Express Release
An Express Release is a bill of lading issued as "express" — with no negotiable original printed. The cargo is released to the named consignee at destination without any document being presented, because there is no original to surrender. In effect it functions like a sea waybill.
Express release is chosen when the shipper wants the speed of release-without-documents from the moment the bill is issued, rather than issuing negotiable originals and then surrendering them (as with a telex release). As with a sea waybill, it should only be used when the goods are not being traded or financed in transit, since there is no document of title to pledge or transfer.
Express release is the "decide up front" version of releasing without originals: rather than printing negotiable bills and later surrendering them, no originals are issued at all. It is fast and clean for straightforward, non-traded shipments — but it forfeits the document of title, so it is only appropriate when the goods will not change hands in transit.
How does express release differ from a telex release?
Express release issues no negotiable original at all; a telex release issues originals that are then surrendered at origin.
Can I trade goods under an express release?
No — like a sea waybill, there is no document of title, so the goods cannot be pledged or transferred in transit.