29 avril 2026
How to read a sailing window (and plan your gate-in)
A sailing window is not a departure date. Misreading it is the most common cause of missed batches. A practical guide to cut-offs, gate-in and buffer planning.
Window vs. ETD
A sailing window is the period in which the batch’s vessel(s) are scheduled to depart — typically 7–10 days. Your actual vessel and ETD are fixed at qualification. Until then, plan against the start of the window, not the end.
The three deadlines that matter
Documentation cut-off (SI/bill of lading instructions, usually 4–6 days before ETD), VGM cut-off (usually 2–3 days before), and gate-in cut-off (terminal-specific, often 24–48 hours before). Miss any one and your container does not sail, regardless of your booking.
Practical buffer rule
Work backwards from the earliest possible ETD in the window. Have cargo ready for pickup 7 days before it; have documents complete 6 days before. On batch bookings, your desk contact confirms all cut-offs in writing at qualification — put them in your calendar the same day.