Deadlines printed on the confirmation
Most of an export's timing comes from this page. The documentation cut-off is the deadline for shipping instructions, the VGM cut-off for the verified weight, and the port or cargo cut-off for the loaded container to reach the terminal. Reefer and dangerous goods bookings often carry earlier deadlines. Some terminals also set the first day they will accept the export box.
Confirmed space can still be rolled
A confirmation reserves space, but it does not guarantee loading. Carriers roll cargo when a vessel is overbooked, a schedule changes or a cut-off is missed, and some confirmations note that equipment is subject to availability. Carriers usually reissue the confirmation when the vessel, voyage, cut-offs or equipment change, so the newest version is the one to follow. Compare each new version line by line.
Errors to catch against the sales order
Check the confirmation against the purchase order and sales terms as soon as it arrives. The ports, place of receipt and final destination should match what the buyer expects, and the equipment type should suit the cargo. A commodity description that differs from the real cargo, especially for dangerous goods, can stop the box at the gate. Fixing it now is far cheaper than amending the B/L later.
Example
An exporter's confirmation shows two 40-foot high cubes on voyage 214E, an empty pickup depot, an earliest receiving date at the terminal and separate cut-offs for shipping instructions and VGM.
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Questions
What does Booking Confirmation mean?
A booking confirmation is a carrier's or NVOCC's written acceptance of a cargo booking. It sets out the booking number, vessel and voyage, ports, equipment type and count, and the cut-offs for documents, VGM and delivering cargo to the terminal.
What is the difference between a booking confirmation and a booking number?
The booking number is the reference. The confirmation is the document that carries it, along with the sailing, equipment and deadlines the carrier has accepted.
What happens if I miss a cut-off on the confirmation?
The cargo may be rolled to a later sailing. Some carriers accept late documents or late gate-ins for a fee or by arrangement, so contact the carrier before the deadline passes.