Your ocean shipment has arrived at its destination, but the cargo isn’t ready for pickup. The missing piece may be a Delivery Order (D/O).
In ocean shipping, a delivery order authorizes the release or collection of cargo at the destination. Understanding who issues it, what must happen beforehand, and which charges remain unpaid can help importers avoid unnecessary pickup delays.
What Is a Delivery Order in Shipping?
D/O stands for Delivery Order. In international shipping, a shipping line, its agent, or a freight forwarder typically issues this document or electronic authorization to permit the consignee or an appointed agent to retrieve the cargo.
A delivery order usually includes the bill of lading number, shipment or container details, consignee information, and cargo release instructions.
However, the term can have different meanings depending on the port. In some markets, particularly the United States, the consignee or customs broker may issue a delivery order to instruct a trucking company to collect the cargo.
Regardless of who issues it, a delivery order does not replace customs clearance. The consignee must meet all applicable release requirements before collecting the goods.
How to Obtain a Delivery Order
When an ocean shipment approaches its destination, the local shipping agent typically sends an arrival notice with shipment details and any outstanding charges. The carrier and destination port determine the next steps.
1. Confirm the bill of lading release
An original bill of lading generally requires the consignee or authorized party to surrender the necessary originals. With a telex release or sea waybill, the carrier verifies the release authorization without collecting an original paper B/L.
2. Settle outstanding charges
Before authorizing cargo release, the carrier or destination agent may require payment of outstanding freight, destination handling fees, and delivery order charges.
3. Obtain the delivery order
The shipping line or destination agent issues the D/O or confirms the electronic release once the consignee meets the applicable requirements. Shipments involving a house bill of lading may require additional coordination with the freight forwarder.
4. Arrange cargo pickup
After customs and the carrier authorize release, the appointed trucker or agent can arrange collection when the terminal or warehouse makes the cargo available.
With FCL shipping, the trucker typically picks up the container at the terminal. LCL cargo, meanwhile, usually becomes available at a container freight station (CFS) after the operator separates the consolidated shipment.
Delivery Order vs. Bill of Lading
A bill of lading and a delivery order serve different purposes, although both play a role in cargo collection.
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Bill of Lading (B/L) | Serves as a receipt for the goods, evidence of the carriage contract, and, when negotiable, a document of title |
| Delivery Order (D/O) | Authorizes or instructs the terminal or warehouse to hand over cargo to the designated party |
| Customs Release | Confirms that customs has authorized the goods to leave customs control |
A Chinese supplier may arrange a telex release, allowing the importer to proceed without presenting an original paper bill of lading at the destination.
Nevertheless, the importer must still fulfill the carrier’s requirements, complete customs clearance, and arrange for terminal pickup before collecting the cargo.
Delivery Order Charges and Destination Fees
Shipping lines or destination agents may charge a delivery order fee to process cargo release. This fee is separate from ocean freight and customs duties.
Importers may also face terminal handling charges, customs brokerage fees, storage, demurrage, detention, and inland transportation costs. The actual charges depend on the carrier, destination port, and shipping arrangements.
Before the vessel arrives, check your freight quotation to see which fees it covers and which you must pay locally. Outstanding payments can delay cargo collection and lead to additional storage or container charges.
Managing Delivery Orders for Shipments from China
A delivery order alone does not guarantee cargo pickup. Customs holds, unpaid fees, or terminal restrictions can still prevent the consignee from collecting the shipment.
If your cargo is held, our cargo release guide explains common causes and how to resolve them.
Planning ahead makes a difference. ASLG provides sea freight services from China for FCL and LCL shipments, helping importers prepare shipping documents and plan destination arrangements before their cargo arrives.
