Shipment

Quick Answer

Last updated: 22 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipment

Category

Logistics Concept

Reading time

1 min

Words

113

Mentioned in

–

Definition & Explanation

A shipment is the operative unit of freight transport: goods moved from one consignor to one consignee under a single transport contract and covered by a single transport document—whether that means one carton or a full truckload. In forwarding practice, a unique reference such as an Air Waybill (AWB) or bill of lading identifies the entire shipment; all accompanying paperwork, customs entries, and freight invoices refer to this same entity. Customs authorities assess duties, declared value, and origin at shipment level. A shipment differs from an order, which may be fulfilled across multiple shipments, and from a consignment—a term used interchangeably in many markets but carrying subtly different legal weight in certain jurisdictions.

Related Terms

You might also be interested in these terms

A freight forwarder opens a new shipment record in the system, enters weight, dimensions, sender and recipient details along with …

Learn more

For freight forwarders and logistics providers, goods shipment encompasses the complete logistics chain from order to delivery: pa…

Learn more

A shipment leaves the warehouse intact but arrives crushed or broken – that is precisely the scenario proper shipment packaging is…

Learn more

When a carrier invoice arrives, electronic shipment reconciliation kicks in: the system automatically matches billed charges again…

Learn more

The shipment has left the warehouse, documents are on the desk – and only now does a discrepancy in weight or goods description su…

Learn more

A mis-shipment occurs when cargo is routed to the wrong destination or loaded with goods that do not match the original shipping i…

Learn more

Related News

Industry News

Heathrow Expansion Aims to Alleviate Air Freight Bottleneck

The United Kingdom is advancing the expansion of Heathrow. A third runway and new cargo facilities are set to create additional space for air freight and increase connectivity.

Jun 19, 202613501 min

Customs Processes

US Customs Countdown: 10 Percent Surcharge Expires on July 24

The flat US import duty of 10 percent is only scheduled to remain in effect until July 24, 2026. What follows remains uncertain for importers and exporters.

Jun 14, 202621531 min

Customs Processes

US Tariffs Remain in Legal Chaos: Section 122 Heads Towards July Deadline

The USA is using Section 122 as a substitute for overturned tariff rules. However, these tariffs are only temporary and remain legally controversial.

Jun 9, 202628121 min

Industry News

China Capacity Crisis: Shipping Lines Continue to Raise Prices

Shipping space is becoming scarce from China. Shipping companies are increasingly relying on spot rates, FAK, and premium services. New GRI and PSS surcharges will come into effect in mid-June.

Jun 8, 202631511 min

Operational Alerts

Rotes Meer bleibt Risikozone: Reedereien fahren weiter ums Kap

Viele Reedereien meiden die Suez Route weiter und fahren über das Kap der Guten Hoffnung. Das verlängert Asien Europa Transporte deutlich.

May 31, 202627671 min

Operational Alerts

Iran Establishes New Hormuz Authority: Transit Fees Pressure Shipping Industry

Iran is restructuring transits through the Strait of Hormuz. Fees, sanction risks, and blocked vessels are burdening shipping companies, tankers, and supply chains.

May 25, 202675881 min

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Weekly: Top news, industry facts and insights from the world of logistics – free.

Next steps

Related Terms

shipment registration process

Goods shipment

shipment packaging

Electronic Shipment Reconciliation

Post-Shipment Control

mis-shipment

Related News

Heathrow Expansion Aims to Alleviate Air Freight Bottleneck

US Customs Countdown: 10 Percent Surcharge Expires on July 24

US Tariffs Remain in Legal Chaos: Section 122 Heads Towards July Deadline

China Capacity Crisis: Shipping Lines Continue to Raise Prices

Rotes Meer bleibt Risikozone: Reedereien fahren weiter ums Kap

Iran Establishes New Hormuz Authority: Transit Fees Pressure Shipping Industry

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Community Questions & Answers