TRACKINGMCPFreight glossary

What is a container number?

A container number is the unique identifier on a shipping container under the ISO 6346 standard: four letters (the owner prefix, ending in U for freight containers) followed by six digits and one check digit — for example MSCU1234567. The final check digit validates the number.

You can track a shipment by its container number, by bill of lading, or by booking reference.

Related

Track a container by carrier →
What does a Maersk container number look like? →

More freight terms

Demurrage & detention · DCSA Track & Trace · Bill of lading (B/L) · Transshipment · UN/LOCODE