--- source_url: "https://www.vizionapi.com/container-tracking/api-how-it-works" title: how it works container tracking api overview mirrored_at: 2026-08-16T01:32:23.148Z host: www.vizionapi.com cited_in_42a: true mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/www.vizionapi.com/container-tracking/api-how-it-works" --- > **Original source:** https://www.vizionapi.com/container-tracking/api-how-it-works ## How it Works API Overview Get the industry’s most complete container visibility into your existing software systems or any spreadsheet. ![birdseyeview ship at sea with data overlayed the top showing tracking code for vizion api](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/64d0b8aaf2d115e4ae594374_birdseyeview-seaship-at-sea-API-overview.webp)![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/64cb4d7c6b542a2d3ad9a830_data-code-ovlay.svg) ![birds eye view of a ship at sea from the front end](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/64df0799ddd9f6557154d67a_cropped-birdseyeview-ship-api-tracking.webp)![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/64df09c2a157bea54f958796_api-yellow-dot.svg) Gain complete visibility—tracking containers in real-time with updates provided in seconds when a new event has been added or a change to the shipment has occurred. Rely on automated data collection and standardization and use webhook to get updates based on triggered events. This eliminates manual data retrieval to increase your efficiency. Integrate with existing systems and track every shipment frictionlessly. Whether it’s hundreds or tens of thousands of shipments annually, Vizion API scales to your needs. ![darkened image taken on a shipping container ship at sea showing rows of shipping containers](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/64d2fa3ed04ed8a82b558cb9_ship-at-sea-containers.webp)![graphic image showing selecting carrier information for container ID tracking](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/64d2fd3686efff4efa4c5a48_api-container-track.svg) ## Complete Visibility Made Effortless Subscribe to a container and receive complete updates from various sources including ocean carriers, terminals, and customs. All it takes is a Vizion API key and the specific container ID and carrier code. If the carrier is unknown, Automatic Carrier Identification can help. ### Technology Supporting Agility and Responsiveness A REST API, Vizion API delivers JSON-encoded responses, with standard HTTP response codes and verbs for easy use. Webhooks enable your systems to respond fast to events in real-time, transforming your data management and increasing your agility. ![shipping container ship on a cloudy day cruising on near still ocean water](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/64d9c9b73dbdc60d86e31df3_ship-at-sea-apitracking-vizion.webp)![Vizion API overlay tracking code data](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/64d3021990357850c78f0c43_tech-support-data-graphic.svg) ![Shipping container leaving a shipping port at sunset](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/64d311d5d29f6c64abd6e8a8_faded-shipping-container-sea-dock.webp)![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/64d312d0d29f6c64abd82798_Api-icon-overlay.svg) #### Drive Value Internally and Better Serve Your Customers Our data gives you the flexibility to fulfill a wide range of needs—from reducing demurrage fees to better managing inventory. Use with leading software systems or develop a new application to integrate with. **Enhance**  internal processes and efficiency **Reduce** data latency for downstream needs **Leverage** visibility to improve customer service ## Track by Master Bill of Lading or Container and Carrier Code Remove the time-consuming processes of collecting data from each carrier. Monitor your shipments seamlessly using the master bill of lading, container and carrier code, or auto carrier identification if the carrier is unknown. Get a simplified tracking process to support your operations’ productivity. Know Container updates in real-time Eliminate Guesswork with auto carrier identification Streamline Workflows and enhance efficiency ![darkened image taken on a shipping container ship at sea showing rows of shipping containers](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/64d2fa3ed04ed8a82b558cb9_ship-at-sea-containers.webp)![graphic image showing selecting carrier information for container ID tracking](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/64d2fd3686efff4efa4c5a48_api-container-track.svg) ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/65a3cf67e9466c32bda5bf74_glow-mid-right.webp) Enhancing your visibility saves time and money while streamlining your overall supply chain. But don’t just take our word for it. Hear from our valued customers about what Vizion has helped them accomplish. [ Start now ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/644cd09b5d73bebf74423db0_arrow-start-now.svg)](#) ![mock headshot](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/646892048426474d80f6ec24_avatar.png) The Vizion team is always looking for ways to change how people approach visibility, and raising the bar on what customers can and should expect from their visibility platforms Lucas Schoreoer Co founder ![temp logo](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/646893e205f513eb2227509e_Logo-temp.svg) ![mock headshot](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/646892048426474d80f6ec24_avatar.png) The Vizion team is always looking for ways to change how people approach visibility, and raising the bar on what customers can and should expect from their visibility platforms Lucas Schoreoer Co founder ![temp logo](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/646893e205f513eb2227509e_Logo-temp.svg) ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/647edfbc4d2ed85e432de35e_shadow.svg) ![Krenar Komoni](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6246d8c921709e497eef110f/68add35d1d197d91efdbdecb_Frame%201321317108.png) "When it comes to data integrity, the fundamentals matter more than anything. Vizion does the fundamentals right, making sure that when we give them a container ID, we can trust that ID is going to return the correct vessel and event information. We can depend on Vizion” Krenar Komoni CEO of Tive ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6246d8c921709e497eef110f/68add369cdf2fd1ec296cc71_Frame%201321317106.png) ![Martin Schulze](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6246d8c921709e497eef110f/693b3025e039f1724d734766_Martin%20Schulze%20-%20BlueBox.jpg) We are very pleased to have found in Vizion a partner with the same passion for pushing the digitalization of supply chains and providing high quality solutions Martin Schulze CEO, BlueBox Systems ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6246d8c921709e497eef110f/693b302bf7340b13fdf136b9_BlueBox.png) ![David Blinick](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6246d8c921709e497eef110f/693b30422321b84551eccf4e_David%20Blinick.jpeg) "Vizion standardizes these messages across all carriers making this job more straightforward for us. It is why our partnership is such a great achievement as we move forward." David Blinick CEO, 3rdwave ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6246d8c921709e497eef110f/693b30462c1163c0e80a18fc_3rdwave.jpeg) ![James Coombes](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6246d8c921709e497eef110f/693b308ada9e50bd9aebb058_James%20Coombes%20headshot%20colour%20\(1\).jpg) Partnering with Vizion, we bring an ‘X-ray’ into containers for forwarders as they seek to provide their shipping customers detailed insights into cargo visibility and status. James Coombes Co-Founder and CEO, Raft.ai ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6246d8c921709e497eef110f/693b308d57edaddc292a04c0_Raft.png) ![Brian Glick](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6246d8c921709e497eef110f/693b30d37d0908b9c5776265_Brian%20Glick.jpeg) Visibility is a huge part of the future of the global supply chain. Vizion is an important addition to our suite of visibility solutions so that freight forwarders can take important steps toward embracing that future Brian Glick Founder and CEO, Chain.io ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6246d8c921709e497eef110f/693b30d6ffbac1fed9b3f64f_Chain.io.jpg) ![Lucas Schorer](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6246d8c921709e497eef110f/693b30e8238d8dbbbf0d2376_Lucas%20Schorer.jpeg) The Vizion team is always looking for ways to change how people approach visibility, and raising the bar on what customers can and should expect from their visibility platforms Lucas Schorer Co-Founder of Kestrel Insights ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6246d8c921709e497eef110f/693b30eba0abb6beba714ab8_Kestrel%20Insights.png) ![blue shipping container with some Vizion information inside a bubble](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/64522336fab8bd73385d657d_Configure%20Available.webp) ## Configure Available for Pickup Notifications All ports and terminals give shippers a certain number of days to pickup containers before demurrage charges start. Vizion’s Last Free Date event automatically alerts you to when those charges will begin so that you can coordinate pickups with your drayage providers. ## Integrate Vizion’s Data with Leading ERPs and TMSs Connect Vizion’s port and terminal events to these leading platforms, plus any ERP, TMS or other software system. Adding Vizion data to your existing systems empowers advanced visibility into a container’s journey. ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/658e200e9ca095f76d074f91_Sap-Partner.svg) ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/658e213244471300d9dd5fab_oralce-netsuite-logo.svg) ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/658e2132464ea3ca8a10d2d3_Partner-1.svg) ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/658e21327a397cda82f49505_epicore-logo.svg) ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/658e2132005946f4a611feef_vizion-logo.svg) ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/658e213246e668ae22382b47_mg-logo.svg) ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/658e21326f7007cb921ad19f_Partner-5.svg) ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/658e2132005946f4a611ff0d_oracle-logo.svg) ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/658e2132f26933c487224353_Partner-7.svg) Many sources of container tracking data are not updated frequently enough to be useful. Vizion's container trace data lets you track in real-time and at a granular level, so you can monitor your shipments and prepare logistically for their arrival. ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/65a5345f85f22f600eb0bea4_Replace.webp) Making calls, sending emails, or visiting websites for container status updates are labor-intensive, error-prone processes that lack scalability. With Vizion API, you get access to more complete data, updated automatically. ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/65a5345f85f22f600eb0bea4_Replace.webp) Armed with the knowledge of when your containers are approaching their last free date and when they are ready for pickup allows for better coordination with drayage providers for better inventory management and a more efficient supply chain. ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/65a5345f85f22f600eb0bea4_Replace.webp) The container tracking data of Vizion API enables you to manage or even completely avoid costly fees. This visibility also supports auditing of detention and demurrage fees to ensure their accuracy. ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/65a5345f85f22f600eb0bea4_Replace.webp) ### Get the latest news and updates from Vizion. Sign up for our daily digest. [Sign Up](https://www.vizionapi.com/#footer) ### Get the Most Advanced Visibility Into the Journey of Your Ocean and Rail Containers Talk to one of our supply chain experts to get started now. [Talk to an Expert](https://meetings.hubspot.com/ben-tracy) ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/65a526d84bfb79d0a603ccf2_tablet-cta-ship-img.webp)![Shipping container at sea](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/6542d684b6b9075af99adfff_faded-ship-at-sea-mobile.webp)![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/65a3dc840cdede4ab2795b2d_cta-img.avif)![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/65a3da5b9847fdb6844ffb5d_Filter.png) ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/649fc4ecab26229b1772d07c_img-tempnew-1-all.png) ## Ac lectus eget mauris proin feugiat sed est nunc in. Nulla odio turpis ac eget. Consectetur odio mauris purus arcu aliquam lacus ultricies augue at. Sapien ultrices magnis enim metus vitae. Ipsum nam a nec ut quam mattis. Enim. ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/64794db53f5a05c19f3e97bc_img-temp-2.png) ## Tempor consectetur odio Nulla odio turpis ac eget. Consectetur odio mauris purus arcu aliquam lacus ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/64794db690128cb356d44239_img-3.png) ## In tincidunt elementum Elit quam nunc id rutrum donec fringilla vel amet. ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/64794db529e65815d2af450a_img-temp-4.png) ## Tempor consectetur odio Nulla odio turpis ac eget. Consectetur odio mauris purus arcu aliquam lacus ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/64794db5f99dfa06fde35a7a_img-temp-5.png) ## In tincidunt elementum Elit quam nunc id rutrum donec fringilla vel amet. ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/64794db65c48893bd97851d2_img-temp-6.png) ## Ac lectus eget mauris proin feugiat sed est nunc in. Nulla odio turpis ac eget. Consectetur odio mauris purus arcu aliquam lacus ultricies augue at. Sapien ultrices magnis enim metus vitae. Ipsum nam a nec ut quam mattis. Enim. ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6246d8c921709e497eef110f/6450b4a56996fc9c970f6720_concier.avif) ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6246d8c921709e497eef110f/6450b4c0992253db7a06e220_Mask%20group.svg) A cargo owner saves 15 hours each week by replacing manual track-and-trace processes with automated updates from Vizion. ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6246d8c921709e497eef110f/6450b61430efcdb1548f76b6_3rdwave.avif) ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6246d8c921709e497eef110f/6450b61a9fa5dc0db6c34707_3rd.svg) 3rdwave leverages Vizion to give customers better data. ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6246d8c921709e497eef110f/6450b549c52c8c87fb11e637_century.avif) ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6246d8c921709e497eef110f/6450b54c51a450fdedf36ac8_century.svg) Century surfaces port performance data in its VIZIV platform. ![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/6451cf30fd81da8b70d91ffa_eclipse-smaller-right.webp)![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/623a96c50c28f477f1445b93/6451cfde19901e03f99ab12b_eclipse-small-left.webp) ## Looking to buy high-quality products that will meet your needs? 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