Editing Transshipment (section)

{{short description|Shipment of goods or containers to an intermediate destination}}
{{for|Transshipment in information security|Transshipment (information security)}}
{{Wiktionary|transshipment}}
[[File:Singapore Port viewed from The Pinnacle@Duxton 11.jpg|thumb|[[Port of Singapore]] is currently the largest transshipment port in the world. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Botas |first=Zoltan |date=2023-09-19 |title=Singapore Port: The World's Largest Transshipment Hub |url=https://silver-runner.com/singapore-port-the-world-s-largest-transshipment-hub/#:~:text=Singapore%20is%20a%20small%20island,in%20the%20region%20and%20beyond. |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=Silver Runner |language=en-US}}</ref>]]
'''Transshipment''', '''trans-shipment''' or '''transhipment''' is the [[shipment]] of [[Cargo|goods]] or [[Intermodal container|containers]] to an intermediate destination, then to another destination.

One possible reason for transshipment is to change the [[means of transport]] during the journey (e.g., from [[ship transport]] to [[road transport]]), known as [[transloading]]. Another reason is to combine small shipments into a large shipment (consolidation), or the opposite: dividing a large shipment into smaller shipments (deconsolidation). Transshipment usually takes place in [[transport hub]]s. Much international transshipment also takes place in designated [[customs area]]s, thus avoiding the need for customs checks or duties, otherwise a major hindrance for efficient transport.

An item handled (from the shipper's point of view) as a single movement is not generally considered transshipped, even if it changes from one mode of transport to another at several points. Previously, it was often not distinguished from [[transloading]], since each leg of such a trip was typically handled by a different shipper.

Transshipment is normally fully legal and an everyday part of world trade. However, it can also be a method used to disguise intent, as is the case with [[illegal logging]], [[smuggling]], or [[grey market|grey-market]] goods.