A consignor is the person or business in charge of planning and starting a shipment. They are not always the ones who made the products. These may consist of:
- The manufacturing facility from where the product was made and shipped.
- The person delivering the product.
- Distribution centers shipping the product.
- The agent who assumes responsibility for exporting the freight.
The method of shipment and the number of parties involved in the movement of the goods vary depending on the seller. Information about the buyer is forwarded to the consignor when items are ordered. The consignor selects a carrier after receiving the order, and the carrier moves the goods from the point of origin to the recipient or the destination using its carrier assets. According to the location of the initial cargo, the origin of the consignor may also be a factory, warehouse, port, or even an agent's address.
Regarding a shipping procedure, the consignor's responsibilities entails:
- Getting the products from the factory or warehouse, packaging them, labeling them, issuing handling instructions, and getting the right paperwork (Commercial invoice, bill of lading, packing list, etc.).
- Customs duties (depending on your arrangement with the buyer).
- Insurance fees.
- Freight transportation.
- Dues payment.