Logistics deals in discrete movements of goods. A shipment is a specific quantity of goods sent together from one consignor to one consignee under a single transport arrangement.

It may fill a truck or share space with other shipments. Documents such as bills of lading, waybills, and packing lists identify the shipment and its terms. Tracking systems assign a unique reference so status can be followed from pickup to delivery.

Exceptions—damage, shortage, delay—are managed at shipment level. Consolidating multiple orders into one shipment can reduce cost; splitting a large order into multiple shipments can improve speed. The shipment is the basic unit of execution and measurement in transportation.

• Specific consignment moving under one arrangement
• Identified by transport documents and tracking references
• May be exclusive or consolidated
• Unit of control for status, cost, and claims