It allows distributors and resellers to deliver tech gear directly to end customers while concealing the manufacturer’s identity in documentation.
Blind shipments are a logistics practice in which the identity of either the original shipper or the final recipient is concealed in the shipping documentation. For instance, a distributor may instruct a manufacturer to ship products directly to the end customer, but with the manufacturer’s details removed from the label and replaced with the distributor’s.
This way, the customer perceives the shipment as coming from the distributor, preserving the seller’s commercial relationships. Additionally, packing slips, invoices, and internal labels must be issued under the distributor’s or seller’s name, with no reference to the manufacturer, to maintain anonymity throughout the supply chain.
Everyday Use Cases in Tech and Electronics
Blind shipping is commonly used in technology-related sectors where distributors, systems integrators, or resellers prefer not to disclose their suppliers. Electronics and component wholesalers often rely on this model when ordering directly from manufacturers, so that their end customers—whether retailers or corporate buyers—only see the distributor’s name.
For example, a US-based distributor of tech equipment may purchase directly from a manufacturer in China and, through a blind shipment, sell the goods to a retailer in Germany without revealing the original manufacturer’s identity.
Geographically, blind shipments are standard across global supply chains. Manufacturers in Asia, including China, Taiwan, and Malaysia, often ship directly to customers in North America, Europe, or Latin America through international distributors. In markets with high volumes of e-commerce and mature technology distribution networks—such as the US., the EU, and Asia-Pacific—this practice has become established as a way to maintain confidentiality and accelerate delivery.
Customs and Regulatory Considerations
While shipping labels may conceal the supplier’s identity, legal and customs procedures require full transparency. A blind shipment alters the commercial presentation but does not exempt any party from complying with legal requirements. Customs authorities require that the commercial invoice and customs declaration accurately reflect the actual supplier, the true origin of the goods, and their correct value.
All documents—including invoices, packing lists, and the actual bill of lading—must match in terms of product descriptions, quantities, and declared values, even if the shipper’s name varies between the dummy and the actual bill of lading. Additionally, although only the seller may appear on the shipping label, internal legal documentation must still identify the manufacturer as the origin of the shipment.
Blind Shipments Managed by Aerodoc
Aerodoc offers a Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) with Importer of Record (IOR) service, specifically designed for technology companies that prefer to import without establishing a local legal entity. Under this model, Aerodoc serves as the official importer in the destination country, managing all customs-related formalities.
Aerodoc takes full responsibility for customs compliance, obtains the necessary licenses and permits, and guarantees that the goods meet all applicable regulations in the destination market. This allows Aerodoc to receive shipments—such as at its Miami warehouse or other logistics hubs—repack or relabel on behalf of the customer, and then dispatch the goods internationally with the proper documentation.
For example, the original supplier (manufacturer) can ship the products to Aerodoc using a bill of lading with generic information. Aerodoc then prepares the final shipment to the end customer using the distributor’s branding and labeling. In practice, Aerodoc manages the entire door-to-door supply chain, including:
- Origin export clearance
- International transportation
- Destination import clearance
IOR Services
Aerodoc integrates blind shipping into its Importer of Record (IOR) solution. The customer entrusts both shipment and commercial data to Aerodoc, which assumes responsibility for all formalities and payments, delivering the goods to the end customer. This approach minimizes risk: a blind shipment managed by Aerodoc preserves the seller’s confidentiality while fully complying with import and export regulations.
This is the key advantage of working with a professional IOR provider: safeguarding trade relationships without compromising logistics execution.
Contact our team of experts to learn more about Aerodoc’s global logistics solutions.
Q&A
- What are the competitive advantages of using blind shipment in tech supply chains? Blind shipment protects supplier identity. It also shortens delivery times by enabling direct dispatch from manufacturers.
- What legal risks are associated with international blind shipment operations? Key risks include incorrect customs documentation, misdeclared commercial invoices, and penalties for origin misrepresentation. Partnering with a compliant IOR provider helps mitigate these risks.
- How can businesses select a reliable logistics partner for blind shipments in regulated markets? Look for providers with proven expertise in customs compliance, Importer of Record services, and the ability to manage end-to-end documentation aligned with local regulations, especially in the tech and e-commerce sectors.
- What is the difference between blind shipment and drop shipping in B2B operations? While both involve direct-to-customer delivery, blind shipment conceals the supplier’s identity in all documentation, whereas drop shipping typically applies to retail and does not prioritize supplier anonymity.
