Shipper (Consignor)

Who is the Shipper in Trucking?

In the trucking industry, the term shipper or consignor is commonly used to refer to the person or company who is the originator of a shipment of goods. The shipper could be a manufacturer, distributor, fulfillment center, or any entity that wants to send goods from one location to another.

Role of the Shipper

The shipper’s main responsibility is to prepare the goods for transport. This can involve a variety of tasks, including packaging the goods properly to prevent damage during transit, labeling the goods accurately, and creating the necessary documents for the shipment, such as the Bill of Lading (BOL).

Communication with the Carrier

The shipper is typically responsible for arranging transport with a carrier. This involves scheduling pickup and delivery times, discussing rates and terms of the shipment, and communicating any special instructions related to the shipment.

Legal Obligations

Shippers have certain legal obligations they must meet, such as complying with hazardous materials shipping regulations if applicable. They must also ensure they are working with properly licensed and insured carriers.

Impact on the Supply Chain

Shippers play a key role in the supply chain. They are the starting point of the logistics process, and their efficiency and accuracy in preparing and documenting shipments can greatly affect the smooth flow of goods from origin to destination.

Marine Digital on the importance of shippers in the supply chain.
Learn about SCAC Code here.