APL Tracking —Container & Bill of Lading
Track your APL shipments in real time using your container number or bill of lading (B/L) number.
APL Carrier Reliability: On-Time Performance
APL Carrier Reliability: Average Delay
How to Track Your APL Container with Tradlinx
Tracking your container is fast and easy with Tradlinx.Get real-time updates at every milestone from pickup to final return for complete shipment visibility.
Enter your APL container number
Input your 11-character container number into the search field at the top of this page (e.g., APZU1234569). Not sure what your container number looks like? See the guide below.
Click "Track Container"
View real-time container location, estimated arrival time, and potential delays — all in one place.
Check end-to-end container status
Track your container's journey in real-time, from pickup to final return.
What is an APL container number?
A shipping container number is a unique 11-character code used to identify containers in global logistics, regardless of the shipping line or operator. This number follows the ISO 6346 standard and consists of:
- 3-letter owner/operator code + 1 equipment category identifier (e.g. APZU, CMAU, CGMU, TLLU)
- 6-digit serial number
- 1 check digit
Common Prefix Examples Used by APL and Other Shipping Lines:
- APZU – APL container
- CMAU – CMA CGM container
- CGMU – CMA CGM container
- TLLU – ISO 6346-compliant container prefix
*APL is part of the CMA CGM Group, so containers used on APL services may carry APL, CMA CGM, or third-party leasing-company prefixes while following the same ISO 6346 numbering standard.
How to Track APL Shipments Using Tradlinx B/L Tracking
Using the Tradlinx B/L Tracking tool, you can easily track the shipment status of cargo handled by APL. Here's how:
Enter the Master B/L number issued for your APL shipment
Input your complete Master B/L number into the Tradlinx B/L Tracking tool at the top of this page.
Click the "Track B/L" button
Tradlinx will retrieve the latest available shipment data for your APL cargo.
View real-time APL shipment details
See departure and arrival ports, transshipment updates, and estimated time of arrival (ETA) for your full consignment.
*Sign up as a Tradlinx Ocean Visibility trial user to track up to 3 additional shipments. Gain access to detailed operation logs, container events data, and more real-time insights.
What is an APL B/L number?
An APL Master B/L number is the carrier-issued reference shown on the Bill of Lading document. Enter the complete Master B/L number exactly as shown on your shipping document into the Tradlinx free B/L Tracking tool to track your cargo.
- Enter the complete carrier-issued Master B/L number
- Use the number exactly as shown on the APL shipping document
To identify the issuing party, check the bottom or top-right corner of the document.
About APL
| Company Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1938 |
| Headquarter | United States |
| Ownership | CMA CGM Group |
| Container Prefix | APZU |
What is APL?
APL is a container shipping and logistics brand that was established as American President Lines in 1938 and is now part of the CMA CGM Group. Its heritage dates back to the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, founded in 1848. Today, APL focuses on the North American market, providing ocean transportation and logistics services, including U.S.-flag services.
APL connects North America with markets in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East while also providing access to the broader CMA CGM global shipping network.
Visit WebsiteAPL Shipping Routes
APL operates specialized container services and provides access to the wider CMA CGM network. Use the tracking tool above to check container or B/L status on any route.
| Route | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Asia – North America | Asia ↔ U.S. West Coast, U.S. East Coast |
| Japan – North America | Japan ↔ U.S. West Coast |
| Asia – U.S. Gulf | Asia ↔ U.S. Gulf Coast |
| North America – Europe | North America ↔ Europe |
| North America – Middle East | North America ↔ Middle East and regional markets |
| Extended Global Network | Access to CMA CGM global services |
Why Use Tradlinx for APL Tracking?
API integration and vessel tracking signals for accurate, live status.
Port of loading, transshipment, ETA, and final destination — all in one view.
Track dozens of containers at once across all your active APL shipments.
Get notified the moment a vessel delay, port hold, or route change is detected.
