Why U.S. exporters need a control tower for ocean containers

June 23, 2025

Managing U.S. ocean exports—especially full container loads (FCL)—has never been more complex. Between shifting receiving windows, drayage coordination, sailing schedule changes, and customer expectations overseas, shippers are constantly juggling fragmented information.

That’s where OpenTrack steps in. A centralized control tower for U.S. exporters, OpenTrack brings clarity, collaboration, and real-time insight to your global supply chain.

The Problem: fragmented Visibility and Manual Workflows

Most exporters rely on a patchwork of emails, spreadsheets, portals, and phone calls to manage container exports. This leads to:

  • Missed cut-offs due to late updates
  • Wasted drayage runs from outdated receiving windows
  • Limited visibility for overseas customers
  • Hours of manual track-and-trace by your logistics team

In a high-stakes, time-sensitive environment, this lack of synchronization results in inefficiencies, increased costs, and customer frustration.

The Solution: OpenTrack's Export Control Tower

OpenTrack gives you end-to-end visibility and control—from empty container out-gate to final empty return. Think of it as mission control for your containerized exports.

What You Can See in OpenTrack

  • All export bookings in one place
  • Near real-time updates on:
    • Empty out-gates
    • Receiving window changes
    • Terminal in-gate status
    • Vessel departure ETAs
    • Empty return confirmations

Key Benefits for Shippers

Total Stakeholder Alignment

Keep production teams, drayage providers, logistics personnel, and overseas customers aligned on shipment status and timing.

Collaborative Web Portal

Centralize all updates and documentation—no more chasing down emails or refreshing portals.

Automated Alerts & Custom Reports

Trigger notifications for milestones, delays, or changes in receiving windows. Generate reports on carrier reliability, rolled cargo events, and more.

Lower Cost, Higher Efficiency

Say goodbye to manual track-and-trace. Your logistics team can focus on strategy—not data hunting.

Make Your Data Work for You

OpenTrack also delivers powerful historical insights:

  • Carrier transit time performance
  • Frequency of rolled cargo
  • Receiving window compliance
  • Terminal throughput trends

Use these analytics to optimize routing, negotiate smarter contracts, and improve OTIF (on-time, in-full) delivery to overseas buyers.

Is OpenTrack Right for You?

OpenTrack is ideal for:

  • U.S.-based manufacturers and exporters
  • High-volume BCOs (Beneficial Cargo Owners)
  • Freight forwarders and 3PLs managing export traffic
  • Logistics and operations leaders looking to digitize supply chain execution

Start Shipping Smarter

Your containers may be on the water—but your operations don’t have to feel adrift.

With OpenTrack, you stay in command. Every booking. Every mile. Every milestone.

Let's schedule a demo today!

Want to see how OpenTrack empowers you to make informed decisions, save time and reduce costs? Set up a demo today!

A freight professional looking at an OpenTrack demo on a laptop