Can Booking, Container, and Bill of Lading Numbers Be Reused?

Shipping numbers are crucial information for ensuring the smooth flow of goods and real-time tracking. Using these numbers correctly not only improves logistics efficiency but also effectively prevents many issues during transportation.

This article will provide an in-depth analysis of the three core shipping numbers—booking numbers, container numbers, and bill of lading numbers—from the perspective of a logistics fulfillment service provider. It will also answer in-depth questions users may have, helping businesses solve logistics challenges.

What is a shipping number?

In the logistics world, "shipping number" is a general term that generally refers to different types of tracking or reference numbers assigned during the shipping process. These numbers have different uses, depending on the location of your shipment in the logistics process.

The most common shipping number types include:

Booking number

Container number

Bill of lading number

Each number type plays a vital role in freight forwarding, container booking, and order fulfillment.

Shipping Number Details

Booking Number - The "Starting Point" of Shipping

Definition: A booking number is a unique number obtained when a customer reserves shipping space with a logistics company or shipping line. It is issued by the shipping line, airline, or their authorized agent and marks the beginning of the transportation contract. It signifies that the cargo has been officially included in the transportation plan and serves as a crucial basis for subsequent operations.

Purposes of a Booking Number:

Confirming the booking: Ensures sufficient shipping space for the cargo.

Tracking: Used to track booking status, submit supplementary materials (such as VGM, packing list, and invoice), confirm container release and pickup, and link to subsequently generated bill of lading numbers and estimated loading times. It serves as the "root" number for the entire shipping process.

Communication Verification: When communicating with logistics companies or shipping lines, the booking number is a key document for confirming cargo information and resolving shipping issues.

Reusable: No. Each booking number corresponds to a specific booking transaction and expires once used. It cannot be reused. Even if your next shipment has the same route, volume, and customer, you will still need to rebook with the carrier and obtain a new, unique booking number. Reusing old booking numbers can cause system confusion and render operations inoperable.

Container Number - The "Physical ID" of your cargo

Definition: A container number is a unique identifier for a container, typically consisting of four letters (the container owner code) and seven numbers (the serial number and check digit). This globally unique 11-digit alphanumeric combination is permanently marked on the container (e.g., MAEU 123456 7). It identifies the specific physical container carrying your cargo.

Purpose of a Booking Number:

Unique Identification: It is used to physically identify and track a specific container and its location at terminals, yards, ships, and transport vehicles. Customs declarations, port operations, and in-transit tracking (e.g., through shipping company websites or port systems) all rely on it. It ensures that every container can be accurately identified globally.

Tracking: The container number allows customers to track the location, status, and other information of their cargo in real time.

Managing Inventory: For cargo that requires long-term storage or multiple transshipments, the container number facilitates efficient inventory management.

Reusability: While the container itself can be reused, the container number, as its unique identifier, remains unchanged. Each container retains the same container number throughout its lifecycle. As a physical device, a container is reused repeatedly to carry different cargoes and transport them to different destinations. Therefore, the same container number appears in countless transports.

Bill of Lading Numbers - The "Legal Identity" and Certificate of Title to the Goods

Definition: A unique number assigned by the carrier (shipping company or airline) when issuing a bill of lading (B/L). The bill of lading itself serves as proof of the contract of carriage, a receipt for the goods, and, more importantly, in most cases, as the certificate of title to the goods (typically the original bill of lading or Sea Waybill). The bill of lading is the official document for cargo transportation, issued by the shipping company or airline that actually transports the goods, proving that the goods have been received by the carrier and are ready for transport.

Purpose of Bill of Lading Numbers:

Legal Document: The bill of lading serves as proof of ownership of the goods, the contract of carriage, and the receipt of the goods.

Basis for Collection: The consignee must present the bill of lading (or a copy of the bill of lading and its corresponding number) to collect the goods at the destination. Tracking: Customers can use Bill of Lading Numbers (BOLs) to check shipment status, estimated time of arrival, and other information.

Related Information: The BOL integrates the most important shipping information: shipper, consignee, notify party, port of departure, port of destination, cargo name, number of pieces/gross weight/volume, container number, vessel name and voyage number, ETD/ETA, etc.

Tracking: Tracking: Check the complete status of shipments (e.g., "shipped," "in transit," "arrived," "released," "collected") through the shipping company's official website or professional logistics tracking platforms.

Reusability: No. Each BOL number corresponds to a specific BOL. Once a BOL is issued and used, the number expires and cannot be reused. It serves as the core basis for the carrier to issue freight invoices, process cargo deliveries, and conduct financial settlements. Reuse can lead to serious legal, financial, and operational complications and is strictly prohibited. Each shipment is assigned a new BOL number.

These three numbers form the key links in the shipping numbers system. Together with tracking numbers and container bookings, they create a visible, efficient, and secure cargo transportation process.

Why is understanding shipping numbers important?

For businesses that rely on international transportation, especially those involved in e-commerce and B2B distribution, understanding the nuances of shipping numbers can:

Improve shipment visibility and delivery times

Facilitate customs clearance with accurate documentation

Reduce the risk of cargo loss and misrouting

Increase customer satisfaction through precise delivery tracking

Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping Numbers

What is the difference between a booking number and a shipping number?

A booking number specifically refers to the number obtained when booking a container, confirming shipping space for the cargo. Shipping numbers are a broader concept that can include a variety of shipping-related numbers, including booking numbers, container numbers, and bill of lading numbers. In practice, shipping numbers may vary depending on the logistics company or shipping line, but the booking number is a universally recognized core number.

How can I ensure the accuracy of my container number? 

Ensuring the accuracy of the container number is crucial, as it directly impacts cargo tracking and management. Customers can verify the container number in the following ways:

Check the bill of lading: The container number is usually clearly marked on the bill of lading.

Check with the logistics company: Contact the logistics company or shipping company and provide cargo information to verify the correct container number.

Use professional tools: Some logistics platforms or software offer container number verification, allowing customers to quickly verify the number by entering it.

What if the bill of lading number is lost or damaged?

The bill of lading number is crucial for cargo collection. If it is lost or damaged, customers should immediately contact the logistics company or shipping company, explain the situation, and request a replacement bill of lading or a copy. During this process, customers may be required to provide relevant supporting documents, such as cargo information and booking number, to expedite processing.

Chinadivision's Logistics and Transportation Fulfillment Services

Faced with the tedious management of booking numbers, container numbers, and B/L numbers, as well as the potential for unexpected situations, choosing a professional logistics and transportation fulfillment partner is crucial.

As a professional logistics and transportation fulfillment service provider, Chinadivision understands the importance of shipping numbers in cargo transportation. We provide one-stop logistics solutions, including booking, container management, bill of lading issuance, and other comprehensive services, ensuring that every shipping number is accurately associated with every shipment.

Professional Booking Services

We have established long-term partnerships with several well-known shipping companies, providing customers with fast and accurate booking services to ensure timely shipment.

Container Tracking and Management

Using advanced logistics information systems, we track container location, status, and other information in real time, providing customers with comprehensive cargo tracking services.

Customized Solutions

Based on your cargo characteristics, trade model, and customer requirements (such as telex release and sea waybill usage), we recommend the optimal transportation and document handling strategy to ensure safe, timely, and efficient delivery of your cargo.

Shipping numbers are the "identity cards" of logistics, forming the complete information chain for cargo transportation. For B2B businesses and e-commerce sellers, understanding and correctly using these numbers is key to improving logistics efficiency and mitigating transportation risks.

As a professional logistics and transportation fulfillment service provider, Chinadivision offers comprehensive logistics and transportation fulfillment services to streamline the entire process. With our professional services, we can safeguard your cargo transportation. If you have any questions or needs regarding logistics and transportation, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to serve you!