Container Prefix Guide
MCAU

Container prefix operated by A.P. Møller–Maersk

Copenhagen, Denmark · Founded 1904 · 700+ vessels · 4.6M TEU

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What This Prefix Tells You

Every MCAU container moves under Maersk's global network

The first four characters of any container number identify its owner. MCAU containers belong to A.P. Møller–Maersk (Maersk) — one of the world's most recognised names in global shipping and integrated logistics. These containers operate primarily on Asia–Europe, Transpacific, Transatlantic, Intra-Asia. When you're tracking a MCAU container, you're tracking cargo that moves through Maersk's fleet of 700+ vessels.

Owner

A.P. Møller–Maersk

Headquarters

Copenhagen, Denmark

Fleet Size

700+ vessels

Capacity

4.6M TEU

Founded

1904

Main Routes

Asia–Europe, Transpacific, Transatlantic, Intra-Asia

Alliance

Gemini Cooperation

Website

maersk.com

The Tracking Problem

Maersk's portal tells you what happened. Not what's happening.

Maersk updates their tracking system when milestones are logged — often hours or days after they occur. If your MCAU container is slow-steaming, anchored outside port, or stuck in a customs queue, the portal won't tell you until it's logged.

Maersk Portal

"In Transit" for days
ETA that hasn't changed
Status logged 3+ days ago
No explanation for delays

CargoPilot

Live vessel position via satellite
Real speed and heading now
Port congestion at destination
AI-revised ETA with delay reasoning

Example MCAU Container Numbers

MCAU container numbers follow the ISO 6346 standard: four owner-code letters followed by six digits and a check digit.

Common Questions

About the MCAU prefix

What carrier uses the MCAU container prefix?

The MCAU container prefix is the ISO 6346 owner code for A.P. Møller–Maersk (Maersk), headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. A.P. Møller–Maersk is one of the world's most recognised names in global shipping and integrated logistics. Founded in 1904, operating a fleet of 700+ vessels.

What do MCAU container numbers look like?

MCAU container numbers follow the ISO 6346 standard: four letters (MCAU) followed by six digits and a check digit — for example MCAU1234567 or MCAU9876543. The fourth letter is always U (freight containers), J (detachable equipment), or Z (trailers).

What trade routes do MCAU containers operate on?

MCAU containers are operated by A.P. Møller–Maersk (Maersk) primarily on Asia–Europe, Transpacific, Transatlantic, Intra-Asia. The carrier is part of the Gemini Cooperation.

Track your MCAU containers the right way.

Stop checking Maersk's portal for status codes. CargoPilot watches the actual vessel and tells you what's changed — and what it means.

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