D/O
Delivery Order fee · Delivery order fee
Also known as: D/O fee · DO fee · Delivery order · Ordino
The D/O fee is charged at destination for issuing the delivery order — the document that lets the consignee collect the cargo from the terminal.
In plain words
When a ship arrives, the cargo cannot simply be picked up. The consignee (or their customs broker) first hands in the original bill of lading, or shows that it has been released, and pays the charges due. The shipping line or its local agent then issues a delivery order (D/O), which tells the terminal to release the cargo.
The D/O fee is the charge for this service. It is usually paid by the consignee, together with destination charges such as THC. In Türkiye the delivery order is often called an “ordino”. Until the D/O is issued, free time keeps running, so delays here can lead to demurrage.
Example from real shipping
A buyer in İstanbul imports a container under CIF terms and thinks everything is paid. When the ship arrives, the line’s agent asks for the D/O fee and the destination THC before releasing the delivery order. The buyer’s customs broker pays them the same day, so the container leaves the port within its free time.
Related terms
- B/LA Bill of Lading (B/L) is the main document for sea freight. The carrier issues it when it takes the goods. It shows who can collect the goods at the destination.
- THCTHC is a charge for handling a container at the port terminal, for example lifting it on or off the ship and moving it in the yard.
- DemurrageDemurrage is a fee the shipping line charges when a full container stays at the port longer than the free time. The fee is charged per day.
- Customs brokerA customs broker is a licensed professional who prepares and submits customs declarations for importers and exporters, and deals with customs for them.
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Request a QuoteThis glossary is general information, not legal or customs advice. Rules, fees, and practice can differ by carrier, port, and country.