How to Track MSC Container: Complete Tracking Guide 2025
MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) is the world's largest container shipping line by capacity, operating a massive fleet that serves every major trade route. With millions of containers moving globally, knowing how to track your MSC shipment is crucial for effective supply chain management. This guide provides everything you need for MSC container tracking in 2025.
About MSC - Mediterranean Shipping Company
Founded in 1970, MSC has grown from a single vessel operation to become the world's largest container shipping company:
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- Founded: 1970 by Captain Gianluigi Aponte
- Fleet Capacity: Over 5.5 million TEU
- Fleet Size: 750+ vessels
- Global Presence: 520+ offices in 155 countries
- SCAC Code: MSCU
- Ownership: Family-owned, privately held
MSC Container Prefixes
MSC containers are identified by several common prefixes:
- MSCU - Primary MSC prefix (e.g., MSCU1234567)
- MEDU - MSC Mediterranean containers
- GESU - MSC owned containers
- CAIU - Acquired container units
- GLDU - Gold Container Line (MSC subsidiary)
All follow the ISO format: 4 letters + 6 digits + 1 check digit = 11 characters total.
How to Track MSC Containers
Method 1: Track with Ocean by Traqo (Fastest Way)
The most efficient way to track your MSC container is through Ocean by Traqo:
- Navigate to traqocontainer.com
- Enter your MSC container number (e.g., MSCU7654321)
- Our system automatically detects MSC from the prefix
- View comprehensive tracking including real-time status and route visualization
Benefits of using Ocean by Traqo for MSC tracking:
- Instant results: No account registration needed
- Smart detection: Automatically identifies MSC containers
- Visual journey map: See your container's route on an interactive map
- Detailed event history: Complete timeline of all tracking events
- Vessel information: Know which ship carries your container
- ETA updates: Stay informed about expected arrival times
- All carriers in one place: Track MSC alongside other shipping lines
Method 2: MSC Official Website
Track directly through MSC's portal:
- Visit msc.com
- Go to "Track & Trace" section
- Select your search type (Container, BL, Booking)
- Enter your reference number
- View tracking information
Method 3: myMSC Customer Portal
Registered MSC customers can access:
- Dashboard view of all shipments
- Customizable tracking alerts
- Documentation and commercial tools
- Booking and quote management
Understanding MSC Tracking Milestones
MSC tracking provides detailed milestone updates:
| Milestone | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Empty to Shipper | Empty container dispatched to loading location |
| Gate In | Container arrived at origin terminal |
| Loaded | Container placed on vessel |
| Departed | Vessel has sailed from origin port |
| Transshipment Discharge | Unloaded at intermediate port for transfer |
| Transshipment Load | Loaded onto connecting vessel |
| Arrived | Vessel reached destination port |
| Discharged | Container removed from vessel |
| Available for Delivery | Ready for pickup from terminal |
| Gate Out | Container departed terminal for final delivery |
MSC Bill of Lading Tracking
You can also track using your MSC Bill of Lading number:
- MSC BL numbers typically start with MEDU or a numeric prefix
- Common formats: MEDU1234567, 1234567890
- On Ocean by Traqo, select "Bill of Lading" and choose MSC as carrier
MSC's Global Network
MSC serves all major trade lanes:
- Asia-Europe: Multiple weekly services
- Asia-Americas: Comprehensive coverage East and West
- Europe-Americas: Strong Transatlantic presence
- Africa: Extensive network across the continent
- Oceania: Australia and Pacific Islands services
- Intra-regional: Local feeders connecting to mainline services
MSC Vessel Schedule and Tracking
Beyond container tracking, monitor vessel movements:
- Vessel schedules: View planned port calls
- Real-time positions: Track vessel location at sea
- Schedule reliability: Check historical on-time performance
Ocean by Traqo shows vessel details including current position and voyage information as part of container tracking.
Troubleshooting MSC Tracking
Container Number Not Found
Check:
- Verify all 11 characters are correct
- Ensure no spaces or special characters
- Container may be newly booked - allow 24-48 hours for system update
- Try tracking on Ocean by Traqo for potentially faster data refresh
Tracking Not Updating
Possible reasons:
- Vessel in transit with limited updates
- Waiting at transshipment port
- System synchronization delays
Solution: Check expected vessel arrival dates and be patient during ocean transit.
Discrepancy Between Platforms
Different systems may update at different intervals. Ocean by Traqo aggregates the most current available data from multiple sources for accuracy.
Tips for Effective MSC Tracking
- Bookmark Ocean by Traqo: Get quick access to all your tracking needs
- Know your reference types: Container, BL, and Booking numbers work differently
- Understand transshipments: MSC often uses hub-and-spoke routing
- Monitor ETA changes: Schedules can shift due to operational factors
- Use notifications: Set alerts for milestone updates
Start Tracking Your MSC Container
Whether you're shipping with the world's largest carrier or managing multi-carrier logistics, Ocean by Traqo provides the visibility you need:
- Visit traqocontainer.com
- Enter your MSCU, MEDU, or GESU container number
- Get instant, comprehensive tracking information
Experience the simplicity of unified container tracking. No registrations, no complexity - just real-time visibility into your MSC shipments.