Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about ShipLocate.
General Questions
What is ShipLocate?
ShipLocate is a real-time shipment tracking platform that provides unified visibility for shippers across all carriers - including outside carriers - without requiring any integrations. It consists of a web portal for shippers/dispatchers and a mobile app for drivers.
Who can use ShipLocate?
Shippers and their dispatchers who move freight with outside carriers. Drivers use the free ShipLocate Driver app.
What platforms does ShipLocate support?
- Web portal (any modern browser)
- iOS app (App Store)
- Android app (Google Play)
How much does ShipLocate cost?
ShipLocate automatically determines your plan based on monthly load volume:
- Tier 1: Free (0-5 loads/month, no credit card required)
- Tier 2: $49.95/month (6-25 loads)
- Tier 3: $89.95/month (26-75 loads)
- Tier 4: $149.95/month (76-150 loads)
- Tier 5: $249.95/month (151-300 loads)
- Tier 6: $399.95/month (301-600 loads)
- Tier 7: $599.95/month (601-1,000 loads)
- Tier 8: $849.95/month (1,001-1,500 loads)
- Tier 9: $999.95/month flat rate (1,500+ loads, unlimited)
Do I need to integrate with my TMS?
No. ShipLocate works standalone. No TMS, API, or hardware needed.
Does ShipLocate monitor reefer temperature?
No. ShipLocate tracks location, stops and ETAs from the driver's phone. It does not read reefer temperature or any sensor - use your carrier's reefer records for that.
Why not just ask drivers to share their location on WhatsApp?
A shared location is one dot for one person, it expires after a set time, and it lives in someone's chat. ShipLocate ties the location to the load: every load on one map, an ETA for each stop, arrivals and departures recorded, a history your team and your customer can see - and tracking stops when the driver closes the trip.
How is ShipLocate different from MacroPoint or FourKites?
We can only speak for ShipLocate: a published monthly price by load volume, free up to 5 loads a month; no hardware and no carrier integration - the driver installs the free ShipLocate Driver app and signs in with a code from SMS; built for shippers who move freight with outside carriers.
Privacy & Security
Is my data secure?
- HTTPS encryption on all connections
- We never sell your data
When is location data collected?
Only when the driver is online or has an active load. Drivers can stop sharing anytime by going offline.
Do you sell my data?
No. Never.
Can drivers turn off tracking?
Yes - drivers can go offline anytime. While a load is active, tracking must stay on for the shipper to maintain visibility.
For Shippers
How do I create a load?
Click ADD LOAD, fill in the stops and details, and click Save.
How do I assign a driver?
Open the load, go to the Tracking tab, enter the driver's phone number and click Send SMS. The driver gets a text with a link to the app.
Can I track loads from outside carriers?
Yes - any driver's phone number from any carrier. The driver installs the free ShipLocate Driver app, signs in with a code from SMS, and tracking starts when they accept the load.
Can I add multiple team members?
Yes. Go to Settings → Users to invite team members. Available roles: Admin (full access) and User (standard access).
For Drivers
How do I download the driver app?
Search 'ShipLocate' on the App Store or Google Play, or visit shiplocate.com/support/drivers for step-by-step instructions.
What permissions does the app need?
- Location (While Using App) - for real-time GPS
- Background Location (Always) - so tracking continues when the app is in the background
- Notifications - to receive load assignments
- Battery Unrestricted (Android only) - to prevent the system from stopping the app mid-trip
Does the app drain my battery?
No significantly. GPS tracking adds approximately 5-10% extra battery drain per day.
What happens if I close the app?
Android: DO NOT force-close the app while a load is active - tracking will stop. If your phone restarts, reopen ShipLocate immediately.
How do I mark a stop as completed?
Go to the Active Loads screen → tap the stop → tap Mark as Completed.
Technical Support
How accurate is GPS tracking?
5-30 meters depending on signal conditions and device hardware.
What happens during poor connectivity?
The app caches location data locally and syncs automatically when reconnected. Shippers will see the last known location until signal is restored.
How often does location update?
Location updates every 5-20 minutes depending on movement and connectivity. This provides reliable visibility while optimizing battery usage.
What browsers are supported?
Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and Opera. We recommend using the latest version of your browser.
How do I contact support?
Email us at support@shiplocate.com
What are your support hours?
Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 6 PM EST. We reply within one business day.
Still have questions?
Our support team is available Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 6 PM EST