What does DAT stand for?
DAT stands for “Delivered at Terminal,” which is an international trade term used in sales contracts to specify the seller’s responsibility for delivering goods to a named terminal or transport hub agreed upon by both parties. Under DAT terms, the seller is responsible for arranging and paying for the transportation of goods to the agreed-upon terminal, including all costs and risks associated with the delivery process.
The key feature of DAT terms is that the seller’s responsibility ends when the goods are delivered to the specified terminal and made available for the buyer to unload. Once the goods are delivered at the terminal, the buyer assumes responsibility for the subsequent unloading, import clearance, and any additional costs or risks associated with the onward delivery to the final destination.
The terminal referred to in DAT terms may be a port, airport, railway station, container yard, or another designated point where the seller’s obligations are fulfilled. The seller is responsible for ensuring that the goods are properly packaged, labeled, and prepared for transport to the terminal in accordance with the terms of the sales contract.
DAT terms are often used in international trade transactions where goods are transported by various modes of transport, including sea, air, road, or rail. By specifying delivery at a named terminal, DAT terms provide clarity and certainty regarding the seller’s obligations and the point at which their responsibility ends, facilitating smooth and efficient trade transactions.
Sample Sentences:
- The exporter arranged for DAT delivery to the port terminal, ensuring that the goods would be transported to the designated terminal and made available for unloading by the buyer.
- Meaning: The seller organized delivered at terminal (DAT) delivery to the port terminal, guaranteeing that the merchandise would be conveyed to the specified terminal and made ready for unloading by the buyer.
- Under DAT terms, the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the agreed-upon terminal, where the buyer assumes ownership and liability for the consignment upon its arrival.
- Meaning: In accordance with delivered at terminal (DAT) terms, the seller bears the obligation of transporting the commodities to the predetermined terminal, where the purchaser takes possession and accountability for the shipment upon its arrival.
- The buyer requested DAT shipping to the airport terminal, allowing them to manage the import clearance process and arrange for onward transport to their distribution center.
- Meaning: The purchaser sought delivered at terminal (DAT) shipping to the airport terminal, enabling them to oversee the import clearance procedure and coordinate the subsequent transport to their distribution facility.
- The DAT price quoted by the seller includes transportation costs to the named terminal of delivery, simplifying the buyer’s procurement process and budgeting.
- Meaning: The seller’s offered price under delivered at terminal (DAT) terms encompasses transportation expenses to the specified delivery point, streamlining the buyer’s purchasing procedure and financial planning.
- Goods delivered under DAT terms must be properly documented and prepared for unloading by the buyer, who assumes responsibility for the importation process and onward transport.
- Meaning: Merchandise delivered under delivered at terminal (DAT) terms must be accurately documented and readied for unloading by the purchaser, who takes on accountability for the import process and subsequent transport.
Other Meanings of DAT
Below is a table outlining seven additional meanings of the acronym “DAT” along with their descriptions:
| Acronym | Full Form | Description |
|---|---|---|
| DAT | Direct Access Testing | A healthcare service or testing method that allows patients to directly access laboratory tests or diagnostic services without a physician’s order, often provided through specialized testing centers. |
| DAT | Disk Array Technology | A data storage technology that uses multiple hard disk drives arranged in a specific configuration to provide increased storage capacity, performance, reliability, and fault tolerance. |
| DAT | Digital Audio Tape | A magnetic tape format used for recording and playback of digital audio data, commonly used in professional audio recording, mastering, and archival applications in the music industry. |
| DAT | Debt Advisory Team | A specialized financial advisory team or department within an organization or financial institution that provides advice and guidance on debt management, restructuring, and financial planning. |
| DAT | Dental Admission Test | A standardized test administered by the American Dental Association (ADA) for prospective dental students applying to dental schools in the United States, assessing academic and scientific aptitude. |
| DAT | Diallyl Terephthalate | A polymer resin derived from the monomer diallyl terephthalate, commonly used in the manufacture of electrical insulation materials, laminates, coatings, adhesives, and engineering plastics. |
| DAT | Digital Autopilot Technology | An advanced avionics system used in aircraft to automate flight control functions, including navigation, altitude, speed, and heading, enhancing flight safety, efficiency, and precision. |
These alternative interpretations of DAT demonstrate its usage in various contexts, including healthcare, technology, audio recording, finance, education, chemistry, and aviation. While “Delivered at Terminal” remains the primary meaning, these variations highlight the diverse applications of the acronym in different fields and industries.
