December 9, 2023
8 Min

Track bill of lading the smart way [+ 5 issues to avoid in 2024]

Adhikansh Gupta
Content Manager

**Blog Title:** Mastering Maritime Tracking: Navigating Bill of Lading Challenges in 2024

**Introduction:**

In the digitally-driven world of maritime logistics, the bill of lading (BL) not only serves as a critical legal document but also as a key tracker for your shipments. As we move into 2024, the industry continues to evolve, and with it come challenges that, if not addressed, could disrupt the smooth tracking and management of your container logistics. This comprehensive guide delves into the advance strategies for BL tracking and outlines five significant issues to avoid in the New Year.

**The Essence of Bill of Lading in Modern Shipping:**

Before we venture into the tracking methodologies, let's recap the fundamentals of a bill of lading. Serving as a receipt, a contract, and a document title, the BL is indispensable in the shipping industry. Its transformation into digital formats provides shippers with unprecedented convenience—but not without potential pitfalls.

**Digital Advancements in BL Tracking:**

The call for integration of smart systems has been answered. Technologies like Container xChange's digital platform have emerged, providing seamless tracking capabilities. Real-time updates, digital repositories, and automated notifications are now the standard in container logistics. The REVIEW of MARITIME TRANSPORT 2022 by UNCTAD highlights the increasing demand for such innovations.

**Five Bill of Lading Tracking Issues to Avoid in 2024:**

1. **Incomplete Digital Adoption:**

Although many companies have begun transitioning to digital BL tracking, the process must be all-encompassing. Half-measures can lead to data silos and miscommunication.

2. **Ignoring Multimodal Transport Complexities:**

The integration of multimodal transport means a BL must be recognized across diverse legal frameworks. Missteps here can lead to delays and legal complications.

3. **Overlooking Supply Chain Resilience:**

As issues such as those experienced during the Chinese New Year 2024 rally point out, resilience planning is critical. Shippers must have contingency strategies in place to manage disruptions.

4. **Neglecting Cybersecurity Measures:**

Digital solutions invite cyber threats. Robust cybersecurity protocols are essential to protect sensitive data and maintain trust in digital BL tracking systems.

5. **Failure to Keep Up with Regulatory Changes:**

The landscape of international shipping is a tapestry of laws and regulations. One must stay informed on changes, such as those in the National Organic Program or hydrofluorocarbon regulations, to ensure compliance and prevent logistical nightmares.

**Mastering the Track: A Step By Step Guide:**

How do you use these advanced digital systems to track your BL with precision and security? This section will guide you through the logistics platforms like Maersk's online tools, offering a detailed walkthrough of how to maintain visibility over your shipments every step of the way.

**Conclusion:**

Staying updated on your shipment's journey in 2024 will require a savvy approach to digital BL tracking. By understanding the technology's full potential and preparing for its challenges, shippers can ensure that their goods move across the oceans smoothly and efficiently. As the landscape evolves, so must our tactics. Let's navigate these waters wisely.

**References and Further Reading:**

For any additional insights into transport and tracking, feel free to browse the resources at the Department of Transportation's website, explore the logistics behind vehicle manufacturing at Bill Jacobs BMW, or understand the complex network of North American freight movement with Union Pacific.

This blog post is a fictional write-up based on the provided search results and does not exist on any live website as of my last update. The links provided correspond to URLs included in the search results but are incorporated as examples for what a real blog post might include.

99.9% teams love Traqo. Not convinced you’re one?We love a challenge.

Hear what teams around the world saying about Traqo.

Overall experience with Traqo was great, it was easy to implement and the new dashboard offered various customisable tools important to my organisation.
LetsTransport  -  Shrey D (Project Manager)
One of the best TMS I have ever seen, it covers tracking and provides a complete logistic solution in customer daylight. Well done, team Traqo.
Action Tesa  -  Abhishek (Manager)
I want my team to spend time thinking about high-level operations problems rather than mindlessly repeating busy work. Traqo helps them do that.
Ezyhaul  -  Operations
Ezyhaul Logo
Previously our shipments are difficult to track and followups are needed with drivers and transporter for urgent shipments but Now due to Traqo we are able to track our shipments, support is immediate whenever required. So Traqo is economical and best choice for tracking purpose.
Godrej & Boyce Mfg Co Ltd  -  Prashant Patil (AGM)
Godrej Logo
It was Great Experience using of Traqo. It's is very usable to track our valuable goods which is transporting from one state to other destinations without any tension.
ION Exchange  -  Mohan Nagendra (Supply Chain Manger)
Thank you, team Traqo for providing such a great tech-based solution for Tracking through SIM. We are using it fully and looking forward to getting engaged in more tech solutions. Keep up the good work.
Transmilo - JP Singh (Business Mentor)