Telex Release Playbook: Steps, Controls, and Common Failure Points

A telex release is a carrier confirmation that original BLs have been surrendered and the shipment can be released at destination without presenting paper originals. The request must come from the BL owner or an authorized party, with fees and local requirements applied by each carrier and port.

When a Telex Release Makes Sense

Original BLs are still at origin or in transit, but the cargo will arrive soon.
Buyer needs immediate pickup and the parties agree to release without paper.
The BL type and trade lane allow telex release under carrier rules.

Critical Limitation: Negotiable Bills of Lading and L/C Transactions

Telex release is typically designed for straight bills (non-negotiable). For negotiable bills of lading (Order bills) used in Letter of Credit trade, telex release is usually NOT available until after the bank has received and endorsed the originals. Here’s why:

In L/C transactions, the bank holds the original endorsed bills for security until payment is confirmed.
Once the consignee’s bank receives payment and releases the endorsed originals, telex release MAY be requested from the discharge port.
Telex release cannot be issued while the originals are held by the bank in transit, because the shipper has no originals to surrender to the carrier.

Before requesting a telex release on a negotiable BL, confirm with your bank and carrier: (1) Whether telex release is possible once the bank releases the endorsed originals, (2) Whether a sea waybill (express release, no LOI) is available as a faster alternative, or (3) Whether you should arrange for originals to arrive at the destination port on time instead.

Telex Release vs. Express Release: Know the Difference

Two related but fundamentally different processes offer paperless release at destination; understanding the distinction is critical:

Telex Release (True Telex): The shipper surrenders the FULL SET of ORIGINAL bills of lading (physically printed and returned) at the origin port. The carrier then sends an electronic authorization to the discharge port allowing release without those originals being presented. Originals are typically stamped “surrendered” or “telex released.” Requires a Letter of Indemnity (LOI) and applies primarily to STRAIGHT BILLS (non-negotiable documents). This is the most common paperless release method.
Express Release / Sea Waybill: BL is issued as non-negotiable from inception. Cargo is released via carrier’s system without requiring original documents to be presented at discharge port. No originals to surrender means faster processing than telex release. LOI requirements vary by carrier.

Key Difference: Telex release is for shipments where original BLs EXIST and are SURRENDERED at origin. Express release / Sea Waybill is for shipments where no originals are issued in the first place. They are two entirely distinct processes, not variations of the same process.

This playbook focuses on telex release. If you have flexibility on BL type, confirm with your carrier whether express release or sea waybill is available for your trade lane, as these may be simpler and faster alternatives. While some carrier pages use ‘telex’ and ‘express’ interchangeably the strict definitions above still apply.

Step-by-Step

Confirm authority: verify who holds title and who is allowed to request surrender under the BL terms.
Check carrier and local rules: review the carrier help page and any port or customs rules that affect release.
Prepare documents: request form, BL copy, company ID, and any required letters of indemnity per carrier guidance.
Pay applicable fees: Telex release fees are charged by carrier and vary by region. Typical ranges:
- CMA CGM: â‚¬50 per BL (Express Release fee)
- Maersk: Varies by region; check your local TLE/TLI (Electronic Cargo Release) service charges
- Hapag-Lloyd and MSC: Check your local carrier office for applicable charges
- Settlement methods differ (bank transfer, credit card, account billing). Confirm the payment method and billing entity (shipper, forwarder, or consignee) before submitting your request. Some carriers do not release the telex authorization until payment is confirmed.
Submit the request: via carrier portal or documented channel. Keep a copy of submission and a timestamp.
Obtain confirmation: look for a telex release confirmation or status update in the carrier portal or by email.
Notify destination party: share the release status and any pickup reference.

Understanding the Letter of Indemnity (LOI) Requirement

Most carriers require a Letter of Indemnity for telex release. An LOI is a written commitment from the shipper or consignee to indemnify (protect and compensate) the carrier if any liability arises from releasing cargo without the original BL being physically presented. Before signing an LOI:

Understand your liability: You are agreeing to cover any financial or legal claims the carrier may face. This is not a trivial commitment.
Verify with your insurer: Confirm that your cargo or liability insurance covers LOI exposure.
Review the carrier’s specific LOI form: Terms vary by carrier and region. Some LOIs are limited in scope; others are open-ended.
Consult your legal team: Particularly for large shipments or complex trade finance situations.
Confirm LOI is mandatory: Some carriers waive LOI under certain conditions (e.g., if original BLs arrive before cargo discharge). Ask your carrier agent.

Carriers offering telex release without LOI: Some carriers and routes now offer express release or paperless BL options that do not require LOI, reducing your liability exposure. Check availability for your specific lane.

Controls That Reduce Risk

Role check: confirm signatory authority for the entity requesting release.
Match references: BL number, shipper, consignee, notify, and container list must match the request.
Audit trail: save the request, carrier reply, and payment receipt. Record the timestamp.
Fraud checks: confirm bank details on fee invoices through an out-of-band method.

Common Failure Points and Fixes

Wrong party requests release: only the BL owner or authorized agent can surrender. Fix by obtaining a carrier-accepted authorization.
Name mismatch: request shows a different consignee or notify. Fix by aligning details to the BL or by executing a switch BL if allowed.
Local restrictions: some ports or trades limit telex releases. Fix by confirming local practice before you request.
Fee unpaid: release held until settlement. Fix by confirming posted payment and reference.
Requested telex release on a negotiable BL held by a bank: Carrier denies request because the original endorsed bills are held by the bank in L/C transactions until payment is confirmed. Fix by: (1) Waiting for the bank to release and endorse the original BLs to the consignee, then requesting telex release from the discharge port, (2) Arranging for the bank to surrender the full set to the carrier at an alternate location so telex release can be issued to the discharge port, (3) Using a sea waybill (express release) from the start if possible, or (4) Arranging for original BLs to arrive at destination on time instead of relying on telex release.

Minimal Paper Checklist

BL copy with clear number and parties
Request form or portal submission
Company ID and contact details
Proof of payment if required
Letter of indemnity if the carrier requests one

How to Find Your Local Carrier Guidance

Telex release rules, fees, and procedures vary significantly by trade lane and local port requirements. For your specific shipment, consult:

Your carrier’s support page for your region – Each carrier (Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, MSC) maintains local FAQ pages with region-specific guidance.
Your freight forwarder or customs broker – They maintain current information on local port customs regulations affecting telex release.
Your bank (for L/C shipments) – Banks have specific requirements for telex release on trade finance shipments and will advise on BL type and LOI requirements.
Your carrier’s local office – Direct contact ensures you have current information on fees, procedures, and documentation requirements.

procedures and fees change by carrier and region; consult current carrier guidance before submitting requests

Connects To TRADLINX

Track the shipment’s BL timeline while the telex release is processed, then share one live BL link with consignees and brokers to cut back-and-forth on pickup readiness.

Sources and References

This playbook is based on carrier documentation and industry standards for telex release and bill of lading procedures. The following sources provide authoritative guidance and specific procedures for your trade lane:

Carrier Telex Release Services and Documentation

Maersk: Electronic Cargo Release Service (TLE/TLI) Support Page – Official guidance on Maersk’s electronic release procedures, fees, and requirements.
CMA CGM: Import Procedure Guide (PDF) – Detailed CMA CGM import procedures including telex release documentation requirements by region.
CMA CGM: Local Customer Service Charges (PDF) – CMA CGM Express Release and telex release fee schedule.
Hapag-Lloyd: Local FAQ Pages (Belgium Example) – Access your regional Hapag-Lloyd FAQ for local telex release policies and procedures. Each office maintains updated guidance.
MSC: Track a Shipment (Support Portal) – MSC’s carrier portal for telex release requests and status tracking.

Industry Standards and Definitions

Shipping and Freight Resource: Telex Release on Negotiable BLs – Comprehensive explanation of why telex release is restricted for negotiable bills of lading and alternatives.
Investopedia: How to Get a Telex Release – General guide to telex release process and authorization requirements.
Lotus Containers: Telex Release in Shipping Comprehensive Guide – In-depth overview of telex release procedures, controls, and common issues.

Letter of Indemnity (LOI) and Risk Management

Flexport: Letter of Indemnity Definition and Guidance – Explanation of LOI purpose, liability, and typical usage in shipping.
ShipHub: Letter of Indemnity Overview – Practical guidance on LOI usage and risk considerations for shippers and consignees.

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