The shipping process can be intricate with many procedures and paperwork. You have to choose the right people who will provide you with services to suit all your shipping needs for the proper arrival of your shipment. By understanding the relationship between the consignor and consignee, you’ll be in a better position to manage your merchandise and business operations.
You can visit SeaRates.com to connect with a global network of members in the shipping community who can assist you with your shipments.
The main duties of a consignor:
The consignor is the exporter of the shipment in a contract of carriage. They may also be known as the sender or shipper. The ownership of goods lies with the consignor until the deal is finalized with the consignee and the shipment has been received by the consignee at the destination port.
Here are the primary responsibilities of a consignor:
- Documents: The consignor is responsible for all the paperwork associated with the shipment and the customs clearance procedure. We at SeaRates can guide you through each stage of the documentation process. You can contact our customer support to speak with a manager about the details.
- Shipment weight: The consignor has to ensure that the loads do not exceed the dimension limit or vehicle mass. Our SeaRates’ Load Calculator can help you optimise the space for your cargo to ensure that the goods are packed efficiently in the container.
- Packing: It is up to the consignor to handle the packing of the cargo for transport or delivery. The consignor must make sure that the shipment is packed and prepared in accordance to the rules and regulations. For the purpose of storing and packing the shipment, SeaRates provides a variety of warehousing services across different cities in the world.
- Providing information: The consignor must mention all the details including shipping date, destination address, place of origin, and freight dimensions on the Bill of Lading. The document can also be used to track the cargo in real-time. Our Container Tracking tool can help you track your freight shipments.
- Freight quotes: As the owner of the goods, the consignor must request freight quotes and select the right freight forwarder to meet their shipping needs. Our SeaRates’ Online Freight Marketplace can provide the best rates from global freight forwarders.
The main duties of a consignee:
In a contract of carriage, the consignee is the individual or company who receives the shipment at the destination port. The consignee might be the same as the receiver in some cases but not in every situation. It is mandatory to list the name and contact information of the consignee on the Bill of Lading.
Here are the primary responsibilities of a consignee:
- Delivery: The consignee has to ensure that the goods are delivered to the destination port in the agreed upon date and time.
- Collection: It is mandatory for the consignee to be present at the destination port to collect the shipment, unless stated otherwise in the Bill of Lading. Some shipping companies will require the consignee to present verification documents such as a passport, ID, or driver’s license.
- Inspection: It is the consignee’s responsibility to check the cargo and inspect if there’s been any damage or loss of goods. We at SeaRates provide inspection services to ensure that the shipment is in the best condition.
- Filing claims: In the event that the shipment has incurred a loss or damage, the consignee will have to file a claim with the shipping carrier. You can get in touch with our support team to find out about the different insurance options to ensure protection for your cargo before shipping.
- Finance: The consignee is responsible for all the finances when it comes to the receipt of a shipment. Since the consignee is not the shipper of the cargo and its inventory, the details will not be added to the consignee’s balance sheet. Instead, a commission is listed on the record on any sales that are made to third parties.
International shipping can be a complicated and tedious process. Several milestones have to be achieved during the process of getting cargo from the consignor to the consignee. The process involves the flow of documents and goods from the original place to the destination.
