How Data is Collected
Every day, data from US Customs and Border Protection is compiled and sent to the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and automatically updated on the website. Data is one day old by the time it makes its way into this website.
Availability of Data
Due to the sheer volume of data that is updated every day, after a certain amount of time containers will be removed from the searchable database. This will allow the website to return searches in an efficient manner.
How to Search this Site
In order to search, click on the Search Container tab on the top of the website. Searches can also be completed from the Homepage. For more information on search criteria, see below.
Explanation of each Search Criteria
Basic Search
Arrival Date – This refers to the date at which the container is cleared at the port of arrival. In order to approximately determine when the container will reach its destination, determine what port the container is cleared at and add the appropriate amount of time for transit.
Consignee State – The state in which the container is going to. Currently the website only has data for Iowa.
Consignee City – The city in which a container is going to.
If city is not listed please enter – If for whatever reason the city you are searching for is not available, you can manually enter it here.
Advanced Search
Carrier Name – The name of the carrier that owns the container that is being searched for.
Carrier Code – A specific 4 letter code that identifies specific shipping companies.
Bill of Lading Number – The number of the bill of lading.
Master Bill of Lading Number – The number of the master bill of lading.
Container Size – The size of the container in question. Examples of sizes include 20’, 40’, and 40’ high cube containers.
Container Type – The type of container. Examples of types include dry and refrigerated.
Port of Arrival State – The state in which the container will arrive in the country.
Port of Arrival City – The city in which the container will arrive in the country.
Container Number – The number of the container in question.