TRANSPORT MILESTONES
Actual time of arrival (ATA)
Actual time of arrival is the recorded time at which a defined arrival event occurred. The location, event definition, time zone and reporting source determine what that timestamp means.
ACTUAL TIME OF ARRIVAL IN PRACTICE
- Define arrivalSpecify the event and reporting location.
- Record the actualCapture the event time and its source.
- Compare like eventsMeasure variance against the corresponding estimate.
Use the agreed units, actual records and approved procedures for your operation.
A WORKED EXAMPLE
Arrived at 09:20. Available at 13:00.
A warehouse expects a truck at its gate at 09:00 local time and records actual gate arrival at 09:20. The arrival variance is 20 minutes late against that particular estimate. Receiving and putaway finish at 13:00. Calling 13:00 the same arrival timestamp would hide the distinction between transport arrival and inventory availability. Record both if the operation needs both measures.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR QUOTE
Agree the requirement before comparing quotes
Use the actual shipment, stock and service requirements. Record the billing unit, included work and responsibility for exceptions.
A LITTLE MORE CONTEXT
Questions about Actual time of arrival
Does ATA mean the goods can be picked?
No. Unloading, receipt, checks and putaway may still be pending.
Can a shipment have several ATAs?
Yes. Separate legs and locations can each have their own defined arrival event.
Should we compare ATA with the latest ETA only?
Use the estimate version appropriate to the KPI. Continually changing the comparison baseline can conceal forecast or service variance.
Source & example notes
Definition and operational example prepared by 3PL Hub. Examples describe hypothetical requirements; verify the actual records and agreed procedures for your operation.
Quantities, costs and scenarios are illustrative, not operating targets, approved handling instructions or guarantees. Source guidance reviewed 22 October 2026.
Last updated: · 3PL Hub
