Imagine a shipment of critical medical supplies crossing the Pacific Ocean from Asia to the United States, where every minute counts. How can businesses and individuals engaged in international trade monitor these time-sensitive shipments in real time? Understanding air cargo tracking methods for U.S.-bound shipments becomes essential for supply chain management.
The Foundation: IATA Airline Codes
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) airline codes serve as universal identifiers in global aviation. These unique two-character codes, assigned by IATA, combine letters and numbers to standardize airline identification worldwide. Familiarity with these codes represents the first step in effective air cargo tracking.
Comprehensive Airline Tracking Guide
Below is detailed information about 15 major airlines, including their IATA codes, air waybill prefixes, tracking websites, and names in both English and Chinese:
| Airline | IATA Code | Air Waybill Prefix | Tracking Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Airlines | UA | 016 | unitedcargo.com |
| Qantas Airways | QF | 081 | qantasfreight.com |
| China Cargo Airlines | CK | 112 | ckair.com |
| Japan Airlines | JL | 131 | jal.co.jp |
| Cathay Pacific Airways | CX | 160 | cathaypacificcargo.com |
| Korean Air | KE | 180 | koreanaircargo.com |
| All Nippon Airways | NH | 205 | ana.co.jp |
| Kalitta Air | K4 | 272 | kalittaair.com |
| Atlas Air | 5Y | 369 | atlasair.com |
| Polar Air Cargo | PO | 403 | polaraircargo.com |
| EVA Airways | BR | 695 | evacargo.com |
| China Southern Airlines | CZ | 784 | csair.com |
| Nippon Cargo Airlines | KZ | 933 | nipponcargo.com |
| Asiana Airlines | OZ | 988 | asiana.co.kr |
| Air China | CA | 999 | airchinacargo.com |
Third-Party Tracking Solutions
Beyond direct tracking through airline websites, platforms like 17track offer consolidated tracking by integrating multiple airlines' systems. Users can simply enter their air waybill number to access comprehensive shipment status updates across various carriers.
Operational Advantages
Mastering these tracking methods enables businesses to maintain optimal supply chain visibility. Whether monitoring urgent medical supplies or commercial shipments, real-time tracking facilitates informed decision-making, risk mitigation, and operational efficiency.