FAQs

Every day, thousands of containers are being moved in and out of seaports. Therefore, knowing where your container is and which stage of the export/import process it is in is crucial for every business. As a result, the container tracking system was created to help businesses monitor the transportation progress of their goods and ensure they meet contract deadlines.
 
**How to accurately track container locations at the port?**
 
**Method 1: Track containers via the website**
 
Step 1: Access the Saigon Newport website through this link: [https://eport.saigonnewport.com.vn/ContainerInformation](https://eport.saigonnewport.com.vn/ContainerInformation).  
Step 2: Enter the required information: container number, container delivery/pickup area.  
Step 3: Click search and view the results.
 
The advantage of this method is that you can track multiple containers in one search. You just need to enter several container numbers, separated by commas, and click the “Batch Search” button.
 
**Instructions for tracking container locations at the port via the website**
 
**Method 2: Track containers via the ePort mobile application**
 
You can conveniently track containers anytime and anywhere with just your phone.
 
You can track Cat Lai containers directly from your smartphone through the available ePort application. Download it now from CH Play or the App Store (the electronic portal of Saigon Newport Corporation).
 
**Track container locations via shipping line websites**
 
In addition to the two methods of tracking container locations at the port mentioned above by ELS, you can also monitor where your container is located by tracking its position on the shipping lines’ websites. You need to know which shipping line is handling the container and then visit the correct website to retrieve the accurate information. Specifically:
 
Step 1: Access the shipping line’s website.  
Step 2: Enter the required information, such as the Booking Number, Bill of Lading number, or Container number.  
Step 3: Click search and wait for the results.
 
**Purpose of tracking container locations at the port**
 
– Monitor where the container is and when it will arrive at the recipient’s port.  
– Control when the goods will arrive to avoid incurring storage fees.  
– Proactively plan for any unexpected issues.  
– Check the schedule and specific location of the container.  
– Provide updates to importers, maintaining trust in business relationships.  
– Proactively notify importers to prepare the necessary documentation for receiving goods.
 
**Notes when tracking container locations at the port**
 
– Ensure you are checking the correct port: If you search for the container at the wrong port, the result will show an error or indicate that the container does not exist.  
– As per regulations, each container number consists of 4 letters and 7 digits. If entered incorrectly, the result may either be unavailable or confused with another container.  
– If the system shows an error, double-check the container number or the port’s website.  
– If you have entered all the correct information but still cannot find any details, contact the shipping line or your forwarder to verify whether there is an issue with your container.
 
We hope that you can easily find your container’s location at the port by applying the methods summarized by ELS. We hope this article is helpful for your work.

 

  1. What items are prohibited from being shipped by air?

There are certain types of goods that are prohibited from being transported by air, as they may pose a danger or violate legal regulations. These include:

  • Narcotics and stimulants: Such as drugs and psychoactive substances.
  • Weapons and military equipment: Including ammunition, military technical equipment, and rudimentary weapons like knives, swords, and spears.
  • Banned cultural materials and documents: Including obscene materials, subversive publications, and documents intended to disrupt public order or undermine the Vietnamese government.
  • Flammable, explosive, and environmentally harmful substances: Items that are easily flammable, explosive, or cause pollution.
  • Live organisms and special foods: Live animals, perishable foods, prohibited items, and restricted goods.
  • Precious metals and gemstones: Such as gold, silver, platinum, or products made from precious metals and gemstones.
  1. What factors affect air freight rates?

There are many factors that directly affect air freight rates. The most noticeable factors include the weight of the goods and the distance between countries. Specifically:

  • Distance
  • Shipment weight
  • Shipping time
  • Type of goods
  • Fuel prices at the time
  1. General notes when shipping goods by air
  • Ensure that the goods are compliant and have all necessary documents.
  • Prepare all required paperwork to expedite customs clearance.
  • Pay attention to the weight of the goods, ensuring they do not exceed the allowed limit.
  • Pack the goods carefully.
  • Ensure that the recipient’s information is accurate.
  • Consider customs costs.
  • Choose a reputable shipping service.
  1. Common industry terms

When exploring or engaging in air freight services, businesses and individuals should be familiar with the following industry-specific terms to ensure smooth operations:

  • A2A (Airport-to-Airport): Service from one airport to another.
  • ATA (Actual Time of Arrival): The actual time the goods arrive.
  • ATD (Actual Time of Departure): The actual time the goods depart.
  • AWB (Air Waybill): Air transport document, including MAWB (Master Air Waybill) and HAWB (House Air Waybill).
  • Booking: A confirmed reservation for cargo on a flight.
  • Dimensional Weight: Weight based on the volume or dimensions of the shipment.
  • FTC (Forwarder’s Certificate of Transport): A document confirming transportation from the forwarder.
  • FCR (Forwarder’s Certificate of Receipt): A document confirming receipt of goods by the forwarder.
  • FWR (Forwarder’s Warehouse Receipt): A warehouse receipt from the forwarder (issued to the exporter).
  • GSA (General Sales Agent): A general sales agent appointed by the airline.
  • IATA (International Air Transport Association): The International Air Transport Association.
  • NOTOC (Notification to Captain): A notice to the captain regarding the cargo on the flight.
  • POD (Proof of Delivery): A document confirming that the delivery has been completed as agreed.
  • TACT (The Air Cargo Tariff): The air freight tariff list, published by the airline.
  • Volume charge: Freight charges based on the volume of the goods, not their weight.
  • Weight charge: Freight charges based on the actual weight of the goods.

Understanding these industry-specific terms will help all parties involved in air freight shipping navigate and complete procedures accurately and efficiently.

Parties involved in each stage of the air cargo transportation process:

In the air cargo transportation process, several parties are involved and responsible at various stages:

  1. Postal companies: Transport letters and light parcels (under 30 kg), using the services of airlines (e.g., EMS, Viettel).
  2. International parcel delivery companies: Transport parcels up to 75 kg, using the services of air carriers (e.g., Kerry Express).
  3. International express delivery companies: Use their own aircraft for transporting goods but may also hire services from airlines (e.g., DHL, FedEx, UPS).
  4. Air freight forwarding companies: Transport packages and shipments over 75 kg by hiring services from airlines (e.g., Agility, CEVA Logistics, DB Schenker).
  5. Airlines and aircraft operators: Use their planes to transport goods and passengers.

Parcel delivery and air forwarding companies are key clients of airlines. According to the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), forwarders account for 80% of international shipments by air.

Considerations for air cargo transportation:

  1. Ensure compliance with regulations: Confirm that your goods are not prohibited and are accurately described before shipment.

  2. Goods must have proper documentation: You need to provide proof of origin and necessary documentation to avoid legal issues during transport.

  3. Pay attention to cargo weight: Air transport has strict weight limits. It is ideal for small to medium-sized goods, while larger quantities may require road or sea transport.

  4. Follow packaging regulations: Ensure the goods are packaged according to regulations. For example, food products must be packed in wooden crates or preserved with dry ice.

  5. Accurate recipient information: Ensure the recipient’s details are correctly filled out to prevent return shipments and potential losses.

  6. Customs costs: The airline will handle customs clearance on your behalf, but you are responsible if there are discrepancies in the cargo information.

  7. Choose a reputable shipping service: Using an experienced and reliable air freight service provider will save you time, cost, and ensure your goods are transported safely.

These considerations will help ensure an efficient and safe air cargo transportation process.