SeaRates Container Tracking vs Tracktainer

SeaRates Container Tracking tracks sea shipments by container number, Bill of Lading or booking reference, showing shipment location and status. Users can view container positions on a world map, see route visibility and port activity, and get estimated arrival insights. The system calculates storage time at transshipment ports and offers alerts for status events, departures, arrivals, delays and early delivery. SeaRates says its visibility and arrival estimates draw on Automatic Identification System data from ships, satellites and port stations. The mobile app offers laptop synchronization, live updates and instant notifications. For businesses, the API can pass status events to a website or connect tracking data to a TMS, ERP or other software; a website widget can also be embedded. API requests use HTTPS and an API key, with a documented general quota of 100 requests per 20 seconds per organization. Online tracking is described as free to try, while API pricing is usage-based and no price is listed. Updates are daily; more frequent updates require contacting an account manager.

Tracktainer tracks containers and shipments from a container number, Bill of Lading, or booking reference, with automatic carrier detection and real-time results. It says its coverage spans 170+ shipping lines and 95% of global container volume. A web dashboard shows shipment milestones and vessel positions, with email and push alerts, analytics, and CSV export. The service advertises machine-learning ETA predictions and says it can flag delays 3–5 days ahead; free-time and detention alerts are listed as tools for demurrage prevention. Integrations include an API, webhooks, CSV upload, and ERP/TMS connections, with no integration fees stated. The REST API uses Bearer API keys and JSON:API responses, and a live shipment map can be embedded with custom colors and branding. Tracktainer lists three free tracking credits, with no card required. Volume-based monthly pricing is $1 a month with a 10-credit minimum; one credit covers a shipment, and same-shipment checks within 24 hours use no extra credits.