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Freight Forwarding & Incoterms: Key Terms Explained in Detail

Discover the essential freight forwarding terms and Incoterms that define responsibilities, risks, and cost-sharing in global trade. This glossary provides clear, practical explanations to help you navigate documentation and operational decisions with confidence.

Intermediate Consignee

Last updated: January 6, 2026
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An intermediate consignee is a person or company that temporarily receives goods on behalf of the final consignee, typically during transshipment or multi-leg transportation processes. The intermediate consignee acts as a transit point, receiving the goods from one carrier or port and then arranging for them to be forwarded to the final destination. This role is common in global supply chains where cargo is transferred between different carriers, modes of transport, or locations before reaching its end point.

The intermediate consignee does not take ownership of the goods but is responsible for handling, storing, or temporarily clearing the goods through customs. Their main job is to ensure that the goods are properly handled and efficiently moved between transport stages. In some cases, they may also assist with documentation, customs clearance, or warehousing until the goods are ready for onward shipment.

This arrangement is especially useful in complex logistics operations where goods need to be transshipped at a central hub or undergo multiple stops along the way. It helps optimize the supply chain, reduces transit times, and ensures that shipments are coordinated smoothly across various legs of the journey.

Overall, the role of an intermediate consignee is critical in facilitating the smooth flow of goods in global trade. It ensures that goods are properly managed and transitioned between transport modes and locations, improving efficiency and reducing delays in multi-modal transport operations.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Intermediate Consignee

Clear answers to the most common questions people have when learning about Intermediate Consignee.

They receive goods temporarily on behalf of the final consignee, manage the goods in transit, and ensure smooth transfer between different transport modes or ports.

They are used in transshipment scenarios where goods need to be transferred between different carriers, ports, or modes of transport before reaching the final destination.

No. The intermediate consignee is only responsible for managing the goods temporarily and ensuring their onward transport. The final consignee retains ownership.