# Tracking and Tracing

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> Freight forwarders and logistics operators rely on both functions daily: tracking monitors a shipment prospectively, showing where cargo is right now, while tracing enables retrospective reconstruction of the route already taken – every waypoint, hub, and border crossing.

Freight forwarders and logistics operators rely on both functions daily: tracking monitors a shipment prospectively, showing where cargo is right now, while tracing enables retrospective reconstruction of the route already taken – every waypoint, hub, and border crossing. Together, tracking and tracing form a continuous visibility layer across the supply chain. In customs operations the combination is especially valuable: proving origin, verifying container seal integrity, and producing auditable documentation all depend on having both real-time status and the full transport history readily accessible.

**Source:** [https://www.gs1.org/standards/gs1-system/track-trace](https://www.gs1.org/standards/gs1-system/track-trace)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Tracking and Tracing |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 83 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://www.gs1.org/standards/gs1-system/track-trace |

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