If you are involved in international shipping, you must have heard ETA, ETD, ATD, and ATA very often. In this easy-to-follow guide, we’re going to talk you through the basics so you can understand what they really mean and get started shipping across borders with true peace of mind.
We’ll give you simple definitions, clear explanations, and everything you need to make the smart choices that will see your business thrive. Let’s start by asking a question that will naturally come to mind for many of you.
Do you need so much timing for sea freight and air freight?
The short answer is an emphatic yes. For local deliveries, we’re used to just having a delivery date, and that is enough, but international freight movement and transcontinental shipping are completely different. There is a level of organization involved that puts local deliveries in the shade. But don’t worry; if you find this daunting, all you have to do is connect with our experts.
There are four key times that are involved in shipping internationally: we’re coming to the specifics of each one shortly. Each one is a vitally important parameter that gets to work behind the scenes.
What is the ETD in shipping?
ETD (Estimated Time of Departure) is a measure of when the shipment should leave the origin site. This key time is an estimate of when the shipping process will begin and helps any freight forwarder calculate the ETA in freight. ETD is determined by the shipping company. Some shipping companies publish sailing schedules on their official websites, and you can also ask your freight forwarder for the latest ETD.
Many take the ETD to be the definite time at which something will leave, but this is not the case. It is, however, used as a best estimate during the initial planning process. This allows everyone in the chain to allocate resources accordingly.
Once you have the ETD, you can prepare the shipping based on a wide variety of different parameters, including:
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The size of the shipment and how long it will take to load onto the method of transport.
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The expected availability of the preferred method of transport and how long it will take to prepare.
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The nature of the shipment and whether any special measures need to be put into place.
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How busy is the port or airport, and when will the time for a take-off slot be?
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The availability of all the auxiliaries, like crew, packaging, and specialist lifting gear.
Don’t worry if you are not familiar with these. Putting these factors together and preparing to ship your cargo is one of the chief jobs of a skilled freight forwarder. Getting it right is one of the most important steps when making sure everything runs like clockwork.
What is the ETA in shipping?
ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) is when the shipping company thinks the shipment will arrive at its final destination. It’s the matching partner of the ETD in shipping, helping businesses plan for deliveries
In our role as an international freight forwarder, we know that the ETA needs to be competitive. But there are so many influencing factors in international shipping that make it hard to estimate an accurate ETA. When considering ETA into your shipment, you can:
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Be aware of any potential bottlenecks that are highlighted during the calculation process. For example, allocate additional time for unforeseen events like port strikes and cargo inspections.
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Create a map that takes the shipment from one step to the next in the most efficient way.
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Ask for upfront and transparent communication with your freight forwarder.
Foresmart is always here to provide any help for your smooth shipping.
What is the ATD in shipping?
ATD (Actual Time of Departure) is the time at which your shipment actually leaves the origin location. You can think of it as the starting point for the journey and the moment at which the timer ticks. ATD shows whether a shipment or vehicle left on time or was delayed.
In the shipping world, there will be times for any forwarding company where delays happen that are out of their control. A common example of this would be a major global storm, which is classified as an act of God.
There are a few things you will want to be aware of when considering the ATD:
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It is not an estimate — the ATD is simply a recorded time that is noted down.
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You can find the ATD in your shipment’s online tracker with a quick click.
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The ATD is sometimes different from ETD because of various factors, such as weather, port congestion, equipment failures, and shipping company scheduling. These possibilities cause unexpected delays.
Even if the ATD may be later than you would have hoped, we can help you save time later in the journey. The Foresmart team will continually assess the status of your shipment and look to make up time wherever we can. For example, something as simple as making sure lifting equipment is ready for the updated journey itinerary can shave off several hours or even days.
What is ATA in shipping?
ATA (Actual Time of Arrival) is when your goods get to where they need to be. Anyone looking into ETA, ETD, ATD, and ATA in shipping should know how simple the ATA is: note down when the goods arrive. ATA helps track delays and update receivers about arrival times.
Conclusion
ETA, ETD, ATD, and ATA in shipping are important shipping terms. Each has its own meaning to the shipment. They will appear on the quotation we send you, the tracker we give you access to, and the various shipping documents.
Please ask our experts if you would like more information regarding any of the timings we have discussed. We fully appreciate that some of you may just want a done-for-you service, so that’s exactly what we offer. Get in touch today, and we can guide you through everything you need to know without delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you find the ETA, ETD, ATD, and ATA?
Finding out what ETA, ETD, ATD, and ATA are in shipping is simple with a freight forwarder on your side. You can contact us for help at any time, and we will guide you through the details. You will find the ETA and ETD on the quote we will provide you with. If you choose to use our services, the ATD and ATA are on the online tracker. That way, you can see everything you need at a quick glance.
What’s the difference between ETA and ATA in shipping?
It’s a matter of estimated vs. actual time of arrival. The former is when we think it will get there, the latter is when it actually does. The ETA is useful because it gives you a guide about the level of service you can expect. The ATA is a measure of the service and is on the online shipment tracker. These two timings are crucial terms a freight forwarder uses to make sure your shipment runs smoothly.
