Notify Party
Also known as: Notification Party, Notify Address, Also Notify
Definition
The notify party is the entity listed on shipping documents—particularly the bill of lading—who should be notified when a shipment arrives at its destination. This party may be different from the consignee and helps ensure smooth cargo clearance and delivery.
Purpose of Notify Party
Why It Exists
- Consignee may not monitor arrivals
- Broker needs arrival notice to clear customs
- Agent coordinates delivery logistics
- Bank may need notification (letter of credit)
- Multiple parties need information
What They Receive
- Vessel/flight arrival notifications
- Cargo availability notices
- Customs clearance status
- Delivery scheduling information
Common Notify Party Scenarios
| Scenario | Consignee | Notify Party |
|---|---|---|
| Direct import | Buyer | Customs broker |
| Letter of credit | Bank | Buyer |
| Freight forwarding | Buyer | Freight forwarder |
| To order B/L | Bank/blank | Actual receiver |
| Third-party logistics | Warehouse | Buyer or broker |
Notify Party on Documents
Bill of Lading Example
Consignee:
ABC Importing Co.
456 Commerce Street
Los Angeles, CA 90001
Notify Party:
XYZ Customs Brokers Inc.
789 Harbor Blvd, Suite 100
Long Beach, CA 90802
Tel: (562) 555-1234
Email: arrivals@xyzbrokers.com
Air Waybill
Consignee: [Receiver details]
Also Notify: [Broker/agent details]
Notify Party vs. Consignee
| Aspect | Consignee | Notify Party |
|---|---|---|
| Receives goods | Yes | No |
| Gets notifications | Maybe | Yes |
| Customs responsibility | Usually | No (unless also broker) |
| On title documents | Yes | Yes |
| Required | Yes | Optional but common |
When Notify Party Is Essential
Letter of Credit Shipments
- Bank may be consignee
- Buyer listed as notify party
- Ensures buyer knows when cargo arrives
- Bank releases documents after payment
Complicated Supply Chains
- Multiple agents involved
- Different clearance and delivery parties
- Coordination required
- Information flow management
“To Order” Bills of Lading
- Consignee field blank or “to order”
- Notify party is actual receiver
- Used for negotiable documents
- Title transfers with endorsed B/L
Including Notify Party Information
Required Details
- Company name
- Full address
- Contact person (recommended)
- Phone number
- Email (increasingly important)
Best Practices
- Verify contact information is current
- Include multiple contact methods
- Confirm party knows to expect notification
- Update for changes in logistics providers
- Include reference numbers if helpful
Notify Party Responsibilities
The Notify Party Should
- Monitor for arrival notices
- Coordinate with consignee
- Initiate customs clearance (if broker)
- Arrange delivery logistics
- Communicate status updates
The Notify Party Does NOT
- Own the cargo
- Have automatic authority to release
- Bear financial responsibility (unless contracted)
- Make decisions without consignee approval
Multiple Notify Parties
When Needed
- Complex logistics chains
- Different parties for clearance and delivery
- Multiple stakeholders need information
How to List
Notify Party 1:
[Customs Broker Details]
Also Notify:
[Buyer/Agent Details]
Communication Flow
Typical Sequence
- Carrier notifies arrival
- Notify party (broker) receives notice
- Broker initiates customs entry
- Broker notifies consignee of status
- Consignee arranges pickup/delivery
- Cargo released and delivered
Modern Communication
- EDI notifications
- Email alerts
- Online tracking portals
- SMS updates
- API integrations
Ready to ship?
Ship internationally with confidence
Try Free