In international shipping, original bill of lading and telex release are two different types of bills of lading, with significant differences in their usage and operational procedures. Here are their detailed differences:

Original Bill of Lading

1. Definition:

The original bill of lading is a legal document issued by the carrier or 

its agent, which certifies that the goods have been loaded onto the ship

and promises to deliver the goods to the consignee.

2. Form:

The original bill of lading usually has three original copies, 

each of which has the same legal effect.

3. Operation process:

-Issuance: After the goods are loaded onto the ship, the carrier or its 

agent issues the original bill of lading to the shipper.

-Circulation: The shipper delivers the original bill of lading to the consignee through a bank or directly.

-Delivery: Upon arrival at the destination port, the consignee must present the original bill of lading to the carrier or its agent in order to collect the goods.

4. Security:

The original bill of lading is a physical document that must be held by the consignee in order to be picked up, which can prevent the goods from being picked up by illegal personnel and has high security.

5. Time and Cost:

The transmission of the original bill of lading may take a long time, especially in international trade, where it needs to be transmitted through express delivery or courier, which also increases related costs.

Telex Release/Surrender Bill of Lading

1. Definition:

Electronic bill of lading refers to the shipper returning the original bill of lading to the carrier at the port of origin, and the carrier notifying the destination port agent to allow the consignee to pick up the goods without the need for the original bill of lading.

2. Form:

The electronic bill of lading is not transmitted through physical paper documents, but rather confirmed through methods such as telegram, fax, or email.

3. Operation process:

-Issuance: After the goods are loaded onto the ship, the carrier or its agent issues the original bill of lading to the shipper.

-Electronic release: The shipper returns the original bill of lading to the carrier at the loading port and applies for electronic release, and the carrier notifies the destination port agent.

-Delivery: After the consignee arrives at the destination port, there is no need for the original bill of lading, and the delivery can be confirmed by electronic release.

4. Security:

The operation of electronic release simplifies the delivery process, but also increases potential risks, as the consignee does not need to hold the original bill of lading to pick up the goods and relies on the carrier's accurate notification.

5. Time and Cost:

Electronic bill of lading saves time and cost in mailing the original bill of lading, making delivery faster and more convenient, especially suitable for urgent goods or transactions that do not require a letter of credit.

summary

-Original bill of lading: requires physical handover, high security, but long transmission time and high cost.

-Electronic release: No physical handover required, quick and convenient operation, saving time and cost, but there are certain risks involved.

The choice of bill of lading type usually depends on the needs of both trading parties, the urgency of the transaction, and their considerations for security. When using electronic bills of lading, both parties need to establish a foundation