A telex release is a message that is sent by a shipping agent or shipping line to the customs office at the destination of a shipment,
or to an agent to signify that the shipper has surrendered the original bill of lading (OBL) issued to them. This allows the cargo to be released to the consignee without the need for the physical presence of the OBL. The telex release is typically used when the OBL cannot be mailed to the destination in time for cargo release without incurring storage charges. It serves as a way to convey instructions from the loading port agent to the discharge port agent and can save on mailing costs.

The OBL is a physical document issued by the carrier at the port of loading to the shipper. It serves as evidence of the contract of carriage and the receipt of goods. There are two types of OBLs: the straight bill of lading, which is issued to a "named" consignee and is not negotiable or transferable, and the order bill of lading, which is consigned "to order" and is negotiable and transferable based on endorsements.

A seaway bill of lading is a document issued to a "named" consignee, similar to a straight bill of lading, but there are no originals. It is not negotiable or transferable and does not act as a document of title, but rather as evidence of the carrier contract and the receipt of goods. It is also known as an express release and indicates the speed of import release.

A shipper or exporter may request a telex release when the consignee at the destination is a counterpart office of the shipper
and no negotiations are involved, or when the OBL cannot be mailed to the destination in time for cargo release. The telex release is typically used for sea freight shipments, but it can also be used for other types of shipments. It is important to note that the telex release is not the same as an express release, which does not involve an OBL.