What is the difference between an Original Bill of Lading, a Seaway Bill of Lading and a Telex Release Bill of Lading in freight forwarding?        

Freight forwarding and the documents required can be quite confusing. One question that BCR is asked frequently from new freight forwarding customers is about the difference between an Original Bill of Lading, a Seaway Bill of Lading and a Telex Release Bill of Lading.

• An Original Bill of Lading is produced and provided to the shipper. The shipper will either send the Original Bill of Lading to the importer or usually hold it until payment has been made.  Upon the shipper’s authorisation to release goods, the Original Bill of Lading can be sent to the importer in which they can surrender to the freight forwarding company to secure the release of the air freight or sea freight shipment.

• A Seaway Bill of Lading is a document of title used on a trust basis between the Shipper and Importer. This means no Original Bill of Lading is required and goods are automatically authorised for release at destination.

• In the case of a Telex Release Bill of Lading, an Original Bill of Lading is still issued to the shipper once cargo is on board. Once the shipper has decided to release their hold on the cargo they will surrender the Original Bill of Lading back to the office of the shipping company that issued it rather than forward it on to the importer.  The origin office for the shipping company will then electronically message their destination office to inform them that the Original Bill of Lading has been surrendered and to authorise release of the goods to the importer. 

Our team of freight forwarding experts at BCR can assist you and your business with all of your air freight and sea freight shipments and answer any questions you may have to ensure that you are informed throughout the process. BCR also provides business customers with a team of qualified Customs Brokers and 3PL warehousing solutions domestically in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Townsville and Cairns, and internationally at various locations around the world.

Do you need a quick air freight quote or sea freight quote? Contact BCR today.