In international maritime transport, speed, safety, and operational ease are more important than ever. In particular, delays in paperwork can lead to increased port costs and disrupted deliveries. At this point, the telex release application offers a significant advantage for import and export companies.
What Does Telex Release Mean?
Telex is a telecommunications system that was used in the past for international written communication. This technology, which enabled the transmission of text messages over telephone lines, formed the basis of rapid communication between businesses in the pre-internet era. Today, however, it is used in the logistics and transportation sector not so much in its literal sense but rather to mean an electronic release/clearance instruction. This term has taken on a different meaning, particularly in maritime transportation. In maritime transport, telex refers to the "you can deliver the cargo" instruction sent by the shipowner or agent to the port and delivery unit via the system. This system offers a modern solution that replaces physical documents such as bills of lading. The delivery process is initiated with digital approval instead of physical documents. This prevents time loss, eliminates document loss, and speeds up transportation processes, thereby reducing costs.
Under normal circumstances, the importer:
- Obtains the original bill of lading from the bank or seller
- Presents it at the port
- Then receives the cargo
Ancak telex release kullanıldığında:
- Original documents are not required
- Digital approval is sufficient
- Delivery is much faster
What is a Telex Bill of Lading?
A telex bill of lading refers to a bill of lading that is arranged to be processed via telex release instead of the physical circulation of the original bill of lading. The bill of lading is printed as usual, but no physical documents are required during the delivery of the goods. However, delivery is made via telex release, which speeds up the process and eliminates the risk of document loss. No document presentation is required because the carrier delivers the goods with electronic instructions. This method is particularly preferred in certain situations: it is very common between buyers and sellers who have a relationship of trust, in prepayment transactions, and in shipments between group companies.
How to Make a Telex Release?
The telex release process is a practical method in maritime transport that enables faster delivery of cargo. In the first stage, the shipper delivers the original bills of lading to the carrier/agent and physically transfers these documents. The shipper then sends a "telex release request" to the carrier company, and this request is officially recorded. The carrier sends a release message to the port of destination via the system and notifies that the cargo has been released electronically. Once this process is complete, the consignee can receive the cargo with only identity/document verification and take delivery of their goods without having to wait for the original bill of lading.
Advantages of Telex Release
Original documents are not required because the cargo manifest is transmitted electronically. This eliminates the risk of documents being lost or delayed, making the process much more secure. Using Telex Release reduces demurrage and storage costs because cargo does not remain in port for extended periods. Banks and cargo processes are eliminated, resulting in time and cost savings. Since there is no need to physically transport documents, transactions are completed much faster. In today's digital age, telex release has become an indispensable tool that supports smart trade.
When is a Telex Release Preferred?
In short-distance maritime transport, telex release is frequently used because goods can arrive at the destination port before the original bill of lading. For example, this is common in trade between Turkey and neighboring countries. In regular commercial relationships with reliable buyers, telex release saves time and money. Instead of sending the original documents by courier, delivery is made electronically. It is also preferred for urgent shipments and rail or air transport. It is an ideal solution when fast delivery is required to avoid container demurrage charges. It is widely used in the trade of low-value and standard products, in transactions that do not require a letter of credit.
Is telex release secure?
A telex release is a secure document widely used in the shipping industry. It works with an electronic approval system instead of the original bill of lading. It verifies the person to whom the cargo will be delivered by the carrier company. The risk of fraud is low, but it is important to work with reliable companies.
Is the telex release fee-based?
Telex release is generally a paid service. Shipping companies and carriers may charge a telex release fee to issue an electronic document in place of the original bill of lading. The fee amount varies depending on the shipping company and route. While some forwarding companies offer this service free of charge, most maritime shipping companies apply an additional charge for telex release.
How much is the telex release fee?
The telex release fee varies depending on the shipping company and route. This fee, which generally ranges from USD 50 to USD 150, is charged for the electronic release of the original bill of lading. Telex release facilitates fast delivery and simplifies logistics processes by eliminating costly and time-consuming document delivery.
Can a telex release be used for every shipment?
Telex release cannot be used for every shipment. Telex release is generally preferred for transactions with reliable customers and those with payment guarantees. It is not suitable for use in situations requiring the original bill of lading or for risky shipments. Carriers and exporters should evaluate each situation separately.
How long does delivery take with telex release?
The delivery process with telex release is quite fast. It is usually completed within 24-48 hours. The carrier sends the cargo delivery note approval electronically. Since a digital system is used instead of traditional document delivery, there is no time loss. The consignee can immediately take delivery of the container at the port of arrival with their ID.
Is a telex release the same as a sea waybill?
A telex release and a sea waybill are not the same thing. A telex release is the process of electronically canceling the original bill of lading. A sea waybill, on the other hand, is a non-negotiable transport document that does not require the original document. Both serve different purposes but both enable fast cargo delivery.
