GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 23, 2026

End-to-End Cargo Security Chain of Custody

From the moment a shipment leaves the shipper's warehouse, responsibility changes hands repeatedly – between freight forwarder, carrier, customs, and consignee.

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Last updated: 23 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.inboundlogistics.com/cms/article/chain-of-custody

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Logistics Concept

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Definition & Explanation

From the moment a shipment leaves the shipper's warehouse, responsibility changes hands repeatedly – between freight forwarder, carrier, customs, and consignee. The end-to-end cargo security chain of custody records every one of these handoffs, logging the timestamp, responsible party, location, and condition of the cargo at each transfer point. For dutiable goods, hazardous materials, and high-value shipments, this unbroken audit trail meets regulatory requirements and serves as the primary instrument for assigning liability when damage or loss occurs. Unlike cargo integrity monitoring, which captures physical condition data, the chain of custody focuses on legal accountability at each point of transfer. Digital handover protocols are steadily replacing paper receipts across the industry.

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Calculate customs valueWork out import duties and customs valueOpen Find HS codeDetermine the tariff number for customsOpen Compare IncotermsClarify duties, cost and riskOpen Calculate transit timeEstimate duration per transport modeOpen

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End-to-End Cargo Security Chain of Custody

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