Definitions #
The individual or company that hands over cargo to a carrier for shipment and issues the bill of lading.
Technical The party named in the bill of lading as the one from whom the goods are received, responsible for providing accurate export documentation and freight payment unless otherwise agreed.
Example The consignor must ensure the commercial invoice and packing list match the bill of lading before presenting documents to the bank.
Etymology #
From Old French consigner and Latin consignare, meaning to seal or deliver with a mark, especially goods entrusted for shipment.
Collocations #
- consignor's declaration 托运人声明（对货物真实性的书面确认）
- consignor named on B/L 提单上载明的托运人
Real Business Examples #
- The consignor, a Brazilian coffee exporter, signed the negotiable bill of lading before it was handed to the bank under the L/C.
- According to the Incoterms® rule EXW, the consignor is not responsible for loading the goods onto the truck.
Register & Variants #
- Register: formal
- BrE/AmE: 全球通用，英式英语在单据中常用
Synonyms & Antonyms #
- Synonyms: shipper, exporter (in trade context)
- Antonyms: consignee, receiver
Common Errors #
- Using 'sender' in a bill of lading context; a consignor has legal title and liability beyond merely dispatching a package. Use consignor in shipping documents; reserve sender for informal courier exchanges.
- Believing the consignor always pays freight: the contract of carriage may transfer freight responsibility to the consignee. Verify the freight terms (prepaid or collect) on the B/L or in the charter party.
Confusable Terms #
- shipper vs consignor
- Often synonymous but 'shipper' may also refer to the freight forwarder or third-party logistics provider who not necessarily owns the goods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the consignor be the same as the consignee??
Legally possible, but in practice it happens in back-to-back sales where goods are never intended to be legally transferred.
Who issues the bill of lading to the consignor??
The carrier or its agent issues the ocean B/L to the shipper (consignor) after the goods are loaded on board, unless an electronic document is used.
Does the consignor have a duty to verify the carrier's financial stability??
Not typically, but in cases of CIF sales the consignor may be responsible for arranging adequate insurance.