Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What is Flexport Atlas?

Answer

Atlas by Flexport is the definitive real-time map for global trade, providing an innovative map based experience for international logistics. Track vessels, ports, and aircraft with live data updated every 2 hours, including precise vessel statuses (moored, at anchor, or in-transit) and port dwell times. Optimize your supply chain by exploring ocean carrier alliances, sailing schedules, and multi-modal routing across a seamless, mobile-friendly interface. Find routes and schedules between any 2 global ports.

Question 2

Is Flexport Atlas free?

Answer

Yes! Flexport believes global trade should be so easy there is more of it, so we made Atlas free for everyone.

Question 3

Does Flexport Atlas have global coverage?

Answer

Yes, coverage supports all countries that are not sanctioned by the United States of America.

Question 4

How can I track a specific container ship or carrier?

Answer

You can track any major ocean liner—including Maersk, MSC, COSCO, and Hapag-Lloyd directly on the Atlas interactive map. By searching for a vessel name or IMO number (e.g., MSC Tessa or IMO 9935167), you get a real-time status update every 2 hours.

Live Status Definitions: Atlas clarifies if a ship is Moored (at berth), At Anchor (waiting for a spot), or In-Transit (moving between ports).
Examples: ZHONG GU XIONG AN, MUNICH MAERSK, ONE SAPPHIRE

Question 5

Which carrier alliances are supported on Atlas?

Answer

Atlas visualizes the complex networks of the world's major shipping groups. In light of the 2026 shifts in the Gemini Cooperation, Ocean Alliance, and Premier Alliance, Atlas allows you to search by alliance to see how shared "strings" affect your cargo's journey.

Examples: View CHINA-SOUTH U.S. WEST COAST-CHINA SERVICE(CPS) | View CHINA - INDIA EXPRESS SERVICE (CIX7)

Question 6

How do I monitor port delays and dwell times?

Answer

Atlas provides granular data for every major and minor ocean or inland port, from Long Beach to Rotterdam. Unlike static maps, clicking a port on Atlas reveals the average berthing time (the time vessels entering the terminal area to the time they exit) and vessel dwell time (Berthing Time + Wait Time, moored near port but outside the terminal area).

The Visual Edge: Use the 3D Globe View to see global routes, strings, boats and planes across the entire planet.
Examples: View the port of Shanghai | View the port of Los Angeles

Question 7

Does Atlas support air freight and rail stations?

Answer

Yes. Atlas is a multi-modal platform. You can toggle layers to view International or regional Airports and Rail Terminals, Ocean and Inland ports, providing an expected map experience for the entire supply chain.

Question 8

What is a "String" and how can I track one?

Answer

A "string" is a specific sequence of port calls. Atlas allows you to search for specific services (e.g., the AE1/Shogun string) to see every vessel currently operating that route. This helps you visualize the entire "conveyor belt" of your goods.

Sailing Schedules: See exactly when a vessel on a specific string is scheduled to depart its current port and arrive at the next destination.
Examples: View SE2, Gemini NE4 or ECC2

Question 9

How do I compare routing options between two locations?

Answer

The Atlas Routing Tool calculates multiple paths between any two points on earth. It factors in current vessel positions and historical transit data to give you the most accurate ETA.

The Advantage: Atlas's mobile-friendly design means you can run these complex simulations from your phone with the same precision as a desktop terminal.

Question 10

How does Atlas choose and summarize global shipping news?

Answer

Atlas collects updates from selected maritime and logistics sources, then groups related coverage into concise global shipping alerts. The news experience focuses on events with potential freight impact, including cargo shipping, ports and terminals, major ocean chokepoints, freight rates and surcharges, and maritime safety.

Edited summaries: Atlas rewrites each topic into a short summary and brief map label, so you can quickly understand why the event matters without reading duplicate coverage.
Source links: Each alert includes links to the original source articles for full context and attribution.
Map context: When relevant, Atlas associates alerts with affected ports, vessels, and approximate maritime locations, then prioritizes them by operational impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Usage