# Container tracking
URL: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/14700000000034-container-tracking
Canonical: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/14700000000034-container-tracking
Markdown: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/14700000000034-container-tracking.md
Updated: 2026-07-13

> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.starshipit.com/llms.txt).

> Track stock in physical containers, scan container barcodes, and move containers through receiving, storage, picking and replenishment.

Container tracking lets you record stock in a physical container and follow that container as it moves through your warehouse. Use it when stock is handled in cartons, pallets, cages, bins or another identifiable unit.

## How containers work

A container has its own reference, barcode, current location and contents. The contents are the inventory records associated with that container.

Containers can be used while receiving stock, moving stock between locations, picking and replenishing. WMS keeps the container reference with the related stock movements so you can see how the stock travelled through the warehouse.

## Create and identify a container

1. Go to **Containers** from the WMS navigation.
2. Select **Create container**.
3. Enter a unique reference and, if required, a barcode.
4. Select the current warehouse location.
5. Save the container.

Use a reference that matches the identifier printed or attached to the physical container. This makes it easier for warehouse staff to confirm they are working with the right unit.

## Add stock and move a container

During receiving, WMS can associate received stock with a container. The stock remains visible by product and location, while the container view shows the same stock grouped by its physical unit.

To move a container, open it from the **Containers** dashboard, choose **Move**, then select the destination location. WMS records the movement against the inventory in the container and updates its current location.

Do not use a container move when only part of the container contents are moving. Move the relevant stock through the normal stock movement workflow instead, so the container contents remain accurate.

## Find a container on the warehouse floor

You can find a container in three ways:

* Scan its barcode.
* Search its reference in **Unified search**.
* Open the **Containers** dashboard and filter by reference or location.

The container detail view shows the current location and inventory associated with the container. Use stock movement history when you need to investigate where it has been or why its contents changed.

## Archive a container

Archive a container when it is no longer used. Before archiving, make sure it does not contain stock that still needs to be tracked in that physical unit.

Archiving removes the container from normal active use without removing its history from stock movement records.

## Related guides

* [Unified search](/articles/14700000000022-unified-search)
* [Receiving stock](/articles/14700000000008-receiving-stock)
* [Replenishment](/articles/14700000000016-replenishment)