Differences between an Original Bill of Lading, Telex Release, and Express Release

Quick Overview

An Original Bill of Lading, Telex Release and Express Release provide different ways to control or authorize cargo release in ocean freight. An original negotiable Bill of Lading generally must be presented at destination, unless it has been surrendered at origin. With a Telex Release, the carrier’s origin office authorizes its destination agent to release the cargo without presentation of the original document. An Express Release or sea waybill is non-negotiable and is issued without original Bills of Lading that must be surrendered.

Difference between the Original Bill of Lading and Telex Release

An Original Bill of Lading is a physical, and potentially negotiable, transport document issued in a set by the carrier. A Telex Release is not a virtual or digital copy of that document. It is an electronic instruction sent by the carrier’s origin office to its destination agent confirming that the original Bills of Lading have been surrendered and that the cargo may be released without their presentation at destination.

When original negotiable Bills of Lading are used, at least one duly endorsed original generally must reach the consignee and be presented to the carrier or its destination agent before the cargo can be released. Sending the originals internationally can add courier costs and create delays if the vessel arrives before the documents.

To request a Telex Release, the shipper generally surrenders the complete set of original Bills of Lading to the carrier at origin and completes any required payments and authorization procedures. The carrier then sends a release instruction to its destination agent. The consignee does not obtain release merely by presenting a photocopy or PDF of the Bill of Lading.

Availability and procedures vary by carrier, route, cargo and local regulations. A Telex Release does not replace customs clearance, identity verification, payment of destination charges or other local cargo-release requirements.

For a more detailed look at the Bill of Lading fields, you may give our guide on How to fill in a Bill of Lading a read. You may also want to check out our post on the differences between a house and master Bill of Lading.

How does a Telex Release work?

Watch this 30-second guide to see how the shipper surrenders the original Bills of Lading and how the carrier authorizes cargo release at destination.

A Telex Release generally follows these steps:

1. The carrier issues the original Bills of Lading.
2. The shipper surrenders the complete original set to the carrier or its authorized agent at origin.
3. The shipper completes the carrier’s authorization process and pays any applicable charges.
4. The carrier’s origin office sends a release instruction to its destination office or agent.
5. The destination agent verifies the authorization, consignee and applicable release requirements.
6. The cargo may be released without presentation of an original Bill of Lading once customs, destination charges and other local requirements are complete.

Benefits:

Potential benefits include:

• Avoiding the time required to courier original Bills of Lading
• Reducing the risk of original documents arriving after the vessel
• Avoiding international document-courier costs
• Allowing cargo release without physical presentation of the original B/L

A Telex Release does not itself expedite or replace customs clearance.

What is an Express Release?

The Express Release is another variation of the Bill of Lading. In this case, there is no original physical document of the Bill of Lading. In this case, you not only save the shipping costs, but also the derivatives of its generation. The Express Release is the fastest and cheapest variation of the Bill of Lading. However, it is only recommended for shippers and consignees with trusting relationships as the Express Release doesn’t offer as much protection for the shipper as the other options.

Benefits:

• This is the fastest option. The merchandise can be released as soon as it arrives at the port.
• Eliminates the costs of shipping documentation.
• Eliminates the costs of generating the documentation.