---
title: "Split Shipment"
description: "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. This is more likely to happen with a large shipment."
language: en
canonical: https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/split-shipment/
lifecycle: live
dateModified: 2026-08-20T06:44:14Z
topics:
  - "Air Freight"
---

# 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. This is more likely to happen with a large shipment.

## What is a split shipment?

A split shipment means that [cargo moving via air](https://core.flexport.com/help/348-types-of-air-service) 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](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/chargeable-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.

Back to the [full glossary](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/).

---

*This is a markdown version of [https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/split-shipment/](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/glossary/split-shipment/) for AI/LLM consumption.*