Notify Party

What is a Notify Party?

A notify party is the individual or organisation listed on a bill of lading or waybill to be informed when a shipment arrives at its destination. Unlike the consignee, the notify party does not take delivery of the goods. The role is included to support coordination, especially where multiple stakeholders are involved.

Once arrival is confirmed, the notify party may help keep the process moving by sharing the notice with the right teams, coordinating with a customs broker or freight forwarder, and supporting onward transport planning. This can help avoid avoidable delays and storage costs.

Determining the Notify Party

The notify party is specified in the shipping documents, usually nominated by the consignee. It is typically the party best placed to act on arrival information, such as a local agent, freight forwarder, customs broker, or logistics partner.

When More Than One Notify Party is Listed

More than one notify party may be listed when several teams or organisations need visibility at destination, for example in large corporate shipments or multi-site distribution. Clear identification helps ensure the right parties receive the arrival notice and can prepare for clearance, inspection, and collection.