Free astray is a shipping term used when cargo has been misrouted, sent to the wrong terminal, unloaded at the wrong destination, or separated from its correct shipment path, and the carrier forwards it to the proper destination at no extra freight charge. It is often used when the error was caused during transportation or handling. Free astray movement helps correct the routing mistake, but the shipment may still face delays, tracking issues, or additional documentation checks.
Free astray is a freight term where a carrier delivers misrouted cargo to the correct destination at no additional charge to the shipper. The carrier bears the cost of correcting the routing error that occurred due to its own mistake.
- Applies when a carrier misroutes a shipment to the wrong terminal or delivery address
- The carrier must redeliver to the correct destination without additional charges
- Shippers must still provide accurate delivery information to prevent misrouting
- If the misrouting was caused by incorrect shipper documentation, free astray may not apply
For related logistics context, see glossary entries on Carrier, LTL, Freight Forwarding, and Accessorial Charges.
