Go back to all blogs

How to Track Hapag-Lloyd Container: Complete Guide 2025

Mukesh DeoguneMukesh Deogune
November 28, 2025·8 min read

Hapag-Lloyd is the world's fifth-largest container shipping company and Germany's leading liner shipping company. Known for reliability and quality service, Hapag-Lloyd transports millions of containers annually. This guide covers everything you need to track your Hapag-Lloyd container in 2025.

About Hapag-Lloyd

Hapag-Lloyd is one of the oldest and most respected names in shipping with a heritage spanning over 175 years:

  • Headquarters: Hamburg, Germany
  • Founded: 1847 (as HAPAG, merged with Lloyd in 1970)
  • Fleet Capacity: Over 1.8 million TEU
  • Fleet Size: 250+ vessels
  • Global Network: 140 liner services, 600 offices
  • SCAC Code: HLCU
  • Alliance: Member of THE Alliance

Hapag-Lloyd Container Prefixes

Hapag-Lloyd containers are identified by these prefixes:

  • HLCU - Primary prefix (e.g., HLCU1234567)
  • HLXU - Hapag-Lloyd containers
  • HASU - Hamburg Sud (acquired 2017)
  • SUDU - Hamburg Sud legacy
  • CCLU - Legacy CP Ships containers

How to Track Hapag-Lloyd Containers

Method 1: Track via Ocean by Traqo (Simplest)

Get instant tracking through Ocean by Traqo:

  1. Visit traqocontainer.com
  2. Enter your Hapag-Lloyd container number
  3. We automatically detect the Hapag-Lloyd carrier
  4. View complete tracking with interactive route map

Ocean by Traqo advantages for Hapag-Lloyd:

  • Includes Hamburg Sud: Track HASU/SUDU containers seamlessly
  • Instant results: No login or registration required
  • Visual tracking: See your container's position on a map
  • Complete journey: Full event history from pickup to delivery
  • THE Alliance coverage: Track Hapag-Lloyd alongside ONE and Yang Ming
  • Free to use: Track unlimited containers at no cost

Method 2: Hapag-Lloyd Website

Track directly on the Hapag-Lloyd portal:

  1. Go to hapag-lloyd.com
  2. Click "Track & Trace"
  3. Enter container, BL, or booking reference
  4. View detailed tracking information

Method 3: Customer Portal

Registered customers access enhanced features:

  • Saved shipment lists
  • Email notifications
  • Document downloads
  • Booking management

Understanding Hapag-Lloyd Tracking Events

Event CodeDescription
EMPTY-OUTEmpty container picked up
GATE-INContainer entered terminal
LOADContainer loaded on vessel
DEPARTUREVessel departed port
ARRIVALVessel arrived at port
DISCHARGEContainer removed from vessel
GATE-OUTContainer picked up from terminal
EMPTY-INEmpty container returned

Hamburg Sud Integration

Since acquiring Hamburg Sud in 2017, Hapag-Lloyd operates both brands:

  • Hamburg Sud maintains separate branding
  • Both can be tracked on Ocean by Traqo
  • HASU/SUDU prefixes identify Hamburg Sud containers
  • Strong presence in Latin America trades

THE Alliance Network

Hapag-Lloyd is a founding member of THE Alliance alongside:

  • ONE (Ocean Network Express)
  • Yang Ming
  • HMM (Hyundai Merchant Marine)

This means your Hapag-Lloyd container might travel on vessels operated by alliance partners. Ocean by Traqo tracks across all alliance carriers for complete visibility.

Hapag-Lloyd Quality Focus

Known as "Quality Pays" carrier, Hapag-Lloyd emphasizes:

  • Schedule reliability: Consistent departure and arrival times
  • Equipment quality: Well-maintained container fleet
  • Service excellence: Responsive customer support
  • Sustainability: Fleet modernization for lower emissions

Tracking Tips for Hapag-Lloyd

  1. Use Ocean by Traqo: Get quick, unified tracking
  2. Check vessel schedules: Hapag-Lloyd publishes detailed schedules
  3. Understand alliance services: Containers may sail on partner vessels
  4. Know your routing: Direct vs. transshipment affects timing
  5. Save your references: Container, BL, and booking numbers

Common Hapag-Lloyd Routes

  • Asia-Europe: Multiple weekly departures
  • Asia-Americas: Pacific crossing services
  • Europe-Americas: Atlantic services
  • Latin America: Strong Hamburg Sud heritage routes
  • Middle East: Comprehensive coverage
  • Africa: Growing network

Start Tracking Your Hapag-Lloyd Container

Get visibility into your Hapag-Lloyd shipment right now:

  • Visit traqocontainer.com
  • Enter your HLCU, HASU, or SUDU container number
  • View real-time tracking, vessel information, and route details

Ocean by Traqo makes Hapag-Lloyd tracking effortless. Whether shipping with Hapag-Lloyd, Hamburg Sud, or any carrier, get the unified visibility you need for confident supply chain management.