Consignor

What Is a Consignor?

A consignor is the party that sends goods for shipment, named on shipping documents as the originator of the cargo. In most contexts, "consignor" and "shipper" refer to the same party.

How the Consignor's Role Works

The consignor arranges for goods to be picked up and transported, and is typically responsible for providing accurate documentation, packaging, and labeling. The consignor's details appear alongside the consignee's on the bill of lading and other core shipping documents.

Consignor vs. Consignee

The consignor sends the goods; the consignee receives them. In a standard commercial transaction, the consignor is usually the seller or their agent, and the consignee is the buyer or their agent, though in consignment sale arrangements the consignor may retain ownership of the goods until they're sold by the consignee.

Why the Consignor Matters

The consignor is legally responsible for the accuracy of shipment declarations, including the description of goods and any dangerous goods disclosures, making them a key point of accountability if documentation errors lead to customs issues or safety concerns.