We are here with another unfortunate maritime incident. In this blog, we will give the details of the explosion at the Colombo Port related to the MSC Cape Town vessel. On August 11, fires flamed on board MSC Cape Town III. MSC Cape Town III container ship was built in 2006 and has a capacity of 2,824 TEU. The ship was docked at Jaya Container Terminal in Colombo Port, Sri Lanka, by the time the fire started. The fire started in the area of 41/43 and spread through 100 under-deck and 60 on-deck containers rapidly; in the end, the fire led to an explosion, resulting in significant concern within port authorities and the maritime industry.

The details of MSC Cape Town III fire

While conducting its East African voyages, MSC Cape Town III experienced an uncontrolled fire during the exchange of 995 containers. When this fire occurred, all ship crew and operational personnel were immediately evacuated for their own safety. Thankfully, the SLPA Fire Brigade put the fires to an end and protected both the ship and its surroundings from further damage. H.J.K.U. Kumara, Director of Port Operations for South Louisiana Public Authority (SLPA), applauded the response team’s swift identification of the smoke source and immediate actions taken to prevent other potential fires. At this point, authorities continue to work in an investigation on what led up to this unfortunate occurrence.

What are the impacts of the incident?

Consequently, the fire and explosion on the MSC Cape Town III caused operational disruptions at Colombo Port, leading to delays in loading and unloading activities and pretty severe congestion at major Asian ports. As a result of this incident, combined with the existing issues caused by the peak season, shippers may face extended container availability delays along with ocean schedule changes and increased dwell times.

Shipsgo’s Actions on the MSC Cape Town III Incident

We closely and carefully followed the incident at the Colombo Port with our expert operation team from the first moment it occurred. After carefully investigating the vessel and the containers it carries, we informed our customers who had shipments on the ship.

We have also reached out to our customers whose shipments will be using this route and who may be potentially affected. We hope that no one will be significantly affected by the negative effects of this accident. We will closely follow the process for our customers’ affected and potentially affected containers.

The post Explosion at Colombo Port: Details of MSC Cape Town III Fire appeared first on Shipsgo Blog.

In CIF, the seller bears the responsibility of covering all freight costs to ensure the goods are delivered at the port of destination, as specified by the purchaser.

CIF risk is transferred when the product is loaded onto the transport vessel. It is suitable for situations where the seller of the shipment has direct access to the vessel, such as bulk transportation. However, CIF is not much preferred for containerized transportation.

Seller’s obligations under the CIF Incoterm

• Delivery of goods and documents required
• Packaging and wrapping
• International freight
• Customs handling fees at origin
• Origin charges
• Insurance
• Inland transport in the country of origin

Buyer’s obligations under the CIF Incoterm

• Payment of goods
• Destination charges
• Payment of duties and taxes
• Customs handling fees at destination
• Inland transport at the destination country

Cost, Insurance and Freight Insurance Details

Under CIF, the seller is bound to provide insurance in the event of a loss or damage during transport. This can be seen as a benefit, as it relieves the buyer of the responsibility. However, it’s important to note that CIF and CIP are the only two Incoterms that require the seller to provide insurance, which may have implications for the overall cost of the transaction.

It is common for buyers to prefer the CFR Incoterm over CIF if their shipment and cargo insurance policy offers better coverage. CFR is preferred because, unlike CIF, the seller is not required to offer insurance; the buyer can instead purchase this coverage.

CIF and Container Transportation Details

CIF Incoterm does not have the same risk transfer as other incoterms. “Cost, Insurance and Freight Insurance” transfers risk only when the goods are loaded onto the ship.

As an Incoterm, CIF is not suitable for containerized goods that are typically delivered to the terminal several days before loading. This could create a gray area in which shipment can be unknowingly damaged.

Due to the nature of containerized goods, which remain unopened until they reach their destination, it is almost impossible to determine when and if any merchandise has been damaged. CIP is recommended as an alternative to CIF when dealing with container shipment.

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Container movement efficiency is essential in today’s globalized industry. It can also be very worrying not to know where your container is. Container tracking platforms provide solutions regarding shipment visibility. Container tracking platforms such as Shipsgo mainly offer real-time container tracking and updates on your shipments. Eventually, they can give you full visibility of your supply chain and prevent you from some waiting costs, such as demurrage charges.

Here are the Top 5 Container Tracking Software of 2025

Modern systems provide a complete view of your shipment. You should be looking for certain features when choosing a container tracker platform. These include location tracking in real time, status updates with detailed iInformation, ETA (Estimated Delivery Times).

1- Shipsgo

Shipsgo Container Tracking Platform facilitates stress-free shipment tracking and intelligent decision-making by offering notifications, predictions, analysis, and reports. By reviewing your shipping performance at Shipsgo, you can grow your business.

All-in-one Dashboard: Shipsgo’s all-in-one dashboard helps you track and analyze shipments in one place for a more streamlined process.

Notification Emails: Shipsgo notifications and alerts will let you know of all changes and updates so that you never miss a thing about your shipments.

Reports and Statistics: Shipsgo shipping reports will help you review your shipping performance and make better decisions for your business. You can download reports daily, weekly and monthly.

Other Key Features: 

• Tracking API
• Live Map <iframe> integration
• Transit time predictions
• Multiple tracking upload via Excel
• Air cargo tracking beta
• CO2 Offset Load via Excel
• Analytics 360 panel
• Inviting Users
• Daily, weekly and monthly reports

2- Track-Trace

Track-Trace offers parcel/shipment tracking services for various carriers. You can track your cargo or container with a container number or with a Bill of Lading number. Besides the containers that are carried by shipping lines like; MSC, Maersk, COSCO, Hapag Lloyd etc. Track-Trace also covers parcel tracking; UPS, DHL, TNT, Fedex.

3- Descartes MacroPoint

Descartes is a global supply chain technology platform with 20,000 customers worldwide. Descartes provides effective freight visibility solutions and carrier network. They are continuously innovating new technologies for more than three decades. The Focus groups of Descartes are owner-operators, enterprises or anywhere in between. Descartes MacroPoint is a SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) solution that aims to deliver productivity, performance, and security for logistics companies. 

4- Cogoport

Cogoport is a popular platform that allows you to track your transportation shipments online in one place. More than 90,000 businesses worldwide use container tracking by Cogoport. It provides end-to-end visibility into your supply chain. 

Some Key Features of Cagoport:

• Real-time container tracking
• Real-time alerts
• Control Dashboard
• HS Code Finder

In addition to container tracking, Cagoport offers many other trade management solutions such as freight rates and tariffs.

5- Alpega

Alpega is a cloud-based TMS (Transportation Management System) that offers advanced features that streamline supply chain operations of businesses. Alpega’s user-friendly interface, coupled with its analytics capabilities allows businesses to optimize shipping processes and increase overall efficiency. Alpega TMS is also a digital collaboration platform where all stakeholders can easily collaborate for smooth execution of transportation processes.

Some Key Features of Alpega

• Order Management
• Shipment Tracking
• Route Optimization
• Freight Procurement & Bidding
• Reporting & Analytics
• Integration

Key Factors When Selecting Container Tracking Software

Scalability and Integration:

Choose a container tracking software that seamlessly integrates with your enterprise resource planning (ERP) framework and other TMS solutions. 

User-Friendly Interface:

Businesses require more than a pretty website with well-executed fonts. The container tracking platforms you’ll choose should be user-friendly, more than it has an attractive appearance. You should be able to easily execute your desired action without forcing significant adjustments. A well-crafted user experience helps you and your team quickly adopt the platform and dashboard.

Cost-Effectiveness: 

Find a container tracking platform that best suits your shipment volume and daily operations. There are various pricing options for container tracking platforms; you should review at least a few options before you select directly.

Reliable Customer Support: 

It’s essential to work with a provider offering proactive customer support with fast response times to address software problems quickly and minimize downtime.

Trial Version and Feature Analysis: 

With so many container tracking solutions on offer, select those that best align with your organization’s supply chain goals, as well as offer a trial version with all pertinent features covered so as to make an informed decision before full-scale deployment.

The post The Best Container Tracking Platforms in 2025 appeared first on Shipsgo Blog.

A lot of carbon is emitted during the transportation of shipments by land, waiting at ports, and loading them with cranes on ships. According to Smart Freight Center’s research in recent years, the transportation sector represents 23% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Freight Transportation accounts for 36% of this. These data may increase to 50%-60% by 2050 in line with expectations.

When we looked at all these conclusions, we thought that we had to do something as Shipsgo. As a result of long researches and studies, we created two different services.

• Carbon Offset for Shipping
• Port Area Carbon Emission Tracker

Shipsgo and SFC GLEC Framework Accreditation

It is very important to track CO2 emissions and take action accordingly. At this point, let’s talk about the details of the Port Area Carbon Emission Tracker service:

Shipsgo Carbon Emission Tracker is a digital platform that tracks real-time carbon emissions of every port area in the world. The platform also allows users to compare historical changes in carbon emissions and discover emission sources.

We have been accredited by Smart Freight Center for our service “The Port Area Carbon Emission Tracker”, which is significant because Smart Freight Centre (SFC) is a global non-profit organization dedicated to an efficient, zero-emission transport sector. Furthermore, the process is aligned with the Global Logistics Emissions Council Framework for Logistics Emissions Methodologies (GLEC Framework).

What is Carbon Offset?

ShipsGo is committed to supporting environmental sustainability and is concerned about climate change! Carbon offsets neutralize the unavoidable greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during shipping operations. It is seen as a quick, simple and practical way to motivate action to reduce the impacts of climate change.

By financing the environmentally sensitive projects proposed, container shipping companies and beneficial cargo owners will be able to neutralize their share of the total emissions for a given shipment.

The post Smart Freight Centre Accredits Shipsgo – GLEC Framework appeared first on Shipsgo Blog.

Myths surrounding the container shipping industry can create misperceptions, hindering decision-making and affecting business operations. Accurate information can eliminate such assumptions and build a foundation for better understanding. This article explores five of 2024’s most prevalent container shipping myths. These myths are not based on reality and can be corrected with the right information. Also, Shipsgo’s motto is ” Make people happy with the information.”

Be ready, as we will present the facts and debunking myths surrounding container shipping.

5 Myths of Container Shipping and Container Tracking Industry

1- All Container Shipping Companies Are the Same

Every Container Shipping Company is unique and has strengths and weaknesses. Some cargo shipping companies have a more substantial route network. Others may have more specialization in a specific type of cargo. You should compare and research several companies before choosing one.

You can use the Shipsgo Service Finder service to research transportation companies and find the service you seek among the routes. It lists the latest and most recent data for its users. You can use it easily with its user-friendly interface.

2- All Container Ships Are the Same Size

Container ships come in all different sizes, from small ships that can only carry a handful of containers to massive ships that can carry thousands of TEUs. The size and weight of the container and shipments will determine the size of the vessel. You can review the history and development of container ships in our blog post.

3- It’s not Possible to Track Shipment While It’s in Transit

Shipsgo Container Tracking Platform debunks the myth that “a shipment cannot be tracked during shipment” in container transportation. The solution facilitates shipment tracking by providing users with real-time location, status, and ETAs. It sends push notifications to its users and provides fast-action notifications during critical events, such as the Red Sea Incident.

In this way, users have instant information about the status of their shipments and manage their supply chain processes more efficiently.

4- Very Difficult to Find a Carrier and Forwarder for Shipments

Due to busy work schedules or complex issues, finding the carrier or forwarder service you are looking for can be difficult. However, this could be clearer.

The Shipsgo Service Finder tool lists carrier and forwarder information serving you between any route you want. You can quickly discover them right away.

5- Achieving Supply Chain Visibility Needs Too Much Effort

Supply Chain Visibility is one of the most essential elements for companies in the logistics industry. Many companies believe they need to put a lot of effort and money into achieving Supply Chain Visibility. This is also a misconception. Being able to track the whereabouts of your shipments at any time and get instant information about your shipments will take you to the next level in supply chain visibility. 

With Shipsgo Container Tracking, you can easily access much information about your shipments and make your processes more visible. In addition, with Service Finder, you can speed up your processes and make your transportation processes more predictable. Thanks to this tools, your Supply Chain Visibility will level up very quickly.

The post Top 5 Myths of Container Shipping 2024 appeared first on Shipsgo Blog.

Today, many areas are changing, and new regions are emerging. For about 1.5 years, a reality like AI has existed. It would be interesting if these issues did not affect the container transportation industry.

However, an organization has been using artificial intelligence technology and digitalization in the container transportation sector for a long time. The Shipsgo Container Tracking system. It can instantly give you a lot of information about your shipment and support it with notifications. In sudden situations, the autonomous system will take action with its expert team and protect you from harmful situations.

You can check out our tutorial on this subject if you want more information about Shipsgo Container Tracking.

5 Key Trends Shaping the Future of Supply Chains

1- More Freight Capacity

According to BIMCO (an international shipping association), global container volumes are estimated to increase by 4.8% in 2024, while ocean fleets will increase by 7.8%. Air freight forwarding is expected to grow in 2024.

Due to increased competition, customer loyalty could be affected, causing shipping companies to tighten their belts to compete.

2- Digital Transformation Increasing Efficiency

Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and the Internet of Things are powering Digital Transformation in Supply Chains. They are moving beyond buzzwords and aiming to fundamentally change operational dynamics. The main goal is to improve the time and labor curve and increase profitability and future of container transportation.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning will enhance predictive analytics, enabling smarter decisions by analyzing massive data sets. More effective use of statistical data may lead to a rethinking of strategies. IoT technology will offer unprecedented visibility into supply chains, enabling real-time tracking.

With warehouse management and transportation process management, issues such as Detention and Demurrage can also become more accessible to overcome. This digital transition is vital to achieving sustainability goals while remaining agile.

3- Fleets Embracing Sustainability

Carbon emissions and sustainability largely depend on your fuel sources. Gray and Brown Methanol Types are no different from traditional fuel types.

Carbon emissions do not change significantly when green and blue methanol is not used. It is important to use sustainable sources. This can reduce carbon emissions. At Shipsgo, we understand the importance of a sustainable world and are working towards it. You can review the Shipsgo Carbon Offset page in more detail…

4- Increased Mergers and Acquisition

In the container shipping industry, mergers and acquisitions have increased significantly since the pandemic. This trend will likely continue in 2024, as smaller and independent shipping companies will merge to tackle challenging marketing conditions.

Established carriers may use this opportunity for acquisitions. In addition, the largest known transportation companies may expand their operational network by acquiring smaller carriers this year.

5- Blockchain for Supply Chain Visibility and Security

Blockchain technology is drawing attention to the future of the container transportation industry. Blockchain technology could gain popularity by increasing security and transparency in supply chains. Blockchain’s decentralized ledger offers a revolutionary way to track and exchange data, recording transactions in a virtually undetectable way.
Blockchain technology can be a valuable tool in preventing counterfeit goods and ensuring compliance.

The unique numbers carried by each chain can close security gaps in the matching and storage of goods. This would lead to more secure and efficient supply chain operations. Imagine tracing a defective product to its manufacturer and knowing the exact material and batch used. Wouldn’t that be great?

Blockchain technology and tokenization will continue to impact the container shipping industry as they have in many other areas.

The post 5 Trends Shaping the Container Shipping appeared first on Shipsgo Blog.

Many videos and images have been shared on social media. In the first information, it is not clear whether there are dead or injured. Experts are at the scene and are conducting research on the subject. Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott tweeted the following about the issue:

Key Bridge Images After the Accident

The Francis Scott Key Bridge across the Patapsco River, Baltimore, Maryland, collapsed in recent minutes after being hits by the container vessel Dali of Singapore.

Shipsgo’s Approach to the Key Bridge Accident

On the other hand, the container ship has carried many containers, and the shipments may have been damaged. After the accident, transportation delays and many potential problems are on the schedule. As Shipsgo, we inform our customers who have cargo on board, and our expert operation team is closely following the process.

We will keep you informed as new progress occur.

Why Tracking at ShipsGo?

Using ShipsGo for shipment tracking has several benefits for both shippers and receivers. Firstly, it allows you to stay informed about the progress of your shipments. Giving you peace of mind and enabling you to plan your operations accordingly. You can export/import as you wish and monitor all of your shipments in one place.

Overall, the ShipsGo Container Tracking Platform is an indispensable tool for anyone looking to track shipments. Its user-friendly interface and real-time updates make it a reliable and efficient way to stay on top of your shipments and ensure that everything arrives on time and in good condition.

The post Dali Container Ship Hits Baltimore Key Bridge appeared first on Shipsgo Blog.

What is LCL Shipping Costs ?

LCL costs are calculated primarily based on volume, typically expressed in cubic meters (CBM). More space means more money. LCL shipping prices are also affected by weight. However, because container ships can handle a large amount of weight and transport much of it, volume has tended to be more critical.

Pickup: Cost of pick up your shipment in the warehouse.

Origin: LCLs need to be loaded on containers with other shipments. They can also be combined at a Container Freight Center (CFC). Container stuffing is another name for this process.

Central leg: The cost of the sea voyage. Although this is the central portion of the shipment, it may cost little. Charges at the CFS are sometimes very high because of the large machines and personnel required.

Location: After arriving at the destination, LCL shipments must stop in a CFS facility for deconsolidation or unstuffing.

Delivery: Cost of hauling your goods from the warehouse to the destination.

The advantages and disadvantages of LCL Shipping

Advantages of LCL Shipping

• With LCL shipping, you only pay for the volume of goods you are shipping. There is no flat rate like FCL.
• Spending less space on storage means shipping fewer items more often.
• LCL costs less than air freight. You can reduce shipping costs by waiting for your shipment.
• If container capacity is limited (for example, during peak shipping seasons or other periods with high shipping volume), LCLs can be found more easily and shipped faster than FCLs.

Disadvantages of LCL Shipping

• LCLs must be unloaded and loaded from containers. This can add a couple of days to your journey.
• LCL is more expensive per cubic foot than FCL, sometimes twice as high.
• The delays caused by other shipments can cause your items to be delayed as well.
• LCL merchandise is handled more, which increases the chance of damage and loss.

LCL or FCL Shipping – Which one is better ?

LCL is ideal for small loads. However, sometimes it’s better to pay for a full container, even if the load isn’t large enough. LCL costs more for each CBM compared to FCL. Once you reach a certain volume, a full container may be the best option. Shipping FCL is slightly more expensive, but you get many benefits, including faster transit times and less chance of damage.

The post What is LCL Shipping ? appeared first on Shipsgo Blog.

Each has its handling and characteristics. Dry bulk freight can be defined as tangible goods in their unprocessed, raw form, such as grains and minerals. Solid bulk cargo usually travels on large bulk carriers with large storage areas.

It can be stored and handled relatively simply. The load is not packaged and stored in a natural state. Liquid cargo, on the other hand, refers to liquid goods such as liquid chemicals, oil, and gasses.

What is the risk of bulk cargo transportation? 

Transporting liquid and dry cargo poses different risks. Dry cargo can be at risk of physical damage or even loss. This can happen due to improper handling or stacking of the load, which results in damage or loss.

Theft is another risk factor because dry cargo can be stolen during transportation. Leakage or spillage is a significant risk for liquid cargo. Leakage is caused by damage to the tanker’s structure or pipeline and human error in loading, unloading, and transit.

It can lead to severe environmental effects and financial losses by those responsible for storing or shipping the product. One of the other risk factors is shipment contamination. This can render the cargo unsafe or unusable.

Types of Bulk Cargo

Break Bulk

It is goods that are not packaged or shipped in bulk. It requires handling and special equipment for loading and unloading. Break-bulk cargo includes pipes, machinery, and lumber.

Neo Bulk

Neo-bulk describes large-scale shipments, including grains, minerals, ore, and raw materials. These products are transported in bulk carrier ships, which can transport large quantities of goods on a trip.

Containerized Bulk

It is transported in FIBCs (flexible intermediate bulk containers). These containers transport loose, powdered, or granular materials, such as grains, chemicals, ore, and construction materials.

The post What is Bulk Cargo ? appeared first on Shipsgo Blog.

Let’s dive into the reasons of containers fall into the sea… 👇 👀

Causes and Scenarios of Falling into the Sea

Containers are often found in the sea for various reasons, including bad weather, accidents while in transit, or errors in stacking and securing containers aboard ships. However, when this occurs, a cascade of events can occur with potentially disastrous consequences.

Rising Waves and Mismanagement of the Process

Containers falling into the ocean can have serious consequences for the environment that cannot be overstated. During the transportation period, sea waves may rise higher than expected and ships may face a difficult situation. In this case, containers will be at risk of falling overboard if the process has been poorly managed in advance. While falling containers can also have negative consequences for the environment. Many containers contain substances that can be harmful to the marine environment, including chemicals, plastics and other pollutants.

If these substances leak out of the container, they can become pollutants and cause pollution. Submerged containers polluting the ocean floor degrade marine habitats and change underwater landscapes.

Economic Losses and Precautions

Containers lost at sea have environmental and economic implications. Shipping companies incur financial losses when shipments is lost, along with vessel damage costs and other recovery efforts. Delayed deliveries can disrupt supply chain operations, resulting in financial loss for companies that depend on this product for their operations.

Mitigation and Recovery Efforts

To reduce the risk of containers falling into the ocean, proactive and concerted steps are necessary. These include adopting stricter handling procedures, improving container movement tracking systems, and initiating initiatives to retrieve lost containers from seabeds.Adopting sustainable practices in the shipping industry can help reduce accidents and their impact on the economy and environment.

Container shipping is at the core of global trade. However, issues such as containers falling into seas demonstrate its vital role and the need for improved safety measures and environmental stewardship. By addressing the root causes of these incidents, we can mitigate negative effects and protect marine ecosystems.

The post What Happens When Containers Fall into the Sea? appeared first on Shipsgo Blog.