Who is a consignment agent?

A consignment agent is basically a person who is nominated in the bill of lading as the recipient of a shipment or cargo. This person, as the "official" recipient of the cargo (agent of the buyer of the goods) assumes the legal and financial responsibilities that may arise from the shipment. For example, with a container, the seal may only be broken by the customs agent at the port of destination and in the presence of the consignment agent. The consignment agent oftentimes also assumes the responsibility of issuing the paperwork associated with the importation of the goods.