Importers have a world of opportunity within reach but face complicated shipment logistics tied to ever-changing regulations, expectations, and costs. The manual processes for tracking shipments no longer

, given the complex shipping environment. Terminal 49 offers a better way to manage shipments. This shipping solution provides simplified shipping processes, real-time ETAs to address customer expectations regarding their deliveries, automation to optimize time, an experienced shipment and logistics team with global knowledge, and a process for reducing overall shipping costs.

There is a turbulent sea of changing regulations, demand for increased speeds, scalability issues, and rising costs. Additionally, shipments must contend with import tariffs, customs rules that vary by location, and packaging specifications. With multiple ports, carriers, service pathways, rates, and more, shipments no longer follow a transparent Point A to Point B journey.

Yet, some companies are still manually entering all their shipment tracking information. They are struggling with legacy systems and unable to quickly respond to customer requests on shipment delivery times.

There’s got to be a better way to deal with the increasing complexity.

Terminal 49 is that better way. Here’s why.

Experience a simplified shipment tracking process to minimize hassle.

 Part of the complexity within the shipment tracking process comes from an increased number of shipping lines as global goods move more freely around the world. While this has increased opportunity, it has also shed light on the lack of scalability due to importers’ continued preference for manual tasks.

These laboring tasks include looking up shipments on shipping line websites and then transferring the data into a spreadsheet. Considering all the times that logistic teams check on each shipment throughout the course of its journey, this quickly becomes an inefficient process.

To simplify managing the supply chain, Terminal 49 provides a central portal to manage every shipment throughout its entire journey. All users need to do is enter the BL Number from any steamship line and instantly get all the details, including container numbers and vessel ETAs.

Users also benefit from SKU-level visibility to accurately plan their inventory. The SKU information will tell the importer exactly which SKUs will arrive, furthering the insights necessary to make decisions regarding inventory planning.

Get real-time shipment ETAs to address customer expectations.

 With more complicated shipment paths, including multiple ports and customs paperwork along the way, anything can happen. The last thing that an importer wants is a surprise resulting in impending delays in shipment delivery. It’s important to know ETA updates immediately to plan accordingly.

Terminal 49’s solution shows real-time data through its instant track and trace dashboard. Individuals or entire teams can receive immediate updates via the Web or email if the shipment ETA changes.

Users can see all pickup and delivery appointments as well as download PODs. No more CCing everyone involved in an email, which typically leads to time-consuming email message threads and miscommunication.

Automate shipment processes to optimize time.

 Today’s importers are looking to streamline and automate processes to iterate at a much faster pace.

Terminal 49’s automated platform optimizes transportation processes and communicates information about deliveries. The platform integrates into current SOPs, which makes it one of the easiest to adapt.

Work with a globally connected terminal and shipment service to handle diverse shipping paths.

 Terminal 49 was built by a team that has a deep, hands-on understanding of the global shipment environment. Having worked in this industry and experienced the pain points for themselves, their knowledge of the shipment process at various ports around the world is extensive.

That experience has helped Terminal 49 connect with a wide range of shipping lines and terminals. These are all included in the comprehensive Trace and Track system.

Review all holds and fees to reduce overall shipping costs.

 While there can be all types of delays along the way with a shipment an importer doesn’t want to contribute to the shipment slowdown by not addressing actions like holds and fees.

That’s where Terminal 49’s real-time dashboard solution further improves shipment management. Importers who use the advanced shipment tracking platform can easily identify any containers that require further action from just checking the dashboard view. Examples of action alerts include holds and fees related to customs, the steamship line, or the USDA.

Having this actionable shipment information upfront can help a company eliminate demurrage and thousands of dollars in charges and fees. At the same time, these shipments are not just sitting at a port waiting for the importer to eventually discover they need to clear a hold. Faster responses to these actions means the shipments can continue as close to on-schedule as possible.

Reimagining the Shipping Process For Today’s World

The world of importing and shipping goods has changed forever. So should the process for doing it. That’s why Terminal 49 has reimagined how shipment tracking should work.

Now is the time to learn how to better manage shipments and experience all the benefits of this powerful shipment tracking solution.

Importers have a world of opportunity within reach but face complicated shipment logistics tied to ever-changing regulations, expectations, and costs. The manual processes for tracking shipments no longer work, given the complex shipping environment. Terminal 49 offers a better way to manage shipments. This shipping solution provides simplified shipping processes

Why Terminal49 is a Better Way to Manage Your Shipments

Recently, the Port of San Francisco’s new maritime director, Andre Coleman, shared insights about the 

 facing the industry in 2020 and beyond. Making the most of growth opportunities for more vessels and shipments in the coming years also means preparing for greater volume demand.

Although many of the issues the maritime director mentioned are specific to San Francisco’s port, there are also far-reaching implications for everyone in the import business, particularly when it comes to meeting service expectations.

It also involves revitalizing ports to accommodate the growth and addressing new regulatory issues related to fuel changes, including the switch to low-sulfur fuel as part of climate change initiatives like 

. These changes in fuel use could result in new challenges for shipments. For example, the more expensive low-sulfur fuel may cause vessels to travel slower to consume less fuel or may lead to detours during the shipment process just to access what may become a limited fuel supply.

Let’s look at some of those challenges before highlighting the solutions that you can access now to address the issues while capitalizing on new import opportunities.

One of the biggest issues has been the lack of satisfaction with shippers and service. Numerous findings from UK consultancy firm Drewry and the European Shippers’ Council support that conclusion. In the firm’s 

 published earlier this year, 300 participants noted their overall dissatisfaction rate, which was lower than the previous year.

Primarily, their dissatisfaction related to the lack of clarity around pricing and transit times. They also struggled with the lack of reliable data on booking and cargo shipments. On a positive note, there was satisfaction related to accurate documentation, equipment availability, and carrier financial stability.

Drewry concluded that the best solution to improve service satisfaction was greater transparency for service levels, performance, transit times, and pricing. It’s important to address the overall expectation to have greater predictability and visibility.

The Pressure of New Delivery Expectations

This need for predictability and visibility comes from demand at the end of the logistics chain with same-day deliveries ramping up and pressure building on a 

. According to recent findings, nearly a quarter of today’s consumers will pay a 

higher delivery fee to get same-day delivery

. Also playing a role in this change is technology like real-time data analytics.

Therefore, it’s up to companies to speed up their fulfillment processes and move products at a much faster rate. That has inspired the development of the last-mile delivery process.

To address this need, a new breed of company has emerged to provide technology solutions for tracking this faster fulfillment process. This means introducing smart technology as well as using connected devices and sensors as part of the Internet of Things (IoT) environment. Service issues can also be addressed through email notifications and SMS alerts to stay on top of tracking these shipments.

The right solution for these pain points is to provide a platform that enables importers to make the best logistical choices for their containers journey throughout the supply chain. That means having a solution that allows you the best possible way to track vessel ETAs.

With Terminal 49, simply enter the Bill of Lading number. From there, it will automatically populate and save shipment details and container numbers. Compared to the traditional workflow for vessel tracking and ETA, you no longer have to manually enter the Bill of Lading information and container numbers on multiple websites and portals to copy and paste that data into a spreadsheet numerous times a day. Saving hours of manual labor and precious resources.

The Terminal 49 platform updates ETAs every four hours while the containers are on the water. If changes have occurred, users receive immediate notification regardless of what device you choose to use via Web and email communication channels. Users also have the choice to receive consolidated daily notifications to streamline their inbox volume.

Terminal 49 gives you the option to have SKU-level or product-specific visibility for your shipments. By uploading your packing lists to the Terminal 49 system, all your shipments get tagged with the product SKUs located on the packing lists.

This valuable feature gives you a more detailed viewpoint for tracking the ETA for every product on every shipment without the time-consuming process of manually entering and update all that data. To move shipments quickly to meet increasing fulfillment expectations, including the ability to help e-commerce and brick-and-mortar retailers provide same-day deliveries, it’s ideal to have every possible data point available.

Reliability Enables Effective Planning Processes

Because Terminal 49's technology accurately reports vessel ETAs from every steamship line, you can more effectively plan the rest of the logistics journey with your other partners.

This is especially important should any of your shipments get delayed due to customs, steamship line holds, USDA holds, etc. or if these shipments happen to arrive ahead of schedule. Plus, you’ll be aware of any associated fees that require action to prevent any delays that could adversely impact your service performance and your bottom line.

Meeting those last-mile expectations can’t happen if you stick with a legacy logistics process. There’s a solution waiting for you that will help improve service delivery and strengthen those distribution partnerships while simultaneously lowering your overall cost structure. To start enjoying greater transparency and predictability for tracking vessel ETAs and your shipments, click 

Terminal49 Shipments Dashboard shows ETAs with changes since departure.&nbsp;Recently, the Port of San Francisco’s new maritime director, Andre Coleman, shared insights about the cargo challenges facing the industry in 2020 and beyond. Making the most of growth opportunities for more vessels and shipments in the coming years

A New Way to Track Vessel ETAs

As an importer, you face challenges that often stand in the way of capitalizing on new growth opportunities. The last global financial crisis, ongoing changes to regulations across the global business environment, escalating costs, and rising user expectations are all impacting profitability.


Now, there are numerous digital tools that offer an opportunity to move past the traditional manual-laden processes. Here’s how.


With advancements in logistics, the delivery experience has improved in many ways. However, expectations have risen higher as people become accustomed to instant information access through online and mobile channels. This includes on-demand access to goods and services as well as the advancement of JIT (Just in Time) deliveries.


You need access to real-time data, including the estimated time of arrival (ETA). Although an ETA seems like a “nice to have” feature, consider what else is riding on knowing when those goods will arrive in port and be on their way.


The reality is that having an ETA means planning the next steps that are necessary to deliver an exceptional customer experience. To do so means alerting operations, distribution, and retailers to address any timing changes before customers become frustrated about an uncommunicated delay.


With ETA, it’s important to know specific details that impact the rest of the experience your customers are trying to create for their customers. These details include knowing when the:


Merchandise is picked up to begin the shipment process;

Goods have cleared customs and is being loaded onto the ship;

Ship has left and arrived at any port of transshipment;

Ship departed from the port of transshipment and arrived at the port of destination; and

Consignee took possession of the shipment.

In a world where data now rules, it’s become the norm to expect all these details as part of the shipment process.

The challenges grow when trying to get updates about ocean shipments. For example, according to an August 2018 report from 

, a global research firm that measures the shipping and delivery industry, the level global schedule reliability reversed its improving trend and decreased to 75.4 percent. The reduction in on-time shipment deliveries can wreak havoc on your company’s ability to deliver on customer expectations.


Even with today’s advanced technology, many factors can still lead to unreliable shipment schedules. There are factors like volatile weather conditions, port logistical issues, port strikes, transit delays due to mechanical breakdowns, and inconsistent cargo scheduling. And, it’s all these potential problems that bolsters the reasoning for having a better shipment tracking process that includes digital capabilities.


Let’s look at the changes within shipment tracking to see how you can develop a more effective user experience strategy.


The Tides are Turning For Shipment Tracking

Today, shipment tracking solutions must help companies achieve specific business objectives. This requires tools that help you effectively manage your supply chain.


An efficient transport platform enables informed decision making throughout your operations, addressing unexpected delays. Receiving real-time updates also directs how to keep customers satisfied about when to expect their orders.


As part of a digital transformation, shipment tracking is one of many processes changing for companies in the shipping industry, according to a 2018 Boston Consulting Group research report, entitled, “

The Digital Imperative in Container Shipping

.” The report cited the benefits of digital solutions that can reduce operational costs while improving customer relationships. These digital technologies include document management, network design, and tracking systems.


While it can be expensive to undertake an entire operations overhaul to digitally transform your business, there are aspects where an external partner can help provide the technology necessary to leverage the benefits of digitizing a process. Just making a change to your shipment tracking process can begin to deliver marked improvements.


Let’s move on to a strategy for transforming your shipment tracking process.

As an importer, you face challenges that often stand in the way of capitalizing on new growth opportunities. The last global financial crisis, ongoing changes to regulations across the global business environment, escalating costs, and rising user expectations are all impacting profitability.   Now, there are numerous digital tools that offer

A Strategy For Transforming Your Shipment Tracking Process

Terminal 49 Introduces Tracey, a Track and Trace Solution For Importers, Brokers, and Freight Forwarders

Track and Trace provides end-to-end visibility on a single platform for effective real-time shipment management

Importers, brokers, and freight forwarders gain greater control and transparency for more informed decisions that address critical industry challenges

Company incorporates a “Tracey” avatar to personify the user experience

Terminal 49 today announced it has launched Tracey to help track and trace global shipments and containers. Built with importers, brokers, and freight forwarders in mind, the free tool delivers end-to-end visibility on a single platform for effective real-time shipment management. Users enjoy greater control and transparency and can make more informed decisions that enhance the logistics experience.

Those first to try Tracey already see the benefits. “Before implementing Terminal 49’s solution, there was no transparency or visibility,” notes Alberto Buenrostro, Inventory Manager. “The majority of my time was spent hassling truckers -- without response -- in an attempt to track down my containers. After using Tracey to track and trace my containers, I enjoy the convenience of using one dashboard to check on appointments at ports and warehouses. It’s now so easy to track my containers in real-time. In return, my clients the transparency they expect.”

Tracey delivers critical details about a shipment without having to go to individual shipping line websites. Users visit the Track and Trace website at 

. Once there, they enter BL/Booking number for their ocean shipment and select the shipping line. Users receive all the information about that shipment, including the shipping line, origin and destination, vessel and voyage, and container numbers with type. Even if there are multiple shipping lines involved, all can be tracked from one page instead of visiting multiple sites.

According to Akshay Dodeja, Founder and CEO of Terminal 49, “As a service provider, we’re passionate about removing inefficiencies from the shipment, container, and logistics industry while reducing the costs associated with global trade. Tracey helps our clients get the immediate real-time information they expect. In turn, translates to a better overall UX from your company. In developing an avatar to personify our track and trace solution, we further our goal of serving as a partner for our clients rather than operating as just a software company.”

To learn more about Terminal 49’s solution for tracking and tracing shipments, please visit 

https://www.terminal49.com/track/shipments


Founded in 2015, Terminal 49 delivers automated drayage service solutions for modern logistics teams, providing unprecedented cost-efficiency, visibility, and user experience. The company’s service portfolio includes solutions for container container tracking, shipping lines, and drayage. For more information, please visit 

Terminal 49 Introduces Tracey, a Track and Trace Solution For Importers, Brokers, and Freight Forwarders Track and Trace provides end-to-end visibility on a single platform for effective real-time shipment managementImporters, brokers, and freight forwarders gain greater control and transparency for more informed decisions that address critical industry challengesCompany incorporates a

Announcement: New tool to automate container tracking

Tracking your shipments through multiple portals and websites creates the obstacle of inconsistencies. Sure, dissimilar track and trace applications can be helpful, but at a cost on your finite resources.

Enter: Terminal 49's track and trace feature, where you can harmonize your visibility data on a single platform.

Why is our tracking software better than the rest?

We track the right milestones. American Shipper's study 

 showed that 63% of their respondents track five or more visibility milestones, however, 72% say no more than five milestones are critical. This means, your competition is tracking a lot of imprudent milestones.

Alternatively, Terminal 49 will show you the most recent, relevant, and actionable data points: the origin, destination, ETA/ATA, and list of containers. Stop using visibility software that creates copious amounts of data. Start tracking the information that can result in action, today.

MSC — Mediterranean Shipping Line (MSCU)

OOCL — Orient Oversees Container Line (OOLU)

PIL — Pacific International Line (PCIU)

Tracking your shipments through multiple portals and websites creates the obstacle of inconsistencies. Sure, dissimilar track and trace applications can be helpful, but at a cost on your finite resources. Enter: Terminal 49's track and trace feature, where you can harmonize your visibility data on a single platform. Why is

Track and Trace - All In One Place!

Drayage has gone digital! Old news, we know, everyone is tracking & tracing these days. But how can you turn digitization into a competitive advantage? As your supply chain grows more intricate, the value of visibility becomes vital to operational success. However, many shippers are not using this visibility to its full advantage. Here are three sure-fire ways to get the most out of your visibility:

Move from passive monitoring to active decision making

Access visibility from all sources in a single view

Do you view visibility as a means to monitor the movements of your containers or as a way to guide your decisions? Sure, the data from tracking might result in an action— for instance, you see that a container has a gate fee at SSA in Oakland, so you'll go ahead and pay the $30.

What if that gate fee could be automatically paid for you? What if you could split a large shipment among multiple truckers for faster delivery with just a few clicks? You can use tracking data to recognize an opportunity and change your strategy quickly. Monitoring is useful, but data-based decision making is valuable.

Tracking your shipments through multiple steamship and terminal websites is time-consuming and can result in inconsistencies. The hassle doesn't end when shipments arrive at the terminal. When you work with multiple truckers, each one has their own methods of communicating, an individual set of milestones, and different ways of accessing information. #cumbersome!

You could solve this by applying technology that collects all the data from each track and trace portal and presents it in a single view 

Without visibility, you risk disorganization: you can't properly coordinate capacity and freight, which drives your prices up and asset utilization down. Without visibility, shippers are forced to make decisions in the dark.

If you use a software visibility tool like Terminal 49, you can be much more agile. When you see all the information you need in one place - updated in real time - you can respond to situations faster, improve turn times, and therefore reduce costs. That will allow you to build competitive advantage and gain customer loyalty.

Drayage has gone digital! Old news, we know, everyone is tracking & tracing these days. But how can you turn digitization into a competitive advantage?

Terminal49 Blog

Why Terminal49 is a Better Way to Manage Your Shipments

A New Way to Track Vessel ETAs

A Strategy For Transforming Your Shipment Tracking Process

Announcement: New tool to automate container tracking

Track and Trace - All In One Place!

3 ways to use visibility to outperform your competition