Freight Glossary

ETD (Estimated Time of Departure) – Meaning & Examples

The expected date and time when a vessel or shipment will depart from origin.

Abbreviation
ETD
Full term
Estimated Time of Departure
Related terms
ETD, departure time, sailing date

Estimated Time of Departure (ETD) is the projected date and time when a vessel, aircraft, or shipment is expected to depart from its origin or loading port. ETDs are crucial for cargo booking cut-offs, documentation deadlines, and supply chain coordination. Like ETAs, ETDs may change due to operational factors. Cargo must be delivered before the cargo cut-off time, which is typically 24-48 hours before ETD.

Estimated Time of Departure examples

  • The vessel's ETD from Shanghai is November 1st; cargo cut-off is October 30th.

How ETD is used in freight operations

ETD appears in quotations, bookings, shipping documents, and tracking updates. Confirm how it applies to your shipment with your carrier, forwarder, or customs representative, because practice can differ by country and contract.

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Frequently asked questions

What is ETD?

The expected date and time when a vessel or shipment will depart from origin.

What does ETD stand for?

ETD stands for Estimated Time of Departure.

What is an example of ETD?

The vessel's ETD from Shanghai is November 1st; cargo cut-off is October 30th.