What is a delivery order in freight forwarding?

A delivery order (D/O) is a document issued by a freight forwarder, NVOCC, or carrier that authorizes a terminal operator, CFS, or warehouse to release cargo to the consignee named on the document. It is the instruction to physically hand over the goods. The consignee typically presents the D/O at the terminal or CFS gate along with their ID and, for FCL shipments, the truck details, to take possession of the cargo.

What is the difference between a delivery order and a Bill of Lading?

A Bill of Lading (BL) is a title document — it represents ownership and control of the cargo during transit. A delivery order is a release instruction — it tells the terminal or CFS to hand the cargo over to a specific party. To obtain a delivery order, the consignee must first surrender the original BL to the carrier or freight forwarder (or confirm a telex release). The D/O is then issued in exchange, authorizing physical pickup.

When does a freight forwarder issue a delivery order?

A freight forwarder issues a D/O when the cargo has arrived (or is imminent), the consignee has surrendered the original HBL or confirmed telex release, and all outstanding charges (ocean freight, destination THC, D/O fee) have been paid. For LCL shipments, the D/O is typically issued after the cargo is deconsolidated at the CFS. For FCL, it is issued once the container has been discharged and all conditions are met.

A delivery order fee (D/O fee) is a charge levied by the freight forwarder or carrier for issuing the delivery order document and processing the cargo release. It is a standard destination charge in most trade lanes, typically ranging from USD 30 to USD 150 depending on the forwarder, trade lane, and shipment type. It is separate from terminal handling charges (THC) and port costs.

How long is a delivery order valid?

The validity of a delivery order varies by forwarder and trade lane, but is typically 5 to 14 working days from the date of issue. After the validity period, the consignee may need to request a new or extended D/O, sometimes for an additional fee. The validity period is designed to ensure the terminal has current authorization and to prevent the cargo from sitting uncollected past the free time period.

Is this delivery order template free to use commercially?

Yes. The Hansatic Delivery Order Generator is completely free to use for any purpose, including commercial freight forwarding operations. No account or subscription is required. All processing happens in your browser — nothing you enter is sent to our servers or stored anywhere.

Free Delivery Order Generator

Create professional delivery order documents to authorize cargo release at terminals, CFS, and warehouses. Download a PDF instantly, free.

Issuing Agent / Freight Forwarder

Upload Logo PNG or JPG, max 2MB

Agent / Company Name

Address

City

Country

Phone

Remember my company info for next time Saved locally in your browser only

Consignee / Authorized Collector

Consignee Name

Address

City

Country

Phone

Shipment Details

D/O Reference

BL No. / HBL No.

Issue Date

Vessel Name

Voyage No.

Service Type

Port of Discharge

Place of Delivery

Terminal / CFS

Valid Until

Container No(s) / Seal No(s)

Cargo

Description of Goods Pkgs Pkg Type Gross Wt (kg) CBM

Cargo item

Gross Wt (kg)

CBM

Totals

Conditions of Release

e.g. Cargo released against original BL surrender. All freight charges prepaid. Release valid for 5 working days from date of issue.

Delivery Order Generator — FAQ

Your next load, perfectly planned.

Start free. No credit card. No install.

Plan a Container Plan a Truck Load