Why the original B/L matters
A negotiable (order) bill of lading is a document of title: whoever holds it can claim the goods. Carriers usually issue it as a set of originals, and at destination they release the cargo only against an original. If the originals are still with the supplier, a bank or a courier when the vessel arrives, the container waits — and demurrage starts once free time runs out.
The four options
| Document | Originals travel? | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Original (order) B/L | Yes, by courier | Letters of credit, goods sold in transit, parties who do not yet trust each other |
| Telex release | No — surrendered at origin | Established trading partners; the carrier is told to release without originals |
| Sea waybill | No — non-negotiable | Intra-company or trusted shipments; release to the named consignee |
| Electronic B/L (eBL) | No — transferred digitally | Where both parties, the carrier and the bank use a supported eBL platform |
Legal recognition of electronic trade documents differs from country to country, so check with your bank and adviser before moving an LC shipment to an eBL.
Letters of credit and the 21-day rule
Under UCP 600 (article 14(c)), when original transport documents are required, they must be presented to the bank no later than 21 calendar days after the date of shipment, and never after the credit expires — unless the credit sets a shorter period. Documents that sit too long with the supplier or in a courier network can miss that window, which delays payment.
Keeping documents and cargo in step
- Agree the document type at contract stage, not after loading.
- Courier originals as soon as they are issued, and get the courier tracking number from the supplier.
- Compare two dates: when the documents will arrive, and when the vessel will arrive. If the documents are later, act now — ask for a telex release, reroute the courier, or warn the consignee.
- Keep the vessel date in view. ShipTastic’s predictive ETA shows when the container will actually arrive, so you know how much time the documents have to get there.