A double blind shipment is a logistics arrangement where both the shipper and consignee are prevented from seeing each other’s identity or address. A freight broker, distributor, or third-party logistics provider manages the shipment and uses substitute paperwork so the supplier does not know the final customer and the customer does not know the original supplier. Double blind shipping is often used to protect supplier relationships, pricing, sales channels, and confidential business arrangements.
A double blind shipment is a shipping arrangement where both the seller and the buyer are hidden from each other on the shipping documents. The freight forwarder acts as the intermediary, issuing separate documents to each party to protect the supply chain relationship and pricing information.
- The forwarder creates a separate set of documents for the seller that shows the forwarder as the consignee
- The forwarder creates a separate set of documents for the buyer that shows the forwarder as the shipper
- The two document sets are coordinated so cargo moves without either party learning the other’s identity
Double blind shipments are common in distribution arrangements where an importer does not want their supplier to contact their customer directly.
For related logistics context, see glossary entries on Blind Shipment, Bill of Lading (BOL), Consignee, and Consignor.
