How Do Liner Shipping Schedules Work?

A shipping schedule is made up of a number of factors, and among them is a departure date. Companies must verify the ship's specifics, arrival date, port timings, and cargo cut-off dates before confirming a shipment.

Knowing these specifics enables shippers to plan shipments, comply with documentation requirements, and choose a sailing schedule for their cargo that matches its scheduled transit. 

What does a sailing schedule tell you?

The schedule of a vessel usually includes the vessel name, voyage information, port information, and estimated departure/arrival dates. Booking details might also include documentation and cargo cut-off deadlines.

The important information is as follows:

• Vessel Name: The name of the vessel that is sailing.
• Voyage Number: A reference number to identify a specific voyage of a vessel.
• Port of Loading (POL): The port at which cargo is loaded on the ship.
• Port of Discharge (POD): The port where cargo is planned to be unloaded.
• Estimated Time of Departure (ETD): This is the anticipated departure date and time from the port where goods are being loaded.
• Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA): The date and time that the vessel is expected to arrive at the port of destination.

The dates when specific documents and cargo requirements must be completed before departure.

When combined together, these details help shippers to gain an understanding of planned vessel movement and the timelines they must follow.

How to read a vessel sailing schedule

A sailing schedule combines the vessel information, port information, and key shipment deadlines. Let's take a simple example: 

Here, it is planned to leave Nhava Sheva on 15 November and reach Jebel Ali on 20 November, which will take about five days.

But let's first talk about shipment planning before the ship sets sail. The necessary information needs to be completed by 13 November, and the container by the applicable gate-in date on 13 November.

A shipment can be ready for sailing long before the ship leaves the port but fail to sail due to a misplaced cut-off.

Note: This is a sample only, and actual vessel information, transit times, and cut-off dates are subject to change depending on the service and booking. 

What is the difference between ETD, ETA, and Shipping Cut-off Dates?

ETD, ETA, and shipping cut-off dates are different aspects of the shipping process. Recognizing their disparities aids companies in synchronizing the readiness of their cargo and satisfying service needs.

• ETD (Estimated Time of Departure): The time at which it is estimated the vessel will depart the port of loading. It is an estimate and not a confirmed time of departure.
• ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival): The time when the vessel should arrive at the port of destination. May be subject to change en route.
• Documentation Cut-off: Date when shipping information and documents are due. This can be Shipping Instructions (SI) depending on the service.
• Container Gate-in Cut-off: The time by which the container with the load is to be presented at the terminal or accepted facility.

These deadlines are NOT interchangeable! Late documentation and late entries to container gates can impact the planned sailing of the shipment. The precise timing and application of these vary depending on the shipping service, and therefore, be sure to verify them before sending off goods. 

What's the difference between a Proforma and a Revised Sailing Schedule?

A sailing schedule is a document that provides details on the movement of a sailing vessel, including the dates it is scheduled for departure and arrival. It is a first guide to shipment planning.

A revised sailing schedule conveys changes to the original sailing schedule. This can be a revised departure or arrival schedule, changes to port timing and/or alteration to the vessel's movement.

Businesses should check the latest information about the schedule and not just the original one, as plans may change between the initial one and the time of departure.

A new schedule should also be cross-referenced with the original booking to see if there are any changes to the schedule that could potentially impact cargo movement and delivery planning. 

Why does the schedule for vessels change?

Changes in port and operating conditions can impact a planned sailing. Common reasons include:

• Port Congestion: Heavy vessel traffic may impact berthing and loading/departure times. 
• Weather Conditions: Vessels may be affected by weather, and port operations may be impacted if the weather is bad.
• Delay in Operations: Loading and discharge at the port or other operations could be delayed.
• Blank Sailings: A sailing that is cancelled due to a service adjustment.
• Skipped Port Calls: A ship might not be going to visit a specific port at a specific time in the rotation. 
• Route Changes: Changes to the planned vessel route or port rotation may impact estimated arrival and departure dates.

If there is a change to a schedule, businesses should check the new information and determine if the changes impact their cargo, documentation, or delivery schedules. 

Before deciding to confirm a sailing, what should you check?

Before choosing a sailing, businesses should take five important factors into account:

• 1. Cargo Readiness: Is the cargo ready for dispatch on time?
• 2. Cut-off Deadlines: Are documentation and container gate requirements fulfilled?
• 3. Space Availability: Is enough space available on the vessel for the shipment?
• 4. Transit Time: Does the estimated arrival meet the timeline of the shipment?
• 5. Schedule Changes: Is the sailing information up to date or has a new schedule been announced?

After the booking has been accepted, keep tracking the booking documentation and vessel updates. This enables companies to adjust to schedule changes without impacting subsequent plans. 

FAQs

1. How frequently are vessel sailing schedule changes made? 

Not all services have a regular update schedule. Operational conditions may change, which might result in revised schedules. Please check with the shipping agent for the most up-to-date information.

2. Is ETD the confirmed departure date? 

No. ETD is an estimated departure time, not a guaranteed departure time. May be subject to change depending on port conditions, weather and operational delays.

3. What happens if a container misses the gate-in cut-off? 

It is not guaranteed that the container can be taken aboard for the intended sailing. The next available sailing will be determined according to the service, space and requirements that apply.

4. Is it possible to change the vessel ETA after booking? 

Yes. The estimated arrival time may be impacted by port congestion, weather, operational delays, and/or route changes. When making onwards cargo movement plans, the businesses should consult the latest schedule update.

Plan Your Shipments with Better Schedule Visibility

Knowing the schedules of vessels enables business decisions before the arrival of cargo at the port. Whether it is verifying cut-off dates or tracking updates to ETAs, every aspect contributes to the planning of shipments.

We are here to assist any liner shipping operations at SJ Logistics India Ltd, on behalf of S J Logisol Shipping LLC, Dubai. Contact our staff for details of our vessel services and sailing schedule.

Plan your next shipment with SJ Logistics.