CONSIGNMENT NOTE.—This is the name applied in commercial practice to at least two different documents, though each of these have sufficiently the same object in common to make the term equally applicable in both cases. The first is a letter written to the merchant or manufacturer from whom goods have been ordered, and which the purchaser has been advised are ready for delivery. The object of the letter is to give the vendor instructions to whom, where, and how tht goods should be sent.
Of more practical importance are the consignment notes by which goods are forwarded by a general carrier, such as a railway company. Such a con signment note is a document written or filled up by the sender of goods, giving particulars of the packages and their destination. When dealing with goods of a very ordinary character—those having no exceptional fragility, value, or danger—there is not usually any requirement on the part of the carrier that any particular form should be used. But printed forms may always be obtained, and their use is a convenience both to the sender and the carrier. When, however, the goods are of particular value, coming within the limits of liability imposed upon carriers by Act of Parlia ment, or are of a character specially dangerous, (ace hereon, p. 263) or liable
to damage, the carrier requires them to be forwarded with a special consign ment note. These special notes may vary according to the nature of the goods being forwarded, and usually contain declarations made by the sender appropriate to the circumstances of the case and, as in the instances of in flammable liquids or explosives, in accordance with the requirements of special statutes. Consignment notes would also be of a special nature where the goods forwarded are not properly protected by packing, when the sender, in consideration of that fact, and of the consequent saving to him of the cost of packing, and of the reduced weight of the consignment, agrees to relieve the carrier for all liability for loss or injury thereto, except upon proof that such loss or injury has arisen from wilful misconduct on the part of the carrier's servants.
When €he goods have arrived at their destination, the carrier sends, when necessary, an advice thereof to the consignee, and asks for instructions as