Definition
The carrier’s estimate of when a vessel, flight, or shipment will arrive at its destination.
ETA is the projected arrival time of the vessel or shipment at the port of discharge or final destination. It guides the consignee’s planning for customs clearance, delivery appointments, and onward distribution.
ETAs shift with weather, congestion, and schedule changes, so they are estimates that forwarders track and update against the ETD. Reliable ETA communication is central to keeping a supply chain synchronized and avoiding idle resources.
Related terms
ETD (Estimated Time of Departure)
The carrier’s estimate of when a vessel, flight, or shipment will depart from its origin.
Transit Time
The elapsed time a shipment takes to travel from origin to destination, often port to port.
Arrival Notice
The carrier’s or forwarder’s notification that a shipment has arrived and is ready for clearance and collection.
Cut-off (Closing Time)
The deadline by which cargo or documents must reach the terminal or carrier to make a given sailing.
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