Delivery order
A delivery order is a written instruction from the consignee (or their freight forwarder) to the carrier or terminal authorising release of the goods. It is the operational handoff from terminal possession to the consignee.
A delivery order is typically issued after the BOL has been cleared, freight charges paid, and any customs requirements met. It names the trucker or party authorised to pick up the cargo and identifies the container or shipment by number.
Terminals will not release cargo without a valid DO. Missing or delayed DOs are one of the leading causes of demurrage — the container sits past its free time because the operational paperwork hasn't arrived.
Many terminals now use electronic delivery orders (eDO) tied to the carrier's portal, eliminating the paper original. Adoption is uneven across ports and carriers.
Related terms
- DemurrageDemurrage is the fee charged by a carrier or port terminal when cargo (typically a container) stays at a port or terminal beyond the agreed free time. It applies to the cargo, not the equipment.
- Bill of lading vs. shipping manifestA bill of lading is a legal contract between a shipper and a carrier for a single shipment. A manifest is an operational document listing all cargo on a vehicle, vessel, or container, often covering many bills of lading.
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