Where We Get Data
Splice Exports combines data from multiple sources to provide a single, reliable view of your export bookings. Each data element displayed in the portal may come from a different system, such as a carrier, terminal, booking document, your team, or Splice’s own projections.
This article breaks down the specific source for each field to help users understand where data originates and why some values are more dynamic than others.
Customer-Provided Information
Some core details are provided by you, the customer. These values serve as the foundation for Splice to monitor bookings, match schedules, and collect data from other sources.
| Field | Source |
|---|---|
| Booking Number | Provided by customer via upload, API, or booking document |
| Carrier | Same as above |
| Vessel | Same as above |
| Departing Port | Same as above |
| Rail Terminal | Same as above (when applicable) |
This information is usually extracted from booking confirmations or submitted through one of the following methods:
- API integration
- Regular data feeds (e.g., spreadsheet uploads)
- Document parsing (typically via email)
Once submitted, Splice Exports uses this data to:
- Match schedules with carrier data
- Identify the correct terminal or rail ramp
- Track changes in vessel or port timelines
- Normalize naming variations through the data cleansing process (See the[ Data Cleansing article] for more.)
Accurate customer input helps ensure timely and relevant updates across the rest of the booking.
Vessel and Port Movement Data
| Field | Source |
|---|---|
| Estimated Arrival | Ocean carrier or terminal |
| Actual Arrival | Ocean carrier or terminal, most often the ocean carrier |
Estimated and actual arrival dates are updated continuously.
Marine Terminal Receiving Windows
| Field | Source |
|---|---|
| Early Return Date (ERD) | Marine terminal |
| Carrier ERD | Ocean carrier, typically from booking confirmation |
| Last Return Date (LRD) | Ocean carrier or terminal, but Splice prioritizes carrier |
| Documentation Cutoff | Booking confirmation or ocean carrier |
| VGM Cutoff | Booking confirmation or ocean carrier |
Splice treats terminal-provided ERDs as authoritative. Carriers often provide estimates, and Splice shows both when available, clearly noting the source.
Rail Movement and Ramp Data
| Field | Source |
|---|---|
| Rail Terminal | Booking confirmation |
| Rail Early Return Date | Booking confirmation or rail (Canada only); Splice projection (U.S.) |
| Rail Cutoff Date | Same as rail early return date |
| Rail Estimated Departure | Splice projection based on train schedules |
| Rail Estimated Arrival | Splice projection based on train schedules |
| Rail Actual Arrival | Ocean carrier, as available |
U.S. rail data is often unavailable in real-time. Splice fills this gap using schedule-based projections and historical trends. Canadian ramps may provide ERD and cutoff data, which Splice incorporates when available.
Why Sources Vary
Export bookings involve multiple parties — ocean carriers, terminals, railroads, and your internal systems. Not all use the same timelines or data standards.
Examples:
- A carrier may update a cutoff, while the terminal has not yet posted the change.
- Terminals issue ERDs based on their specific capacity and vessel schedules.
- Rail ramps often lack standardized feeds, especially in the U.S.
Splice tracks across all sources and highlights the most reliable one for each data point.
Summary
Splice Exports aggregates data from the most authoritative and timely sources available:
- Customers: Booking number, carrier, vessel, voyage, equipment details
- Carriers: Schedule updates, confirmations, cutoffs
- Terminals: ERDs and receiving windows
- Rail Providers: Direct input (Canada)
- Splice Projections: U.S. rail estimates based on schedules and trends
Understanding where each piece of data comes from helps you troubleshoot delays, answer customer questions, and manage bookings with confidence.
Need help validating a field? Visit the History Page for a timeline of updates and their sources—or contact us at support@splice-it.com.