ATD (Actual Time of Departure)

Actual Time of Departure (ATD) refers to the specific date and time when a means of transport such as a ship or aircraft actually leaves the port of loading or place of departure. In foreign trade documents, letters of credit, and transport contracts, ATD often corresponds to ETD (Estimated Time of Departure) and is used to confirm whether the goods have been shipped according to the agreed time. Use cases include: bill of lading issuance, shipping notice, calculation of the latest shipment date under a letter of credit, and commencement of demurrage. Notes: ATD is based on the carrier's records and may differ from ETD due to weather, port congestion, mechanical failure, etc.; if a letter of credit stipulates a 'latest shipment date', it is usually based on ATD (or the on-board date on the bill of lading), not ETD. Difference from ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) and ATA (Actual Time of Arrival): ATD focuses on 'departure', while ETA/ATA focus on 'arrival'. Difference from 'on-board date': ATD emphasizes the departure of the means of transport, while on-board date emphasizes the loading of goods onto the ship, but in practice the bill of lading often uses the on-board date as the ATD. Foreign trade practitioners should pay attention to the deviation between ATD and ETD, promptly notify customers, and adjust subsequent arrangements.