Carrier Terms Beginner

Shipper of Record

Also known as: Shipper, Sender, Ship From Party

Definition

The shipper of record is the entity listed on shipping documents as the party sending a shipment. This party is responsible for properly packaging, labeling, and tendering the shipment to the carrier, and their information appears on the shipping label and bill of lading.

Shipper of Record Responsibilities

Pre-Shipment

Properly package goods
Accurately describe contents
Apply correct labels
Complete shipping documents
Declare accurate value

Documentation

Name and address on label
Bill of lading information
Commercial invoice (international)
Hazmat documentation (if applicable)
Customs paperwork

Compliance

Follow carrier rules
Meet packaging requirements
Comply with shipping regulations
Accurate weight and dimensions

Party	Role
Shipper of Record	Named sender on documents
Consignor	Party consigning goods (often same as shipper)
Ship-from location	Physical pickup address
Exporter of Record	Legal export responsibility
Billing party	Pays shipping charges

Note: These can be the same or different entities.

Common Shipper Scenarios

Standard E-Commerce

Shipper: Online Retailer
Ship From: Warehouse
Consignee: Customer
Bill To: Online Retailer

Drop Shipping

Shipper: Supplier (or Retailer)
Ship From: Supplier's warehouse
Consignee: End customer
Bill To: Retailer

3PL Fulfillment

Shipper: Brand/Retailer
Ship From: 3PL warehouse
Consignee: Customer
Bill To: Brand/Retailer

Shipper: Shows retailer name
Ship From: Supplier (hidden)
Consignee: Customer

Shipper Information on Documents

Shipping Label

FROM:
ABC Company
123 Warehouse Drive
Chicago, IL 60601

Bill of Lading

Shipper: ABC Company
Address: 123 Warehouse Drive
City/State/ZIP: Chicago, IL 60601
Contact: John Smith
Phone: (312) 555-1234

Commercial Invoice

Exporter/Shipper:
ABC Company Inc.
123 Warehouse Drive
Chicago, IL 60601 USA
EIN: 12-3456789

Shipper’s Rights and Obligations

Rights

Choose carrier and service
Determine shipment routing
File claims for loss/damage
Redirect shipments (before delivery)
Access tracking information

Obligations

Accurate documentation
Proper packaging
Truthful declarations
Compliance with regulations
Timely claims filing

Shipper Liability

For Packaging

Carrier damage claims may be denied for inadequate packaging
Shipper responsible for appropriate protection
Must meet carrier packaging guidelines

For Documentation

Incorrect information may cause delays
Customs issues from bad paperwork
Penalties for false declarations

For Compliance

Hazmat violations
Export control violations
Prohibited items shipped

Third-Party Billing Considerations

When someone else pays:

Arrangement	Shipper	Bill To
Prepaid	Sender	Sender
Collect	Sender	Receiver
Third-party	Sender	Third party

Shipper of record remains the same regardless of who pays.

Changing Shipper Information

Before Shipping

Update label and documents
Easy to change
No carrier involvement

After Shipping

Generally cannot change shipper
May affect insurance claims
Document amendments may be possible

Best Practices

For Businesses

Consistent shipper information across documents
Valid contact information
Clear return address
Maintain shipper records
Train staff on proper procedures

For Claims

Shipper typically files carrier claims
Keep all documentation
Document condition at shipping
Maintain packaging specifications

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