we will send you an email containing the following critical details for tracking:
- Bill of Lading (B/L) Number: A unique reference number for your shipment.
- Vessel Name: The name of the specific ship carrying your vehicle.
- Voyage Number: The specific journey identifier for that vessel (e.g., V.234W).
- Container Number: (If shipped in a container).
- Estimated Time of Departure (ETD) from the Chinese port.
- Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) at your destination port.
How to Track Your Shipment Using Major Shipping Lines
Most shipping lines offer free online cargo tracking on their websites. Below are the tracking methods for 5 major shipping companies frequently used for vehicle exports from China.
| Shipping Line | Primary Tracking Method | What to Enter | Information Provided |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) | Website: www.msc.com → Track & Trace | Bill of Lading Number or Container Number. | Status (e.g., "Loaded on Vessel"), vessel details, port events (departure/arrival). |
| 2. MAERSK | Website: www.maersk.com → Track Shipment | Bill of Lading Number, Booking Reference, or Container Number. | Detailed journey map, current location, historical milestones, and ETA. |
| 3. COSCO (including OOCL) | Website: elines.coscoshipping.com → Cargo Tracking | Bill of Lading Number or Container Number. | Shipping status, vessel schedule, and port call updates. |
| 4. Hapag-Lloyd | Website: www.hapag-lloyd.com → Track & Trace | Bill of Lading Number or Container Number. | Comprehensive tracking with statuses like "Gate in", "Loaded on Vessel", "Vessel Departed". |
| 5. ONE (Ocean Network Express) | Website: www.one-line.com → Track & Trace | Bill of Lading Number, Booking Number, or Container Number. | Vessel tracking, port activities, and downloadable documentation. |
Step-by-Step Verification Process
Follow this process to confirm your vehicle is on board:
- Receive Documentation: Wait for our email with the Bill of Lading (B/L) details. This is sent after the vehicle is loaded and the B/L is issued.
- Identify the Shipping Line: The shipping line's name is on the B/L (e.g., "Carrier: MSC").
- Visit the Correct Website: Go to the official website of that shipping line as listed above.
- Enter Your B/L Number: Input the B/L number exactly as provided into the "Track & Trace" tool.
- Verify the Status: Look for a status confirming loading. Key statuses include:
- "LOADED ON BOARD" or "SHIPPED ON BOARD": This is the definitive confirmation your vehicle is on the ship.
- "GATE IN" or "RECEIVED AT TERMINAL": Vehicle is at the port but not yet loaded.
- "VESSEL DEPARTED": The ship has left the port with your cargo.
- Cross-Check Vessel Details: Ensure the vessel name and voyage number on the tracking page match what we provided.
Alternative Tracking Methods and Our Support
- Third-Party Aggregator Sites: Websites like MarineTraffic.com or VesselFinder.com allow you to track the real-time location of the vessel itself using its name.
- Contact Your Sales Manager: If you encounter any discrepancies or cannot find your shipment online, contact us immediately. We can obtain a direct update from our shipping agent and provide you with official proof, such as a copy of the "On Board" Bill of Lading stamped by the shipping line.
- What We Provide as Proof: We will send you a scanned copy of the final Bill of Lading once it is released. The most critical proof is the "On Board Notation" with a date, usually a stamp or printed text on the B/L itself.
By using the B/L number and the shipping line's tracking system, you gain full transparency and real-time confirmation that your vehicle is safely on its way to you. We encourage all our clients to use this tool for peace of mind.