containergegevens

Containergegevens refers to the set of information associated with a shipping container as it moves through the supply chain. These data are collected by carriers, terminals, warehouses and customs to enable tracking, planning and regulatory compliance. Containergegevens cover identifiers, ownership, current status, location, and cargo attributes, and are updated at events such as loading, discharge, sealing, reefer changes, and gate movements.

Typical fields include: container number (composed according to ISO 6346), size and type, owner and operator, vessel voyage, current status (loaded, empty, in transit, at quay), last known location and time stamp, seal numbers, hazardous material indicator, and cargo details (description, weight, volume). For refrigerated containers, temperature data and setpoints may be recorded. Additional references such as consignor, consignee, port of loading and discharge, and internal booking or reference numbers are also part of containergegevens.

Standards and data exchange: The container number follows ISO 6346 for unique identification. Data are exchanged through electronic data interchange (EDI) and modern APIs using formats such as EDIFACT or XML, often within carrier systems, terminal operating systems, or port community platforms. GS1 standards, including location codes (GLN) and other identifiers, are commonly used to harmonize related data. Data quality and timeliness are essential for visibility, efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Applications and impact: Containergegevens enable real-time tracking, yard and terminal planning, logistics visibility for shippers and customers, and customs declarations and audits. Data quality problems, such as missing events or inconsistent seals, can hinder planning and compliance; robust governance and adherence to standards help mitigate these issues.