How to Track Ocean Shipments by Bill of Lading (B/L) or Container

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What is ocean shipment tracking?

Ocean shipment tracking in Moddule allows you to monitor the movement and status of your cargo from port of origin to port of destination. You can track shipments in two primary ways: by the specific container number or by the master bill of lading (B/L). This article explains the difference between these methods and provides step-by-step instructions on how to set up tracking for each.

Tip: In some cases, it is also possible to display pre- and on-carriage data in Moddule.


What is a bill of lading?

A bill of lading is a primary reference for an ocean shipment. In Moddule, B/L tracking allows you to track a master B/L reference to automatically retrieve and track all containers associated with that shipment.

When you track a master B/L, the system sends both the B/L reference and the carrier SCAC code to our data provider. The provider returns a list of all containers linked to that bill. With a single B/L entry, Moddule gathers every connected container and keeps them all in sync, giving you a clear, consolidated view of the shipment from one place.


What is container tracking?

Container tracking is the standard method for monitoring individual shipping units. You input a specific container number to track that single unit's journey. This is ideal when you need to monitor a specific box or do not have the master B/L details.

Container tracking does not require the carrier. However, this means we may occasionally identify the wrong carrier from a previous or future journey. With B/L tracking, the carrier is required, so we can always identify the correct journey.


What is the difference between bill of lading and container tracking in Moddule?

The main difference lies in how the system retrieves data and how many units you track at once.


Feature

Bill of lading (B/L) tracking

Container tracking

Data Required

Master B/L number and carrier

Container Number

Optional Data

Type and Weight (required for CO2 emissions tracking)

Carrier (optional, but preferred for best results) and Type and Weight (required for CO2 emissions tracking)

Scope

Tracks all containers associated with the B/L

Tracks a single specific container

Use Case

Best for getting a complete view of a large shipment without entering every container number manually.

Best for tracking individual units or when master B/L data is unavailable.


Tip: Even when tracking by B/L, each container is tracked independently in the background. If you track a container individually first and add the B/L later, the system will update the record to include the B/L reference.


What account types can access bill of lading and container tracking?

Users who can create shipments:

  • Super Manager and Manager accounts
  • Organization Admin or Standard Users accounts (users from for an individual companies) if authorized by their logistics provider. Operator accounts with shipment access for the relevant company: Should we make clear that all can see shipments but creation is reserved to manager and super manager, and individual companies if authorized by their logistics provider.

Users who can view shipments:

  • All users


What tracking statuses will you see in Moddule?

Once your shipment is created, you can view it in the Shipment tracking dashboard. Statuses you might see:

  • On time
  • Early
  • Delayed
  • Waiting for data



How to track a shipment by bill of lading


  1. Open shipment tracking and select the + Track shipment button.


  1. Select Ocean as the mode of transport.


ng, choose Bill of lading. Add in the master B/L and select the carrier for the dropdown list, then click Continue.


If you're a logistics provider, you will need to choose an organization. Individual companies with access to create shipment trackings do not need to select an organization.


  1. Add Tags to your shipment. You can add POs, SKUs, or Custom tags to help organize your view.


  1. Click Create tracking.



How to track a shipment by container


Follow these steps to track an individual container.


  1. Navigate to Shipment tracking in the main menu and click the + Track shipment button.


  1. In the mode of transport dropdown, select ocean.


  1. Under the Tracking options, select Container.


  1. Enter the mandatory fields. Choose the organization from the dropdown and enter the Container number.
  2. Add optional B/L tracking data. Adding BL tracking to container tracking to a helps pick the right journey and add that reference to the shipment.
  3. Add optional CO2 emissions information. The container type and weight are required if doing so.
  4. Select Continue.
  5. Add Tags to your shipment. You can add POs, SKUs, or Custom tags to help organize your view.


  1. Click Create tracking.





Updated on: 17/12/2025

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