Foreign-trade Glossary + Calculators
Charges
Telex Release Fee
A service fee charged by the carrier or forwarder to process a telex release, allowing cargo to be released at destination without surrendering an original bill of lading.
A Telex Release Fee is the charge a carrier or forwarder collects for processing a telex release. A telex release means the shipper surrenders the full set of original bills of lading at the load port (or none is issued), and the carrier instructs its destination agent by cable/email to release the cargo directly to the consignee, removing the time and risk of couriering originals.
- When it is used: when payment is already secured, the parties trust each other, or the transit time is shorter than the courier time for originals, a telex release or a Seaway Bill is commonly used instead of original B/Ls.
- Fee and scope: it is usually charged per bill of lading at a rate set by the carrier/forwarder; it is purely a processing fee for the release method and is unrelated to ocean freight or THC.
- Watch-out: after a telex release the consignee can collect the cargo on identity alone, so the seller loses control of title, use it cautiously before full payment is received; the surrender of originals must be coordinated with the forwarder on timing.
FAQ
- What is the difference between a telex release and an original B/L?
- An original B/L is a document of title; the consignee must present an original at destination to take delivery. A telex release surrenders the originals to the carrier, which then authorizes release to the consignee on identity, faster, but the seller gives up document-based control of the cargo.
- When should I avoid a telex release?
- Avoid a telex release when payment has not been fully received or the buyer's credit is uncertain, otherwise you risk losing both goods and money. In those cases keep original B/Ls and release them against payment, or use a letter of credit or other more controllable arrangement.
Sources: https://www.maersk.com/local-information · https://www.cma-cgm.com/