CMA CGM tracking

What is CMA CGM?

CMA CGM, acronym for Compagnie Maritime d'Affrètement – Compagnie Générale Maritime, is one of the world's largest maritime transport and logistics groups. Founded in 1978 by Jacques Saadé in Marseille, this French family business has experienced remarkable growth to become the world's third-largest container shipping operator. Today led by Rodolphe Saadé, the founder's son, the group has maintained its Marseille roots while developing a truly global presence.

CMA CGM's history began modestly with a single maritime line connecting Marseille to Beirut, the Saadé family's country of origin. Jacques Saadé, a visionary entrepreneur, created Compagnie Maritime d'Affrètement in 1978 with only a few employees and an initial container shipping service between the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Concurrently, Compagnie Générale Maritime, heir to former French national shipping companies, operated under state supervision. The major turning point came in 1996 when CMA acquired CGM, creating the unified CMA CGM group that combined the entrepreneurial agility of the first with the legacy and network of the second.

This strategic merger marked the beginning of unprecedented international expansion, punctuated by several major acquisitions. In 1998, the group integrated Australian shipping company ANL, strengthening its presence in Asia-Pacific. In 2005, the acquisition of Delmas consolidated its positioning on African routes. The acquisition of Neptune Orient Lines and its subsidiary APL in 2016 propelled CMA CGM among the world's top three shipping operators. More recently, the integration of CEVA Logistics in 2019 enabled the group to become a major player in integrated logistics, capable of offering end-to-end solutions to its customers.

• Founding date: 1978, with the launch of the first maritime line between Marseille and Beirut by Jacques Saadé
• Headquarters: CMA CGM Tower, Boulevard Jacques Saadé, 4 quai d'Arenc, 13235 Marseille cedex 02, France
• Leadership: Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since 2018, succeeding his father Jacques Saadé
• Ownership: Family business owned 73% by Rodolphe Saadé and his family through Merit France SAS, 24% by Turkish group Yildirim Holding and 3% by Bpifrance
• Workforce: More than 160,000 employees worldwide, with nearly 6,000 in Marseille
• Annual revenue: Several tens of billions of euros annually, positioning the group among the world's leading maritime transport operators
• Volumes transported: More than 23 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) per year, growing steadily

CMA CGM's market positioning is based on a strategy of vertical integration and business diversification. Beyond its core business of container shipping, the group has developed into contract logistics through CEVA Logistics, port terminal operations through Terminal Link, and more recently into air freight with CMA CGM Air Cargo launched in 2021. This multimodal approach allows the group to offer its customers a complete range of logistics services, from simple port-to-port transportation to integrated management of their entire supply chain.

Environmental commitment also constitutes a major strategic focus for CMA CGM. The group has been a pioneer in adopting liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered vessels, which emit fewer pollutants than traditional heavy fuel oil. In 2020, the commissioning of CMA CGM Jacques Saadé, the first in a series of nine mega container ships of 23,000 TEU operating on LNG, marked an important milestone. The group continues its energy transition with the objective of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, investing heavily in vessels capable of using low-carbon energy sources such as methanol or biomethane.

Which countries does CMA CGM serve?

CMA CGM has an exceptional geographical reach, the result of decades of expansion and strategic acquisitions. The group is present in more than 160 countries worldwide and serves 420 of the 521 existing commercial ports on the planet, or approximately 80% of global port infrastructure. This global footprint allows CMA CGM to ensure transportation of goods to virtually any destination accessible by sea.

CMA CGM's fleet, consisting of more than 650 vessels of all sizes, operates on 257 regular maritime lines covering all major international trade routes. These connections include strategic Asia-Europe corridors, transpacific routes between Asia and North America, transatlantic lines, and numerous intra-regional connections in Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas. This network density guarantees frequent and flexible shipping options for shippers.

• Europe: CMA CGM serves all major European ports, including Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg, Le Havre, Marseille, Barcelona, Genoa, Felixstowe and Gdansk. The group also ensures connections with ports in Scandinavia, the Baltic states and Eastern Mediterranean
• Asia: The group maintains a very strong presence in China with ports in Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Qingdao. It also serves Singapore, the world's leading transhipment hub, as well as ports in South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and the Indian subcontinent
• Middle East: Jebel Ali (Dubai), Jeddah, Dammam, Abu Dhabi and ports in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman are regularly served
• Africa: Following the acquisition of Delmas, CMA CGM has a particularly developed African network, covering West African ports (Abidjan, Lagos, Dakar, Tema), East African ports (Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti) and Southern African ports (Durban, Cape Town, Maputo)
• North America: Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, New York, Newark, Savannah, Charleston, Houston, Miami and Canadian ports in Montreal, Vancouver and Halifax are part of the network
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Santos, Buenos Aires, Valparaiso, Callao, Cartagena, Kingston and Caribbean ports are served
• Oceania: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane in Australia, as well as ports in New Zealand and Pacific islands

To optimize its operations and offer better global coverage, CMA CGM has been a member of the Ocean Alliance since 2017, alongside COSCO Shipping, Evergreen Line and OOCL. This alliance allows ship sharing and coordination of rotations on numerous maritime routes, offering customers more frequent departures and expanded port coverage while optimizing costs. The alliance partners combine considerable transport capacity and presence in virtually all major ports worldwide.

The group also relies on strategic transhipment platforms to ensure connectivity between different regions. Singapore in Asia-Pacific, Tanger Med in Morocco for Africa and the Mediterranean, and Kingston in Jamaica for the Caribbean allow efficient redistribution of containers to their final destinations, even when these do not benefit from direct connections.

What are CMA CGM's shipping services and delivery times?

CMA CGM offers an extensive range of maritime transport services adapted to the different needs of shippers, whether large industrial companies, SMEs or individuals making international shipments. The group stands out for its ability to offer customized solutions for all types of cargo, from common manufactured products to special shipments requiring particular handling.

CMA CGM's core offering is based on container transportation on regular maritime routes. Shippers can choose from different configurations based on shipment volume and logistics constraints. Full Container Load (FCL) transport concerns customers with sufficient volume to fill a complete container, while the Less than Container Load (LCL) service allows consolidation of multiple shipments in the same container, an economical solution for smaller shipments.

• Port-to-port transportation: Basic service where CMA CGM takes charge of containers at the loading port and transports them to the discharge port. The shipper handles pre-transportation and post-transportation by land themselves
• Door-to-door transportation: All-in-one solution including container pickup at the shipper's address, maritime transportation, and delivery to the consignee's final address. This service includes land transportation by road or rail
• Intermodal solutions: Optimized combination of different transport modes (maritime, rail, road, inland waterway) to convey goods in the most efficient way in terms of cost and time
• Refrigerated cargo: Temperature-controlled transportation using Reefer containers, with precise control of temperature (from -40°C to +30°C), humidity and atmosphere, ideal for sensitive food, pharmaceutical or chemical products
• Oversized cargo: Handling of oversized or very heavy shipments using special equipment such as Flat Racks, Open Tops, or breakbulk transport for non-containerizable cargo
• Dangerous goods: Secure transportation of hazardous products in accordance with international IMO regulations, with strict handling and stowing protocols

Regarding delivery times, these vary considerably depending on maritime routes, ports of origin and destination, and the type of service chosen. Container shipping is by nature slower than air transport, but much more economical for large volumes. As an indication, an Asia-Europe journey via the Suez Canal typically takes between 25 and 35 days of navigation, while a transatlantic Europe-United States connection is completed in 10 to 15 days. Intra-European or intra-Asian lines show shorter transit times, from a few days to two weeks depending on distances.

It should be noted that these times concern only maritime transport. For a door-to-door delivery, the times for pre-transportation to the departure port, possible customs procedures, and post-transportation to the final destination must be added. CMA CGM makes available to its customers online planning tools allowing them to consult schedules and estimated transit times for each route, facilitating prediction of delivery dates.

Once goods arrive at the destination port, customers have free periods to collect their containers. The standard free period is 8 days for vehicles and 10 days for removal containers from the date the ship is discharged. The total time for returning empty containers is generally 13 days. Beyond these periods, demurrage and detention charges apply.

What are CMA CGM's rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

CMA CGM service pricing depends on many factors and is subject to a transparency policy allowing customers to obtain precise quotes for their specific needs. The group provides online quotation tools on its website, notably the SpotOn service which provides an instant rate with space guarantee, as well as the Lock My Price option to extend the validity of a quote by 72 hours.

The main factors influencing the cost of maritime shipment with CMA CGM include the distance traveled, the type of container used, the nature of goods transported, the service level chosen (port-to-port or door-to-door), any additional services such as insurance or customs clearance, and market conditions that may vary by season and demand on different routes. Surcharges may apply depending on factors such as fuel price fluctuations (BAF), exchange rate variations (CAF), or exceptional port congestion situations.

• Maritime freight: Main component of the rate, calculated according to the route, container type and market conditions. CMA CGM publishes reference public rates available online
• Local charges: Handling fees at origin and destination ports, documentation, administrative procedures. These charges are detailed by country on the CMA CGM website
• Land transportation: For door-to-door services, pre and post-transportation costs by road or rail are added to maritime freight
• Demurrage and detention: Charges applicable if free periods for container pickup or return are exceeded
• Special services: Supplements for refrigerated containers, dangerous goods, oversized cargo or premium services

Regarding maximum dimensions and weight accepted, CMA CGM offers a wide range of containers adapted to different types of cargo. Standard containers follow international ISO standards and come in several sizes.

• Standard 20-foot container: Interior dimensions of 590 x 235 x 239 cm, empty weight of approximately 2.2 tonnes, capacity of 33.2 m³. Maximum payload variable depending on equipment, generally around 28 tonnes
• Standard 40-foot container: Interior dimensions of 1200 x 235 x 239 cm, empty weight of approximately 3.7 tonnes, capacity of 67.8 m³
• 40-foot High Cube container: Elevated version offering additional interior height, dimensions of 1209 x 244 x 269 cm, capacity of 79.6 m³
• 45-foot High Wide container: Dimensions of 1362 x 242 x 268 cm, empty weight of 4.98 tonnes, capacity of 85.25 m³
• Pallet Wide containers: Specially designed for 120 cm European pallets, with an interior width of 2.45 m allowing optimization of loading. The 45' Pallet Wide High Cube can accommodate 33 europallets
• 20-foot Flat Rack: Dimensions of 571 x 592 x 222 cm, empty weight of 2.7 tonnes, for heavy or oversized cargo
• 40-foot Flat Rack: Dimensions of 1188 x 1205 x 222 cm, empty weight of 5.1 tonnes, load capacity up to 45 tonnes for certain equipment

All CMA CGM containers comply with ISO 1496 and 6346 standards, as well as Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) requirements. The group operates in compliance with international regulations, including the SOLAS Convention which requires verification of the gross weight of containers before loading. It is the shipper's responsibility to ensure that the maximum authorized gross weight indicated on each container is not exceeded and that the cargo is evenly distributed on the container floor.

What are CMA CGM's delivery options?

CMA CGM offers a range of delivery options allowing customers to choose the solution best suited to their operational needs and logistics constraints. Flexibility is a major asset of the group, which strives to offer alternatives for each stage of the transport process, from cargo pickup to final delivery.

Door-to-door transportation service represents the most comprehensive option offered by CMA CGM. In this configuration, the group handles the entire logistics journey: container pickup at the shipper's address (factory, warehouse, business premises), transportation to the embarkation port, maritime transport, discharge at the destination port, customs clearance if required, and final delivery to the recipient's address. This turnkey service greatly simplifies logistics for customers who do not have to coordinate multiple service providers.

• Home pickup: CMA CGM arranges container pickup directly at the shipper's site, whether an industrial facility, warehouse or business premises. Time slots can be agreed according to availability
• On-site delivery: Containers are delivered to the recipient's final address, with unloading if included in the service. This option suits companies with equipment to receive containers
• Terminal availability: For customers preferring to organize their own post-transportation, containers can be picked up directly at the destination port terminal
• Integrated intermodal services: CMA CGM coordinates different transport modes necessary to reach inland destinations, combining maritime, rail and road transport according to cost and time optimization
• Empty container deposit and retrieval: Deposit points are available for container return after use, with clearly defined deposit slots and free periods

Rescheduling of deliveries is possible under certain conditions, allowing customers to modify instructions while cargo is in transit. The MyCMA CGM electronic management system provides users with the ability to track shipments in real time, modify certain parameters and communicate with the group's operational teams.

Regarding notifications, CMA CGM offers an automatic alert system informing customers of key events occurring during cargo transportation. These notifications can concern ship departure, arrival at destination port, container discharge or any incident likely to affect the planned schedule. This proactive tracking system allows recipients to prepare for cargo reception and plan their operations accordingly.

For special shipments, adapted delivery options are available. Refrigerated cargo benefits from enhanced cold chain monitoring, with temperature reports available on request. Oversized shipments are subject to preliminary studies to determine the best transportation and handling arrangements, sometimes including exceptional convoys for the final mile.

What should I do if my CMA CGM shipment is lost or damaged?

Despite precautions taken by CMA CGM to ensure cargo integrity throughout the transport chain, incidents can occur. Whether visible damage, partial or total loss, or damage discovered at delivery, established procedures exist to report problems and obtain possible compensation. Recipient responsiveness is essential to preserve rights.

Upon receipt of goods, it is imperative to carefully verify the condition of the container and its contents. If damage is discovered at delivery, precise written reservations must be made on the delivery receipt, describing the nature and extent of observed damage. In case of significant damage, the recipient may refuse delivery and not sign the receipt. Lack of written reservations can compromise future admissibility of a claim.

• Time limit to report damage: Claims for damaged cargo must be notified within 3 days following delivery. For non-apparent damage, this deadline may be extended according to regulations applicable to the transport involved
• Time limit for lost shipment: A claim for total loss can generally be submitted 30 days after the scheduled delivery date if goods have not been received
• Documentation required: Any claim must be accompanied by evidence supporting the damage or loss: photographs of the container and goods from different angles, copy of the Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and any other relevant documentation
• Claim form: CMA CGM provides customers with a claim process via its customer service. Requests can be submitted via the MyCMA CGM platform or at local agencies

Regarding compensation, conditions are defined by the terms and conditions of the CMA CGM Bill of Lading. Maritime carrier liability is governed by applicable international conventions, notably the Brussels Convention and the Hague-Visby Rules. Generally, standard compensation is limited to an amount per kilogram of cargo lost or damaged, set at one euro per kilogram according to CMA CGM conditions. The carrier is not responsible for indirect loss, lost profits or any damage exceeding the declared value of goods.

To benefit from broader coverage, CMA CGM offers customers the option of taking out supplementary cargo insurance. The SERENITY program, developed in partnership with a leading insurer, offers all-risks protection covering many events such as storms, theft, fire and handling accidents. This insurance can be taken out at booking via the online platform and guarantees reimbursement within 30 days following claim validation. Coverage generally extends to CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) value increased by 10%.

In case of persistent dispute with the carrier, several recourse options exist. Mediation or conciliation may be considered before any legal action. If these approaches fail, the competent court depends on the dispute amount and Bill of Lading clauses. It is recommended to keep all documents relating to shipment and damage for the duration of the procedure.

Does CMA CGM handle international shipments and customs procedures?

As a global shipping company operating in more than 160 countries, CMA CGM is naturally specialized in international shipments and has in-depth expertise in customs procedures. Container maritime transport inherently involves cross-border operations requiring compliance with customs regulations of each country traversed or served. The group has developed dedicated services to assist customers through these often complex procedures.

Each country imposes its own import and export rules and procedures. These regulations aim to ensure national security, collect applicable duties and taxes, and verify compliance of goods with local standards. CMA CGM works closely with customs authorities worldwide and complies with advance declaration requirements, including electronic transmission of cargo-related information before loading, as required by many administrations.

• Customs Clearance Solutions: CMA CGM offers comprehensive customs clearance service through its eponymous offering. Expert teams simplify customs procedures based on local regulations, providing a single point of contact for transport and customs compliance
• AEO Certification: CMA CGM Agency France holds the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certificate for customs simplifications and security/safety, testifying to the group's reliability with European authorities
• Customs brokerage: The group relies on approved partners with over 120 years of experience to provide customs brokerage services in different jurisdictions
• Documentation: Issuance of transport documents, notably Bills of Lading, certificates of origin, declarations of value and other required attestations

Customs clearance procedures generally include several steps: customs entry of goods, customs declaration with presentation of required documents, registration of the declaration, possible inspection of goods by customs services, payment of applicable duties and taxes, and finally obtaining the release order authorizing cargo withdrawal. CMA CGM can coordinate all these steps on behalf of customers, or simply provide necessary documents if the customer prefers to handle customs clearance themselves.

Regarding customs duties and taxes, these generally remain chargeable to the recipient (importer), unless agreed otherwise between parties. Customs duties depend on the nature of goods, their origin and the importing country. Import VAT, local taxes and other levies may also apply. CMA CGM can provide estimates of these costs, but exact amounts are determined by customs authorities at time of clearance.

Time frames for customs procedures vary by country and nature of goods. In some cases, customs clearance can be completed in a few hours, while thorough inspections or missing documents can cause delays of several days. The quality and completeness of transmitted documentation plays a determining role in operational flow. To minimize these risks, CMA CGM recommends customers provide complete and accurate information at booking, including detailed cargo description, declared value, country of origin and corresponding tariff codes.

For destinations subject to particular restrictions, such as embargoed countries or goods requiring specific licenses, CMA CGM advises customers on procedures to follow and may refuse transport if regulatory conditions are not met. The group maintains constant monitoring of international regulation changes to ensure compliance of its operations.

Understanding tracking statuses

When tracking a CMA CGM container online, different statuses may appear to indicate the progress of your shipment along the transport chain. The tracking system is accessible via the CMA CGM website or mobile application, by entering the container number (format CMAU1234567), booking number or Bill of Lading number. Here are the main statuses and their meaning:

The MyCMA CGM dashboard provides centralized access to all ongoing shipments. In addition to tracking statuses, users can view the geographical position of ships through AIS (Automatic Identification System) data, updated estimated arrival times, and complete history of events for each container. Automatic notifications can be configured to receive email alerts for each status change, allowing proactive tracking without having to regularly log into the platform.

In case of delay or incident during transport, statuses are updated to reflect the actual situation. Causes of delay may include port congestion issues, adverse weather conditions, mechanical breakdowns or exceptional situations affecting maritime routes. CMA CGM endeavors to communicate transparently about these events and offer alternative solutions when possible.