How do I check which shipping company a container belongs to?

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Time of issue：

2025-03-26 18:03

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To find out which shipping company a container belongs to, you can use the following methods:

1. Search by container number

• Container number structure: A container number usually consists of 11 characters. The first four letters are the owner code, used to identify the owner or operator of the container. For example, Maersk container numbers start with "MSKU," and Mediterranean Shipping Company container numbers start with "MSCU."

• Search methods:

• Enter the container number on some professional container inquiry websites (such as [Track123]), and the website will automatically identify the owner code and display the corresponding shipping company.

• Directly visit the shipping company's official website and enter the container number to search. For example, Maersk's website can be used to search for containers starting with "MSKU."

2. Search by bill of lading number

• The bill of lading (B/L) is proof of the contract for goods transportation and usually indicates the carrier information (i.e., the shipping company). Using the bill of lading number, you can check the shipping status and the shipping company on the shipping company's website or a third-party logistics inquiry platform (such as [Baiyunwang](), [Huodairen](), etc.).

3. Search through a third-party logistics platform

• Comprehensive search platform: Some third-party logistics platforms (such as [SeaRates](), [Trackipi](), [Weiyunwang](), etc.) support automatic identification of the shipping company by inputting the container number and provide cargo tracking services.

• Shipping information websites and MarineTraffic: If the goods have been loaded, you can check the ship's dynamics through shipping information websites or MarineTraffic to confirm the shipping company information.

4. Check the container body markings

• The shipping company's logo or owner code is usually printed on the container body. For example, Maersk containers have "MAERSK" printed on them, and Mediterranean Shipping Company containers have "MSC" printed on them.

5. Contact freight forwarders or logistics service providers

• If you are unsure which shipping company the container belongs to, you can contact the freight forwarder or logistics service provider responsible for the cargo transportation. They usually provide relevant information based on the bill of lading or container number.

The following are common container shipping company codes and their corresponding Company Names:

Notes

1. Owner code (first four digits): The first four letters of the container number are the owner code, which is used to identify the container's shipping company or leasing company.

2. Leasing company: Some containers may belong to leasing companies, not the shipping company itself. For example, containers starting with GESEU belong to GESEACO leasing company.

3. Owner-operated container (SOC): If the container is an owner-operated container (SOC), its owner code may not belong to any shipping company.To find out which shipping company a container belongs to, you can use the following methods:

1. Search by container number

• Search methods:

• Directly visit the shipping company's official website and enter the container number to search. For example, Maersk's website can be used to search for containers starting with "MSKU."

2. Search by bill of lading number

3. Search through a third-party logistics platform

4. Check the container body markings

5. Contact freight forwarders or logistics service providers

The following are common container shipping company codes and their corresponding Company Names:

Notes

1. Owner code (first four digits): The first four letters of the container number are the owner code, which is used to identify the container's shipping company or leasing company.

2. Leasing company: Some containers may belong to leasing companies, not the shipping company itself. For example, containers starting with GESEU belong to GESEACO leasing company.

3. Owner-operated container (SOC): If the container is an owner-operated container (SOC), its owner code may not belong to any shipping company.

Keywords:

Shipping Carton Number Inquiry

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