Release order

A release order is the instruction authorizing the carrier, terminal, or depot at destination to hand cargo or an empty container to a named party. At an import port the carrier issues delivery release once the consignee has surrendered an original bill of lading or presented a telex or express release and settled all charges. At an export depot a release order or empty-release reference, quoted on the booking confirmation, lets the haulier collect an empty container for stuffing. It is the operational trigger for the physical handover and does not itself transfer title, which the underlying bill of lading or sea waybill governs.