Consignee
The Consignee is the party to whom a shipment is sent and delivered — the receiver of the goods named on the bill of lading, air waybill or consignment note. Usually the buyer/importer, the consignee is the party entitled to take delivery of the cargo, arrange its customs clearance and pay the freight and charges where these fall to it.
On a “straight” (non-negotiable) bill, the goods are consigned directly to a named consignee. On a “to order” bill, the consignee box reads "to order" and title passes by endorsement, with the actual receiver identified via the notify party — common under letters of credit. Correct consignee details are essential: they determine who can lawfully collect the goods, and errors cause misdelivery, clearance delays and disputes. Consignee and consignor are the two core parties in any carriage.
The consignee is who may lawfully collect the cargo — so naming them correctly, and understanding straight versus "to order" consignment, is central to both delivery and title. Mistakes here cause misdelivery and clearance holdups, and the distinction is at the heart of how letters of credit control the goods until payment.
Who is usually the consignee?
Typically the buyer or importer — the party entitled to take delivery of the goods at destination.
What is a "to order" consignee?
A bill consigned "to order" transfers title by endorsement rather than to a named party; the actual receiver is reached via the notify party.