# Delivery Order

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> Once a sea freight shipment reaches its destination port and discharge is complete, the carrier or its agent issues a delivery order—the document authorising the consignee or their freight forwarder to collect the cargo from terminal custody.

Once a sea freight shipment reaches its destination port and discharge is complete, the carrier or its agent issues a delivery order—the document authorising the consignee or their freight forwarder to collect the cargo from terminal custody. It confirms that all outstanding freight charges, port fees, and carrier claims have been settled, and it serves as the release instruction directed at the terminal operator. Unlike a bill of lading, which is a negotiable instrument carrying title to the goods, the delivery order conveys no ownership rights; it functions solely as a pickup authorisation at the place of delivery. In practice, the shipping line transmits the document to its local agent, who releases it to the consignee once all charges are cleared; only then may the truck driver retrieve the container from the terminal. For shipments travelling under a sea waybill—where no bill of lading exists—the delivery order becomes the sole formal basis for release.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delivery_order](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delivery_order)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Delivery Order |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 154 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delivery_order |

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