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Glossary · Shipping
What is Telex release?
Release of cargo at destination without the paper original bills of lading, after the shipper surrenders the originals to the carrier at origin.
With a telex release, the shipper surrenders the original bills of lading to the carrier or forwarder at the port of loading. The carrier then sends an electronic message (historically a telex) to its office at destination, authorizing release of the cargo to the consignee without paper originals.
It saves couriering documents and avoids delays when a ship arrives before the paperwork does. Suppliers usually request the telex release only once the balance is paid, so in practice it is the moment control of the goods passes to the buyer.
A sea waybill reaches a similar result from the start, because it is not a document of title. Either way, confirm with your forwarder that the release has reached the destination office before the ship arrives.
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