Container number check and tracking
Updated
Type a container number to check that it is valid, see who owns the prefix and jump to that shipping line's official tracking page. A bill of lading or booking number works too: we recognise the line from its first 4 letters or let you pick it.
Shipping lines and their tracking pages
Container leasing companies
| Leasing company | Container prefixes |
|---|---|
| Triton International | TCLU, TRHU, TCNU, TTNU, TOLU, TCKU, TLLU, TRLU, TRIU |
| Textainer | TEMU, TGHU, SEGU, SCZU, AMFU, AMZU, CLHU, GAEU, GATU, MAXU, TEXU, TXGU, XINU, TGBU, GCEU, SEKU, CRSU, CXRU, IEAU, GESU, CRXU |
| CAI International, Inc. | CAIU, BEAU, BMOU, CAXU, SKYU |
| SeaCo | CRTU |
| Florens Container Services | FCIU, FBIU, FSCU, FFAU, DFSU |
| SeaCube Containers | IPXU, INKU, SZLU |
| Touax | GLDU, PGTU |
| UES International Leasing | UETU, UESU |
| Blue Sky Intermodal | BSIU |
| Spinnaker Leasing | SLSU |
| Raffles Lease | RFCU |
| Container Providers International (CPI) | CPIU |
| Titan Containers | TCIU |
Triplicate does not track containers itself: it checks the number and sends you to the shipping line's own tracking page, which shows the live status. Prefixes were checked against the BIC owner-code registry in September and October 2026; lines also use leased containers.
Guides on this topic
How a container number works
A container number (ISO 6346) has 11 characters: a 3-letter owner code, an equipment category letter (U for freight containers), a 6-digit serial number and a check digit. The check digit catches most typing mistakes, so check it before you book or send documents.
How to track a shipment
Shipping lines let you track by container number, bill of lading number or booking number on their own websites. The container number is on the container doors, the packing list and the bill of lading; the bill of lading number is on the B/L your forwarder sends you.
If tracking shows nothing
Status usually appears once the empty container is picked up or the full one enters the terminal. If nothing shows, check the number for typos, make sure you are on the right line's site (leased containers can be on any line), try the bill of lading number, or ask your forwarder.
Common questions
What does the U in MSCU mean?
The fourth letter is the equipment category: U means a freight container, J detachable freight container equipment and Z a trailer or chassis. The first three letters are the owner code, here MSC.
Can I track a container without the bill of lading?
Yes, most shipping lines let you search by container number alone. You need to know which line carries it: the prefix tells you the owner, but a leased container can be on any line.
How is the check digit calculated?
Each letter gets a number value (A = 10, skipping multiples of 11) and each digit keeps its value. Each value is multiplied by 2 to the power of its position (1, 2, 4 … 512), the results are added, and the remainder of the total divided by 11 is the check digit (a remainder of 10 becomes 0).
More free tools
Weekly email: trade rule changes
One short email a week: new and changed import and export rules from official sources, plus our new guides and tools. Free, unsubscribe at any time.
Triplicate is free and keeps getting better. Found it useful? Support Triplicate ♥
Prefer no ads? Pro removes all ads · $1/month