Who owns VECU containers
In the Navo24 Carrier Directory, VECU belongs to COSCO, whose SCAC is COSU. The line's profile, fleet and schedules are on its carrier page.
The same prefix also appears on COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers. Lines of one group often move boxes between their brands, so a VECU container can sail under any of them; the bill of lading names the line that carries it.
A prefix tells you who owns the box, not always who books it. COSCO also runs leased containers under lessor prefixes, and other lines can carry VECU boxes on slot or swap deals.
How to read a VECU container number
Every container number has eleven characters under ISO 6346. The first three letters (VEC) are the owner code registered with the BIC in Paris. The fourth letter is the equipment category: U, freight containers: the dry, reefer, open top, flat rack and tank boxes that travel on ships, trains and trucks.
Then come six serial digits and one check digit. In VECU1234568, a format example, 123456 is the serial and 8 is the check digit. It is calculated from the first ten characters, so a single mistyped letter or digit almost always shows up as a wrong check digit.
How to track a VECU container
Enter the full number in the box on this page: VECU is already filled in, add the seven digits. Navo24 detects COSCO from the prefix, reads the line's own events (gate in, loaded, departed, transshipped, discharged) and adds the vessel's live AIS position and an ETA.
If the box is not found, it may not be on an active booking yet, or the digits may be wrong. Try the bill of lading or the booking number instead: they start with the line's code, often COSU.
Questions about VECU
Who owns VECU containers?
COSCO, with COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers using the same prefix.
How do I track a VECU container?
Type the seven digits after VECU into the tracking box on this page. No sign-up is needed for a single lookup.
What does the U in VECU mean?
It is the ISO 6346 equipment category: freight container.
Is VECU the SCAC of COSCO?
No. VECU is a container owner prefix. COSCO's SCAC, used on bills of lading and in customs filings, is COSU.
Why does my VECU number show a wrong check digit?
One character is probably mistyped: O and 0, I and 1, or two swapped digits. Check the number printed on the container door or on the bill of lading.