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How to Search Buyers Using B/L Data

Learn how to search for potential buyers using B/L trade data and identify importers of your product

TradeIt allows exporters to discover potential buyers by analyzing real B/L (Bill of Lading) shipment records.

Using the B/L Data Search feature, you can identify companies that are already importing products similar to yours.

This helps export teams focus on verified buyers instead of guessing potential customers.

 

Step 1 — Open the B/L Tracking Page

After logging in, click B/L Tracking from the top navigation menu.

This page allows you to search global shipment records using multiple filters and search types.

 
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Step 2 — Set Search Filters

Before running a search, you can refine your query using several filters.

These filters help narrow down the shipment data to more relevant results.

Import / Export Country Filter

You can filter shipments based on importing or exporting countries.

For example:

  • View shipments imported into the United States
  • View shipments exported from India
  • Analyze trade activity between specific countries

This allows exporters to focus on specific markets.

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Period Filter

You can also set a time range for the shipment data.

Filtering by period helps you identify recent buyers or long-term purchasing trends.

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Step 3 — Choose a Search Type

TradeIt allows you to search shipment records using different categories.

Available search options include:

  • Product & Item — search by product keyword
  • HS Code — search using international product classification codes
  • Importer — search a specific importing company
  • Exporter — search shipments from a specific exporter

Most exporters start by searching Product & Item to identify companies importing similar products.

 
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Example

If you export steel products, you might search for:

  • steel coil
  • steel plate
  • cold rolled steel

This will return shipment records for companies importing similar products.

 

Step 4 — Run the Search

After entering your search keyword and filters, click Search.

TradeIt will analyze global shipment records and return matching results.

The results will show:

  • importing companies
  • exporting companies
  • shipment dates
  • product descriptions
  • shipment quantities and value
 
 

Step 5 — Review Search Results

The search results display individual shipment records.

Each row represents a shipment transaction between an exporter and an importer.

From these records, you can identify:

  • companies importing the product
  • shipment frequency
  • trade partners
  • shipment value and volume

This information helps exporters identify potential buyers based on real trade activity.

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Best Practices for B/L Search

To improve your buyer discovery results, consider the following tips.

  1. Start with product keywords
  • This is the most common way to identify potential buyers.
  1. Use country filters
  • Focus on specific target markets.
  1. Adjust the period filter
  • Shorter periods reveal active buyers.
  1. Try multiple keyword variations

Different markets may use different product descriptions.

 
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Best Practice

Start with a broad product keyword, then refine your search using country filters and time periods to identify the most relevant buyers.