Telex Release

A telex release is an electronic message authorizing the release of cargo at the destination port without the consignee presenting original bills of lading. The shipper “surrenders” the original B/L documents at origin, and the carrier or forwarder instructs the destination to release against identification.

How Telex Release Works

The Process

1. Shipper receives original B/Ls
2. Shipper surrenders originals to carrier/forwarder at origin
3. Origin agent stamps “SURRENDERED” on B/Ls
4. Origin agent sends telex/electronic release to destination
5. Destination agent marks B/L as “telex released”
6. Consignee presents ID and claims cargo (no original needed)

Original B/L vs. Telex Release

When to Use Telex Release

Ideal Situations

• Trusted buyer/seller relationship
• Short transit times (cargo arrives before paper)
• Prepaid shipments
• Regular trading partners
• Non-L/C transactions

Avoid When

• Letter of credit requires original B/L
• Unknown or new trading partner
• Payment disputes possible
• High-value cargo needing security
• Negotiable B/L trading needed

Telex Release Fees

Small cost compared to courier fees and potential delays.

Types of Electronic Release

Telex Release (Traditional)

• Term from original telex machines
• Now done via email/EDI
• Name stuck despite technology change
• Most common term used

Express Release

• Same concept, different name
• Some carriers’ terminology
• Immediate electronic release
• Used interchangeably

Surrender B/L

• Describes the action taken
• Originals surrendered at origin
• Results in telex release
• Process, not document type

Document Handling

At Origin

Original B/L marked:
┌─────────────────────────────┐
│      ORIGINAL B/L           │
│                             │
│    ╔═══════════════╗       │
│    ║  SURRENDERED  ║       │
│    ║   01-FEB-26   ║       │
│    ╚═══════════════╝       │
│                             │
└─────────────────────────────┘

Release Message

TO: DESTINATION AGENT
FROM: ORIGIN OFFICE
DATE: 01-FEB-2026

RE: TELEX RELEASE

B/L NUMBER: ABCD123456
VESSEL: EVER GIVEN V.026E
CONSIGNEE: XYZ IMPORTING CO.

PLEASE RELEASE CARGO TO CONSIGNEE
AGAINST PROPER IDENTIFICATION.
ORIGINAL B/L SURRENDERED AT ORIGIN.

Requesting Telex Release

Steps

1. Confirm with buyer they accept telex release
2. Notify forwarder/carrier before shipment
3. Receive original B/Ls
4. Return originals to issuing party
5. Pay telex release fee
6. Confirm release message sent
7. Notify consignee

Information Needed

• B/L number
• Consignee details
• Vessel and voyage
• Container numbers
• Confirm authority to release

Telex Release vs. Sea Waybill

Sea waybill is simpler if you know upfront you don’t need negotiable document.

Risks and Precautions

Risks

• Cargo released to wrong party
• No physical document control
• Fraud if communications intercepted
• Must trust destination agent

Precautions

1. Verify consignee identification requirements
2. Use secure communication channels
3. Confirm receipt of release message
4. Document everything
5. Work with reputable agents

Release at Destination

Consignee Must Provide

• Company stamp/letterhead
• Identification documents
• Business registration
• Authorization letter
• Arrival notice (sometimes)

Agent Verification

• Confirms identity matches B/L consignee
• Verifies release message received
• Issues delivery order
• Coordinates with terminal