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How to Track Your Containers by Bill of Lading with JSON Cargo API

Tracking a container with a Bill of Lading is one of the easiest and most reliable methods to know where your cargo is at any given time.
Whether you are a logistics manager, an importer, or a business owner, understanding how to track containers using the Bill of Lading (BoL) can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches.

In this article, we will explain step-by-step how tracking containers with a Bill of Lading works and show you a simple way to automate the process using the JSON Cargo API.

What Is a Bill of Lading?

A Bill of Lading (BoL) is a crucial shipping document issued by a carrier to acknowledge the receipt of cargo for shipment.
It acts both as:

A receipt for goods
A contract for the transportation of the cargo
A document of title that can be transferred to another party

Each Bill of Lading has a unique number that can be used to track the shipment, including all the containers associated with it.

How Does Tracking Container with Bill of Lading Work?

Tracking a container with a Bill of Lading is simple:

You need the BoL number provided by your shipping line or freight forwarder.
You identify the shipping line that handles the cargo.
You use online tools or container tracking platforms to fetch real-time information using the BoL.

Once you enter the BoL number and select the shipping company, you can instantly see:

All associated container numbers
The current status of each container
Movement history and estimated arrival dates

This method allows you to track not just one, but multiple containers linked to the same Bill of Lading, making it highly efficient for large shipments.

Best Way to Tracking Containers with a Bill of Lading and Using JSON Cargo API

While many websites offer manual tracking, businesses that manage multiple shipments often prefer automated tracking.
The JSON Cargo API offers a powerful way to automate container tracking using just the Bill of Lading.

Here’s how it works:

You send a simple API request with the BoL number and shipping line name. The API returns all container numbers associated with the BoL.

You can then further track each container individually if needed using our Get Containers Details endpoint.

Get Container Numbers From Bill of Lading

This API endpoint allows you to retrieve a list of container numbers linked to a specific Bill of Lading (BoL) number.
It’s especially useful when you know the BoL but need to fetch all the associated containers automatically.

Request Parameters

bill_of_lading_number (string) – Required.
The BoL number you want to search containers for.
shipping_line (string) – Required.
The name of the shipping line associated with the BoL.
Make sure to use the exact shipping line names as accepted by the API, such as:
- - MAERSK
  - HAPAG_LLOYD
  - HMM
  - ONE
  - EVERGREEN
  - MSC
  - CMA_CGM
  - COSCO
  - ZIM
  - YANG_MING

Incorrect or misspelled shipping line names will result in failed API requests, so it’s important to match them precisely.

Example API Call

				
					GET http://api.jsoncargo.com/api/v1/containers/bol/{bill_of_lading_number}?shipping_line={shipping_line_name}

Response sample

				
					{
    "data": {
        "bill_of_lading": "SZPE72846000",
        "shipping_line_name": "Hyundai Merchant Marine",
        "shipping_line_id": "0012",
        "associated_containers": 16,
        "associated_container_numbers": [
            "CAIU9933760",
            "CLKU5004260",
            "GAOU6162340",
            "HDMU6653051",
            "HDMU6836237",
            "HMMU6053862",
            "HMMU6541677",
            "HMMU6668297",
            "KOCU4503822",
            "KOCU4771471",
            "KOCU4839231",
            "KOCU4904240",
            "KOCU5067657",
            "KOCU5082841",
            "ROEU8622402",
            "TGBU6353192"
        ],
        "last_updated": "2025-03-28 04:09"
    }
}

Tracking Container with Bill of Lading: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I track multiple containers with one Bill of Lading?

Yes! A single Bill of Lading often covers multiple containers. By using the BoL number, you can retrieve and monitor all associated containers easily.

What if I don’t know the shipping line?

Without the correct shipping line name, tracking may fail. Always confirm the shipping line from your shipping documents or freight forwarder.

Is tracking container with Bill of Lading free?

Some shipping lines offer basic BoL tracking on their websites for free.
However, for real-time updates, bulk tracking, or automating the process, using APIs like JSON Cargo usually requires a paid subscription.

How often is the tracking information updated?

Container tracking information is updated based on the shipping line’s data feeds — typically several times per day, depending on vessel movements and port updates.

Start Tracking Container with Bill of Lading!

Tracking container with Bill of Lading is a smart, fast, and reliable way to monitor your shipments around the world. Tracking a container by Bill of Lading allows users to centralize container management based on the document they already use for shipping operations.
With the JSON Cargo API, companies can directly fetch container numbers linked to a BoL, reducing manual lookup work and minimizing the risk of missing containers.