OpenTrack Export Tracking: Track by Master Bill

Start OpenTrack container tracking for export drayage shipments using only the Master Bill of Lading, with automatic milestone updates and alerts.

What this does

OpenTrack Export Tracking lets you track export drayage containers in the TMS using only the Master Bill of Lading (booking number) — no container number required — so updates flow into your shipment automatically until the container is returned empty. It extends the existing OpenTrack integration, which previously focused on imports, to cover the full export lifecycle.

• Get automated container milestone updates for exports (for example: in yard, loaded, discharged, returned) without checking port or carrier websites.
• Improve visibility across the lifecycle of your drayage shipments and reduce the risk of missed milestones, detention, and demurrage.
• Trigger Workflow Automation actions off key milestones — including starting OpenTrack tracking automatically.

User Guide

Before you start — what you need first

• OpenTrack must be set up as an integration source for your brokerage, including the one-time Register Webhook step. If it isn't connected yet, contact TAI Support.
• The shipment must have a Master Bill Number (MAWB). For export shipments, that is the only identifier required to start tracking — you do not need a container number. [ASSUMPTION — confirm: export tracking keys on the Master Bill / booking number per PRD-906.]
• The shipment should be a drayage/port shipment so the export milestones apply.

How to start export tracking on a shipment

Where to go: open the shipment, then go to the Shipment Location History page (you can also reach tracking from the Check Call modal).

• Confirm the Master Bill Number (MAWB) is filled in on the shipment.
• Click the Start Container Tracking button.
• If OpenTrack accepts the request, you get a green success message and tracking begins behind the scenes.
• If something is wrong, you get a red error message explaining that tracking could not be started.

What to expect after tracking starts

Where to go: watch the Shipment Location History page on the same shipment.

• OpenTrack begins sending location and milestone updates automatically, and the shipment updates itself — the same way driver tracking appears.
• Tracking continues across the export journey until the container is returned empty.
• Milestone updates can be turned into Shipment Alerts so your team gets clear notifications at each major step.

How to start tracking automatically with Workflow Automation

Where to go: Workflow Automation → create or edit a workflow → add the OpenTrack tracking action.

• Add the OpenTrack tracking action so tracking starts on its own when your chosen trigger fires, instead of clicking Start Container Tracking by hand.
• You can also build workflows that act on milestones — for example, marking a shipment complete when the container is returned.

Tips & best practices

• For exports, double-check the Master Bill / booking number before starting — it is the value OpenTrack uses to find your container.
• OpenTrack handles container milestones and visibility only. It does not update shipment status (Delivered, In Transit) and does not replace driver-tracking tools like MacroPoint — it works alongside them.
• Enable the reference numbers and status-based alerts you care about so milestone data is visible where your team works.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a container number to track an export?

No. For export shipments, only the Master Bill Number (MAWB) is required to start tracking. (Import shipments still need both the Master Bill and the container number.)

When does export tracking stop?

Tracking continues until the container is returned empty, capturing the milestones along the way.

Can tracking start without anyone clicking a button?

Yes. Add the OpenTrack tracking action to a Workflow Automation so tracking begins automatically when your trigger conditions are met.

If something doesn't work

• If you get a red error when clicking Start Container Tracking, confirm the Master Bill Number is present and correct on the shipment, then try again.
• If no updates arrive after tracking starts, give OpenTrack time to discover the container; updates flow in as the carrier reports milestones.
• If updates still don't appear or tracking won't start, contact TAI Support with the shipment ID and the Master Bill Number.

To learn more, see OpenTrack - Container Tracking.

Applies to: TMS — OpenTrack integration (drayage export tracking) · Last updated: 2026-06-16

Suggested category: Integrations → Tracking

Suggested tags / search keywords: OpenTrack, export tracking, master bill, drayage, container tracking, workflow automation