What Is Consignee in Trucking?
Also called: Consignor, Receiver, Ship-To Party, Consignee Name
A consignee is the party that receives a freight shipment, and it is named on the bill of lading. The shipper, also called the consignor, is the party that sends it. The consignee is usually the buyer, but not always. For a driver, the consignee is the place where the load is delivered, signed for and unloaded.
Last reviewed September 23, 2026 · Facts checked October 21, 2026
Key Points
- The FHWA freight glossary says the consignee is the receiver of a freight shipment, usually the buyer. The consignor is the sender, usually the seller
- A bill of lading must show the names of the consignor and the consignee (49 CFR 373.101(a))
- The shipper is the party that tenders goods for transportation, according to the FHWA freight glossary
- The consignee is the receiver. It is not always the buyer, and it is not always the party who pays the freight bill. The paperwork shows who pays
- On an import, the customs rule says the importer may be the consignee or the importer of record (19 CFR 101.1)
- Detention is when a consignor or consignee holds a trailer past the free time, for reasons the carrier did not cause (49 CFR 376.2)
- On a claim for a lost package or shipment, the carrier may ask the consignee for a signed statement that the freight did not come from another source (49 CFR 370.7(c))
What does consignee mean in shipping?
The consignee is the party that receives the freight. The FHWA freight glossary defines it as the receiver of a freight shipment, usually the buyer. The consignee is named on the bill of lading, the paper that goes with the load. A driver delivers to the consignee's address, gets the freight unloaded, and collects a signed proof of delivery.
Is the consignee the same as the shipper or the buyer?
Not always. The shipper, or consignor, is the party that sends the freight. The consignee is the party that gets it. The federal bill of lading rule asks for both names (49 CFR 373.101(a)). It does not say they must be different people. A company that moves its own goods from one site to another can be both. The consignee is also usually the buyer, but the FHWA glossary says usually, not always. Check the paperwork for who pays the freight bill.
Is the consignee the same as the importer?
Not always. For goods that come in from another country, the customs rule says the importer may be the consignee, or the importer of record, or another party (19 CFR 101.1). The importer is the person who owes the duties. So the name that receives the truck at the dock may not be the name that owes the duties.
Why does the consignee matter to a truck driver?
The consignee sets when and where you can unload. It controls the dock, the appointment and the unloading time. If the consignee holds your trailer past the free time for a reason you did not cause, that is detention under the federal lease rule (49 CFR 376.2). Wait times at the dock also feed dwell time, and a lumper fee may be charged at the consignee's dock.
What happens if freight is lost or damaged at the consignee?
The consignee should write any damage or shortage on the delivery receipt. That note alone is not a claim (49 CFR 370.3(c)). A claim must be a written request for a set or knowable amount of money, sent to the carrier (49 CFR 370.3(b)). For a lost package or shipment, the carrier may ask the consignee for a signed statement that the freight did not come from another source (49 CFR 370.7(c)). See the Carmack Amendment page for the claim steps.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a consignee in shipping?+
The consignee is the party that receives a freight shipment. The FHWA freight glossary defines it as the receiver, usually the buyer. It is named on the bill of lading.
Who is the consignee on a bill of lading?+
The party the freight is going to. A bill of lading must show the names of the consignor and the consignee (49 CFR 373.101(a)).
Is the consignee the receiver or the sender?+
The receiver. The sender is the consignor, also called the shipper.
Can the shipper and the consignee be the same?+
The bill of lading rule asks for both names and does not say they must differ (49 CFR 373.101(a)). A company that moves its own goods between two of its sites can be both.
Is the consignee the same as the importer?+
Not always. The customs rule says the importer may be the consignee, the importer of record, or another party named in the rule (19 CFR 101.1).
Does the consignee pay for shipping?+
Not by default. The consignee is the receiver. Who pays depends on the deal between the parties and is shown in the paperwork, such as the rate confirmation and the bill of lading.
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This is industry terminology and typical practice. It is not legal or tax advice. Rates, fees, and rules mentioned are general ranges. Confirm the details on your rate confirmation, carrier agreement, or a current official source.