What a B/L number looks like
The bill of lading (B/L) number is issued by whoever issues the bill of lading. On a carrier's own (master) B/L, many carriers start the number with their code, for example HLCU for Hapag-Lloyd, COSU for COSCO or MEDU for MSC. Others use digits only: a Maersk B/L number is typically nine digits. Each carrier page shows the usual format.
Master B/L or house B/L: which one tracks?
- Master B/L (MBL) is issued by the shipping line to the party that booked with it, often your freight forwarder. Carrier tracking works with this number.
- House B/L (HBL) is issued by a forwarder (NVOCC) to its own customer. The shipping line does not know this number, so a carrier website will not find it.
If you only have a house B/L, ask your forwarder for the master B/L number or the container numbers. Either one tracks the same boxes.
One B/L, several containers
A single B/L can cover many containers. Tracking by B/L shows all of them, and they do not always travel together: one box can be rolled to a later vessel while the rest sail. Check each container, not just the first line. In ShipTastic a B/L uses one credit per container on it.
Where to find the B/L number
- On the bill of lading itself, usually at the top right, labelled "B/L No."
- In the supplier's shipping advice or the forwarder's pre-alert.
- On the carrier's arrival notice.
The booking number on a booking confirmation is a different reference. Many carriers accept both for tracking, and some use the same number for both.
When the B/L number is not found
- Check for typos and spaces. Some carrier sites need the prefix (such as COSU), others reject it.
- Check that it is a master B/L. A house B/L will not be found on a carrier website.
- Check the carrier. On shared vessels, the ship may belong to another line. Search with the carrier that issued the B/L.
- Wait for issue. A B/L is usually issued after the cargo is loaded, so an early search may find nothing.
- Use the container number instead. Check it first with the container number validator.
Tracking is not release
Being able to track a B/L does not mean the cargo will be released. If the shipment moves on an original bill of lading, an original still has to be surrendered at destination. See when documents must travel by courier.
In ShipTastic you can paste a B/L, booking or container number. Each container on the B/L appears on the live map with its milestones and ETA, alongside shipments from your other carriers.
Container tracking by carrier: Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, COSCO, ONE, Evergreen, HMM, Yang Ming and ZIM.