Many recent innovations in container tracking have centered around freight visibility technology and automation. The benefits of advanced tracking and real-time monitoring can impact every phase of ocean transportation. And those capabilities are more important than ever as capacity tightens. According to The Loadstar:

“Ocean carriers are said to be preparing big increases in short-term rates as cargo-rolling becomes the norm. On the transpacific, carriers are ‘sold out’ for the rest of May and into June, with this week’s spot rate increases from Asia to the US west and east coasts described by one shipper as ‘academic’. The North Europe component of the Freightos Baltic Index (FBX) increased by 5% this week, to $8,127 per 40ft, which represents a remarkable 475% increase on the same week of last year.”

The key concepts of freight management and monitoring remain at the heart of the ocean freight transportation network. Real-time ocean freight tracking allows for greater adaptability and visibility from start to finish when it comes to ocean freight transportation services.

1. Real-Time Tracking Enables Better Exception Management

Dealing with disruptions and exceptions within ocean freight transportation requires an in-depth approach to transportation management protocols. Knowing where shipments are along the route and what delays might arise makes it easier to implement a timely and proactive response. With continuous regulatory changes, shifting consumer demands, and the ever-present threat of disruptions within the ocean freight shipping lines, real-time data analysis and container tracking remain essential for continued growth and recovery. Best practices for managing exceptions and disruptions are critical pieces of the puzzle. 

2. Real-Time Visibility Promotes Increased Independence of Supply Chain Teams

As ocean freight visibility practices continue to evolve, the potential benefits are plentiful. According to The Journal of Commerce Online, better analytics and planning protocols translate into increased efficiency and a more streamlined shipping process. Improved visibility gives shippers the confidence to make autonomous decisions in the moment and react to issues in real-time. With increased independence and enhanced self-regulation, team members can avoid container tracking and delivery issues caused by slow response times and delayed problem-solving. Increased access to data and the implementation of real-time visibility tracking also make it easier to plan for and mitigate unforeseen disruptions.

3. Real-Time Transparency Is Low Risk and Increases Productivity of Your Team

Transparency with container tracking remains another critical factor that can impact ocean freight shipments. Shippers now want to ensure consumers know where their shipments are and when they will arrive. Real-time transparency makes it easier to stay connected and up to date with all team members and involved third parties. While the older technology may have been adequate in the past, it is no longer meeting the needs and demands of the market. To reduce cargo shipping risks and boost team productivity, a transparent and inter-connected network remains essential. 

4. More Data Helps to Identify and Manage Problems Before They Become Disruptions

Reliable, interconnected streams of up-to-date data can help logistics managers stay on top of issues and delays before they become major disruptions. As highlighted by the U.S. Department of Transportation, natural and man-made events can significantly impact the freight supply chain and the overall movement of cargo. Many of the port loading and unloading issues faced by ocean freight managers come down to poor planning for disruptions and exceptions. Implementing a vetted container tracking system supported by real-time data can provide ocean freight managers with a major competitive advantage. 

5. Increased Technology and White-Label Portals Promote Increased Collaboration With Drivers, Network Partners and More

The ability to share data and implement improved management practices requires state-of-the-art technology, digital collaborative portals, and innovative dashboards. Automation and ingenious technology make it easier to plan for and deal with exceptions as they occur. It strengthens the connection between carriers, service providers and team members. Implementing collaborative strategies makes it easier for transportation service providers to overcome problems and exceptions that arise whether at origin, transshipment or arrivals at the port of discharge. 

6. Better Visibility Further Mitigates Risk of Detention and Demurrage

The ocean carriers have been slower to introduce this new technology, perhaps because hours and minutes matter in trucking, whereas ocean shipping thinks more in terms of days. The ability to identify and respond to potential disruptions can significantly reduce demurrage fees and accessorial charges. This innovation and profit-boosting system for container tracking requires on-demand access to accurate and reliable accountability streams.

Reap the Rewards of Real-Time Container Tracking With the Right Visibility Platform

Implementing the best container tracking system can become a reality for ocean freight shippers and logistics service providers if they take the necessary steps to implement an innovative visibility platform. World-class technology and real-time automation are vital tools for any ocean freight tracking and management system. By improving visibility and adaptability, cargo can get to its destination with fewer disruptions and less cost in the long run. Book an OpenTrack demo to learn more and get started.