CMDU is the primary registered BIC (Bureau International des Containers) prefix for container equipment operated by CMA CGM (Compagnie Maritime d'Affrètement Compagnie Générale Maritime), headquartered in Marseille, France. As the world's third-largest ocean container liner shipping company, the CMA CGM Group commands a modern fleet of over 620 vessels serving 420 of the world's 521 commercial seaports across 160 countries. Shippers, NVOCCs, and freight forwarders track ocean cargo using their 11-character CMDU container number, booking reference, or Ocean Bill of Lading (B/L).
How to Track Your CMDU Container (CMA CGM) Shipment Online
Tracking your CMDU Container (CMA CGM) shipment is fast, transparent, and accessible 24/7. Follow these simple steps to monitor your cargo from origin pickup to final destination:
- Find your 11-character container number (starting with prefix CMDU) or ocean booking reference on your bill of lading.
- Type the container number into the tracking search field above without hyphens or spaces.
- Click 'Track Container' to query CMA CGM's worldwide marine container management network in real time.
- Review gate-in, vessel stowage, transshipment calls, discharge at destination port, and final customs release.
CMDU Container (CMA CGM) Tracking Number Format & Where to Find It
Standard 11-character ISO BIC container format: prefix **CMDU** followed by 7 numeric digits (e.g., CMDU7491028).
- Stenciled on the upper right exterior of ocean container doors, ocean Bill of Lading (BOL), or booking confirmation.
Understanding CMDU Container (CMA CGM) Shipment Statuses
As your consignment moves through sorting facilities and linehaul transit, its status is scanned into the central network. Here is what each milestone checkpoint indicates:
| Status Milestone | Detailed Explanation | Next Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Gate-In at Origin Seaport Terminal | Container has been received through the marine terminal gates and stacked in the container yard (CY). | Ensure verified gross mass (VGM) and export customs documentation have been approved. |
| Loaded on Board Vessel | Container has been lifted by quay gantry crane and secured in the container vessel's cellular hold or deck. | Monitor scheduled vessel departure time and ocean transit lane pacing. |
| Vessel in Ocean Transit | The vessel is underway across international maritime trade lanes en route to transshipment or destination port. | Track vessel AIS position and estimated time of arrival (ETA) at destination harbor. |
| Discharged at Destination Port | Container has been lifted from the vessel and placed on the destination container terminal quay. | Prepare customs import declarations and check container free-time demurrage allowances. |
| Gate-Out / Chassis Mounted for Delivery | Container has cleared customs, been mounted on a drayage chassis, and exited terminal gates for inland delivery. | Ensure the receiving warehouse loading dock and unlading labor are prepared. |
| Empty Container Returned | The cargo has been unstuffed and the empty container safely returned to the carrier's designated equipment depot. | Archive container inspection interchange receipts (EIR) to close out demurrage liabilities. |
CMDU Container (CMA CGM) Shipping Services & Delivery Timelines
CMDU Container (CMA CGM) offers specialized delivery tiers engineered for domestic and commercial logistics needs:
- Global Transpacific & Transatlantic Liner High-frequency containerized shipping services connecting Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Australasia.
- Reefer Cold Chain Solutions (Climactive) Advanced controlled-atmosphere refrigerated containers preserving delicate fruits, vegetables, and pharmaceuticals.
- Intermodal Rail & Inland Drayage Seamless end-to-end multi-modal connections linking coastal seaports to inland container depots (ICDs) and rail ramps.
- ACT with CMA CGM+ Eco-Services Low-carbon shipping options utilizing liquefied natural gas (LNG) and certified second-generation biofuel.
Troubleshooting CMDU Container (CMA CGM) Delivery Delays & Non-Delivery (NDR)
Ocean container shipments may face arrival variations caused by severe weather squalls at sea, maritime canal transit bottlenecks (Suez or Panama Canal), container terminal berth congestion, or customs inspection holds. Consignees are encouraged to verify container free time with the local port terminal to avoid demurrage and detention charges.
Official CMDU Container (CMA CGM) Customer Support Directory
For parcel tracking escalations, address modifications, or delivery claims, reach out to CMDU Container (CMA CGM) customer support:
- Helpline / Phone: +33 (0)4 88 91 90 00
- Email Support: ho.customerservice@cma-cgm.com
- Official Website: https://www.cma-cgm.com
- Headquarters: 4 Quai d'Arenc, 13002 Marseille, France
- Major Transit Hubs: Marseille, Le Havre, Rotterdam, Singapore, Shanghai, Los Angeles, New York
Frequently Asked Questions about CMDU Container (CMA CGM) Tracking
What shipping line owns containers with the CMDU prefix?
Containers starting with prefix CMDU are owned or leased by CMA CGM (and historic Delmas subsidiaries), based in Marseille, France.
How can I track a CMDU container online?
Enter your 11-character container number (e.g., CMDU1234567) or your CMA CGM booking reference into the tracking search box on this page.
What is Verified Gross Mass (VGM)?
VGM is the certified total gross weight of the packed container and cargo required under IMO SOLAS regulations prior to vessel loading.
How do I check free time and detention fees for CMA CGM containers?
Free time allowances and applicable demurrage rates are detailed on your Ocean Bill of Lading and can be checked on cma-cgm.com.