Actual Time of Departure

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What Does Actual Time of Departure Mean?

In the context of auto transport, the Actual Time of Departure (ATD) refers to the precise time when a vehicle carrier departs from the origin point with your vehicle onboard. This timestamp is crucial for tracking purposes and provides a baseline for estimating the delivery time.

Unlike the Estimated Time of Departure (ETD), which is a projected timeframe, the ATD is the confirmed departure time, offering more accuracy in tracking your vehicle’s journey.

 

Why Is ATD Important for Vehicle Shipping?

Understanding the ATD is essential for several reasons:

Accurate Tracking: Knowing the exact departure time allows for more precise tracking of your vehicle during transit.

Scheduling Deliveries: It helps in coordinating the delivery schedule, especially if you’re planning to receive the vehicle personally.

Managing Expectations: Provides clarity on transit times, helping you manage expectations regarding delivery.

For a seamless shipping experience, it’s advisable to stay informed about both the ETD and ATD.

Your Guide to Common Auto Transport Terminology


Auto Racking System Auto Freight Accessorial Charge Actual Time of Departure Air Freight Axle Load Backhaul Binding Estimate Blind Shipping Bobtail Break Bulk Cargo Car Load Capacity Chain and Strap Tie-Downs Coast-to-Coast Car Shipping Carrier Availability Cargo Insurance Chargeable Weight Chassis Usage Fee Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Container Chassis Deadhead Miles Deck Height Clearance Delivery Estimate Drive-On/Drive-Off Service Drop Deck Trailer Door-to-Port Shipping Day Cab Delivery Window Dispatch Sheet Door-to-Ramp Double Trailers Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) Freight Forwarder for Cars Freight Classification Full Truckload Ground Transport Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) Hauling Permit Hazardous Materials Inspection Certificate Intermodal Load Configuration Lower Deck Transport LTL (Less Than Load) Auto Transport Less Than Container Load (LCL) Lift On Lift Off (LOLO) Master Bill of Lading MC Authority Motor Carrier Non-Binding Estimate Open Deck Hauler Overland Transport Partial Load Proof of Delivery (POD) Ramp Loading Regional Auto Hauling Ramp-to-Ramp Route Optimization Seasonal Demand Surcharge Short-Haul Transport Soft Tie-Downs Stacked Hauling Secure Vehicle Storage Shipper's Liability Shipping Manifest Tilt-Bed Hauler Top Deck Loading TWIC Card Unloading Zone Vehicle Condition Report Wheel Straps Winch Loading Weight Restrictions