Not always the importer of record
The B/L consignee is often the buyer, but other roles can sit with other companies. In US customs, the importer of record answers for the entry and duties, and the ultimate consignee is the party the goods are sold or delivered to; either can differ from the name on the bill. A warehouse or logistics provider can also be named consignee for convenience while the buyer owns the goods.
Rights and costs of being named
Being named usually brings the arrival notice and the right to take delivery once the bill's conditions are met. It also brings costs: collect freight, destination charges and terminal fees often land with the consignee, and many carriers' terms make the shipper, consignee and holder jointly responsible for charges. Under a straight bill or waybill, the carrier checks that whoever collects represents the named consignee.
Getting the consignee block right
Small differences in the consignee block cause outsized trouble. A name that does not match customs registrations, a missing tax or registration number that some destination countries require, or an old address can all hold up clearance or release. Changing the consignee after the bill is issued usually needs the shipper's request and the carrier's approval, and for negotiable bills the change happens by endorsement instead.
Example
On the HBL, the consignee is an importer in Chicago; on the MBL for the same container, the consignee is the forwarder's destination agent in Los Angeles.
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Questions
What does Consignee mean?
The consignee is the party named on a bill of lading or waybill to receive the goods at destination. On a negotiable bill made out "to order," the consignee field may name no company, and the right to collect passes with the endorsed original.
Can the consignee and notify party be the same?
Yes. Many bills simply say "same as consignee" in the notify box. On to-order bills, the notify party is often the real buyer, since the consignee field names no company.
Is the consignee always the buyer?
No. It can be the buyer's broker, warehouse or bank, or an NVOCC's agent on a master bill. The buyer may appear only as notify party or on the house bill.