Delivery order (D/O): meaning in shipping

A delivery order (D/O) is the release a carrier, or its agent, issues at destination so that the consignee, or its customs broker or trucker, can collect the cargo from the terminal or warehouse. It is usually issued once the bill of lading has been presented or released and the destination charges are paid.

At a glance

Issued byThe carrier or its agent at destination, or the forwarder for cargo on its house B/L

Usually needsAn original B/L (or a telex release or sea waybill), paid charges and the consignee's identification

Used forCollecting the cargo from the terminal, depot or CFS; in some ports also for customs or the terminal

Not to confuse withA delivery note, the seller's document that travels with the goods to the buyer

How you get a delivery order

After the ship arrives, the carrier or forwarder sends an arrival notice with the charges and the release requirements. The consignee presents an original bill of lading, or the carrier confirms a telex release or sea waybill delivery, pays the destination charges and any freight collect, and receives the delivery order, often electronically. With a house B/L, the forwarder releases the cargo to the consignee and obtains the release from the shipping line under its master B/L.

Practice varies by port and country

In many ports the release is now an electronic record in the terminal or community system rather than a paper D/O, and the steps, fees and names differ. Some ports also need the release for customs clearance or for the empty container return. Ask the carrier's local office or your customs broker what is needed at that port.

Delivery order and free time

The free time for the container keeps running while the release is pending. Missing originals, unpaid charges or a wrong consignee name can delay the delivery order and lead to demurrage and detention charges, so prepare the documents before the ship arrives.

Related terms

Sources

Checked against official sources: 2026-10. General definitions for quick reference, not legal or customs advice — exact meanings can vary by country and contract. Where a related free tool or guide exists, the term links to it.

Guides on this topic

Original B/L vs Telex Release vs Sea Waybill: Which Is Safe?Original B/L 3/3, telex release (surrendered B/L), sea waybill, house vs master and straight vs to order bills, and which is safe on T/T, copy…Demurrage and Detention: Meaning, Free Time, How to CalculateWhat demurrage, detention, combined free time and storage mean for containers, when the clock starts and stops, how to calculate the charges with…House vs Master Bill of Lading: NVOCC, Release, AMS, ICS2 and UCP 600House B/L vs master B/L: who issues and signs each, shipper and consignee on both, LCL consolidation, release, US AMS and ISF, EU ICS2 and letters…Import Customs Clearance Process: US, EU, UK, CanadaHow import customs clearance works: importer of record, EORI and US bond, broker documents, HS code and value, duty and VAT, holds, refunds and de…

Common questions

Is a delivery order the same as a delivery note?

No. A delivery order is the carrier's release at destination; a delivery note is the seller's document that travels with the goods and is signed by the receiver.

Do I need the original bill of lading to get a delivery order?

If original bills of lading were issued and not surrendered, usually yes, one original. With a telex release or a sea waybill, the carrier releases the cargo to the named consignee without an original.

Who pays the delivery order fee?

Usually the consignee pays it with the other destination charges; who bears those costs in the end depends on the sales contract and the Incoterms rule.

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