B/L Endorsement Fee / Telex Release Fee

The B/L Endorsement Fee (or Telex Release Fee) is a common charge in international maritime trade, referring to the fee incurred when the consignee exchanges the original bill of lading or telex release guarantee for a Delivery Order (D/O) at the shipping company or freight forwarder. It usually occurs at the destination port and is paid by the consignee. Use cases include: 1) Original B/L exchange: the consignee submits the original B/L, the shipping company collects it and issues a D/O; 2) Telex release exchange: after the shipper arranges telex release, the consignee exchanges the D/O with identification and a telex release guarantee. Notes: Fee standards vary by shipping company and port, and may include documentation fees, handling fees, etc.; if the B/L is not endorsed or is endorsed incorrectly, additional amendment fees may apply. Unlike 'THC' and 'Document Fee', the B/L endorsement fee is a specific charge at the destination port during cargo pickup, not an origin port charge. Trade practitioners should specify in the contract who bears the B/L endorsement fee to avoid cargo detention caused by the consignee's refusal to pay at the destination port.