3 Key Ways to Track Your Shipment in International Air Cargo

How to Track Your Shipment in Air Cargo International Shipping?

Have you ever waited anxiously for your international shipment and wished that you could know where exactly the parcel has reached?.

The good news, you can track your air cargo shipment, and it’s not even complex.

In this guide, I will cover all the details that you should know to track your order. So, without any further ado, let’s jump in, but first, let’s start with the basics.

Why Should You Track Your Air Shipment?

Think that you are sending a precious package overseas, or maybe you are ordering something important for your business.

The process is not going to be a straightforward one; the trip your cargo takes will have multiple stops and hand offs.

But if you know where exactly it has reached, you can be tension-free.  

Apart from this, tracking your shipment means you will:

1. Know about its location and estimated arrival time

2. Spot delays early and then can adjust your plans accordingly

3. Avoid surprises like customs holdups

4. Share the status conveniently with the person waiting for it.

To be precise, tracking is sure to turn your stressful moments into a simple, transparent process. 

The Magic Number: Your Air Waybill (AWB)

That one crucial thing you need to air cargo track and trace your shipment is the Air Waybill number, or AWB.

This is just like your cargo’s passport, without which you can’t follow its journey. 

It is an 11-digit code that is given to you when you book your shipment with the airline or freight forwarder.

So, where to find it? You will be able to see it on your shipping receipt or confirmation email. Just remember to keep it handy. 

Where Can You Track Your Shipment?

As soon as you get your AWB, you are all set to see where the shipment has reached.

But how do you actually do this? This is what I am going to brief you about, and here are the main places :

1. AIRLINE’S WEBSITE

This one is the most direct way, as most airlines have a “Track Shipment” page on their website.

All you need to do is type your AWB, and you will receive live updates on your cargo’s status. 

You can also research on some air cargo industry challenges and solutions  to make it more easy for you.

2. FREIGHT FORWARDER’S PORTAL

When you book through a freight forwarder, they often provide you with their own tracking dashboard showing updates across the airlines they work with.

3.THIRD-PARTY TRACKING SITES

There are a few websites, like  GoComet or Portcast, that let you enter your AWB and track shipments from multiple airlines in one place.

This is the best option if you juggle a few orders. 

If you’re unsure where to go first, try the airline’s official site; it usually has the fastest information.

To get more information you can research on the moving industry trends.

What Updates Should You Expect to See?

Tracking isn’t just a “yes or no” on delivery. You get updates all along the journey, like:

1. When your shipment was received at the airport, it’s leaving from

2. When it’s loaded onto the plane

3. Flight departure and arrival times

4. Customs clearance status at the destination country

5. Final delivery or pickup readiness

Most platforms also let you sign up for alerts, so you can get emailed or texted updates when your cargo reaches certain checkpoints or if there’s a delay.

Common Air Cargo Tracking Statuses Explained

Here are common updates you’ll see and what they mean:

Pro Tips for Easy, Stress-Free Tracking

There are ways to have an easy, stress-free tracking, and they are as follows:

1. Always double-check to ensure you have the correct AWB. 

2. Bookmark or save your tracking page; checking regularly keeps worries down.

3. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your freight forwarder or airline if the status becomes stuck or a delay notice is issued.

4. Share tracking info with colleagues, warehouses, or customers so everyone stays updated.

5. Use platforms that track multiple shipments if you regularly ship internationally, and hop less between sites!

What Happens If There’s a Delay or Problem?

No matter how much effort an individual puts into ensuring the best and stress-free shipments, sometimes the shipments still face issues.

Shipments can also be considered as part of the most stressful things in life because a lot of people have lost most of their finances as a result of it.

So, if your tracking shows a holdup or “exception” status:

1. Get in touch with your freight forwarder or airline customer service immediately.

They often have updates about customs paperwork, weather-related delays, or other causes.

2. If your goods are valuable or time-sensitive, consider shipments with GPS tags or sensors.

These high-tech extras can let you see exactly where your cargo is, and even if it’s too hot, cold, or jostled.

3. Stay patient but proactive; delays can happen, but good communication helps you plan.

New Tech Makes Tracking Even Better

Tracking shipments today isn’t just about asking, “Where’s my package?” anymore.

Thanks to new technology, air cargo tracking has become smarter, faster, and a lot more detailed.

Modern shipping platforms now use real-time data analytics and Internet of Things (IoT) devices to give you live updates about your shipment.

You don’t just see where your cargo is; you can also get precise Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) updates, view how many pieces are in your shipment, and even see a visual map of its route.

Some advanced systems go a step further.

They monitor conditions like temperature, humidity, and vibration, which is especially useful if you’re shipping something fragile or temperature-sensitive.

In short, whether you’re a business trying to keep things on schedule or someone waiting for an important delivery, today’s technology gives you full visibility, right from takeoff to landing.

Bringing It All Together 

So, you now know how simple tracking your international air cargo shipping is.

All you need is your Air Waybill (AWB) number, and you can clearly see where exactly your shipment has reached and know when it will reach you. 

Here’s a quick recap of what you are required to do:

1. Keep your AWB handy

2. Use trusted platforms

3. Follow real-time updates

4. Set alerts when possible

5. Cross-check details

The latest tracking tools help you to keep a check on your shipment, making it clear, reliable, and completely under your control.