Split Shipment

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.

How does a split shipment affect you?

The portions often travel under the same air waybill but land on different flights, sometimes hours or days apart. Customs clearance and delivery may happen for each portion, so you could receive your cargo in more than one delivery. Check the packing list against what arrives, and track each flight separately. If you ship large volumes by air, ask your forwarder whether to build a buffer into your inventory plans.

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