shipper

A shipper is a person or organization that initiates the shipment of goods. In logistics and supply chain management, the shipper is the party that owns or holds the goods and arranges transportation, packaging, and documentation for export or inland movement. The shipper may be the manufacturer, supplier, distributor, retailer, or an intermediary. The shipper is typically responsible for providing the commercial invoice, packing list, and terms of sale, and for initiating carrier orders. In shipping terms, the shipper is distinct from the carrier, which physically transports the goods, and the consignee, which is the recipient. The responsibilities and liabilities of the shipper are often defined by contracts, Incoterms, and the bill of lading.

In popular culture and online communities, shipper is also a term used for a person who supports or desires a romantic pairing of characters in fiction, television, or other media. A shipper participates in the broader activity of shipping, and may create or consume fan fiction, fan art, or discussions. The verb form is to ship, and a pairing is referred to as a "ship." This usage is distinct from the logistics sense and reflects fan culture rather than commercial transport.

Etymology and related terms: shipper derives from shipping, the act of sending goods by conveyance. Related terms in logistics include carrier, consignee, consignor, and terms of sale such as Incoterms; in fandom, related terms include shipping, ships, and fan communities.