A Delivery Order (DO) is an official document issued by a carrier, freight forwarder, or NVOCC that authorizes the release of cargo to the consignee or their agent. In international trade, it serves as proof that the cargo has cleared necessary obligations and can now be picked up from the terminal, warehouse, or container yard.
In short, it’s the green light that tells the terminal operator: “This party has permission to collect their cargo.”
Why Is a Delivery Order Important?
The delivery order is a critical part of the last-mile release process in shipping. Without it, cargo cannot be legally or physically collected at the port of discharge. It connects the freight carrier’s responsibilities to the receiving party and confirms that all prior documents—such as the bill of lading, freight charges, and customs clearance—have been resolved.
The delivery order ensures:
- Freight has arrived and is ready for release
- The consignee is verified and approved to take delivery
- The port or warehouse operator knows which shipment to hand off and to whom
Who Issues a DO?
Delivery orders are typically issued by the party that controls the freight at the destination, which can include:
- Ocean carriers or shipping lines
- Freight forwarders or NVOCCs
- Customs brokers (in certain conditions, when clearance is confirmed)
- Airlines (for air cargo release)
Once the required documentation is submitted and charges are paid, the issuing party provides the DO to the consignee or their agent. This document must then be presented to the port terminal or warehouse for cargo release.
Delivery Order vs. Bill of Lading
It’s important to distinguish the DO from the bill of lading (B/L). While both are key in international shipping, they serve different roles:
- The bill of lading is the contract of carriage between shipper and carrier; it tracks the freight’s movement and ownership.
- The delivery order is the authorization document that allows the consignee to collect the cargo at destination.
In many cases, a surrendered or released bill of lading is a prerequisite to issuing the delivery order.
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