Australia guide · MSC · Melbourne
How to track MSC containers into Melbourne
Track an MSC container into Melbourne with its MSC bill of lading (it usually starts with MEDU), booking number or container number. MSC's own tracking covers the voyage. Terminal49 puts MSC's milestones and the Melbourne terminal's data in one place, so you see availability, holds, fees and the storage start date where the terminal reports them.
That means one login instead of the MSC site plus a VICT, DP World or Patrick portal. The free plan tracks up to 10 active containers at a time for up to 3 users, with 50 document credits and no credit card.
Updated
Step 1
Pick the number to track
Bill of lading (best)
MSC bills of lading usually start with MEDU. One bill of lading can cover several containers, and Terminal49 tracks them all from that one number.
Booking number
Use it before the bill of lading is issued, for example while the box is still being packed at origin.
Container number
Four letters and seven digits, such as MSCU or MEDU followed by the serial. Use it when you only have the box number from your supplier.
Step 2
The milestones to expect, from MSC to the terminal
- 01
Booked and loaded at origin
Carrier
MSC reports the empty collected for packing, the full container gated in, the container loaded on board and the vessel departing.
- 02
Transhipment
Carrier
Many boxes into Australia change ships at a hub port on the way. Only MSC reports this leg. A terminal never sees it.
- 03
Arrives Melbourne
Carrier + AIS
MSC reports the ETA and arrival. Live vessel positions (AIS) show if the ship is running late before the schedule changes.
- 04
Discharged
Terminal + carrier
The container comes off the ship. From here the terminal holds the data that decides when you can collect it.
- 05
Holds cleared
Terminal
Customs (ABF) and biosecurity (DAFF) holds must both clear. Terminal49 shows each hold the terminal reports, labelled by type.
- 06
Available for pickup
Terminal
The terminal marks the box available. Free storage time starts here, not at pickup, and the storage start date follows.
- 07
Gate out full
Terminal + carrier
The truck or train takes the container out of the terminal. Terminal49 tracks to wharf gate-out.
- 08
Empty returned
Carrier
The empty is dehired at the container park MSC nominates. Terminal49 shows this milestone when MSC reports it.
Step 3
Know which Melbourne terminal has your box
Melbourne has three container terminals. Two sit at Swanson Dock on the Yarra River and one at Webb Dock, near the bay. MSC services can use more than one of them, and the terminal can change by service or by voyage. Always check the terminal on your arrival notice, or the terminal Terminal49 shows for the container.
| Terminal | MSC at this terminal | What Terminal49 receives |
|---|---|---|
| VICT Webb Dock EastVictoria International Container Terminal | Webb Dock sits near the bay, so it can take bigger ships than Swanson Dock up the river. MSC's Eagle service between Australia, New Zealand and the US East Coast made its first VICT call in February 2026. | Availability, storage start date, holds, fees, pickup appointment, discharge and gate-out. |
| DP World West Swanson Dock TerminalDP World Australia | A Swanson Dock terminal. Check your arrival notice to see if your MSC service calls here. | Holds, fees, pickup appointment, gate-out and on-rail. Storage date and discharge are partial. Availability is not supported yet. |
| Patrick East Swanson Dock TerminalPatrick Terminals | A Swanson Dock terminal. Check your arrival notice to see if your MSC service calls here. | Import milestones. Availability, holds and storage date are not confirmed yet, so check the coverage table for the latest. |
Terminal data fields differ by terminal and can change. See the terminal coverage table for every field, and global coverage for carriers and ports.
Step 4
Watch the delays and charges in Melbourne
- Storage
- The terminal charges storage when a full container stays on the wharf past its free time, usually about three working days from availability. The rate steps up the longer it stays. Terminal49 shows the storage start date where the terminal reports it.
- Detention
- MSC charges detention when the empty is not dehired within its free days. Free days depend on your contract, so check your arrival notice. Terminal49 shows the empty-return milestone when MSC reports it. It does not show a dehire-by date today.
- Terminal access charges
- Stevedores charge transport operators a fee per container to enter the terminal. Your trucking company usually passes it on, so it shows up on your cartage invoice.
- VBS slots
- Trucks need a Vehicle Booking System (VBS) slot to collect a container. After a big vessel, slots can run short, which pushes pickup closer to the storage start date. Knowing early that a box is available gives your trucking company more time to book one.
- Biosecurity inspections
- A biosecurity direction, such as a tailgate inspection, adds time and cost. In the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) season, September to April, more containers from target countries need treatment or checks.
- Webb Dock or Swanson Dock
- The two docks are in different places, so cartage time and cost can differ. Knowing which terminal your MSC box is at before you book a truck avoids a wasted trip.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I track an MSC container into Melbourne?
- Enter the MSC bill of lading (usually starting with MEDU), booking number or container number in Terminal49. You get MSC's voyage milestones plus the Melbourne terminal's data, such as availability, holds and the storage start date, in one view. You can start on the free plan.
- Which Melbourne terminal handles MSC containers?
- It depends on the service and can change by voyage. MSC's Eagle service started calling at VICT, Webb Dock, in February 2026. Swanson Dock has two terminals, run by DP World and Patrick. Your arrival notice names the terminal, and Terminal49 shows it for each container.
- Which Melbourne terminals does Terminal49 connect to?
- Terminal49 connects to VICT Webb Dock East, DP World West Swanson Dock and Patrick East Swanson Dock. What each terminal shares differs: VICT shares the most, including availability and the storage start date. See the terminal coverage table for each field.
- When does storage start on an MSC container in Melbourne?
- Storage is charged by the terminal, not by MSC. Free time usually runs about three working days from when the container becomes available, not from pickup. Terminal49 shows the storage start date where the terminal reports it.
- What is the difference between MSC's detention and the terminal's storage?
- Storage is the terminal's charge for a full box left on the wharf. Detention is MSC's charge for not returning the empty in time. Both clocks start at availability. Terminal49 shows the storage start date and MSC's empty-return milestone, but not a dehire-by date today.
- Is it free to track MSC containers into Melbourne?
- Yes, for small volumes. The free plan tracks up to 10 active containers at a time for up to 3 users, with 50 document credits and no credit card. For more containers, pay-as-you-go has the same features as Essential, charged per container with no annual commitment.
Track your MSC containers into Melbourne
Start free, no credit card. See free container tracking for what the free plan includes.