Consignee

Published July 15, 2020

The consignee is the party named on a shipment as the recipient — the individual or company to whom goods are addressed and delivered. The consignee’s name and address appear on the shipping label, bill of lading, and all customs documentation. For import shipments, the consignee is typically the importer of record responsible for duties and customs compliance.

Consignee vs. Shipper vs. Notify Party

• Shipper (consignor): The party sending the goods.
• Consignee: The party receiving the goods.
• Notify party: A third party (often a customs broker or freight forwarder) notified of the shipment’s arrival but not the ultimate recipient.

Consignee Responsibilities

The consignee is responsible for being available to receive delivery, inspecting goods for damage or shortage and noting exceptions on the delivery receipt, and — for international shipments — ensuring import compliance and paying applicable duties and taxes. Consignees should file damage claims with the carrier promptly; most carriers require claims within 60-180 days of delivery.