Not surprisingly, our most popular blog posts from the last year focus on demystifying the complexities of tracking ocean cargo, and how we're using technology to make it easier to track and manage your shipments. Here are our top five blog posts from 2018.

1) Container holds and what they mean for your cargo

If a hold is placed on your cargo, it can't leave the terminal until the issue has been resolved. Our platform identifies containers that have holds so you can address potential problems before they cause costly delays. In addition, you can set alarms on containers to get notified when they reach certain milestones so you'll know if a container is unavailable due to a hold. 

2) Blockchain in the logistics industry: yes or no?

While blockchain has been more commonly associated with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, it's now being used in the logistics industry with increasing frequency. Is blockchain the right technology for bringing revolutionary change to a traditional industry like logistics? While blockchain has the potential to bring more transparency and efficiency to the movement of goods around the world, it's not a perfect solution.

3) Understanding your container status

Terminals, shipping lines, and freight brokers have different sets of rules that determine whether a container is "available" or not. That can leave you with conflicting information, depending on the source. To ensure we have the most up-to-date information about your containers, we consolidate and normalize data from multiple sources. Here are some of the most common container statuses you'll see when you track containers with our dashboard.

4) Your shipping containers need your attention

To make is easy to find the containers with problems that need to be addressed, we created a  "needs attention" list on your dashboard. It includes containers that have issues like holds or an upcoming last free day, so you can be sure to schedule a pickup before your containers are assessed demurrage fees.

5) Container tracking 101

Finding out the current status of your import containers shouldn’t require you to go to multiple websites and other sources, send emails, or make phone calls. It should be drop-dead simple. We made the process of getting container status information as easy as a Google search. Here’s an overview of how to track, manage, and share your containers with your supply chain partners.