# Parcel

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> A parcel is a self-contained, individually handled shipment unit bearing a unique tracking number, moved through the networks of parcel carriers rather than consolidated freight services.

A parcel is a self-contained, individually handled shipment unit bearing a unique tracking number, moved through the networks of parcel carriers rather than consolidated freight services. The key distinction from palletised or general cargo lies in processing: parcels pass through automated sorting hubs and are tracked piece by piece, while conventional freight is consolidated into larger load units and handled accordingly. Liability regimes also differ – parcel carriers operate under their own general terms and conditions, not the CMR Convention that governs road freight. For e-commerce shippers, the boundary between parcel and freight is commercially significant: below defined weight and size thresholds, parcel rates and standardised transit times apply; above them, the shipment is reclassified as general cargo or express freight.

**Source:** [https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colis_postal](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colis_postal)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Parcel |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 121 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colis_postal |

## Related Pages

* [Addis Ababa Bole International Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/addis-ababa-bole-international-airport-add)
* [Air Columbia Heliport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/air-columbia-heliport-airport-13861)
* [Air Force Captain Jose A Quinones Gonzales International Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/air-force-captain-jose-a-quinones-gonzales-international-airport-cix)
* [Alas Leuser Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/alas-leuser-airport-lsr)
* [Alexander Bay Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/alexander-bay-airport-alj)

---

*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/parcel](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/parcel)*

*Markdown mirror: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/parcel](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/parcel)*

*JSON summary: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/parcel/llm-summary?lang=en](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/parcel/llm-summary?lang=en)*