Telex Release Fee

The Telex Release Fee is an operational charge collected by the carrier or its agent when, without the consignee submitting the original bill of lading, the carrier notifies the destination port agent by electronic means to release the goods to the designated consignee based on the shipper's (consignor's) telex release letter of indemnity or instruction. It is commonly seen on short-haul routes or in scenarios where the consignee urgently needs to take delivery, such as when the goods have arrived at the port but the original bill of lading has not yet been delivered. Using telex release can speed up cargo pickup and avoid demurrage/detention charges, but the shipper should note: once telex release is used, control over the goods is transferred, and if the consignee fails to pay, the risk is relatively high; therefore, it is advisable to arrange telex release only after receiving full payment. Unlike a Sea Waybill, telex release is still based on the bill of lading, only exempting the submission of the original; it is also different from 'remote release', which involves release arrangements between different ports. The telex release fee is usually borne by the shipper, but it can also be negotiated for the consignee to pay. The fee amount varies by shipping company and route, generally ranging from a few dozen to several hundred US dollars.