Global shipping is a high-stakes operation. Containers in transit aren't just cargo, they're 
production schedules, customer promises, and revenue streams on the move. When 

shipments miss their mark, it can disrupt inventory planning, delay production, and leave 
customers in the dark. 

Expected Time of Arrival is a foundational data point for exporters, importers, and freight 
forwarders. A recent survey shows that decision makers rank supply chain visibility as the 
1st out of 15 global logistics trends. 

In this blog, we’ll break down what ETA means in logistics, what shapes its accuracy, and 
how real-time tracking tools bring precision to an often unpredictable process. 

What is the Expected Time of Arrival? 

Expected Time of Arrival (ETA) refers to the projected time a shipment is expected to 
reach its next destination, such as a port, warehouse, or end customer. ETA is a key data 
point in logistics that helps teams manage flow, reduce delays, and keep operations on 
schedule.

 Role of ETA in Shipping and Freight 

ETA plays a critical role in how shipments move through the supply chain. When accurate 
and available, every part of the process runs more smoothly. 
Here’s how it affects the supply chain: 

Customs Clearance: Customs agents use ETA to time inspections and prepare 
documents, reducing the chances of delays at the port. 

Port and Unloading Operations: Port teams plan equipment, labor, and container 
pickups based on the shipment’s expected arrival. 

Warehouse Management: Accurate ETAs help schedule incoming shipments, 
manage dock space, and organize inventory flow. 

Inventory Planning: Retailers and importers use ETA to forecast product 
availability and keep shelves stocked without over-ordering. 

Last-Mile Coordination: Knowing when a shipment will land upstream helps 
final-mile carriers prep routes and reduce idle time. 

When shipment timing is predictable, teams spend less time reacting and more time 
planning. ETA brings structure to complex freight movement. 

Why does ETA Matter to Global Trade Operators?

ETA helps operators plan, prepare, and execute with fewer surprises. Every role across 
the global supply chain relies on it to manage time, resources, and customer 
expectations. 

1. Exporters and Importers 

Reliable ETAs help ensure shipments flow smoothly from origin to destination, with fewer 
disruptions. 

● Coordinate factory dispatch and container loading to match vessel schedules and 
port cutoffs, avoiding missed sailings. 

●  Time customs paperwork, clearance, and buyer communication around projected 
arrival to reduce handover friction. 

2. Supply Chain and Logistics Managers 

ETA is a key planning input for these teams that keeps freight movement aligned with 
internal operations. 

●  Use the expected time of arrival to schedule warehouse shifts, dock space, and 
unloading windows to match actual delivery flow. 

●  Align last-mile delivery prep and distribution timelines based on upstream 
movement and real-time visibility. 

3. Procurement and Sourcing Teams 

Procurement depends on shipment timing to manage supplier performance and reduce 
cost-related penalties. 

●  Track inbound goods to meet PO deadlines and avoid production delays due to 
late arrivals. 

●  Take early action to prevent detention, demurrage, and additional fees by working 
with up-to-date ETAs. 

4. Freight Forwarders and 3PLs 

Forwarders use the expected time of arrival data to maintain operational control and 
improve the client experience. 

●  Share real-time updates with clients to reduce back-and-forth, while keeping 
communication clear and proactive. 

●  Plan modal transitions and inland transport legs more efficiently, lowering the risk 
of missed connections or idle equipment. 

When ETA data is accurate and accessible, it brings predictability to even the most 
complex freight operations. 

What Affects ETA Accuracy?

ETA depends on many moving parts across the global supply chain. Even a slight delay 
at one stage can throw off downstream planning. 
Here are the most common factors that impact expected time of arrival accuracy: 

●  Port and Customs Delays: Congested ports, slow cargo handling, or extended 
customs checks can push arrivals back by hours or even days. 

●  Carrier Schedule Shifts: Vessel rollovers, skipped ports, or changes in 
transhipment routes often affect when a shipment will arrive. 

●  Weather Disruptions: Storms, fog, or high winds can delay vessels at sea or 
impact loading and unloading at ports and airports. 

●  Manual Errors and Communication Gaps: Missed updates, incorrect booking 
details, or delayed status reports can lead to inaccurate ETA projections. 

●  Incomplete or Siloed Shipment Data: When data is scattered across multiple systems or not updated in real time, teams work with outdated or partial information. 
Accurate expected time of arrival starts with accurate inputs. The fewer blind spots in 
your data, the better your predictions. 

How does Frayto Enhance ETA Accuracy?

Most logistics teams still rely on carrier-provided ETAs, which are often delayed, 
incomplete, or too generic to support real planning. These gaps leave exporters, 
importers, and freight forwarders like you reacting to surprises instead of staying in 
control. 

Frayto changes that with InstaTrac, the world’s most advanced tracking solution, 
designed to give you and your teams complete, actionable visibility over their shipment 
timelines. 

Here’s how InstaTrac makes ETA more accurate and useful: 

●  Track across carriers and forwarders in one place: You can track across 140+ 
carriers and forwarders in one place, without chasing updates across portals. 

●  Refine ETAs with shipment-specific event logging: Add relevant events like 
customs holds, CFS pickups, or port gate-outs to your tracking to bring ETAs 
closer to reality. 

●  Get instant alerts on risks and delays: Receive real-time notifications for vessel 
changes, missed transshipments, or detention thresholds so you can act before 
costs or delays compound. 

●  Shared Visibility for Teams and Partners: Share live expected time of arrival and 
shipment status with internal teams, customers, and vendors. Reduce manual 
updates, calls, and email chains. 

The outcome: 

●  81% reduction in detention and demurrage costs: With real-time alerts and 
accurate tracking, teams act faster and avoid late container pickups or missed port 
cutoffs. 

●  73% time saved in managing shipments: No more chasing forwarders for 
updates or toggling between systems.  

●  97% of users saw improved customer experience: Transparent ETAs lead to 
fewer escalations, surprises, and better communication with buyers and partners. 
Frayto equips your team with reliable, real-time ETA data, enabling better planning, faster 
response, and greater operational control.