How to Track Container to JNPT in 2025

Updated: September 2025

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), also known as Nhava Sheva, is India’s busiest container port, handling more than half of the country’s containerized trade. For Indian importers and exporters, timely container tracking to JNPT is critical to avoid demurrage, plan transport, and ensure on-time delivery. With the rise of digital platforms like ICEGATE and PCS 1x, along with shipping line tracking tools, visibility into your cargo has never been more accessible. This guide explains how to track containers arriving at JNPT in 2025, the tools available, the costs and risks of poor visibility, and examples of how businesses use technology to streamline operations.

What it is

Why container tracking matters for Indian trade

Container tracking ensures that importers and exporters know where their cargo is at any given time. Without visibility, companies risk incurring additional charges such as detention, demurrage, and warehousing fees. For example, a delay of just two days at JNPT can lead to thousands of rupees in extra charges, particularly for high-volume shippers. Tracking also improves supply chain planning — enabling importers to schedule trucks and warehouses in advance, and exporters to coordinate with buyers overseas.

Role of JNPT in India’s logistics

Located in Maharashtra, JNPT is India’s largest container-handling port, connected to over 200 global ports. It has five container terminals and handles cargo from major trading partners such as China, Vietnam, the UAE, and Europe. With initiatives like Direct Port Delivery (DPD) and integration with Inland Container Depots (ICDs), JNPT has become a hub for faster and more efficient logistics. Accurate container tracking to JNPT is especially crucial for industries such as electronics, textiles, chemicals, and automotive imports, which rely heavily on predictable transit times.

2025 trends

Digital container visibility via ICEGATE and PCS 1x

ICEGATE, India’s customs electronic gateway, is now fully integrated with JNPT’s operations. Importers can track containers using their Bill of Lading (BL) or container number to check customs status, duty payments, and clearance stages. PCS 1x, India’s Port Community System, provides real-time data on container movement inside the port, including gate-in/gate-out events, vessel berthing schedules, and yard positions. Together, ICEGATE and PCS 1x offer end-to-end visibility for importers and exporters.

DPD (Direct Port Delivery) adoption at JNPT

In 2025, more than 65% of imports at JNPT are cleared under Direct Port Delivery. With DPD, containers are moved directly from the port to the importer’s premises without being routed through Container Freight Stations (CFS). This requires importers to be digitally connected and ready with advance documentation. Tracking tools integrated with DPD ensure real-time updates and reduce dwell times by up to 24 hours. For electronics and perishable goods, this is a major efficiency gain.

Costs & risks

Costs of delays and demurrage without tracking

Delays in container clearance often lead to demurrage charges ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per day per container at JNPT. For large importers handling multiple containers, these costs can escalate rapidly. Without proper tracking, businesses may also face additional truck detention charges if transporters arrive before containers are ready. Advanced container tracking helps businesses schedule pickups accurately, avoiding both demurrage and detention fees.

Risks of relying only on manual updates

Many small businesses still rely on manual updates from freight forwarders or customs brokers. This creates risks of misinformation, delays, and lack of real-time visibility. Inaccurate tracking can lead to missed deadlines, supply chain disruptions, and even reputational damage if goods don’t reach customers on time. Automated tracking through ICEGATE, PCS 1x, or 3PL platforms like Cogoport ensures greater accuracy and accountability.

Examples

Case study: Electronics importer using ICEGATE

A Bengaluru-based electronics importer uses ICEGATE to track its shipments arriving at JNPT. By checking customs clearance status online, the company can plan truck deployment in advance, reducing detention charges. Over six months, they cut their average clearance time by 18%, saving nearly ₹10 lakh annually in logistics costs.

Case study: Exporter using Cogoport digital tracking

A textile exporter from Surat integrated Cogoport’s container tracking tool to monitor shipments leaving JNPT. Instead of relying on manual updates from freight agents, the exporter received real-time alerts on vessel delays, gate-in events, and container loading. This improved coordination with overseas buyers and reduced disputes related to late deliveries.

FAQs

How do I track my container at JNPT?

You can track containers at JNPT using ICEGATE (for customs clearance status), PCS 1x (for port movement updates), or shipping line websites (for vessel schedules and transit information). Most 3PL platforms integrate all three, providing a single dashboard view.

Can I track without a BL or container number?

No. To track containers, you need either a Bill of Lading number or a container number. These are provided by the shipping line or freight forwarder once the cargo is booked. Without these identifiers, the systems cannot fetch tracking data.

What is ICEGATE and how do I use it?

ICEGATE is the Indian Customs Electronic Gateway. Importers can register on the platform and use their BL number or container number to view clearance status, duty payments, and e-Sanchit document submissions. The portal also provides alerts for queries raised by customs officers.

How does DPD improve tracking at JNPT?

With Direct Port Delivery, containers are released directly to the importer, bypassing CFS delays. This means that tracking updates from PCS 1x and ICEGATE reflect real-time movement from port to importer, improving accuracy and reducing clearance times.

Which shipping lines offer best digital tracking?

Major shipping lines operating at JNPT, including Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd, offer robust digital tracking tools. These platforms provide container location, vessel ETAs, and transshipment details. Many now integrate directly with PCS 1x for seamless updates.

Conclusion / Next steps

Tracking containers to JNPT in 2025 has become faster and more reliable with digital tools like ICEGATE, PCS 1x, and 3PL platforms. By leveraging these technologies, Indian importers and exporters can cut costs, reduce delays, and improve supply chain reliability. The key is to ensure that you always have your container number or BL handy, register with ICEGATE, and use integrated dashboards provided by logistics partners. With real-time visibility, businesses can stay ahead in the competitive Indian trade market.