A consignor is the party that tenders goods to a carrier for transport to the named consignee. The consignor is commonly the seller, exporter or shipper, but those roles are not always held by the same legal entity.
What information does the consignor provide?
- Legal name, address and contact details
- Goods description, quantity and packaging
- Weight, dimensions and handling instructions
- Export and dangerous-goods information
- Consignee, route and delivery instructions
Consignor vs. shipper
The terms are often used interchangeably in transport documents. In a particular contract or jurisdiction, shipper may identify the party contracting with the carrier while consignor identifies the party sending the goods. The governing document controls.
How does the role affect documentation?
The consignor's information should align across the transport document, commercial invoice, packing list and export filing. Freight forwarders may prepare documents, but the underlying party remains responsible for accurate shipment information as required.
What should be verified?
Confirm authority to ship, export eligibility, pickup location, goods details and the relationship to the seller. Do not assume the warehouse physically releasing cargo is the contractual seller.
