The shipper is the party sending or releasing the goods for the shipment. The consignee is the party designated to receive them. Their exact legal roles depend on the relevant documents, but operationally the carrier needs clear collection and delivery information.
Why the distinction matters
A buyer may arrange freight from a supplier’s warehouse to a separate distribution centre. The buyer, shipper, consignee and party paying the freight can therefore be different.
| Role or location | What to identify |
|---|---|
| Transport customer | Who requests and accepts the freight service |
| Shipper or collection site | Where goods are released and by whom |
| Consignee or receiving site | Where goods are delivered and who receives them |
| Billing party | The entity invoiced for the transport |
Use physical site details
A company’s registered address may be useful for invoicing but unsuitable for vehicle routing. Give the actual warehouse street, postcode, gate and loading contact.
Likewise, a shop’s trading name may differ from the legal entity on an invoice. Provide both where needed and explain their relationship rather than leaving the carrier to infer it.
Make responsibilities clear
The collection team needs to know when to release the cargo and which documents accompany it. The receiving team needs the shipment reference, unloading arrangement and inspection instructions.
If a party or address changes, notify your Cargo Euro Hub manager before the transport proceeds under different instructions.
For document preparation, see CMR consignment notes, booking information and address changes.