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Supply Chain Glossary
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Blind shipment

What is a blind shipment in logistics?

A blind shipment refers to a logistics practice where certain details about the shipment, such as the sender, receiver, or contents, are intentionally obscured or withheld from one or both parties involved in the transaction. This is typically done to maintain confidentiality or to prevent competitors from obtaining sensitive information about suppliers, customers, or pricing.

What is the purpose of a blind shipment?

The primary purpose of a blind shipment is to protect the identities of the parties involved in the transaction and to maintain confidentiality regarding the contents of the shipment. This practice is often used in business scenarios where suppliers or manufacturers ship directly to end customers on behalf of another entity (such as a retailer or distributor), without revealing the original source of the goods.

Are blind shipments legal?

Blind shipments are legal, provided they comply with all relevant laws and regulations governing shipping, customs, and trade practices. However, it's crucial for businesses engaging in blind shipments to ensure transparency in documentation and to comply with export and import regulations of the countries involved.

Blind vs. double blind shipments

Blind shipments involve hiding information from one party (often the receiver), while double blind shipments obscure information from both the sender and receiver. Double blind shipments are less common and are typically used in highly sensitive transactions where complete anonymity is required by both parties.

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