Understanding sea freight schedules hinges on grasping four key elements: vessel name/voyage number, ports, and time points. ETD/ETA/ATD/ATA are crucial codes for determining transit time and tracking shipments.
Below, Weefreight will provide a detailed explanation to assist you.
I. Core Elements of a Sea Freight Schedule (For Beginners: Focus on these 4)
- Vessel Name/Voyage Number
Vessel Name: The name of the transport vessel (e.g., “MAERSK EMDEN”);
Voyage Number: The number assigned to the vessel’s current voyage (e.g., “V.123E,” where E represents eastbound and W represents westbound), which is the unique identifier for tracking the schedule.
- Port Information
Port of Loading (POL): The port where the goods are loaded onto the ship (e.g., Shanghai Port, Shenzhen Yantian Port);
Port of Discharge (POD): The port where the goods are unloaded from the ship (e.g., Port of Los Angeles, Port of Hamburg);
Transit Port (Via): If it’s a transshipment vessel, the transit port will be indicated (e.g., “Via Singapore”). This is not applicable to direct vessels.
- Time Points (ETD/ETA, etc.)
These are the core times in the schedule, determining the transit time of the goods, and are a key focus for reading the schedule.
- Route and Closing Time
Route: Such as “West Coast of America route, European base route,” which determines the direction and transit time of transportation;
Closing Time: The latest time by which customs clearance for the goods must be completed. Goods cannot be loaded onto the ship if customs clearance is completed after the closing time. II. Four Core Time Codes (Must Remember, for Accurate Timeliness Assessment)
- ETD (Estimated Time of Departure)
Chinese: Estimated Departure Time
Meaning: The time the shipping company plans for the vessel to depart from the port of origin. This is the scheduled departure time on the shipping schedule and may be slightly adjusted due to weather or port congestion.
Function: Determines when the goods begin sea transportation and is the starting point for calculating transit time.
- ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival)
Chinese: Estimated Time of Arrival
Meaning: The time the shipping company plans for the vessel to arrive at the destination port. This is the scheduled arrival time on the shipping schedule and is affected by sailing speed and transshipment.
Function: Estimates the arrival time of the goods at the port, allowing for advance arrangements for customs clearance and cargo pickup, avoiding port delays.
- ATD (Actual Time of Departure)
Chinese: Actual Departure Time
Meaning: The actual time the vessel departs from the port of origin. This is updated by the shipping company after departure and is the true departure time.
Function: Compares with ETD to determine if there is a delay and accurately calculates the actual transit time.
- ATA (Actual Time of Arrival)
Chinese: Actual Time of Arrival
Meaning: The actual time the vessel arrives at the destination port. This is updated after arrival and is the true arrival time.
Function: Confirms the arrival of the goods, immediately initiating customs clearance and cargo pickup procedures to avoid demurrage charges.
Summary:
ETD/ETA are planned times, ATD/ATA are actual times. The difference between the planned and actual times is the duration of the shipping delay. III. Practical Guide to Reading Shipping Schedules (3 Steps to Understand)
- Step 1: Identify the Vessel Name, Voyage Number, and Ports
First, confirm the vessel name, voyage number, port of origin, and destination port to ensure it’s the route and vessel you need.
- Step 2: Check ETD/ETA and Calculate the Estimated Transit Time
Calculate the planned transit time using “ETA – ETD.” For example, if ETD is October 1st and ETA is October 15th, the planned transit time is 14 days.
- Step 3: Consider the Cut-off Time and Plan Your Shipment Schedule
The cut-off time is usually 2-3 days before the ETD. You need to complete packing and customs clearance before the cut-off time to ensure the goods are loaded onto the ship on time.
IV. Common Misconceptions and How to Avoid Them
Misconception: Only looking at ETA and ignoring ETD → Correct: You need to look at both ETD and ETA to confirm the departure time and avoid delays due to missed cut-off times;
Misconception: Mistaking ETD as the shipment time → Correct: ETD is the departure time; shipment requires completing packing and customs clearance in advance;
Misconception: Assuming transit vessels and direct vessels have the same transit time → Correct: Transit vessels require additional transit time, and the ETA will be 7-14 days later than direct vessels.
(Note: The above information regarding transit time or costs is for reference only. Please refer to the actual situation at the time of shipment for specific details. Thank you!)
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