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How to Track CMA CGM Container: Complete Guide 2025

Ashish PimpreAshish Pimpre
November 28, 2025·9 min read

CMA CGM is the world's third-largest container shipping company and a French shipping giant with a rich maritime heritage. If you're shipping with CMA CGM or any of its subsidiaries (APL, ANL, CNC), this comprehensive guide will help you track your containers effectively in 2025.

About CMA CGM Group

The CMA CGM Group is a leading worldwide shipping and logistics company with a strong presence across all major trade routes:

  • Headquarters: Marseille, France
  • Founded: 1978 (merger of CMA and CGM in 1996)
  • Fleet Capacity: Over 3.4 million TEU
  • Fleet Size: 600+ vessels
  • Global Network: 420 ports in 160 countries
  • SCAC Codes: CMDU (CMA CGM), APLU (APL)
  • Subsidiaries: APL, ANL, CNC, Containerships, MacAndrews

CMA CGM Container Prefixes

CMA CGM Group containers use various prefixes depending on the brand:

  • CMAU - CMA CGM containers (e.g., CMAU1234567)
  • CGMU - CGM legacy containers
  • APLU - APL containers (e.g., APLU7654321)
  • ANLU - ANL containers
  • CNCU - CNC containers
  • TEMU - Leased/chartered units

All prefixes follow the standard ISO 6346 format: 4 letters + 7 digits.

How to Track CMA CGM Containers

Method 1: Ocean by Traqo (Recommended)

The most convenient way to track CMA CGM containers is through Ocean by Traqo:

  1. Go to traqocontainer.com
  2. Enter your container number (CMAU, APLU, etc.)
  3. Click "Track Shipment"
  4. View real-time status, route map, and complete history

Why Ocean by Traqo for CMA CGM tracking:

  • All CMA CGM brands: Track CMAU, APLU, ANLU, and more in one place
  • Automatic detection: We identify CMA CGM group containers instantly
  • Rich visualization: Interactive maps showing your container's journey
  • Complete timeline: Every tracking event from pickup to delivery
  • Multi-carrier capability: Track CMA CGM alongside other shipping lines
  • No sign-up needed: Start tracking immediately

Method 2: CMA CGM Official Website

Track through CMA CGM's eSolutions platform:

  1. Visit cma-cgm.com
  2. Navigate to "eBusiness" or "Track Your Shipment"
  3. Enter container, BL, or booking number
  4. View tracking details

Method 3: My CMA CGM Portal

Registered customers can access:

  • Comprehensive shipment dashboard
  • Advanced tracking features
  • Documentation management
  • Booking and scheduling tools

CMA CGM Tracking Status Explained

StatusDescription
Empty Equipment DispatchedEmpty container sent to shipper
Gate In at First POLContainer entered origin terminal
Loaded at First POLContainer on board vessel
Vessel DepartedShip sailed from origin
Transshipment ArrivalReached transshipment hub
Transshipment DepartureLeft on connecting vessel
Arrival at Final PODVessel arrived at destination
Discharged at Final PODContainer off-loaded from vessel
Gate OutContainer left terminal for delivery
Empty Equipment ReturnedEmpty container returned to depot

Tracking APL Containers

APL, a CMA CGM subsidiary, maintains its own container fleet:

  • APL containers use the APLU prefix
  • Track via APL's website or unified on Ocean by Traqo
  • APL services focus heavily on transpacific routes

CMA CGM Trade Routes

CMA CGM operates extensive services including:

  • FAL (French Asia Line): Major Asia-Europe service
  • Liberty Bridge: Transatlantic Europe-Americas
  • EPIC: Asia-India subcontinent
  • PEX: Pacific Express to Americas
  • NEMO: North Europe-Mediterranean
  • Africa Services: Comprehensive African coverage

CMA CGM Sustainability Initiatives

CMA CGM is pioneering green shipping:

  • LNG-powered mega-vessels
  • Methanol and biofuel trials
  • ACT with CMA CGM+ carbon offsetting

When tracking your container, you can often see which vessels are using alternative fuels.

Troubleshooting CMA CGM Tracking

Container Not Found

  • Verify the 11-character number is correct
  • Check if you're using the right prefix (CMAU vs APLU)
  • New bookings may take 24-48 hours to appear

Outdated Information

  • Ocean transit updates occur every 12-24 hours
  • Terminal events update faster
  • Try Ocean by Traqo for potentially more frequent updates

Multiple Containers on One Booking

  • Use your Bill of Lading to see all containers
  • Each container can be tracked individually

Tips for CMA CGM Shipment Management

  1. Use Ocean by Traqo: Unified tracking for CMA CGM and all subsidiaries
  2. Know your service: Understand your routing and transshipments
  3. Monitor schedules: CMA CGM provides vessel schedules online
  4. Document everything: Keep all reference numbers organized
  5. Plan for port time: Factor in terminal dwell time

Track CMA CGM Now

Get instant visibility into your CMA CGM shipments with Ocean by Traqo:

  • Visit traqocontainer.com
  • Enter your CMAU, APLU, or other CMA CGM container number
  • Enjoy seamless tracking across the entire CMA CGM network

Whether shipping with CMA CGM, APL, or ANL, Ocean by Traqo provides the unified tracking experience you need for modern supply chain management.