GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 18, 2026
Diversion
When a port becomes congested, a weather event threatens schedule integrity, or a consignee requests a last-minute destination change, carriers execute a diversion – the deliberate rerouting of a shipment to an alternative port, destination, or carrier.
Quick Answer
Last updated: Published:
Source: https://www.freightos.com/glossary/diversion/
Category
Logistics Concept
Reading time
1 min
Words
110
Mentioned in
–
Definition & Explanation
When a port becomes congested, a weather event threatens schedule integrity, or a consignee requests a last-minute destination change, carriers execute a diversion – the deliberate rerouting of a shipment to an alternative port, destination, or carrier. Unlike rerouting, which keeps the original destination but changes the path to reach it, a diversion alters the endpoint itself. In maritime transport, diversions must be recorded in the bill of lading or shipping instructions and typically trigger additional charges for fuel, port fees, and administrative processing. Container shipping lines routinely include a liberty-of-deviation clause in their bill of lading terms, granting them the right to divert without breaching the contract of carriage.
Next steps
Tools that match this term
Related Terms
You might also be interested in these terms
Related News
Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox
Weekly: Top news, industry facts and insights from the world of logistics – free.