Estimated time of departure, or ETD, is the forecast date and time when a vessel, aircraft or vehicle is expected to leave a specified location. It may change because of operations, congestion, weather or schedule revisions.
Which departure point does ETD describe?
It may refer to a port, airport, terminal, warehouse or pickup point. State the location, time zone and transport leg.
ETD versus actual departure
ETD is a forecast. Actual time of departure records the observed event. A booking confirmation or cargo gate-in does not prove departure.
How is ETD used?
Teams use it to plan production, cargo cut-offs, documentation, inventory and expected arrival. Downstream dates should update when ETD changes materially.
What can delay departure?
Late cargo readiness, missed cut-offs, customs holds, equipment shortages, congestion, weather and carrier schedule changes are common causes.
What should be recorded?
Keep the original and latest ETD, source, update time, reason for change, actual departure and affected orders or customers.
