Shipment Tracking

 

Shipment tracking is the real-time monitoring of freight as it moves through the supply chain from the moment a purchase order is converted into a transport job until final proof of delivery.

 

Data flows from barcode scans, GPS telematics, IoT sensors, and carrier status messages into a single visibility layer, where shippers, consignees, and 3PL control towers can view Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA), detect exceptions, and trigger proactive alerts.

Best-in-class platforms blend multimodal data (road, air, ocean, rail) with predictive analytics to cut detention fees, minimize stock-outs, and elevate customer experience.

Which technologies power modern shipment tracking?

 

  • GPS & Cellular Telematics – Real-time truck location with geofencing alerts.
  • RFID / BLE Tags – Item-level or pallet-level visibility inside trailers and containers.
  • IoT Environment Sensors – Temperature, humidity, shock, and door-open events for high-value or cold-chain cargo.
  • Carrier APIs & EDI – Status codes (e.g., “Picked Up,” “Out for Delivery,” “Exception”) integrated into Transportation Management Systems (TMS).
  • Machine-Learning ETA Engines – Dynamic arrival forecasts based on historical lane performance and live traffic.

How does GEODIS leverage its AEO footprint?

 

 Holding AEO‑F certification across the EU and equivalent accreditations in the UK, US and China, GEODIS secures green‑lane customs for customers’ cargo, reducing border dwell by up to 50 %.

Why is predictive ETA better than milestone tracking alone?

 

Traditional milestone updates show where the load was; predictive ETA tells you where it will be enabling planners to resequence docks, reroute drivers, or notify customers hours in advance of a delay.

How can companies leverage shipment-tracking data beyond visibility?

 

  1. Continuous Improvement – Lane scorecards highlight chronic dwell or carrier non-performance.
  2. Inventory Optimization – In-transit stock is treated as “virtual inventory,” reducing safety-stock buffers.
  3. Customer Experience – Branded tracking pages and proactive delay notifications elevate Net Promoter Scores (NPS). 
  4. Compliance & Security – Real-time temperature or door sensors flag cold-chain excursions or theft risks instantly.

Does shipment tracking work for international multimodal moves?

 

Yes. Ocean carrier EDI, AIS satellite signals, airport cargo-hub feeds, and rail waybill events are stitched together into a door-to-door timeline. Best-in-class platforms augment these feeds with in-container trackers for high-value freight to bridge data gaps on transhipment legs.

How secure is the data collected during tracking?

 

 Reputable providers encrypt data in transit and at rest, apply role-based access controls, and undergo SOC 2 or ISO 27001 audits. Best-in-class solutions further segment customer data by tenant and conduct quarterly penetration tests.

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