GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026

Partial shipment

Freight forwarders and shippers turn to partial shipment when an ordered quantity is dispatched in several time-staggered consignments rather than as a single delivery.

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Last updated: 22 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://wirtschaftslexikon.gabler.de/definition/abschnittsversand-51540

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Passar Hub: Everything on the new Swiss customs system

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Definition & Explanation

Freight forwarders and shippers turn to partial shipment when an ordered quantity is dispatched in several time-staggered consignments rather than as a single delivery. Typical drivers include production capacity constraints, variable manufacturing schedules, or the consignee's need to limit storage costs at destination. Each consignment travels under its own transport document; in cross-border trade, a separate customs declaration is required for every partial dispatch. In documentary credit transactions caution is essential: many letters of credit prohibit partial shipments unless an explicit permission clause is included. The defining distinction from an unplanned delayed delivery is that the split in total quantity is intentional and agreed upon from the outset.

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⚡ Current 2026

Passar Hub: Everything on the new Swiss customs system

Passar replaces E-dec and NCTS. Passar 1.0 (export) is live, Passar 2.0 (import) starts from Q2 2026. Roadmap, ePortal registration, deadlines and FAQ — all on one page.

Passar 1.0Passar 2.0 → Q2 2026Passar 3.0 → Q2 2027

Passar Hub →Declar Info

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Partial shipment

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Related Terms

partial embargo

Consolidated Cargo Logistics

Partial load in sea transport (LCL)

Road Consolidated Shipment

Shortage

Cost-Efficient Freight Consolidation

Passar Hub: Everything on the new Swiss customs system

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