A lot of conversations have been taking place recently around the need for data standards. I believe this is coming up more frequently due to the growing frustrations with the quality of data and the lack of access to data in logistics.

In some ways a standard might improve things, but I highly doubt it. We have standards today from EDIFACT and ANSI messages, but they don't make getting access to ocean cargo data any easier. Just try asking a shipping line for access to a 315 message, and you'll see not only the crazy amount of hoops you have to jump through, but also the wildly varying usages of those 315 messages.

Then multiply that frustration and complexity across multiple shipping lines and terminals, and you'll see why people are looking for a better solution.

We've taken a different approach with our container tracking platform. We don't provide you with data you could get on your own - especially since it doesn't meet our standards for quality and completeness. Instead, we provide something different: a service.

Our tracking service compiles information from more than 100 different sources, normalizes the data, identifies anomalies, and verifies accuracy. We determine the containers that have potential problems so you can take action to prevent costly delays, and enable you to enrich and customize your data based on your specific business needs.

As an independent company, we provide the kind of neutrality, flexibility, and trust that BCOs, freight forwarders, and truckers need. We don't exclude the use of any carrier or port, nor promote one over the other. And, with access to independent data, you can better validate the level of service you're getting from your 3PL and others.

Rather than wait for a standard, try tracking your shipments on the Crux Systems platform, and see the data for yourself.