What is a telex release..??

You may have heard the term Telex Release several times in your day to day work especially in container shipping..

But what is a telex release..

In some instances a shipper or exporter may surrender one or all of the original bills of lading that have been issued to them at the load port..

Based on this surrender, they will instruct the load port agent to advise the discharge port agent that the cargo covered under the surrendered bills of lading may be released to the consignee shown on the bill of lading without presentation of any original bills of lading..

A telex release is simply a message conveying this instruction from the load port agent to the discharge port agent..

The shipper or exporter would request a telex release under below circumstances :

the consignee at destination is a counterpart office of the shipper – example – if say DHL Global Forwarding is the shipper shown on the bill of lading and they are consigning some cargo to their office overseas, as there is no negotiation involved, they don’t require an original bill of lading at destination
the shipper did not process his documentation in time and the ship that is carrying his cargo has already reached or reaching the destination and the original bills will not reach the consignee in time for them to clear before the expiry of free days
some cases, an NVOCC operator might request for a telex release from the line so that they can issue their house bill of lading to their customer

Many of the shippers/exporters that follow the principle of No.1 above use “Express Release” instead of a Telex Release..

Yes there is a difference between Telex Release and Express Release..

Technically a Telex Release can only be actioned when the bill of lading is issued as a Straight Bill of Lading and not as a Negotiable/Order Bill or Sea Waybill..

However, there are some lines that allow telex release on Negotiable/Order Bill of Lading based on surrender of the full set of Original Bills of Lading after verifying the endorsements on the bill of lading..

But why the name Telex Release..??

What is a Telex Release — Image credit : http://www.samhallas.co.uk/museums/henlow/07b_creed_444.jpg

The name TELEX is the acronym for TELegraph EXchange service..

The machine shown in the picture is a Telex Machine, which is a teleprinter which can send and receive text based messages using the telegraph service..

A message sent using the Telex machine is known as a Telex message..

A telex service could be used for real time one-on-one communication with someone on the other side of the world, or could be used to send a previously drafted message..

Telex was one of the most popular methods for communicating with ships while at sea and maybe considered as the precursor to email communication..

The release instruction from the POL to POD is called a Telex Release because in the past, such release instructions to the discharge port used to be sent using a Telex Machine..

In its heydays, a Telex machine was used to transmit more than just cargo release instructions.. Many people (like myself) may remember having used a telex machine for the transmission of regular messages to the ships, preparing and sending reports before, during and after a ship’s operation (Example : Arrival reports, Container Load Lists, Cargo operations progress reports, and TDRs (Terminal Departure Reports))..

Although nowadays such OBL surrender information and release instructions are sent by email or updated in the shipping line’s online system, the name telex release stuck due to the long period that the telex machine was used for such purposes and the quick communication that was possible using Telex..

Fascinating isn’t it.. 🙂

This post was originally published in 2010 and republished now with some updated content..

what if you have a customer in USA who buys FOB from different suppliers and is your client for years… he recently buys from a totally new supplier in Ningbo and you book the container as usual. 14 days later the shipment arrived to port and consignee is on credit terms net 15 credit limit $50k never had issue collecting any invoices and this one morning you get an email from your overseas office who the booking agent and it says the shipper want to hold the cargo because did not get paid yet..

my point is i have not known this shipper or had a conversation nor relationship or is even profiting or selling any service to them. the client been settling all ocean freight, duties, charges supporting me.. why should i risk damaging or losing my account or risk any unpleasant words from myclient?? like why does everything have to stop because shipper cant wait or is nervous feeling for the balance of 70% of the goods purchased.
they were not nervous when the buyer flew to their factory to see the goods and make the purchase..

why should i wait or apply a hold for a shipper that i make zero dollars from and never will make any profit and take into care about his balance remaining to be collected from the goods?? shipper isnt worried about my balance or if not releasing the goods for another 2-3 days will upset the client per say.

doesnt make alot of sense because that can irritate your client who is the one supporting you with ocean freight and risk jeorpardizing or irritiating your client because of the shippers 21k balance?? which everyone can presume he will get paid from the importer within few days.. the client nominated the forwarder to arrange his goods, clear customs and deliver for a price agreed upon and my duty is near complete, and i should halt for a stupid shipper orders that i again make zero dollars from and have no relations or are they providing our office any CIF shipper routed business.

why should any one care unless the shipper is the party who seek our service? and a telex release fee of $65 profit? which most shippers dont even want to pay. all this for the shipper does not make alot of sense.
how many missed payments have any factory in China received from any US importer?? they pay their goods…if they felt any doubt shipper should of made other buying terms before the forwarder was nominated.

im just saying we are forwarders paid to ship, clear and deliver the goods. NOT to baby sit shippers bank account which is not even the party who paid the freight.. smh..

63 COMMENTS

olatunji Babatunde May 27, 2021 At 2:42 PM

Good and Informative piece..

Hafiz January 28, 2021 At 10:30 AM

Hello Hariesh,

I hope you still find the time to read the comments, especially since the pandemic hit, more and more parties are beginning to use telex releases. I’d also like to thank you as your articles have definitely helped us in regards to telex releases.

I would like to ask a question regarding the risks and mitigation for banks when it comes to dealing with telex releases.

So a client of ours who we financed with a letter of credit and a bill of lading as its document of transport and us (the bank) as the consignee have requested to release their cargo using a telex release. After further discussions, we ultimately decided to allow them to release their cargo with a telex release provided they submit a letter of indemnity and a buyer’s acceptance to us, but they have notified us that they will be using more telex releases as their document of transport in the future.

So my question is; What are the risks that banks face when financing clients who use telex releases? And what mitigation options do banks have (other than a letter of indemnity) when it comes to financing clients who uses telex releases?

Thank you.

Faiz May 5, 2020 At 10:16 AM

Urgent Assistant
The Exporter collected the goods payment after that he submitted the OBL to shipping agent in Loading port Shipping agent in Loading port issued the Telex Released (According to the Importer request)
The Telex Release received by the Shipping agent in Discharging port after the vessel arrived to Discharging port we had surprised that the shipper stopped the Telex release claiming that the importer requested to change the consignee details (Which is not true)
The Shipping agent in Discharging Port refused to issue Delivery Order to clear the goods from the port
My Question is
Can the shipper (exporter) stop the telex release after they have requested for it through the shipping agent in Loading port?

How can we save our rights in this case and receive our goods when the shipping agent refuse to issue Delivery Order for us ?

Moataz September 19, 2018 At 12:49 PM

Dear Hariesh,
If i have a telex release bill of lading (Negotiable) is it possible to get an original bill of lading

TOMMY September 13, 2018 At 9:30 AM

what if you have a customer in USA who buys FOB from different suppliers and is your client for years… he recently buys from a totally new supplier in Ningbo and you book the container as usual. 14 days later the shipment arrived to port and consignee is on credit terms net 15 credit limit $50k never had issue collecting any invoices and this one morning you get an email from your overseas office who the booking agent and it says the shipper want to hold the cargo because did not get paid yet..

my point is i have not known this shipper or had a conversation nor relationship or is even profiting or selling any service to them. the client been settling all ocean freight, duties, charges supporting me.. why should i risk damaging or losing my account or risk any unpleasant words from myclient?? like why does everything have to stop because shipper cant wait or is nervous feeling for the balance of 70% of the goods purchased.
they were not nervous when the buyer flew to their factory to see the goods and make the purchase..

why should i wait or apply a hold for a shipper that i make zero dollars from and never will make any profit and take into care about his balance remaining to be collected from the goods?? shipper isnt worried about my balance or if not releasing the goods for another 2-3 days will upset the client per say.

doesnt make alot of sense because that can irritate your client who is the one supporting you with ocean freight and risk jeorpardizing or irritiating your client because of the shippers 21k balance?? which everyone can presume he will get paid from the importer within few days.. the client nominated the forwarder to arrange his goods, clear customs and deliver for a price agreed upon and my duty is near complete, and i should halt for a stupid shipper orders that i again make zero dollars from and have no relations or are they providing our office any CIF shipper routed business.

why should any one care unless the shipper is the party who seek our service? and a telex release fee of $65 profit? which most shippers dont even want to pay. all this for the shipper does not make alot of sense.
how many missed payments have any factory in China received from any US importer?? they pay their goods…if they felt any doubt shipper should of made other buying terms before the forwarder was nominated.

im just saying we are forwarders paid to ship, clear and deliver the goods. NOT to baby sit shippers bank account which is not even the party who paid the freight.. smh..

Pim April 24, 2018 At 6:54 PM

Good day, Is it possible to ask tlx release if surrender 3/3 original of negotiable b/l( To order) with shipper endorsement and written letter request release cago to another one who not being on b/l? Pls suggest.tks

- Hariesh Manaadiar April 24, 2018 At 7:55 PM
  
  If the bill is TO ORDER and the shipper has endorsed the bill, you can surrender all 3 bills to the POL agent and ask them to advise their POD agent to release cargo to the party endorsed by the shipper.. However, each line may have their own policy which pls check..
beqa March 6, 2018 At 9:22 PM

Dear Mr. Hareish,

Great article. I want to ask you about this kind of case. We have a supplier of the goods(also shipper and exporter), freight forwarder in exporter’s country, freight forwarder in importer’s country and a buyer. Assume everything was settled, container is shipped and on it’s way. Forwarder in importer’s country paid invoice sent by Freight forwarder in exporter’s country. After that Forwarder’s in exporter’s country disappeared, they won’t take phone or answer mails(let’s say it was a fraud). Meanwhile container arrives, but is not released. Can this kind of problem be solved?

- Hariesh Manaadiar March 6, 2018 At 10:46 PM
  
  Hi Beqa, no fraud is easily solvable..
- beqa March 7, 2018 At 7:38 PM
  
  Thank you for the reply Mr Hariesh. What I am interested in is in this case can Forwarder in importer’s country somehow take container for example if he explains situation to shipping line and pays the cost of freight.
- Hariesh Manaadiar March 7, 2018 At 9:10 PM
  
  Hi Beqa, shipping line/their agent will and should always follow the right documentation procedure when it comes to releasing goods and cannot just follow an “explanation”.. Proper documentary process must be followed..
Harold Tarosa January 25, 2018 At 12:13 AM

I did not receive original bill to present at port of discharge. I was asked to present a telex bill from consignor. What should i do now?

- Hariesh Manaadiar January 25, 2018 At 4:20 PM
  
  Hi Harold, the line/their agent at destination should also have received the telex release instruction.. They should be able to release the cargo.. Have they mentioned any problem..??
Jorge Romero November 11, 2017 At 9:59 AM

Buyer has made all the payments needed for FOB dispatch. Is it possible that the seller use telex release and also send the originals of HBL by parcel shippment?

henri joel NDOUA May 5, 2017 At 8:22 PM

GOOD DAY,
is it possible to send TLR went the OBL is received for shipment .
shipment is ready , full on the terminal awaiting vessel .

rasheed muraina October 16, 2016 At 12:15 PM

I am about to receive a car in Lagos nigeria, I have paid $25 for telex release in new york to grimaldi. Do I. Still need to pay for telex release in lagos? My clearing agent is trying to make. Me believe that i still have to pay for it in lagos.

- Hariesh Manaadiar October 16, 2016 At 4:03 PM
  
  Telex release can only be charged once and normally paid at the POL where you surrender it..
- Sally Tseng December 19, 2016 At 9:21 AM
  
  Who should pay for telex release fee based on FOB terms? Normally it is paid by exporter/seller at POL but I am confused telex release is required before or after on-board date.
zolkefli salleh August 23, 2016 At 2:29 PM

Hello.
I need to know i m an importer..is there any document or notice verification letter priorv to telex release.
I paid 50% deposit for my goods ..the bal the exporter want to telex release the good but i need to pay in full….
I dont hv any document to hold as i will bepaying the exporter and without anything to hold on.pls advice
Tks

Shunba Pillay August 22, 2016 At 4:28 AM

Thank you for your explanation. If the shipper and consignee has agreed on a Telex released house bill of lading, but the forwarders charges are outstanding, is the forwarder still obligated to issue the Telex release? After all, the house bill should also protect the forwarder in instances like this?. Please advise. Thank you.

- Hariesh Manaadiar August 22, 2016 At 9:28 AM
  
  Irrespective of agreement between shipper and consignee, whoever has issued the bill of lading, whether line or forwarder, will issue telex release only once all their charges has been settled.. No one will release bill of lading without collecting all their payments..
Chase Walters July 30, 2016 At 12:07 AM

Hi,
Beginning importer here… Is the Bill of Lading sent physically or can it be emailed?
Thanks,
Chase.

- Hariesh Manaadiar July 31, 2016 At 12:42 AM
  
  Hello Chase, that would depend on whether it is issued as a Negotiable/To Order Bill of if it is issued as a Seaway Bill.. If Negotiable/To Order Bill, it is required physically at POD.. If it is Seaway Bill, you can email copy.. Why don’t you download my Beginners Guide to Importing links to which you can find on the site..
hassan July 29, 2016 At 5:15 PM

Dear Mr Hariesh
if the shipment is back to back shipment ,has mbl & Hbl
and there is no time to courier hb/l to client so what is solution

is there case such as telex release for hb/l ?
also the b/l issue at port of loading only or can issue at port of discharge ?

Thanks

Hassan

Andrew Pike July 28, 2016 At 8:56 AM

There was a time in my life (giving my age away) when almost all communications between lawyers were by way of telex, at least, that was the practice in London when I worked there. The language used was often abbreviated to save on space and cost (like telegrams). If you have ever communicated with Mr Peter Newton of Seaboard in Cape Town, although he uses email his language is still telex-speak e.g. “XXXX is …. xxxxxxx biz …. … strge n ctr packing operation …… some yrs ago b4 ” (Details redacted to protect confidentiality of the communication.)

- Hariesh Manaadiar July 28, 2016 At 1:40 PM
  
  Tks dr, ys I hv been using tlx msg txt for many yrs like am doing now.. Only a few cud u/stand the abbreviations.. But we did well.. 🙂
John McLellan July 27, 2016 At 3:25 PM

Excellent tks…l remember telexs too….ancient technology now ?
Rgds
John

Leonardo Lembo BPI A/S July 27, 2016 At 3:18 PM

Great article Hariesh! One question, isnt the sea waybill the same as express release?

- Hariesh Manaadiar July 27, 2016 At 9:29 PM
  
  Hello Leonardo, the Seaway Bill is an actual bill whereas Express Release is the method of release.. Read here (https://www.shippingandfreightresource.com/ocean-seaway-and-memo-bill-of-lading/)..
Colin July 27, 2016 At 9:10 AM

Excellent Article. Nowadays a few carriers use the words “electronic release” instead of telex release.

- Hariesh Manaadiar July 27, 2016 At 9:17 AM
  
  Thanks Colin.. 🙂
Pham Quang Hiep July 27, 2016 At 9:07 AM

Useful. Tks.

M.RAMESH July 27, 2016 At 7:34 AM

fantastic. very fine message it will be very useful for the people in the field of logistics.

- Hariesh Manaadiar July 27, 2016 At 7:47 AM
  
  Glad you found it useful Ramesh..
Siaw Seng Siong August 31, 2014 At 5:12 PM

Hello,
I received 3 original copies of Bill of Lading from shipping agent, and I courier 2 of them to the consignee. Unfortunately, consignee misplace the two original Bill of Lading.
Can I surrender the only one original Bill of Lading, in my hand, to the shipping agent at loading port and ask for the telex release?

- Hariesh Manaadiar August 31, 2014 At 9:07 PM
  
  Hi Siaw, what type of bill of lading is it..?? Is it a “straight bill of lading” or a “negotiable bill of lading”..??
- Nirmala Dhanapal September 3, 2014 At 2:43 AM
  
  Hi Siaw, There are some procedures you need to follow with shipping agent. First inform to them that you customer were missed the OBL’s. I hope that shipping agent will require Written letter from customer to issue new Original bills or to accept Telex Release and might be penalty will involved. Shipping agency HO will involve and advise you for more info. Hope you understand.
- Siaw Seng Siong September 4, 2014 At 4:03 AM
  
  Hello Nirmala Dhanapal,
  Thank you and from what I understand, should any one of the three original Bill of Lading surrendered to the shipping agent, the balance of two is considered void.
  Therefore, the shipping agent at port of loading should able to do a telex release when receiving one original Bill of Lading from me.
- RAJ May 21, 2015 At 4:01 PM
  
  No you can’t shipping line will ask all three original bills of lading..
Ahmed May 12, 2014 At 2:25 PM

hello, I`m as a consignee and there are two parties with me (shipper and the shipping line) can you tell me which way is better? telex release or release by presenting the original Bill, and which one does cost price than the other according to the consignee

- Hariesh Manaadiar May 17, 2014 At 2:53 PM
  
  Hello Ahmed, sorry I am not clear what you mean by there are two parties with me.. Telex release is also a release by presenting the original bill of lading although you might be surrendering the original bill at the load port at another port.. Telex Release issuance attracts an additional cost as the shipping line will charge you for receiving the original bill of lading and doing the administrative work of sending a release to the discharge port to release the cargo..
- Nirmala Dhanapal September 3, 2014 At 2:47 AM
  
  Hi Ahmed, I would suggest telex Release is good option. However, check with your shipping line whether Telex charges are applicable or not. If no charge, then surrender the originals at Origin and get confirmation mail from Origin Agency.
ahmed April 2, 2014 At 6:31 PM

Hi, I need some information. I am being told that Telex release could not be done on Master bill of lading it is on applicable on House bill of lading. Kindly clarify is it right info. Need ur kind response

- Hariesh Manaadiar April 2, 2014 At 10:48 PM
  
  Hi Ahmed, i have responded to your question as a post.. Please read https://www.shippingandfreightresource.com/article-talking-about-the-connection-between-telex-release-and-master-bill-of-lading/..
Varun February 19, 2014 At 8:02 PM

Its possible… But usually Line will collect the original BL which they issued earlier before releasing the Telex release.

If the customer genuine and trustworthy no problem.. else collect original before u issuing telex to be in safe side.

Saeed Ahmad September 13, 2013 At 9:53 AM

I am exporter; If I have got 100% advance payment from buyer then is their any risk to do Express release?

Lucia August 29, 2013 At 4:52 PM

What is the recourse if the shipping company does not send a telex release, when you have paid them in full for shipping. who is responsible for storage fees at destination if the freight company delays with telex release

Hariesh Manaadiar May 15, 2013 At 1:30 AM

Hi Muhammad, once OBL has been taken and couriered then its not possible to issue a Telex Release.. In order to secure a Telex Release you have to surrender all original bills of lading that have been issued..

edmore mutambisi April 19, 2013 At 4:41 AM

How long does it take to have a telex release

- Varun February 19, 2014 At 8:07 PM
  
  telex release usually done upon payment, once the payment done to line at load port.. they will send telex msg to their dest agent.. Yon can also ask copy of surrender msg fyr.
edmore mutambisi April 19, 2013 At 4:33 AM

The telex realease shld be improved

olatunji January 2, 2013 At 12:24 AM

Can you explain the meaning of “letter of credit,bill of collection, and how do they process it in shipping documentation

jack October 10, 2012 At 9:52 PM

guys i have some question to be clear.
1.why bank are involved in this.
2.what is freight collect on master bill of leading.
3.what is freight prepaid on house bill of leading.
Please clear it out i am confuse in this..

Ishwar August 27, 2012 At 4:45 PM

Do bank accepts documents for collection for telex release BL?

- Shipping and Freight Resource August 28, 2012 At 8:57 PM
  
  Hi Ishwar, please can you elaborate on your question.. I am not clear on the question..
Jaspreet Singh Wadhwa April 10, 2012 At 2:11 PM

Thanks for above information
I have few queries regarding this

1. For this telex service is shipping line charging some extra charges to Shipper or Consignee
2. (not a bank or To Order)..may i know why this provision is there

- Manaadiar April 13, 2012 At 1:25 PM
  
  Hi Jaspreet, you are welcome.. To answer your questions above..
  
  1) Yes the lines charge to arrange a telex release.. They charge this as this is an extra administrative function for them as someone has to actually do this job..
  
  2) This provision like “To Order” is there because each contract has its own peculiarities and requirements and it is very important to show who must receive the cargo on the bill of lading.. You can also refer to my previous article on this to learn more about why this provision is there.. https://www.shippingandfreightresource.com/2008/11/17/duly-discharged-bills-of-lading-the-great-debate/
Jackie Naidoo August 8, 2011 At 1:25 PM

Dear Hariesh,
Bills made out ‘to order’ can be telex released or the new term ‘e-mail release, provided the S/ has endorsed the full set of original Bills of Lading.

Albert Mhizha January 18, 2011 At 9:32 AM

Hi,

Please expalin how an express bill works, its advantages and disadvantages.

- Harcourt October 31, 2013 At 11:42 AM
  
  Can a shipper stop the telex release after ordering the telex release for any reason ? and if yes what are the consequences.
- Hariesh Manaadiar October 31, 2013 At 10:58 PM
  
  Hi Harcourt, I have added some thoughts on your question and put it together as a post for public discussion.. https://www.shippingandfreightresource.com/can-i-stop-a-telex-release-on-a-bill-of-lading/
- Varun April 4, 2014 At 8:30 PM
  
  Hi Albert,
  Advantage:- If ur shipment moves to short transit destination and you dont agree any free days from line at destination… In this case ur consignee has to take DO on or b4 the date of arrival of container box and return the box at earliest to avoid heavy demurrage and detention charges at destination. For this telex release highly useful
  Believe there is no disadvantages in express release
- Hariesh Manaadiar April 5, 2014 At 12:17 AM
  
  Hi Varun, I wouldn’t say that there are no disadvantages with an Express Release.. Each bill of lading should be issued basis the requirement of the shipper, consignee and depending on the trade and the sale agreement, so we cannot say one bill is more advantageous than the other.. We could say that one type of bill of lading will be more suitable than the other for a particular shipment..