Freight Glossary
ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) – Meaning & Examples
The expected date and time when a vessel or shipment will arrive at destination.
- Abbreviation
- ETA
- Full term
- Estimated Time of Arrival
- Related terms
- ETA, arrival time, expected arrival
Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) is the projected date and time when a vessel, aircraft, or shipment is expected to arrive at its destination. ETAs are provided by carriers and may change due to weather, port congestion, or operational factors. For planning purposes, shippers and consignees use ETAs to coordinate customs clearance, trucking, and warehouse operations. Accurate ETAs are crucial for supply chain planning.
Estimated Time of Arrival examples
- The vessel's ETA at Rotterdam is November 15th at 0600 hours.
How ETA is used in freight operations
ETA 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 ETA?
The expected date and time when a vessel or shipment will arrive at destination.
What does ETA stand for?
ETA stands for Estimated Time of Arrival.
What is an example of ETA?
The vessel's ETA at Rotterdam is November 15th at 0600 hours.