Freight Glossary
Shipper – Meaning & Examples
The party that sends or originates a shipment, typically the seller or exporter.
- Related terms
- sender, exporter, consignor
The shipper is the party that initiates a shipment by handing cargo over to a carrier or freight forwarder for transportation. In international trade, the shipper is usually the exporter or seller of goods. The shipper's name appears on transport documents like bills of lading and air waybills. Responsibilities typically include proper packaging, accurate documentation, and payment of freight charges (depending on Incoterms).
Shipper examples
- A Chinese manufacturer shipping goods to a buyer in Germany is the shipper.
How Shipper is used in freight operations
Shipper 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 Shipper?
The party that sends or originates a shipment, typically the seller or exporter.
What is an example of Shipper?
A Chinese manufacturer shipping goods to a buyer in Germany is the shipper.