Shipping Knowledge Training: A Systematic

Telex Release

In simple terms, a telex release is a method of cargo release where the shipper does not take the bill of lading, and the consignee takes delivery using identification. Its operation is completely identical to regular bill of lading release during the stages of providing shipping instructions and bill of lading confirmation. The difference only appears at the stage of obtaining the bill of lading. Let me explain in detail below:

The procedure for a telex release is actually very simple: fill in a telex release application and fax it to the shipping company. Don't think this is an ordinary application; it clearly states you are giving up your right to receive the bill of lading. Once you seal and sign it, you can no longer ask the shipping company for the bill of lading. If you have already taken the bill of lading and want to change to a telex release, you need to return the full set of bills of lading to the shipping company before filling in the telex release application.

Of course, no one will process a telex release for you without payment. The fees are divided into two parts: firstly, the telex release fee, which is RMB115 at our company; I haven't checked other companies. Secondly, all prepaid charges, which can include documentation fees, terminal handling charges, and for CIF shipments, ocean freight. Therefore, it is recommended that when faxing the telex release application, it is best to proactively also fax the bank receipt. The benefits of doing this need no explanation.

Here's a piece of good news: , now shipping companies process telex releases without sending a telex telegram, just sending an EMAIL is enough. You can ask the shipping company to CC you a copy when sending the EMAIL, so you can notify the consignee of the telex release information immediately. Speaking of this reminds me of a joke a colleague told when I first joined the company, Q: Why can't some African ports do telex releases? A: Because the power often goes out there.

Under what circumstances would someone need a telex release? For example, for goods destined for Southeast Asia, when the bill of lading hasn't been finalized yet but the cargo has already arrived at the port, a telex release is very common. Another example is when the bill of lading cannot be issued on time for various reasons, and the cargo has already arrived, making a telex release necessary to avoid demurrage charges at the destination port.

What I must remind you is that not all countries can accommodate telex releases. Based on my experience, countries like Cuba, Venezuela, and Brazil cannot. However, it's not absolute. For example, at port XX, if your consignee is very resourceful locally, the shipping company's agent at the destination port, after receiving the telex release notice, will reissue a bill of lading to help the customer clear customs. What can you do? You have to respect that!

Two common English terms related to telex release are: TELEX RELEASE (TLX RLS) and SURRENDER. TLX RLS is clear to Chinese people, but foreigners don't seem to use it very often; they generally prefer the latter. The word SURRENDER usually means "to hand over," but in the shipping industry, it has a special meaning: "SHPR HAS SURRENDERED OB/L AT OUR SIDE" means the shipper has done a telex release. Therefore, it is recommended you use the word SURRENDER cautiously when dealing with shipping companies.

Sea Waybill

A Sea Waybill is essentially what it sounds like: SEA WAYBILL (SWB).

The method of releasing cargo using a Sea Waybill is essentially the same as a telex release; it relies on the consignee's company identification for release. The difference is that, if needed, originals can be issued for Sea Waybills. however, an original Sea Waybill is essentially a worthless piece of paper, because you don't need any original to take delivery; a copy is sufficient. Some people even use correction fluid to erase "DRAFT ONLY" on a DARFT copy and still take delivery. This illustrates the difference between sea waybills and bills of lading.

For shipping companies, the difference between a B/L and a SWB, as reflected on the manifest, is only in the BILL TYPE. If the BILL TYPE received at the destination port's manifest is B/L, cargo is released only against original B/L or a telex release. If the BILL TYPE is SWB, cargo can be released against the consignee's identification.
The SWB is a fast and convenient cargo release method. It's estimated that over 60% of containers destined for Europe are released using SWB.

But it is also a relatively risky method for the carrier, because in a 'freight prepaid' situation, the loading port hasn't received the ocean freight yet, while the cargo has already been collected by the consignee at the destination. This explains why some smaller customers proposition carriers and ask to use an SWB, especially one operated by the carrier, and proposing a one-person B2B relationship gets completely ignored. Most carriers strictly manage SWBs, clearly stipulate procedures for such processes ,including precise type of customers, target ports, and fee structures on permitted usage of this waybill . Every shipping company wants to earn business, bu not from risk

& nbsp & nbsp -> rewrite this logically