ETD
Estimated Time of Departure
ETD is the date and time when a ship, truck, or plane is expected to leave. It is an estimate, so it can change.
In plain words
For sea freight, the ETD is the day the ship is planned to sail from the port of loading. For air freight, it is the planned flight time. For road freight, it is the day the truck is planned to leave the loading place.
Your cargo must be ready before the ETD. Ports and airlines set a cut-off time: the last moment to deliver the cargo and the documents. If you miss the cut-off, the cargo may wait for the next ship or flight.
The ETD can move because of weather, port delays, or schedule changes by the carrier. After departure, the real date is called the ATD (Actual Time of Departure). The ETD also helps you work out the ETA.
Example from real shipping
A company in Istanbul sends air freight to Frankfurt. The airline gives an ETD of Tuesday at 22:00, and the cargo cut-off is Tuesday at 14:00. The company delivers the boxes and the export documents to the airport warehouse on Tuesday morning, before the cut-off. The cargo leaves on the planned flight.
Related terms
- ETAETA is the date and time when a ship, truck, or plane is expected to arrive. It is an estimate, so it can change.
- B/LA Bill of Lading (B/L) is the main document for sea freight. The carrier issues it when it takes the goods. It shows who can collect the goods at the destination.
- ATDATD is the date and time when a ship, truck, or plane really left. It is a fact, not an estimate.
- Cut-offA cut-off is the last date and time to deliver cargo, documents, or information to the carrier for a planned departure.
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Request a QuoteThis glossary is general information, not legal or customs advice. Rules, fees, and practice can differ by carrier, port, and country.