How to Track Freight Shipments? A Practical Guide

A freight shipment is rarely just a load moving from Point A to Point B.

Once a truck leaves the shipper, someone usually wants to know where the freight is, whether the driver is still on schedule, when the delivery is expected, and whether anything has changed along the way.

For a driver, that may mean updating dispatch after a pickup or delivery. For a carrier, it can mean monitoring several trucks at once. For a shipper or broker, it may involve checking a carrier portal, PRO number, GPS location, or transportation management system.

The good news is that how to track freight shipments is fairly straightforward once you know which tracking information to use.

This guide explains the most common freight tracking methods used in U.S. trucking, what information you need, and what carriers and drivers can do when a shipment stops showing updates.

What Does Freight Shipment Tracking Mean?

Freight tracking is the process of monitoring a shipment’s movement from pickup through delivery.

Depending on the carrier and technology being used, tracking may provide information such as:

Pickup status
Current or recent vehicle location
Arrival at a facility
Departure from a facility
Estimated delivery time
Delivery appointment status
Proof of delivery
Delays or exceptions
Final delivery confirmation

Not every freight shipment offers the same level of visibility.

Some shipments may have near-real-time GPS information, while others may only receive status updates when the driver or carrier reports a milestone.

That distinction is important.

A tracking page showing “in transit” does not necessarily mean that someone can see the truck’s exact location at every moment.

What Information Do You Need to Track Freight?

Before trying to track a shipment, collect the reference information associated with the load.

Depending on the carrier or logistics provider, you may need one or more of the following:

PRO Number

A PRO number is a shipment reference commonly used in freight transportation, particularly in LTL operations.

If your carrier provides a PRO number, it is often one of the first numbers to try when looking for a shipment status.

Bill of Lading Number

The Bill of Lading (BOL) contains important information about the shipment and serves as a key document in the transportation process.

A carrier may allow customers to search for a shipment using the BOL number or another reference associated with it.

Freight or Shipment Reference Number

A shipper, broker, or transportation management system may assign its own shipment reference.

This can be useful when communicating with dispatch or customer service.

Pickup and Delivery Information

If a tracking number is not available, having the following information ready can help the carrier locate the shipment:

Shipper name
Consignee name
Pickup date
Delivery location
Carrier name
Load number
Driver or truck information, where appropriate

The more accurate the information, the easier it is for the carrier or dispatcher to identify the correct load.

How to Track Freight Shipments

There are several ways to track freight in the U.S. The best method depends on who is moving the shipment and what technology the carrier uses.

1. Use the Carrier’s Online Tracking Portal

Many carriers provide online shipment tracking.

The process is usually simple:

Go to the carrier’s official website.
Find the shipment-tracking page.
Enter the requested reference number.
Review the shipment status and available updates.

The reference may be a PRO number, BOL number, tracking number, or another shipment identifier.

If you are tracking freight for a customer, use the carrier’s official tracking system whenever possible rather than relying on an unverified third-party page.

What You May See

A carrier’s tracking system might show statuses such as:

Shipment information received
Picked up
In transit
At terminal
Out for delivery
Delivered
Exception
Delivery appointment scheduled

The exact terminology varies by carrier.

2. Track Freight Using the PRO Number

For many LTL shipments, the PRO number is a useful tracking reference.

If you have the PRO number, enter it into the carrier’s tracking tool or provide it to the carrier’s customer service team.

For trucking companies handling LTL freight, keeping the correct PRO number associated with the shipment helps reduce confusion when customers ask for an update.

It is also a good practice to keep shipment references organized inside the company’s TMS, dispatch system, or load-management process.

3. Use the Bill of Lading and Load Number

A BOL can help connect the physical shipment with its transportation record.

The document can contain information such as:

Shipper
Consignee
Freight description
Quantity
Weight
Pickup location
Delivery location
Special instructions
Reference numbers

If a customer asks, “Where is my freight?” and you do not immediately have a tracking link, the BOL and load number can help you identify the shipment and contact the appropriate carrier or dispatcher.

However, a BOL itself does not automatically provide live GPS tracking.

It is primarily a transportation document, while real-time visibility generally comes from a carrier’s tracking technology or operational updates.

4. Check the Broker or 3PL Tracking System

When freight is arranged through a freight broker or third-party logistics provider, tracking may be managed through the broker’s system.

A broker may receive updates from the carrier through:

GPS or telematics integration
Carrier software
Driver check calls
Mobile applications
ELD-connected systems
Status updates from dispatch

The shipper may then receive those updates through a customer portal or communication from the broker.

This is why it is important for carriers to understand exactly what tracking method a broker requires before accepting a load.

A carrier that agrees to provide tracking through a particular system should make sure the driver and dispatch team know how the process works.

5. Use GPS and Telematics

GPS and telematics systems can provide carriers with vehicle-location information and other operational data.

Depending on the system, fleet managers may be able to monitor:

Vehicle location
Trip progress
Stops
Route information
Vehicle activity
Certain operational events

This can be especially useful for fleet owners managing multiple trucks.

Instead of calling every driver repeatedly for a location update, dispatchers can use the available tracking system to monitor the fleet and contact the driver when an issue actually needs attention.

However, GPS data is not always the same as a customer-facing shipment-tracking system.

A fleet may know where a truck is without automatically providing that information to the shipper.

The carrier still needs an appropriate process for sharing shipment status.

6. Understand the Role of ELDs in Freight Tracking

Electronic logging devices are primarily associated with recording drivers’ hours-of-service information, but FMCSA guidance also explains that ELDs automatically record certain vehicle and driver data, including location information. (FMCSA)

According to FMCSA, an ELD records location information at specified intervals when the vehicle is in motion and during certain other events. FMCSA also notes that ELD location information is not designed to identify an exact street address. (FMCSA)

That means an ELD can be part of a broader freight-visibility system, but it should not automatically be treated as a complete customer tracking solution.

A carrier may use ELD data as one source of location information while a separate TMS, telematics platform, or tracking application manages customer-facing updates.

7. Ask the Dispatcher or Carrier Directly

Sometimes the fastest way to get a useful answer is simply to contact the person managing the load.

This is especially true when:

Tracking has stopped updating.
The delivery appointment changed.
The truck experienced a breakdown.
Weather affected the route.
The receiver changed instructions.
The carrier’s tracking system is temporarily unavailable.

For drivers, communication with dispatch is particularly important when something changes that could affect the delivery schedule.

A short update such as:

“Loaded and rolling. Current ETA is approximately 3:30 p.m.”

can be more useful than a generic “in transit” status.

How Drivers and Carriers Can Provide Better Freight Tracking

Tracking works best when the carrier has a consistent process.

For owner-operators and small fleets, that process does not have to be complicated.

Before Pickup

Confirm:

Load number
Pickup appointment
Delivery appointment
Shipper information
Receiver information
Tracking requirements
Required tracking application, if applicable
Contact information for dispatch or broker

At Pickup

Confirm that the freight was actually picked up.

Depending on the load and customer requirements, provide:

Pickup confirmation
BOL documentation
Departure update
Tracking status
Updated ETA when appropriate

During Transit

Keep the status information accurate.

If the carrier uses automated tracking, make sure the appropriate system is active and functioning.

If manual updates are required, follow the agreed communication schedule.

Drivers should not be expected to handle tracking messages while actively driving. Dispatch or fleet personnel can manage customer communications when appropriate.

Before Delivery

If the ETA changes, communicate the change as early as possible.

For example, a driver who encounters a major traffic delay should report the potential impact to dispatch rather than waiting until the scheduled delivery time has already passed.

After Delivery

Close the shipment properly.

That may include:

Delivery confirmation
Signed POD
Delivery timestamp
Exception notes
Photos or documents when required
Final status update

A shipment should not remain marked “in transit” after it has been delivered simply because nobody updated the status.

What to Do When Freight Tracking Is Not Updating

One of the most common tracking problems is seeing the same status for hours or longer.

Do not immediately assume that the freight is lost.

First, check the basics.

Step 1: Verify the Tracking Number

Make sure the PRO number, BOL number, load number, or shipment reference was entered correctly.

A single incorrect digit can return the wrong result or no result at all.

Step 2: Check the Carrier’s Official System

Go directly to the carrier’s website or tracking portal.

Avoid relying on outdated tracking links or unofficial websites.

Step 3: Check the Last Confirmed Event

Look at the most recent status.

For example:

Picked up → Departed origin → In transit

is different from:

Picked up → No further update

The second situation may justify contacting the carrier or dispatcher.

Step 4: Contact Dispatch or Customer Service

Give them the shipment reference and ask for the latest confirmed status.

Be specific.

Instead of asking, “Where is my shipment?” ask:

When was the last location update?
Has the driver departed?
Is the delivery appointment still on schedule?
Has there been an exception?
What is the current ETA?

Specific questions usually produce more useful information.

Common Freight Tracking Mistakes

Relying on One Tracking Method

Technology can fail.

A GPS device may lose connectivity. A mobile application may stop transmitting. A carrier portal may not immediately reflect an operational change.

A good tracking process has a backup communication method.

Confusing Location With ETA

Knowing where a truck is does not automatically tell you exactly when it will arrive.

Traffic, weather, road restrictions, required breaks, loading delays, and other factors can change an ETA.

Location and ETA should be treated as related but separate pieces of information.

Giving Customers Unverified ETAs

An ETA should be based on the best available information.

If conditions change, update the ETA instead of continuing to repeat an outdated estimate.

Not Documenting Exceptions

If a shipment is delayed because of a breakdown, facility closure, traffic incident, or other issue, document the event and the communication surrounding it.

Good documentation can make later customer-service conversations much easier.

Practical Example: Tracking a Truckload Shipment

Imagine an owner-operator picks up a dry van load in Dallas, Texas, with delivery scheduled in Atlanta, Georgia.

A basic tracking workflow could look like this:

1. Load accepted
The carrier records the load number, pickup information, delivery appointment, and broker requirements.

2. Pickup completed
The driver confirms that the freight is loaded and provides the required documentation.

3. Departure confirmed
Dispatch records the departure time and available tracking information.

4. Transit monitoring
The carrier uses its available GPS, telematics, ELD-related location data, or tracking platform to monitor the trip.

5. Delay occurs
Traffic or another operational issue affects the expected arrival time.

6. ETA updated
Dispatch communicates the revised ETA to the broker or customer.

7. Delivery completed
The driver confirms delivery and submits the required POD.

This process gives everyone a consistent record of what happened instead of relying on scattered phone calls and text messages.

Why Accurate Freight Tracking Matters to Trucking Companies

Good tracking is not just about answering “Where is the truck?”

It can help a carrier communicate more clearly with customers, dispatchers, brokers, and receivers.

It can also help fleet managers understand where a shipment is in the transportation process and identify problems before they become bigger customer-service issues.

For small carriers, a simple and consistent tracking process can be enough.

For larger fleets, integrated GPS, telematics, TMS, ELD, and customer-portal systems may provide a more complete view.

The right setup depends on fleet size, customer requirements, technology, and the type of freight being moved.

How to Choose a Freight Tracking System

If you are a carrier or fleet owner looking for a tracking solution, consider:

Does it provide reliable location information?
Can it integrate with your existing TMS?
Can customers access shipment status?
Does it support multiple trucks?
Can dispatchers monitor loads efficiently?
What happens if the device loses connectivity?
Can you export or retain shipment records?
What information does the system share with customers?
Does the system fit your drivers’ workflow?

Do not choose a tracking system simply because it has the most features.

Choose one that your dispatchers and drivers can actually use consistently.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to track freight shipments starts with identifying the right shipment reference and understanding how the carrier provides visibility.

For many shipments, that may mean using a carrier’s tracking portal and a PRO number or BOL. For trucking companies and fleets, GPS, telematics, ELD-related location information, TMS platforms, and driver updates can provide additional visibility.

The most important part is consistency.

A good freight tracking process should make it easy to answer four basic questions:

Where was the shipment last confirmed?
What is its current status?
Is the delivery still on schedule?
If not, what changed?

For carriers, owner-operators, and fleet managers, reliable communication is just as important as the technology behind the tracking system.

If your trucking operation needs help managing loads, communicating with brokers, and keeping shipments organized, professional trucking dispatch and freight management support can help create a more consistent workflow from pickup to delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I track a freight shipment?

Start with the shipment’s PRO number, BOL number, load number, or carrier tracking number. Enter the reference into the carrier’s official tracking portal or contact the carrier, broker, or dispatcher for the latest status.

Can I track a truck using its GPS location?

If the carrier uses GPS or telematics and provides location visibility, the truck’s location may be available through its tracking platform. Customer access depends on the carrier’s system and policies.

Can an ELD track a truck?

FMCSA guidance states that ELDs automatically record certain location information along with other required data. However, an ELD should not automatically be assumed to be a customer-facing live freight-tracking system. (FMCSA)

What is a PRO number in freight tracking?

A PRO number is a shipment reference commonly used in freight transportation, particularly for LTL shipments. A carrier may use it to locate and display shipment status.

Why has my freight tracking stopped updating?

Possible reasons include delayed status transmission, a connectivity issue, a carrier-system delay, or a shipment event that has not yet been recorded. Verify the last status and contact the carrier or dispatcher if the information remains unclear.

Can I track freight without a tracking number?

Sometimes. A carrier may be able to locate a shipment using information such as the shipper, consignee, pickup date, load number, or BOL details. However, having a unique shipment reference usually makes tracking easier.

Internal-Link Opportunities

Anchor Text	Suggested Page/Topic	Where It Should Be Placed
trucking dispatch services	Truck Dispatch Services	In the section about carrier/dispatcher tracking
freight dispatch services	Freight Dispatching	Near the discussion of broker and load updates
owner-operator dispatch services	Owner-Operator Dispatch	In the section about drivers and small carriers
freight transportation services	Freight Transportation Services	Near the introduction or conclusion
how freight dispatching works	Freight Dispatch Guide	In the section explaining the tracking workflow

Recommended External Sources

For the published version, these are useful authoritative references:

FMCSA ELD Functions FAQs — useful for explaining what location information ELDs record and when. (FMCSA)
FMCSA — Using ELDs — useful for the current explanation of ELD location information and its limitations. (FMCSA)
FMCSA ELD Home Page — useful for current ELD information and the registered-device list. (Electronic Logging Devices)
FMCSA SAFER — useful when discussing carrier identification and official carrier information, rather than shipment tracking itself. (SaferSys)

Publication note: Carrier tracking features, ELD capabilities, customer-portal functions, and software integrations vary by provider. Verify the specific carrier or technology provider’s current features before publishing any claim that a particular system provides real-time or continuous tracking.