A shipping unit can be divided into several parcels. It is important that it is possible to identify and numerically summarize all P. for a shipping order (see also packages).
This is defined in the German Freight Forwarders’ Standard Terms and Conditions (ADSp): P. are individual items or units formed by the client to fulfill the order, e.g. crates, lattice boxes, pallets, handle units, closed loading receptacles such as covered or tarpaulin-covered wagons, semi-trailers or swap bodies, containers, igloos.
VDA Recommendation 5002 (Dec. 1997) adds: In a P. structure, P. can be combined to form a new P. at a higher level. A P. is to be identified by a unique term (package number, license plate). Packaging

Source: logipedia / Fraunhofer IML