GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026
Consignee
Freight forwarders, carriers, and customs authorities all look to the same party when processing a shipment: the consignee – the person or company named in transport documents such as a bill of lading, air waybill, or consignment note, to whom the goods are physically delivered.
Quick Answer
Last updated: Published:
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consignee
Category
Find a matching partner on this lane
Reading time
1 min
Words
142
Mentioned in
–
Definition & Explanation
Freight forwarders, carriers, and customs authorities all look to the same party when processing a shipment: the consignee – the person or company named in transport documents such as a bill of lading, air waybill, or consignment note, to whom the goods are physically delivered. The consignee is responsible for accepting and inspecting the delivery and, depending on the contractual arrangement, for customs clearance at destination. The consignee need not be the buyer: importers, customs brokers, or third-party logistics providers are frequently appointed to take delivery on the buyer's behalf. In sea freight, a key distinction exists between the named consignee on a straight bill of lading and the holder of a negotiable order bill of lading, which can be transferred by endorsement. An incomplete or ambiguous consignee entry remains one of the most common triggers for customs holds and delivery delays.
Next steps
Matching tools and partners
Related Terms
Connect
Find a matching partner on this lane
Verified forwarders, ranked by coverage and profile — premium capped at 10%.
Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox
Free · No password · Never a paywall. Weekly top news and facts from logistics.