GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 16, 2026
Arrival
In freight logistics, arrival appears at two distinct moments: as the planned time (ETA – Estimated Time of Arrival) and as the confirmed event (ATA – Actual Time of Arrival).
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Definition & Explanation
In freight logistics, arrival appears at two distinct moments: as the planned time (ETA – Estimated Time of Arrival) and as the confirmed event (ATA – Actual Time of Arrival). It marks the point at which a vessel, aircraft, truck, or train – or the shipment itself – reaches its designated destination. Once the ATA is recorded, it triggers downstream processes: customs filing, consignee notification, and unloading coordination. The gap between ETA and ATA is a key performance indicator in transport operations and the starting point for delay claims. Note that the arrival of the conveyance and the arrival of the cargo are not always identical – customs holds or transshipment can separate the two by hours or days.
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