Actual Time of Departure
Logistics Term
What’s Actual Time of Departure?
The actual time of Departure (ATD) is the exact time that a particular mode of transportation leaves from the point of origin. The emphasis on the actual time of departure is the accuracy of it. It's only identified once the shipment is set in motion. It is, therefore, more reliable than the estimated time of departure (ETD), which refers to the time a client expects their shipment to leave the point of origin, which can be the warehouse or storage facility. The difference between the actual and estimated depart times provides information on delivery delays. ATD can also describe the exact time when an airplane takes off.
How Does ATD Influence Actual Time of Arrival?
The actual time of departure and the estimated time should ideally align, but delays result in a difference between the two. Provision of the ATD is therefore essential in shipping as it may result in various changes in transportation. An Actual time of departure example occurs when the expected shipment is expected to leave the warehouse at 12:30 p.m. but ends up leaving at 12:40 p.m. Actual time of departure directly influences the actual arrival time. The latter refers to the exact time when the shipment is received at the point of destination. For example, delays result in delayed arrival.
