Freight Glossary
Consignee – Meaning & Examples
The party to whom goods are shipped and delivered, typically the buyer or importer.
- Related terms
- receiver, importer, recipient
The consignee is the recipient of a shipment - the person or company to whom goods are delivered. In international trade, the consignee is usually the importer or buyer. The consignee's details appear on transport documents and customs paperwork. They are typically responsible for customs clearance at destination and taking delivery of goods. In some cases, the consignee field may show "To Order" allowing transfer of ownership via bill of lading endorsement.
Consignee examples
- A US retailer importing products from Asia is the consignee on the bill of lading.
How Consignee is used in freight operations
Consignee appears in quotations, bookings, shipping documents, and tracking updates. Confirm how it applies to your shipment with your carrier, forwarder, or customs representative, because practice can differ by country and contract.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Consignee?
The party to whom goods are shipped and delivered, typically the buyer or importer.
What is an example of Consignee?
A US retailer importing products from Asia is the consignee on the bill of lading.