An arrival notice is a document or electronic message sent by a carrier, freight forwarder, or NVOCC to notify the consignee, broker, or notify party that cargo is arriving at destination. It usually includes shipment details such as vessel or flight information, container number, arrival date, freight charges, destination terminal, release instructions, and required documents. Arrival notices help importers arrange customs clearance, payment, pickup, delivery, and storage planning before cargo becomes available.
An Arrival Notice is issued by an ocean carrier to inform the consignee or notify party that a shipment has arrived at the destination port and is ready for customs clearance and pickup.
What It Contains
- Vessel name and voyage number
- Bill of lading number and container number
- Port of discharge and estimated availability date
- Last free day before demurrage begins
- Release and document instructions
Missing or delayed arrival notices are a leading cause of demurrage charges. Act on the notice immediately to begin customs clearance.
For related logistics context, see glossary entries on Bill of Lading (BOL), Demurrage, Last Free Day, and Customs Clearance.
