Buyers can track vehicles shipped from China using the Bill of Lading (B/L) number provided by their exporter, with the exact tracking method depending on whether the car is shipped via RoRo or container.
Once your vehicle has been processed for export and loaded onto a vessel at a major Chinese port like Shanghai, Tianjin, or Guangzhou, the tracking process begins. While your export partner facilitates this, the tracking itself is managed by the international shipping line responsible for the transport.
The Key Document: Your Bill of Lading (B/L)
The most important document for tracking your vehicle is the Bill of Lading (B/L). This is the official contract between the shipper and the carrier, and it contains all the essential details for your shipment. Shortly after the vessel departs, Starvia Automotive will provide you with a copy of the B/L, which includes the vessel name, voyage number, and the specific numbers you'll need for tracking.
How to Track Based on Shipment Method
Your tracking method depends on how your vehicle was shipped. Our RoRo and Container Shipping options offer different tracking procedures:
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) Shipments If your car is shipped via RoRo, it is driven directly onto the vessel and secured. For these shipments, you typically track the vehicle using its unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You can visit the website of the shipping line (e.g., Maersk, COSCO, CMA CGM) and use their online tracking portal. By entering your B/L number or VIN, you can see the vessel's current status and estimated time of arrival (ETA).
Container Shipments When a vehicle is secured inside a 20ft or 40ft container, you track the container itself, not the car. The B/L will list a unique container number (usually four letters and seven numbers, like TCKU 123456 7). You will enter this container number into the shipping line’s online portal to see its journey, from departure to arrival at your destination port.
What to Expect from Tracking Updates
Shipping trackers provide key milestone updates rather than second-by-second GPS locations. You can expect to see information such as:
- Vessel Name and Voyage Number: Identifies the ship carrying your vehicle.
- Port of Loading (POL): The Chinese port where the journey began.
- Port of Discharge (POD): Your destination port.
- Estimated Time of Departure (ETD) and Arrival (ETA): These dates help you plan for customs clearance and collection.
If you have any questions about your shipment’s status or need help interpreting the tracking data, the team at Starvia Automotive is always available to assist you in preparing for your vehicle’s arrival.