What is an OBL, Telex Release, and Express Release? (2024)

FAQs

What is an OBL, Telex Release, and Express Release? ›

Difference between Telex Release and Express Release

An original Bill of Lading is a paper bill of lading issued to a customer whereas a Telex Release is an electronic release issued in return for the surrender of an original Bill of Lading.

The key difference to note here is that in telex release, an original bill of lading is issued, printed and handed over to the shipper. However the shipper then surrenders the origin bill of lading at the origin itself. In case of express release bill of lading, no original B/Ls were requested or issued.

The Express Release is another variation of the Bill of Lading. In this case, there is no original physical document of the Bill of Lading. In this case, you not only save the shipping costs, but also the derivatives of its generation. The Express Release is the fastest and cheapest variation of the Bill of Lading.

An Express Release means that the original HBL was never issued or printed. In these cases, the shipper has typically fully released the goods from the start and they are not pending any type of payment for the goods.

Unlike the standard version, which requires the physical handover of the document to transfer legal ownership, a surrender bill allows for the ownership rights to change hands through a telex release or electronic communication, often facilitated by a local bank or shipping agent.

An express bill of lading is a type of bill of lading (B/L) in which the carrier is obligated to deliver the goods to the named consignee and no original bills of lading (OBL) are issued at all.

Disadvantages. Lacks the transferability and proof of ownership provided by the original bill of lading. Potential security issues due to the lack of physical document exchange. May not be accepted for certain customs clearance or documentation processes.

The carrier sends the telex release when the original bill of lading is located or when a letter of indemnity from the shipper is provided.

The sea waybill is a simple, non-negotiable transport document that can be used as an alternative to the bill of lading. Unlike the bill of lading, the sea waybill is not a document of title.

What is an OBL? ›

The Original Bill of Lading, also referred to as OBL, is a document issued by a carrier to the shipper that serves as proof of shipment, contract of carriage, and receipt for goods.

According to ICC experts a bill of lading issued to the order of a party can only be endorsed by the party stated in the “consignee” field of the bill of lading.

An original bill of lading (OBL) is a shipping document or a contract of carriage which serves as the title of the cargo and a shipment receipt.

Difference between Telex Release and Express Release

We now have the Telex Release and Express Release. The significant difference lies in the fact that for a Telex Release, a physical OBL (Original Bill of Lading) is issued, printed, and surrendered. However, for an Express Release there is NO Original Bill of Lading.

The freight forwarder will give the shipper an HBL after the shipper has given the forwarder the necessary shipping documents, including the commercial invoice and packing list. An OBL is a document that a carrier issues to a shipper. The OBL proves that the carrier has accepted the goods for shipment.

Is Seaway Bill the same as a Telex release? A Telex Release is issued for a physical set of Original Bill(s) of Lading which is printed, released and surrendered. Whereas, Express Release is issued for a Seaway Bill of Lading.

Is Seaway Bill the same as a Telex release? A Telex Release is issued for a physical set of Original Bill(s) of Lading which is printed, released and surrendered. Whereas, Express Release is issued for a Seaway Bill of Lading.