To streamline the shipping process, you need to work with and understand logistics events, which are time indicators that save resources. ETA, ETD, ATD, and ATA are terms commonly used in freight transportation and refer to the estimated time of arrival, the estimated time of departure, the actual time of departure, and the actual time of arrival, respectively. Shipping companies, freight forwarders, and another parties involved in the shipping process is use these terms to determine the timing and progress of shipments.
ETA Importance in Shipping
ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) is an important term in the shipping process industry. In shipping refers to the date and time when a shipment is scheduled to arrive at the destination port or terminal. Typically, shippers or carriers provide this important information based on a variety of factors, including the vessel’s estimated speed, current location, and other variables such as port congestion, weather, and customs clearance.
Example
If a ship leaves the port of Shanghai on May 1 and has an estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the destination port of May 15, the cargo is expected to arrive in Los Angeles around May 15.
Impact
ETA plays a key role in logistics and planning for senders and receivers. It allows them to forecast the arrival of their cargo and coordinate with other parties involved in the transportation process, such as an customs brokers and carriers. Delays or changes in ETA dates can have a significant impact on delivery schedules, resulting in additional costs and complications.
Importance of Predictive ETA
In addition to traditional ETA, recent technological advances have introduced predictive ETA, which uses an real-time data and predictive analytics to more accurately estimate the arrival time of your cargo. Predictive ETA uses more data and takes into account factors that affect the on-time delivery of your shipment, such as weather conditions, traffic congestion, and port and terminal delays, among others.
Example
If the same ship that left Shanghai on May 1 gets caught in an storm or the port becomes too congested, the cargo will arrive in an Los Angeles on May 20 instead of an May 15. Based on this, the predictive ETA is data is an updated. The ship’s expected arrival date changes.
Impact
With the predicted arrival time data, both senders and receivers can plan their shipments more accurately. You can use this data to avoid delays and predict/optimize your shipping process. ETA and Predictive ETA complement is each other when an planning logistics processes. The first is traditional and based on actual facts. The latter is necessary for situational and accurate planning based on the analysis of an changes that have occurred. Both metrics help to optimize logistics operations and minimize additional costs due to delivery delays.
Meaning of ETD in Shipping
ETD full form (Estimated Time of Departure) is the date and time when a vessel is scheduled to depart port. ETD in shipping is based on the vessel’s scheduled time of departure and may depend on factors like weather conditions, vessel availability, port congestion etc.
Example
If a ship leaves Shanghai on May 1, it will receive an ETD indicator of May 1.
Impact
ETD is important in shipping and logistics because it allows shippers and receivers to plan deliveries and collaborate with other parties involved in transportation. Any delay or change in the ETD date can affect delivery times and incur additional costs.
What does ATD mean in shipping?
ATD (Actual Beginning Time) is the actual date and time that a ship leaves port. ATD is based on the actual departure time and may depend on many factors, such as an weather conditions, vessel availability, and port congestion.
Example
A ship was not scheduled to leave the port of Shanghai on May 1, but due to bad weather, it was delayed and would not leave until May 2. So, the ATD event will take place on May 2.
Impact
ATD is important for senders and receivers as it provides a more accurate guarantee of the delivery time of goods. Any delay or change in ATD may affect delivery times and incur additional costs.
What does ATA mean in transportation?
ATA (Actual Arriving Time) is the actual time and date that a cargo arrives at its destination port or terminal. ATA in a shipment is based on actual arrival time and may depend on factors such as the vessel’s current location, estimated speed, weather, port congestion, customs clearance, and other variables.
Example
If a shipment was scheduled to arrive in Los Angeles on May 15, but due to port congestion, it doesn’t arrive until May 20, the ATA for that shipment will be May 20.
Impact
ATA events are important for shippers and receivers because they provide a more accurate timeline for receiving goods. A delay or change in ATA can affect delivery times and incur additional costs.
Also, from now on, you won’t have to search all the shipping company websites to get data about your shipment because you can receive it in one place. The tracking system tool provides real-time tracking of all logistics events and containers. It is your chance to track the transport data of more than 160 shipping companies in one place.
Simply enter the tracking number and select the search button to easily track your shipment. The system quickly displays all transport-related information and the location of your shipment on a world map in real time.
How Does Knowing ETA, ETD, ATD, and ATA Improve Your Shipping Process?
Now that we have clarified what we mean by logistics events, it is worth looking into how logistics events actually facilitate the transportation process. Depending on your role at the logistics campaign, cargo tracking data can be useful for:
Suppliers
Knowing logistics events such as ETA, ETD, ATD, and ATA helps you plan your deliveries more efficiently. Knowing when a vessel is ready to ship or waiting at the destination port allows you to avoid additional storage and delivery fees, optimizing your operations and costs. An example from SeaRates’ shipping logistics tool shows how useful it is to receive real-time data on the location and status of your shipment.
Freight Forwarders
When shipping goods, these four events are important to determine the best shipping route and minimize delays. If you know exactly when your shipment will arrive, you can plan how to deal with it. This way, the route from supplier to buyer becomes more cost-effective and efficient.
Consignee
Knowing the exact date and time when the ship will arrive with your goods makes it easier to track and receive your cargo. This helps you optimize your delivery planning by letting you know how long it will take to prepare your equipment to receive your cargo. This allows you to anticipate delays and avoid unnecessary charges. Advanced shipment tracking is also available. Visualizing shipping data and logistics events in a tracking system streamlines and optimizes cargo transportation.
Port Operator
For the convenience of all participants in a logistics campaign, port operators use ETA, ETD, ATD and ATA events to optimize and control transportation operations. These indicators form the basis for a fast turnover of cargo in the port and minimize delays in vessel arrivals and departures.
Customs Broker
ETA, ETD, ATD and ATA are used to streamline all logistics operations. Including the timing of customs procedures. Considering logistics events allows for timely and accurate customs clearance. Knowing these indicators allows you to determine if the ship is ready for customs clearance or when you need to wait. This allows customs officials to prepare the necessary documents and clear the customs in a timely manner.
Final Thoughts
These terms are very important in logistics as they allow effective communication, planning and coordination between all parties involved in the shipping process. Accurate and timely information on ETA, ETD, ATD and ATA helps parties optimize their operations, minimize disruptions and improve efficiency throughout the supply chain. Also, when you book an upcoming shipment with SeaRates, you get free tracking support.
