Cosco tracking

What is Cosco?

Cosco, an acronym for China Ocean Shipping Company, is one of the world's largest maritime shipping conglomerates. Founded on April 27, 1961 in Beijing under the direction of the Chinese government, the company became the first international shipping company of the People's Republic of China. Today known by its official name China COSCO Shipping Corporation, it represents an essential pillar of global maritime commerce and integrated logistics on a worldwide scale.

Cosco's history is marked by continuous growth and strategic acquisitions that have shaped its current scale. During the first decades of its existence, the company gradually expanded its fleet and commercial lines to support the rapid growth of Chinese foreign trade. The adoption of container transportation in the late 1970s marked a major turning point, signaling the beginning of modernization of its international regular line operations and enabling Cosco to adapt to new requirements of global commerce.

A decisive event in the group's history occurred in December 2015, when Chinese authorities approved the merger of Cosco with China Shipping Group. This consolidation, finalized in February 2016, gave birth to China COSCO Shipping Corporation, a unified entity with its headquarters in Shanghai. This strategic merger immediately propelled Cosco among the world's top shipping companies, allowing it to operate simultaneously in container, dry bulk, and hydrocarbon transport.

• Date of establishment: April 27, 1961, in Beijing, as the first Chinese international shipping company
• Parent company: China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited, a Chinese state-owned enterprise based in Shanghai
• Headquarters: Shanghai, China, with regional offices worldwide including Qingdao
• Fleet capacity: More than 550 container vessels with capacity exceeding 3 million TEU
• Global ranking: Fourth largest global container carrier and China's leading shipping company
• Port coverage: Calls at more than 1,500 ports across more than 160 countries and regions

Cosco's expansion strategy has also been demonstrated through major international acquisitions. In July 2017, the group announced the acquisition of Hong Kong-based Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) for $6.3 billion, a deal finalized in 2018 that definitively consolidated Cosco's position among the three leading global container carriers. OOCL continues to operate under its own brand while benefiting from the synergies of the group.

Cosco's market positioning is based on deep vertical integration, combining maritime transport, port terminal operations, and logistics services. This comprehensive approach allows the group to control the entire supply chain, from container loading to final delivery. With approximately 10.8% of global container transport capacity, Cosco plays a decisive role in international trade flows, particularly on strategic routes linking Asia to Europe and North America.

Which countries does Cosco deliver to?

Cosco has a truly global maritime network that covers virtually all continents and major economic zones. The company's vessels call at more than 1,500 ports across more than 160 countries and regions, making Cosco one of the maritime carriers offering the most extensive geographical coverage in the world. This international presence ensures optimal connectivity between the world's major commercial centers.

The company operates on all major maritime trade routes. Asia-Europe connections form one of the backbone routes of its network, linking Chinese and Asian ports to major European ports such as Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp and Le Havre. Transpacific routes to North America represent another major axis, with regular services to the east and west coasts of the United States as well as to Canada. The group also provides transatlantic connections and offers regional services covering Southeast Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Middle East.

• Asia: Complete coverage of China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Southeast Asia including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia
• Europe: All major European ports served, notably in Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea
• North America: East and west coasts of the United States, Canada and Mexico with capacity representing approximately 15% of transpacific traffic
• South America: Major ports of Brazil, Argentina, Chile and other countries on the continent
• Africa: Ports of North, West, East and South Africa
• Middle East: Strategic ports of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries
• Oceania: Australia and New Zealand

Cosco's international presence is supported by a dense network of regional subsidiaries and local agencies in the world's major markets. These local operations, established progressively since the 1990s in European, American and Asian countries, represent the group's interests and ensure the deployment of regular maritime lines connecting different continents. This on-the-ground presence ensures efficient coordination of operations and local customer service in each major geographic area.

Cosco has also developed a port investment strategy aimed at securing its international logistics corridors. The most emblematic example is the port of Piraeus in Greece, where the group obtained terminal concessions from 2009 before acquiring 67% of the port authority in 2016. Piraeus has since become a strategic hub for exchanges between Asia and Mediterranean Europe. Similar investments have been made in other key ports around the world, further strengthening Cosco's control over essential links in the international logistics chain.

Cosco's participation in the OCEAN alliance, alongside CMA CGM, Evergreen and OOCL, further strengthens its global coverage. This alliance, extended until 2032, represents the world's largest maritime alliance in terms of capacity with a combined fleet of 353 container vessels and 4.62 million EVP. The partnership enables the pooling of resources on the seven major east-west routes, offering optimal service frequency and port coverage for group customers.

What are Cosco's services and delivery times?

Cosco offers a comprehensive range of maritime transport services tailored to the different needs of shippers, whether individuals wishing to ship personal effects or companies managing complex logistics flows. The diversity of offerings allows meeting all requirements in terms of delivery times, volume and type of goods, while maintaining a level of reliability recognized in the industry.

Container transport constitutes the main activity of COSCO Shipping Lines, which deploys regular services at weekly frequency on all major commercial routes. The company operates 429 international routes serving 629 ports in nearly 145 countries and regions. Services are often offered in partnership with other members of the OCEAN alliance, ensuring high departure frequency and excellent coverage of major trade corridors.

• FCL (Full Container Load): Full container service for large-scale shipments, ideal for large loads requiring a dedicated container
• LCL (Less than Container Load): Groupage service allowing sharing a container with other shippers for smaller volume shipments
• Refrigerated transport: Reefer containers for perishable goods requiring temperature control throughout the journey
• Open Top and Flat Rack: Special containers for oversized cargo or requiring loading from above
• Bulk transport: Services dedicated to raw materials such as ore, coal or cereals through the COSCO Shipping Bulk division
• Special cargo: Transport of industrial projects, heavy equipment and oversized goods through COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers

Cosco delivery times vary considerably depending on the maritime route taken, the port of origin and destination, as well as the type of service selected. Maritime transport being by nature slower than other modes of transport, delivery times typically range from 7 to 90 days depending on the routes. Intra-Asian connections can be completed in just a few days, while intercontinental routes such as Asia-Europe or transpacific require several weeks of navigation.

For Asia-Europe connections, typical transit times range between 25 and 35 days depending on the ports involved and intermediate stops. Transpacific services to the US west coast show transit times of around 12 to 18 days, while destinations on the US east coast generally require 25 to 35 days via the Panama Canal. Services via the OCEAN alliance offer weekly frequency on major routes, allowing optimal planning of shipments.

Cosco also offers supplementary logistics services through its COSCO Shipping Logistics branch, enabling end-to-end management. These services include pre-transport by land from the shipper's location to the loading port, customs procedures, as well as post-transport to the final recipient. This integrated approach simplifies shipment management for clients wishing to entrust their entire logistics chain to a single service provider.

Cosco's punctuality performance is regularly monitored by industry observers. Like all global carriers, the company has faced disruptions related to port congestion and geopolitical events in recent years. The group is actively working to improve its reliability through investments in fleet modernization and route optimization in coordination with its OCEAN alliance partners.

What are Cosco's rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

Cosco maritime transport rates depend on many factors and fluctuate based on market conditions, trade routes and the type of service selected. As maritime freight is a sector where prices are particularly volatile, rates can vary significantly from one period to another depending on supply and demand, fuel prices and geopolitical events affecting global supply chains.

The main elements determining the cost of a Cosco shipment include the volume or weight of the cargo, the distance to be traveled, the type of container required and additional services requested. The choice between FCL (full container) and LCL (groupage) also significantly influences the final rate. Regular shippers can negotiate annual contracts with preferential rates, while one-off shipments are generally subject to spot market rates.

• Rate base: Rates are generally expressed in dollars per container (TEU or FEU) or per cubic meter for LCL groupage
• Fuel surcharges: BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) variable depending on oil prices
• Port fees: THC (Terminal Handling Charges) at origin and destination
• Documentation fees: Bill of Lading issuance and shipping documents
• Seasonal surcharges: Peak Season Surcharge applied during periods of high demand
• Special fees: Surcharges for refrigerated containers, dangerous goods or oversized cargo

Regarding maximum dimensions and weight accepted, Cosco offers a comprehensive range of containers to standardized specifications. Standard dry containers are the most commonly used and allow shipping the vast majority of general cargo. The 20-foot container (20GP) offers capacity of approximately 33 cubic meters with a maximum gross weight of around 24 tons, while the 40-foot container (40GP) offers approximately 67 cubic meters. The 40-foot High Cube container (40HC) offers additional height with approximately 76 cubic meters of volume.

Weight limits may vary depending on routes and local regulations. Cosco has adjusted its weight limits to 6-10 tons per TEU depending on destinations. For transfers to southwestern US base ports in particular, the maximum gross weight limit for 20GP, 40GP and 40HQ containers is set at 19.9 tons maximum. These restrictions account for the capacities of rail and road infrastructure in destination areas.

For special or oversized cargo, Cosco has suitable equipment through its COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers division. Open Top containers allow loading from above for bulky goods, while Flat Racks are designed for cargo exceeding standard dimensions. Heavy lift vessels can handle massive industrial pieces weighing hundreds of tons, subject to prior technical review and custom rates.

Dangerous goods (IMO) can be transported by Cosco subject to strict compliance with applicable international regulations. Certain restrictions apply depending on the hazard class and the route taken. Shippers must provide a compliant dangerous goods declaration and ensure that packaging and labeling meet IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code) standards.

What are Cosco's delivery options?

Cosco offers appreciable flexibility in delivery options, allowing shippers and recipients to choose the formula best suited to their logistics constraints. Maritime container transport generally involving large volumes intended for professionals, delivery options are primarily oriented toward the needs of companies and freight forwarders, with nonetheless possibilities for individuals shipping personal effects.

Port-to-port delivery constitutes the basic option offered by Cosco. In this case, the carrier's responsibility extends from the loading port to the discharge port. The customer or their representative must arrange land transport from the origin location to the departure port, then from the arrival port to the final destination. This formula generally offers the most competitive rates for shippers managing their own land logistics organization.

• Port to port (CY-CY): Container pickup at departure terminal to delivery at arrival terminal, ideal for shippers managing their own land transport
• Door to door (Door to Door): Complete service including pickup at shipper and delivery at recipient through COSCO Shipping Logistics
• Port to door (CY-Door): Hybrid formula with pickup at origin terminal and delivery to recipient's location
• Door to port (Door-CY): Pickup at shipper with delivery to destination terminal

For customers wishing complete handling, COSCO Shipping Logistics offers end-to-end services integrating land transport, customs procedures and warehousing. These logistics solutions simplify shipment management by entrusting the entire chain to a single contact. Cosco's international agency network facilitates coordination between different transport stages, from pickup to final delivery.

Real-time shipment tracking constitutes an essential service offered by Cosco. Via the online portal elines.coscoshipping.com or the dedicated mobile application, customers can track the progress of their containers at each stage of transport. Automatic notifications inform of key events: reservation confirmation, terminal entry, ship loading, departure, arrival and availability for pickup. This visibility allows recipients to efficiently plan receipt of their goods.

Regarding rescheduling or delivery modification, customers can contact Cosco customer service to adjust certain parameters of their shipment subject to feasibility and potential additional charges. Requests for changes to destination port or delivery method must be made sufficiently in advance and are subject to technical and commercial validation.

For shipments to remote areas or poorly served by major port infrastructure, Cosco can offer transhipment solutions through regional hubs. The container is then discharged at an intermediate port before being reloaded on a smaller vessel ensuring final delivery. This arrangement allows reaching secondary destinations while benefiting from the advantages of Cosco's global maritime network.

What if my Cosco package is lost or damaged?

In case of loss or damage occurring during Cosco transport, it is essential to act quickly and follow a rigorous procedure to preserve rights to compensation. International maritime transport is governed by international conventions that define carrier responsibilities and mandatory timeframes for filing claims. Prompt and well-documented action maximizes the chances of obtaining redress.

Upon receipt of goods, the recipient or their representative must carefully examine the container and its contents. Any apparent damage must be immediately reported and noted on delivery documents, particularly the delivery receipt or terminal inspection sheet. The presence of written reservations at the time of taking possession is a determining element for establishing carrier responsibility. Absent reservations, goods are presumed to have been delivered in good condition.

• Step 1 - Immediate inspection: Examine the container and goods on delivery, photograph any visible damage and note precise reservations on reception documents
• Step 2 - Written notification: Send a written claim to Cosco within three days of receipt for apparent damage, or within prescribed timeframes for non-apparent damage
• Step 3 - File assembly: Gather all supporting documents: bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, damage photos, expert report if available
• Step 4 - Loss assessment: Precisely quantify the claim amount with corresponding justifications (replacement invoices, repair quotes)
• Step 5 - Formal claim filing: Submit the complete file to Cosco's claims service or its local representative

Documents generally required to constitute a claim file include the original bill of lading, the commercial invoice detailing the value of goods, the packing list, delivery receipts with any reservations, damage photographs, the terminal inspection report and any independent expert report. For shipments to or from the United States, the customs consumption entry report may also be requested.

Carrier responsibility in maritime transport is governed by international conventions, notably the Hague-Visby Rules or the Hamburg Convention depending on circumstances. These texts provide for limitations of liability calculated per package or per kilogram of cargo. Unless specific value declaration at the time of shipment and payment of a supplement, compensation is limited to these forfeit amounts which may be less than the actual value of goods.

For claims concerning shipments to or from the United States, Cosco specifies that disputes must be brought before the federal court of the Southern District of New York, or alternatively before a competent court in the State of New York. This jurisdiction clause appears in general transport conditions and applies to all shipments involving US territory.

Subscripting supplementary cargo insurance is strongly recommended to cover the full value of goods beyond carrier liability limits. COSCO SHIPPING Insurance Brokers offers maritime insurance services through its subsidiaries in Hong Kong and mainland China. Contact details for the insurance service in Hong Kong are available by telephone (852) 2809 6680 or by email at [email protected]. All-risk insurance provides protection against events not covered by carrier liability, such as cases of force majeure.

Does Cosco handle international shipments and customs procedures?

As a leading international maritime carrier, Cosco is naturally specialized in international shipments which constitute the heart of its business. The company has in-depth expertise in managing cross-border shipments and offers support for customs procedures, either directly through its subsidiaries or in coordination with approved partners in each country served.

Cosco's international shipments cover all world trade routes, connecting major markets with each other. Whether the shipment originates in China bound for Europe, from Southeast Asia to North America, or from any origin to any served destination, Cosco ensures maritime transport with services adapted to the specifics of each corridor. Membership in the OCEAN alliance enables offering optimal departure frequency and extended port coverage on major routes.

• Shipping documentation: Issuance of bills of lading, cargo manifests and other transport documents required for international transactions
• Customs declarations: Possibility of handling export and import procedures through local subsidiaries or approved Cosco agents
• Certificates of origin: Assistance in obtaining documents certifying goods origin required for preferential customs regime
• Phytosanitary documents: Coordination for certificates required for certain categories of agricultural or food products
• Export licenses: Information on authorizations required for goods subject to control

Cosco can act as a customs agent on behalf of its customers in several countries. In the Netherlands for example, COSCON (Cosco's local entity) offers to handle customs procedures for the trader. Correct execution of these obligations depends on the timely and accurate provision of all instructions and material information concerning goods by the customer. Responsibility for declaration compliance nonetheless remains that of the shipper or recipient.

Customs duties and import taxes are generally borne by the recipient, unless otherwise agreed between parties (DDP incoterms for example). These duties are calculated by destination country customs authorities based on goods declared value, their tariff classification and origin. Cosco does not collect these taxes for its own account but can facilitate their settlement through its brokerage services or by directing the customer toward appropriate procedures.

Customs clearance can entail additional delays in the overall transit of the shipment, particularly in case of enhanced checks, incomplete documentation or procedures specific to certain types of goods. Goods subject to import restrictions, requiring special authorizations or falling under health regulations are subject to thorough verification. Cosco recommends that shippers inquire in advance about regulatory requirements of the destination country.

Certain goods are subject to export or import restrictions depending on countries. Dual-use goods, products subject to embargo, counterfeit goods or non-compliant dangerous products cannot be transported or require specific authorizations. Cosco reserves the right to refuse shipments not complying with applicable regulations or presenting legal risk. Customers are invited to verify their shipments' compliance with laws applicable in countries of origin, transit and destination.

To facilitate document exchanges, Cosco has developed digital platforms allowing submission of shipping instructions electronically via the elines.coscoshipping.com portal. The group also participates in the GSBN (Global Shipping Business Network) blockchain consortium, an initiative aimed at dematerializing and securing transport documents such as electronic bills of lading. These innovations help streamline administrative formalities related to international trade.

Understanding tracking statuses

When tracking a Cosco container online, different statuses may appear to inform you of your shipment's progress. These statuses correspond to key stages in the maritime transport process, from initial reservation to empty container return after delivery. Here are the main statuses and their meanings: