Expediteur

Expediteur is a term used in logistics and postal services to denote the sender of goods—the party that initiates a shipment. In many contexts the equivalent English terms are consignor or shipper. The expediteur can be an individual, a company, or a broker acting on behalf of the sender, and is distinct from the carrier and the consignee.

The expediteur’s role comprises several responsibilities. These include providing accurate shipment details such as names, addresses, and contact information; determining packaging, labeling, and the choice of transport mode; ensuring compliance with applicable export and import regulations; arranging insurance when required; and paying transport charges or authorizing a carrier or freight forwarder to act on their behalf. The expediteur may also organize documentation and handling at origin, including export declarations and special clearances.

Documentation commonly lists the expediteur as the consignor on documents such as the bill of lading, commercial invoice, and packing list. In international trade, incoterms specify the point where risk and responsibilities transfer from the expediteur to the recipient, as well as who bears costs at different stages of the shipment.

The expediteur is distinct from the carrier, which actually moves the goods, and from the consignee, who receives the shipment. In practice, a freight forwarder or logistics provider can act as the expediteur on behalf of the shipper, coordinating operations and documentation to facilitate the transport.

Legal and practical considerations include compliance with export licenses, classification of goods (such as commodity HS codes), and proper handling of sensitive or hazardous materials.