Each container tracking event delivered by Chain includes a rich set of data fields. This page describes what information is available and how it is structured.
Event Identification
Field | Description | Example |
Event Code | Chain's standardized code for the event milestone |
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Event Description | Human-readable label for the event code |
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Raw Event Description | The original description provided by the carrier shipping line (sealine), before normalization | Varies by carrier |
The event code and event description are consistent across all carriers. The raw event description preserves the carrier's original wording, which can be useful for troubleshooting or when additional context is needed.
Event Classification
Field | Description | Possible Values |
Event Type | The phase of the journey this event belongs to |
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Event Mode | Whether the event occurred during sea or land transport |
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Timing
Field | Description | Details |
Date | The date and time of the event | Format: |
Is ETA | Whether the date is estimated or actual |
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Estimated dates may be updated as the shipment progresses. When the actual event occurs, the date is updated and isETA changes to false.
Shipment & Container Identifiers
Field | Description | Use Case |
Shipment ID | Chain's internal identifier for the shipment | Use to link events to a specific shipment in your systems |
Bill of Lading (BOL) | The BOL number associated with the shipment | Cross-reference with carrier or freight forwarder records |
Container Number | The unique container identifier | Track individual containers within multi-container shipments |
Container ID | Chain's internal identifier for the container | Use for programmatic lookups |
Location Information
Each event includes location data describing where the event occurred.
Field | Description |
Facility Name | The name of the port, terminal, rail ramp, or facility |
Country Code | ISO country code for the location |
UN/LOCODE | United Nations location code (standardized identifier for ports and logistics facilities) |
Latitude / Longitude | Geographic coordinates of the facility |
Vessel Information
Vessel fields are populated for sea-mode events. They may be empty for land-mode events.
Field | Description |
Vessel Name | The name of the ship carrying the container |
Voyage Number | The specific voyage identifier for this sailing |
MMSI | Maritime Mobile Service Identity — a unique nine-digit number identifying the vessel |
Call Sign | The vessel's radio call sign |
Flag Country | The country under which the vessel is registered |
Route Information
Route data provides the complete origin-to-destination path, including intermediate points.
Field | Description |
Origin Port | Port of loading (POL) name, country, and coordinates |
Destination Port | Port of discharge (POD) name, country, and coordinates |
Route Path | An ordered series of coordinates representing the vessel's sailing route |
Transshipment Ports | Intermediate ports where the container is transferred between vessels (if applicable) |
Container Specifications
Field | Description | Example |
Size | The container's dimensions |
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Type | The container category |
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Reefer | Whether the container is refrigerated |
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A common container description would read as: 40' High Cube Dry (a standard 40-foot, non-refrigerated container with extra height).
Tracking Status
Field | Description | Possible Values |
Tracking Type / Status | The overall tracking status of the shipment |
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This is a high-level indicator of whether the shipment has started moving, is currently underway, or has completed delivery. For more granular status information, see Shipment Statuses.