GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026
return
A return is the shipment of goods back from the consignee to the original sender, triggered by defects, incorrect delivery, transit damage, or customer dissatisfaction.
Quick Answer
Last updated: Published:
Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C3%BCcksendung
Category
Find a matching partner on this lane
Reading time
1 min
Words
104
Mentioned in
–
Definition & Explanation
A return is the shipment of goods back from the consignee to the original sender, triggered by defects, incorrect delivery, transit damage, or customer dissatisfaction. The term covers the entire individual event – goods receipt, condition inspection, return documentation, and the commercial handling of credits or replacements – not just the physical movement. It should not be confused with reverse logistics, which refers to the broader system managing all backward flows in a supply chain; a return is a single instance within that system. For freight forwarders and 3PL providers, returns constitute a distinct cost centre that tends to be underpriced in service agreements.
Next steps
Matching tools and partners
Related Terms
You might also be interested in these terms
Connect
Find a matching partner on this lane
Verified forwarders, ranked by coverage and profile — premium capped at 10%.
Related News
Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox
Free · No password · Never a paywall. Weekly top news and facts from logistics.