---
title: "Original Bill of Lading (OBL)"
description: "An original bill of lading (OBL) is a contract of carriage that serves as a title of the cargo and confirms the carrier's receipt of the cargo."
language: en
canonical: https://www.flexport.com/glossary/original-bill-of-lading/
lifecycle: live
dateModified: 2026-10-08T14:58:48Z
topics:
  - "Customs & Compliance"
  - "Ocean Freight"
---

# Original Bill of Lading (OBL)

An original bill of lading (OBL) is a contract of carriage that serves as a title of the cargo and confirms the carrier's receipt of the cargo.

## What is an original bill of lading?

An original bill of lading (OBL) is a contract of carriage that serves as a title of the cargo and confirms the carrier’s receipt of the cargo. When an original bill of lading is issued, two other identical original bills of lading are also printed, and all three original bills of lading are issued together as one contract of carriage.

Your cargo must be released with the original bills of lading before Flexport can deliver your cargo to its final destination. Cargo issued with an original bill of lading can be released in one of two ways: with an endorsed original bill of lading, or with a telex release.

Bills of lading are an agreement between you and your supplier, so discuss your preferred [bill of lading](https://www.flexport.com/help/bills-of-lading-by-transportation/) and your release method with your supplier.

## How do endorsed originals and telex releases differ?

With an endorsed original, the shipper signs the paper originals and couriers them to the consignee, who presents one to the carrier or its agent at destination to collect the cargo. With a telex release, the shipper surrenders the originals to the carrier at origin, and the carrier electronically authorizes release at destination.

Courier delays are a common pitfall. If the paper originals arrive after the cargo, the container may sit at the port and accrue storage or demurrage charges. Ask your supplier early which release method they'll use.

Back to the [full glossary](https://www.flexport.com/glossary/).

---

*This is a markdown version of [https://www.flexport.com/glossary/original-bill-of-lading/](https://www.flexport.com/glossary/original-bill-of-lading/) for AI/LLM consumption.*