In international trade, a Delivery Order (D/O) is a mandatory document that allows the consignee to collect goods from the port or bonded warehouse. Understanding what a Delivery Order is, who issues it, related fees, and the procedures to obtain it helps businesses shorten clearance time and avoid unnecessary costs.

Delivery Order (D/O) meaning

Delivery Order (D/O) meaning

A Delivery Order (D/O) is a document issued by a carrier or freight forwarder that authorizes the consignee to collect their goods.

• It is a legal basis for the carrier to release the cargo to the correct recipient.
• Without a D/O, the consignee cannot pick up the shipment.
• When issuing the document, the carrier or forwarder charges a fee called the Delivery Order Fee.

Who issues the Delivery Order?

There are two common cases:

• Carrier-issued Delivery Order: The D/O is issued directly to the consignee.
• Forwarder-issued Delivery Order: The forwarder, on behalf of the carrier, issues the D/O to the customer.

Both types have the same legal validity and are accepted at ports.

>> Read More:  FCL and LCL Shipping to Taiwan by Ocean Freight 

Key details on a Delivery Order

Key details on a Delivery Order

A Delivery Order typically includes:

• Vessel name and voyage
• Consignee (cargo owner/receiver)
• Port of Discharge (POD)
• Cargo marks, quantity, weight, and volume
• D/O classification: FCL (full container load), LCL (less than container load), Electronic Delivery Order (EDO), Empty Container Delivery Order, etc.

>> Read More: What Is a Shipper and Consignee? Clear Role Differences in International Shipping

When is a Delivery Order required?

The consignee can only obtain a D/O after the vessel arrives at the port:

• FCL shipments: Delivery Order can usually be collected within 8–12 hours after vessel arrival.
• LCL shipments: It typically takes 2 days for the container to be deconsolidated at the warehouse before goods can be collected.

Required documents to obtain a Delivery Order

Required documents to obtain a Delivery Order

To be issued a D/O, the consignee must prepare:

• Company introduction letter
• Arrival Notice (from carrier/forwarder)
• Bill of Lading (original or copy depending on the case)
• ID card/passport of the authorized person

For L/C payment: the original Bill of Lading endorsed and stamped by the bank

Delivery Order procedure

The standard process includes 3 steps:

1. Receive the Arrival Notice from the carrier or forwarder.
2. Submit the Bill of Lading, introduction letter, and required documents to request the D/O.
3. Pay the Delivery Order Fee and receive the D/O to proceed with customs clearance and cargo pick-up.

What is Delivery Order Fee (D/O Fee)?

The Delivery Order Fee is the charge collected by carriers or forwarders when issuing the D/O.

Typical range: USD 30–40 per order, depending on the carrier and shipping route.

Additional charges may apply, such as:

• Delivery Order Amendment Fee
• Charges for exceeding the Delivery Order Last Free Date
• Other port-related charges: THC, Handling, CFS (for LCL), container cleaning, or container deposit (for FCL)

>> Read More: Summary Table of Logistics Fees During Freight Transport

Important notes when receiving a Delivery Order

• For L/C shipments, the original Bill of Lading with bank endorsement is mandatory.
• FCL Delivery Orders are usually stamped “Direct Delivery.”
• LCL Delivery Orders are often stamped “Stripped Cargo.”
• Many carriers are adopting Electronic Delivery Order (EDO) to save time.
• If a feeder vessel is involved, the consignee may need an additional Receipt Delivery Order from the forwarder.

End-to-end solutions for Delivery Order procedures

End-to-end solutions for Delivery Order procedures

Receiving import cargo without a proper Delivery Order (D/O) can result in shipment delays, storage charges, or production schedule disruption. Especially as many carriers are rolling out Electronic Delivery Order (EDO) in 2025, preparing accurate documents and following the right process is crucial.

King Freight Logistics Vietnam (KFLV) provides full-package logistics services to help importers obtain their Delivery Order smoothly and minimize costs, including:

• Consulting on Delivery Order procedures and required documents
• Acting on behalf of importers to obtain D/O from carriers/forwarders
• Handling Delivery Order Fee payment and amendment cases
• Coordinating with customs clearance, transportation, and last-mile delivery
• Archiving documents for audit and traceability when needed

Need expert support? Contact our hotline +84 (0) 938 188 796 or email cs1@hcm.kfkingfreight.com to get detailed assistance from KFLV today.