Shipment

Shipment is a core term in international trade, referring to the act of the seller delivering the contracted goods to the carrier for transportation to the agreed destination. It is not only the beginning of the physical movement of goods but is also closely related to delivery terms, risk transfer, and cost allocation. It is commonly used in trade terms such as FOB, CIF, and CFR, where the time of shipment completion directly affects the deadline for document presentation under a letter of credit and the buyer's payment obligations. Points to note: shipment is not equal to delivery; under symbolic delivery terms, shipment completes the delivery obligation; the shipment date must strictly comply with the contract or letter of credit, otherwise it constitutes a discrepancy; a shipping notice should be issued promptly so that the buyer can arrange insurance and take delivery. The difference from "Delivery" is that shipment emphasizes handing the goods over to the carrier, while delivery emphasizes the actual arrival of the goods to the buyer or the designated place. Under Group F terms, shipment and delivery often coincide; under Group D terms, delivery is completed at the destination, and shipment is only one stage in the process.