What is an Arrival Notice?
The essential document in maritime shipping that connects a global journey to its final destination. This guide breaks it down.
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Why the Arrival Notice is Critical
This document is more than a simple notification; it's the trigger for the final, crucial stages of the import process. Its timely receipt and correct handling are vital for efficiency and cost control.
Timely Customs Clearance
Provides essential details (B/L, container numbers) needed to prepare and submit import declarations, enabling pre-clearance and reducing port dwell time.
Prevents Costly Fees
Clearly states the "free time" for collecting cargo (demurrage) and returning containers (detention), helping avoid punitive daily charges.
Facilitates Cargo Pickup
Contains pickup locations and details required to obtain the Delivery Order (DO), which authorizes the terminal to release the cargo.
Improves Supply Chain Planning
Offers confirmed arrival data critical for just-in-time inventory, production scheduling, and onward distribution logistics.
Fulfills Legal Obligations
Represents the carrier's fulfillment of their duty to inform and places a clear responsibility on the consignee to take action.
Anatomy of an Arrival Notice
An arrival notice contains many key pieces of information. Click on the highlighted sections of the document below to learn what each part means.
ARRIVAL NOTICE
B/L Number
ABC123456789
Vessel / Voyage
MV Ocean Voyager / V.045E
Shipper / Consignee / Notify Party
Click to see party details
Port of Loading / Discharge
Shanghai / Long Beach
ETA / ATA
19-JUN-2025 / 19-JUN-2025
Cargo & Container Details
1x40' HC | Cont#: ZYXU9876543
Charges Due at Destination
Click to see charge details
Demurrage / Detention Free Time
5 Days from ATA
Details
Click on an item to the left to learn more about it.
The Arrival Notice Process Flow
From vessel departure to cargo release, the arrival notice plays a key role at a specific point in the import journey. Follow the steps below.
1. Vessel Departure & Transit
The carrier's systems begin tracking the vessel, and the Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) is established and updated.
2. Pre-Arrival Notification (Optional)
Some carriers send an early, informal notice to help the consignee prepare for the upcoming arrival.
3. Vessel Arrival & Formal Notice Issuance
Once the vessel arrives (Actual Time of Arrival - ATA), the carrier's local agent generates and sends the official Arrival Notice to the 'Notify Party'.
4. Receipt & Action
The consignee or their customs broker receives the notice and uses its details to initiate customs clearance and arrange payment of charges.
5. Cargo Release
After customs are cleared and all fees are paid, the carrier issues a Delivery Order (DO), authorizing the trucking company to pick up the cargo.
The Key Players
Several parties are involved in the arrival notice process. Understanding their roles is key to a smooth operation.
The Carrier
The shipping line responsible for transport and the primary issuer of the arrival notice via their local agent.
The Freight Forwarder
Often acts as an intermediary, issuing their own "House" arrival notice to their client (the importer).
The Notify Party
The entity designated on the B/L to receive the notice. This is often the consignee or their customs broker.
The Consignee
The ultimate recipient of the goods, legally responsible for clearing customs and taking possession of the cargo.
The Customs Broker
An agent who uses the arrival notice to manage customs clearance procedures on behalf of the importer.
Challenges & Best Practices
Navigating the process smoothly involves anticipating common issues and adopting proactive strategies.
Common Challenges
- Incorrect "Notify Party" info on the B/L.
- Notices being caught in email spam filters.
- Late issuance by the carrier, reducing free time.
- Discrepancies in charge amounts or details.
- Misunderstanding of free time rules.
Best Practices
- Ensure B/L details are always accurate.
- Proactively track shipments online.
- Maintain close communication with your forwarder/broker.
- Act immediately upon receiving the notice.
- Utilize carrier's online portals to manage documents.