Track My Shipment

What Is Freight Tracking?

Freight tracking is monitoring the movement of goods or shipments from one location to another using GPS tracking, barcode scanning, or other monitoring systems. It enables shippers, carriers, and receivers to trace their shipments’ location, status, and estimated arrival time (ETA) in real time. Freight tracking can help businesses to streamline their logistics operations, improve customer service, and increase supply chain visibility. It can also help minimize the risk of lost or delayed shipments, optimize routes, and reduce transportation costs.

What is a Pro Number?

A Pro number is a unique tracking number used in the freight shipping industry to identify and track a particular shipment. The term “Pro” stands for “progressive number,” which means that each shipment is assigned a number that is sequentially higher than the previous shipment.

Pro numbers are used by carriers, freight brokers, and shippers to track the movement of goods from the point of origin to the final destination. The number is typically assigned by the carrier or broker and is used to reference the shipment throughout the entire transportation process.

Pro numbers are important because they allow all parties involved in the shipment to track its progress and location. This includes the shipper, carrier, and receiver. Additionally, Pro numbers can be used to track the status of the shipment online, providing real-time updates on the shipment’s location, estimated time of arrival, and any delays or issues that may arise during transportation.

In summary, Pro numbers are essential for the efficient management and tracking of freight shipments, providing a unique identifier that allows for easy tracking and coordination among all parties involved in the transportation process.

How to track a shipment

To track a shipment on FreightCenter.com, follow these steps:

1. Go to FreightCenter.com and click “Track Your Shipment” in the upper right-hand corner of the homepage.
2. Enter your Pro Number or Tracking Number in the field provided. You can find this number on your bill of lading or shipping confirmation email.
3. Select the freight Carrier that is handling your shipment from the drop-down menu. If you are unsure which carrier took your load, contact FreightCenter’s customer service team for assistance.
4. Click the “Track” button to view the status of your shipment.
5. The tracking results page will display the current status of your shipment, including its location and estimated delivery date. You may also be able to view additional details, such as the weight and dimensions of the load, as well as any shipping notes or updates from the carrier.

If you have any questions or concerns about your shipment, contact FreightCenter’s customer service team for assistance. They can help you track your shipment, provide updates on its status, and address any issues that may arise during transit.

How to track a LTL (less-than-truckload) shipment

1. Obtain your tracking number from the carrier or transportation management system (TMS) handling your LTL shipment. This number is a unique identifier assigned to your shipment by the carrier.
2. Go to the carrier’s website or use a third-party tracing system for LTL tracking. Many LTL carriers offer online tracking systems that allow you to enter your tracking number and view the status of your shipment.
3. Enter your tracking number into the system and select the carrier handling your LTL shipment. You may also need to enter additional information, such as your email address or phone number.
4. Click the “Track” button to view the status of your LTL shipment. The system will display the current location of your shipment, its estimated time of arrival (ETA), and any updates or notes from the carrier.

Contact the carrier’s customer service team for assistance if you have any questions or concerns about your LTL shipment. They can help you track your shipment, provide updates on its status, and address any issues that may arise during transit.

It is important to note that some LTL carriers may have different tracing systems or procedures, so it is essential to check with your specific carrier to understand their options and processes. Some LTL carriers may charge extra fees for advanced tracing services or access to their tracking system, while others may offer these services for free.

How to track a full truckload shipment

1. Obtain your tracking number or reference number from the carrier or transportation management system (TMS) handling your truckload shipment. This reference number is a unique identifier assigned to your shipment by the carrier.
2. Go to the carrier’s website or use a third-party system for truckload tracking. Many carriers offer online systems that allow you to enter your tracking number or reference number and view the status of your shipment.
3. Enter your tracking number or reference number into the system and select the carrier handling your truckload shipment. You may also need to enter additional information, such as your email address or phone number.
4. Click the “Track” button to view the status of your truckload shipment. The system will display the current location of your shipment, its estimated time of arrival (ETA), and any updates or notes from the carrier.\

If you have any questions or concerns about your truckload shipment, contact the carrier’s customer service team for assistance. They can help you track your shipment, provide updates on its status, and address any issues that may arise during transit.

What is a freight POD?

A Freight Proof of Delivery (POD) is a crucial document in the freight shipping industry that confirms the successful delivery of a shipment from the carrier to the consignee or receiver. The POD is a legal document proving that the shipment was delivered as requested and received by the intended recipient.

The POD serves as proof of delivery for the carrier and is essential for billing and customer service. Without a valid POD, the carrier cannot charge the shipper for the delivery service or resolve any issues related to the shipment. For the shipper or consignee, the POD is proof of receipt and may be required for various purposes, such as insurance claims, accounting, or legal proceedings.

The Freight POD is typically provided by the carrier as soon as the shipment is delivered. It includes essential information such as the consignee’s name and address, the delivery date and time, the signature of the person who received the shipment, and any relevant notes or comments about the delivery.

The POD may also include details about the load, such as the number of packages, weight, and condition of the goods. The carrier may provide the POD in paper or electronic format, depending on the shipper and consignee’s preferences and the carrier’s policies.

The POD is an essential document that ensures the smooth operation of the freight shipping industry. It serves as a reliable and legally binding record of the delivery of goods from the carrier to the consignee. With the POD, carriers can ensure that they are compensated for their services, and shippers and consignees can have confidence that their shipments are delivered and received.

Do All Freight Carriers Offer Online Tracking?

Most freight carriers offer online tracking to allow shippers and consignees to monitor the status of their shipments in real-time. However, it is essential to note that not all carriers provide the same freight tracing services or features. Some carriers may offer basic tracking information, such as the pickup and delivery date and time.

In contrast, others may provide more detailed information, such as the shipment’s current location, the estimated arrival time (ETA), and any delays or issues that may impact the delivery. Some carriers may charge extra fees for advanced tracking services or access to their system, while others may offer these services for free.

It is essential to check with your carrier to understand what tracking services are available and the associated costs.

Enter your PRO number, shipment ID number, or tracking number after the pickup.

Depending on the freight tracing technology that common carriers use, FreightCenter’s system will work differently to receive and create updates on the status of the shipments. While some tracking updates are obtained through automated methods, others require FreightCenter’s tracking teams to reach out to carriers manually regularly. The manual process applies mainly the carriers that have not provided tracking or tracing numbers.

The freight carriers only send shipment status information to the FreightCenter system when a FreightCenter BOL is used. Make sure you use a FreightCenter BOL, as this acts as the tracking number. Otherwise, it could result in tracking information delays or no online tracking at all.

For help finding the BOL number, look at a BOL example. Contact your account manager to get a copy of your BOL if you don’t have one. FreightCenter has been available for freight, trucking, and shipping services since 1998. There are thousands of trucks and loads available for shipping purposes daily.

Our website makes it readily available for shippers to find freight and connect with carriers; whether it is local, cross-country, or even international shipping, they are all covered by us. We are also available to all shippers for business or when freighting a residence.

The sound of success! Introducing SMS text tracking from FreightCenter!

Our goal has always been to simplify your shipping experience and with this new SMS text tracking feature, we’ve done just that. As one of the first in the freight shipping and logistics industry to utilize this technology, our SMS text tracking will give you greater visibility into the status of your shipment. In turn, this will help you deliver an even better customer experience. Let’s dive into some of the details!

SMS freight tracking text message features are part of our TMS

FreightCenter’s SMS freight tracking text message features are just one part of our comprehensive transportation management system (TMS), which provides a range of benefits to their customers. With the TMS, customers can access innovative technology that makes shipping easy and convenient.

One of the key benefits of the TMS is that it helps customers find shipping solutions that best match their needs, budget, and timeframe. This includes everything from sourcing the best shipping modes to finding suitable carriers and lanes, getting the best shipping rates, and utilizing SMS tracking texts to stay informed about the progress of their shipments.

By having everything centralized in one place, the TMS makes it easy for customers to stay organized and in control of their shipments. They can access real-time information about their loads, including shipment status information, delivery dates, and any exceptions or delays that may have occurred during transit.

In addition to the SMS text tracking feature, the TMS includes advanced features such as automated booking and scheduling, carrier performance monitoring, and real-time analytics and reporting. These features help customers save time and money by streamlining their shipping operations and providing insights into their shipping performance.

FreightCenter’s TMS is a powerful tool that gives customers the flexibility, control, and visibility they need to manage their shipping operations effectively. Whether you’re a small business owner or a logistics manager for a large enterprise, the TMS can help you simplify your shipping processes and achieve your business goals.

Taking shipping to the Next Level

At FreightCenter, our motto is “Shipping Handled” for a reason. We strive to continually innovate with our tools and technology to offer better, more efficient shipping options to our shippers, and this new feature is just one of the ways we are doing that. From a transportation management system that centralizes your search for carriers, rates, and more, to a unique text tracking system, FreightCenter takes the guesswork out of shipping.

Starting today, you can take your shipping (and, dare we say, your business) to the next level with FreightCenter SMS Text shipment status updates. Be sure you sign up for SMS text tracking from FreightCenter, and ship like a pro by getting a free online quote or calling us at 800.716.7608.

Tools and services to track your shipment

We also provide innovative tools to find freight; these tools offer hassle-free truckload requests and customized shipping quotes; this includes Intermodal or Rail Freight shipping, Air or Ocean International Freight shipping, and Supply Chain Management services. We can provide shippers with the search engines needed to book an easy and reliable load at a competitive price. We are one of the few freight companies providing shippers with an instant rating using our online quote form. Our unique and exclusive find freight booking system provides a speedy, dependable, and less costly shipping experience. Our team finds nearby carriers to obtain and transport loads to their desired destinations quickly. Daily access to these carriers allows us to update shippers with a hassle-free GPS tracking system.

Freight Tracking By Carrier

Our Top Freight Carriers network covers the greater North American continent and beyond. Whether you’re shipping internationally, nationwide, or regionally, we’ve covered you. Tracking for all freight companies here:

Shipment Tracking FAQs

Q. What is freight tracking? 

A. Freight tracking is the process of monitoring the movement and location of a shipment during its transportation from the point of origin to the final destination. It allows shippers, consignees, and other stakeholders to track the progress of their freight and obtain real-time updates on its status.

Q. How does freight tracking work? 

A. Freight tracking works by utilizing tracking numbers, waybill numbers, or other unique identifiers assigned to each shipment. These identifiers are linked to a tracking system or online platform that provides visibility into the shipment’s location, transit status, estimated arrival time, and any significant milestones or events during transportation. The tracking information is usually updated as the freight moves through various checkpoints or scanning points along its journey.

Q. How can I track my freight? 

A. To track your freight, you typically need a tracking number or waybill number provided by the shipping company or logistics provider. This tracking number is unique to your shipment and can be entered into the shipping company’s tracking system or online platform. By entering the tracking number, you can access real-time tracking information and updates related to your freight.

Q. What information can I obtain through freight tracking? 

A. Freight tracking provides various information about your shipment, including:

Current location: You can see the current position of your freight, whether it is in transit, at a terminal, or out for delivery.
Transit status: You can monitor the progress of your shipment, including departure and arrival times at different locations or hubs along the route.
Estimated delivery time: You can get your freight’s estimated arrival time (ETA) at the final destination based on the tracking information.
Milestone events: The tracking system may provide updates on significant events during the transportation process, such as customs clearance, load transfers, or any delays or exceptions encountered.

Q. How often is freight tracking information updated?

A. The frequency of freight tracking updates can vary depending on the shipping company, the transportation mode, and the specific tracking system. Tracking information is generally updated at major checkpoints or scanning points along the transportation route. This can range from real-time updates to periodic updates every few hours or once a day. It’s important to note that some updates may be delayed or less frequent during weekends, holidays, or when the freight is in transit to remote locations.

Q. Can I track my freight internationally? 

A. Yes, freight tracking is available for international shipments as well. Most shipping companies or logistics providers offer tracking services covering domestic and international shipments. The tracking system may provide updates on the shipment’s progress through different countries, including customs clearance processes and any relevant global transit points.

Q. Can I track multiple shipments at once? 

A. Depending on the tracking system or online platform the shipping company provides, you may have the option to track multiple shipments simultaneously. This is particularly useful for businesses or individuals simultaneously managing numerous orders or shipments. You can enter multiple tracking numbers or upload a tracking file to retrieve information on all the shipments within one consolidated view.

Q. What should I do if there is a problem with my freight or the tracking information?

A. If you encounter a problem with your freight or have concerns about the tracking information, it’s best to contact the shipping company or logistics provider directly. They can investigate the issue, provide clarification, or assist you in resolving any problems. Communicating promptly with the responsible party allows for the timely resolution of any discrepancies or concerns related to your freight.

Q. Can I receive notifications or alerts about my freight’s progress? 

A. Many freight tracking systems or online platforms offer notification or alert features. You can receive email, SMS, or push notifications with updates on your freight’s progress. These notifications can include departure and arrival notifications, delivery confirmation, exceptions, or any significant delays or changes in the estimated delivery time. Check with your shipping company or logistics provider if they offer such notification services.

Q. Is freight tracking available for all shipments?

A. Freight tracking may only be available for some shipments, particularly for small parcels or shipments that do not involve comprehensive tracking systems. In such cases, the shipping company may provide limited tracking information or only essential proof of delivery. It’s advisable to check with the shipping company or logistics provider beforehand to understand your shipment’s tracking capabilities.