Canonical: https://unicorncurrencies.com/features/container-tracking/

# Intelligence: FREE Container Tracking & Demurrage Alerts

## Summary

Track unlimited containers FREE—save £5k-10k annually



Track unlimited shipping containers with automated demurrage alerts 48-72 hours before free time expires. Most freight forwarders charge £50-200/month for this service. We include it free because preventing demurrage saves you money—and keeps your treasury healthy.

## How It Works

- **Step 1:** Add Container Numbers — Enter container numbers manually, upload from spreadsheet, or connect your freight forwarder. We auto-detect carrier and start tracking immediately.

- **Step 2:** Real-Time Location Updates — Track your containers across Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and 50+ carriers. See vessel position, ETA updates, and port status in real-time.

- **Step 3:** Demurrage Countdown — We calculate free time remaining based on port and carrier terms. Visual countdown shows exactly how many hours until demurrage charges begin.

- **Step 4:** Automated Alerts — Get email, SMS, and push notifications 48-72 hours before free time expires. Plenty of time to arrange payment, customs clearance, and pickup.

## Benefits

- Unlimited containers tracked for FREE

- Save £5k-10k annually vs freight forwarder fees

- Automated alerts 48-72h before demurrage

- Real-time shipment location updates

- Multi-carrier support (Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, etc.)

- Demurrage cost calculator with daily rates

## Use Cases

- **Food Importer with 15 Monthly Containers:** Before Unicorn, demurrage averaged £800/month (3-4 containers hit). With 48-hour alerts, they clear every container in time. Annual savings: £11,200 (£9,600 demurrage + £1,600 tracking fees).

- **Textile Trader with Peak Season Surge:** During peak season, 40+ containers arrive monthly. Dashboard shows all containers sorted by demurrage urgency. Team prioritizes pickups and payment timing perfectly.

- **Electronics Distributor with JIT Inventory:** Just-in-time inventory means every delay costs sales. Real-time tracking feeds into their ERP, automatically triggering payment when container hits port.

## Operational Difference

- **Container Tracking:** Unicorn Currencies: unlimited. Banks: Not available.

- **Demurrage Alerts:** Unicorn Currencies: 48-72h early warning. Banks: Not available.

- **Carrier Coverage:** Unicorn Currencies: 50+ carriers. Banks: Not available.

- **Cost:** Unicorn Currencies: Included. Banks: £50-200/month (freight forwarders).

## FAQs

- **How does container tracking context work?** Enter your container numbers or upload a spreadsheet. We automatically detect the carrier and provide real-time location tracking, ETA updates, and demurrage countdown. The service is completely free—no limits on containers or alerts.

- **How much does demurrage cost?** Demurrage typically costs £60-150 per container per day, escalating after the first few days. A single delayed container can cost £500-2,000+. Our 48-72 hour alerts give you time to avoid these charges entirely.

- **Which shipping carriers do you support?** We support 50+ carriers including Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, ONE, Evergreen, COSCO, Yang Ming, and all major regional carriers. Coverage spans 95%+ of global container shipping.

- **Why do you offer this for free?** Demurrage wastes your cash—cash you could convert through our platform. By helping you avoid £5k-10k in annual demurrage, we build a stronger relationship and you have more capital to pay suppliers through Unicorn.

- **Can I integrate container tracking with my ERP?** Yes. Our API provides real-time container status, ETA, and demurrage countdown. Integrate with NetSuite, SAP, or any system to automate payment timing based on container arrival.