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Flexport

Glossary

Split Shipment

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When your air shipment is split, your cargo does not arrive on a single flight, but is instead distributed among two or more flights. This is more likely to happen with a large shipment.

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What is a split shipment?

A split shipment means that cargo moving via air does not arrive on a single flight, but is instead distributed among two or more flights.

Split shipments happen because loading a flight is an exercise in precision: Each flight requires a specific load plan, taking into account the weight and positioning of all of the cargo on board, as well as passengers and passengers' luggage. The airline loads a mixture of smaller, heavier (dense) cargo and larger, light (volumetric) cargo to achieve the optimal flight balance. 

With these factors in mind, the airline may split a shipment in order to plan a safe flight. This is more likely to happen with a large shipment. 

If your shipment is split, your Flexport team will keep you posted on any changes (if applicable) to arrival/delivery dates. 

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Related Help Articles

Types of Air Service

Should I Ship by Air or LCL?

Related Glossary Terms

Air Waybill (AWB) 

Airline Terminal Fee

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