While Chain tracks dozens of events across the container lifecycle, a subset of these events are especially important for day-to-day logistics operations. This page highlights the events that matter most for cargo release planning, pickup coordination, and transit monitoring.
Cargo Release & Pickup Planning
One of the most time-sensitive aspects of ocean freight is coordinating the release and pickup of cargo once it arrives. Containers have limited free time at ports and rail ramps before storage fees begin to accumulate:
Ports typically allow approximately 5 business days of free time after discharge
Rail ramps typically allow approximately 48 hours of free time after arrival
After free time expires, demurrage (at port) and detention (for the container) fees apply. Monitoring the right events helps your team act quickly and avoid unnecessary costs.
Important: Both Freight and Customs Must Be Released
Before cargo can be picked up, two conditions must be met:
Freight release — The carrier confirms that all freight charges have been settled
Customs release — Customs authorities have cleared the cargo for entry
Until both releases are in place, the cargo is not available for pickup — even if the container has been physically discharged.
Events to Watch
At the Destination Port
Event | What It Tells You |
ECDD (Estimated Discharge) | When the container is expected to be unloaded from the vessel. Use this to begin coordinating freight release and customs clearance in advance |
CDD (Discharged) | The container has been unloaded. Free time at the port starts now. Confirm that freight and customs are released, then arrange pickup |
At the Inland Rail Ramp
Event | What It Tells You |
ECAR (Estimated Rail Ramp Arrival) | When the container is expected to arrive at the inland rail ramp. Begin coordinating drayage or pickup logistics |
CAR (Rail Ramp Arrival) | The container has arrived at the rail ramp. Free time (typically 48 hours) starts now |
At the Inland Destination
Event | What It Tells You |
ECAD (Estimated Inland Destination Arrival) | When the container is expected at the inland destination |
CAD (Inland Destination Arrival) | The container has arrived at the inland destination |
Note on CAR vs. CAD: For multi-container BOL shipments, or when carriers report at the BOL level rather than the container level, CAD may represent the overall BOL arrival rather than an individual container's arrival at the rail ramp. If your shipment has multiple containers on one BOL, be aware that these events may not be container-specific.
Departure & Transit Monitoring
Tracking events at the origin port helps your team forecast when cargo will arrive at its destination and plan accordingly.
Events to Watch
Event | What It Tells You |
ECGI (Estimated Gate In at Origin) | When the container is expected to arrive at the origin port. Useful for confirming that cargo is on track to make its intended vessel |
CGI (Gate In at Origin) | The container has arrived at the origin port. It is now in the port's custody awaiting loading |
EVDL (Estimated Vessel Departure) | When the vessel is expected to sail. Use this to set initial expectations for arrival at the destination |
VDL (Vessel Departure) | The vessel has sailed. This is the most important origin-side event — once the vessel departs, destination arrival estimates become significantly more reliable |
EVAD (Estimated Arrival at Destination) | When the vessel is expected to reach the destination port. This estimate becomes more accurate after VDL |
VAD (Arrival at Destination) | The vessel has arrived at the destination port. Discharge and subsequent events will follow |
Customs Events
If your container is selected for customs processing, the following events will appear:
Event | What It Tells You |
CUSS (Customs Selected for Scan) | The container has been flagged for a customs scan. This is typically non-intrusive and may not cause significant delay |
CUSI (Customs Selected for Inspection) | The container has been flagged for physical inspection. This may result in additional delay and potential fees |
CUSR (Customs Released) | Customs has cleared the container. This is one of the two conditions (along with freight release) required before cargo can be picked up |
Putting It All Together
Here is a typical workflow using key events:
VDL fires — vessel has sailed. Note the estimated arrival (EVAD) and begin pre-planning
EVAD updates — monitor for changes to the arrival estimate as the vessel is in transit
VAD fires — vessel has arrived at the destination port. Ensure freight and customs paperwork is in order
CDD fires — container has been discharged. Free time starts. Confirm both freight release and customs release (CUSR)
CGO fires — container has left the port, heading inland
CAR or CAD fires — container has arrived at the rail ramp or inland destination. Arrange final pickup within free time
CDC fires — cargo has been delivered to the consignee. Shipment complete