What is an Express Release Bill of Lading?
An express cargo bill (or seawaybill, or express release bill). The synopsis is: there is no original bill of lading. Or, if you will, the original is in the computer. Everything else is a copy. After shipment, you can fax the express cargo bill, invoice, and packing list direct to the buyer, and airmail hard copies which should still arrive before the shipment. Should the hard copy express cargo bill not get to destination in time, the destination steamship line or NVOCC can print one out as there is no requirement to protect an original–which doesn’t exist, anyway. Because the buyer can get the shipment without an original bill of lading, this should be used for prepayment or open account, but not for documentary credits or documentary collections. ————————————————————- Further information on these and many other subjects can be found in Joseph Zodl’s book, Export-Import: Everything You and Your Company Need to Know to Compete in World Markets
