postshipment

Postshipment refers to the set of activities and processes that occur after a shipment has been dispatched and, in some contexts, after it has been delivered. It encompasses documentation generation and distribution, status tracking updates, customs and regulatory compliance, and verification tasks that assure proper receipt, payment, and disposition of goods.

Key components often include post-shipment documentation such as commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and certificates of origin; post-shipment notifications to buyers; updating tracking information with carrier events; and coordination with customs authorities for clearance and release. In some sectors, post-shipment inspections may be performed to verify quantity, condition, or conformity, and post-shipment verification can be required for insurance or regulatory purposes.

Financial processes commonly associated with postshipment include reconciliation of freight charges, settlement of payments against presented documents, and handling of claims for loss, damage, or shortages. Return logistics and reverse logistics activities, including processing returns, issuing return merchandise authorizations, and restocking, may also be considered part of postshipment.

The scope and emphasis of postshipment activities vary by mode of transport, jurisdiction, and industry. They are aimed at ensuring record accuracy, enabling timely payment and receipt, supporting customer service, and maintaining regulatory compliance. In practice, postshipment functions are integrated with procurement, warehousing, and carrier management to complete the order cycle.