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How to Track Pacific International Lines (PIL) Containrs with API

Tracking PIL containers with API is essential when working with global container shipping. Pacific International Lines (PIL) is one of the key carriers, particularly strong across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Founded in Singapore, PIL operates a large network of routes connecting both emerging and major trade markets.

For logistics teams, having reliable tracking for PIL shipments means better visibility into container movements, accurate ETAs, and faster response to delays. Here’s a simple breakdown of how it works.

How PIL Container Tracking Works?

Every container shipped with PIL has a unique container number (e.g., PILU1234567). This ID is used across ports, terminals, and systems to identify and track the shipment.

You can track a container using:

  • Container Number (most common)

  • Bill of Lading (B/L)

  • Booking reference (in some cases)

What Are PIL’s Container Prefixes?

Containers are identified using PIL’s registered prefixes.

This prefix system ensures containers can be tracked, billed, and managed accurately across global logistics networks.

With JsonCargo, you don’t need to memorize or manually check these prefixes, our system automatically recognizes and tracks them for you.

 

Prefix
PCIUTEMU
GLDUFBIU
HPCUPIDU
PFLUPDLU
PILUPDIU
PCIU

What PIL Container Data Can You Access with API?

Instead of building a custom integration with PIL’s system, you can retrieve container statuses with a single API call.

Here are the benefits of the process:

  • Track by container number or Bill of Lading: Simply enter the container ID, and the API returns the latest status, events, and location.
  • Different Shipping Lines: Whether it’s PIL, EVERGREEN, Hapag-Lloyd, or CMA CGM, the response format is always the same.
  • Detailed events: Find out where your PIL container is, where it has been, and what’s next (e.g., “Vessel departed,” “Discharged”).

Additionally, you’ll receive timestamps for the latest port events, the estimated time of arrival at the next port, confirmation that the shipping line is PIL, and technical details such as container type (20ft, 40ft, reefer, etc.).

Example Response: Track PIL Containers with API

				
					"data": {
        "container_id": "PIDU5285725",
        "container_type": "40' HIGH CUBE",
        "container_status": "Full Transshipment Discharged",
        "shipping_line_name": "Pacific International Lines",
        "shipping_line_id": "0015",
        "tare": null,
        "shipped_from": "Liverpool, GB",
        "shipped_from_terminal": "Maritime Liverpool Cd",
        "shipped_to": "Jakarta, JAVA",
        "shipped_to_terminal": null,
        "atd_origin": "2025-08-30 00:00",
        "eta_final_destination": null,
        "last_location": "Le Havre, FR",
        "last_location_terminal": "Tn Msc",
        "next_location": "Singapore, SG",
        "next_location_terminal": "Tuas Terminal",
        "atd_last_location": "2025-09-15 00:00",
        "eta_next_destination": "2025-10-25 00:00",
        "timestamp_of_last_location": "2025-09-07 00:00",
        "last_movement_timestamp": "2025-09-07 00:00",
        "loading_port": "Liverpool, GB",
        "discharging_port": "Jakarta, JAVA",
        "customs_clearance": null,
        "bill_of_lading": null,
        "last_vessel_name": "MSC SPRING III",
        "last_voyage_number": "RS534A",
        "current_vessel_name": "MSC SPRING III",
        "current_voyage_number": "RS534A",
        "last_updated": "2025-09-08 22:42"
    }
}
				
			

PIL Containers API Tracking Setup:

 1. Register for API access
Create your account and get your API key to start using the Container API.

2. Authenticate your requests
Check our API documentation and set the API key in your headers for secure access and to track usage.

3. Configure container tracking
Add your container IDs, IMO, or MMSI numbers to begin tracking specific shipments or vessels.

4. Set up event monitoring
Create milestone events such as gate in/out, stuffing, vessel loading/unloading, and transshipment from our dynamic API data.

5. Integrate with your system
Connect the Maritime API to your platform or dashboard following DCSA standards for structured data exchange.

6. Go live
Start using real-time container tracking with full visibility and automated notifications.

Common Questions About PIL Containers Data via API

1. Can I track only PIL containers?
No. The API supports multiple carriers, including PIL and other major shipping lines.

2. How often is the data updated?
Tracking data is updated frequently, depending on carrier event reporting.

3. What if I don’t have the full container number?
A full container number is recommended, but Bill of Lading tracking is also available.