The cumbersome process for obtaining a telex release from Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) - requiring original bill of lading endorsements to pass through booking agents rather than moving directly from freight forwarders to the shipping line - stems from MSC's risk management principle of "who books, who is responsible." This approach ensures clear accountability throughout the shipping process.
The Endorsement Process Explained
Typically, the endorsement procedure involves multiple steps: First, the shipper must stamp and endorse the original bill of lading along with a letter of guarantee, then physically mail these documents to the booking agent. The agent may need to apply additional stamps for verification before forwarding the complete package to the shipping company.
This multi-layered process inevitably extends processing times and increases logistics costs, potentially creating bottlenecks in supply chain operations. However, MSC maintains this protocol as a necessary control measure.
Operational Rationale Behind the Process
Shipping companies like MSC generally only accept documentation submitted by authorized booking agents with whom they have established contracts. This practice creates a clear audit trail for responsibility and liability purposes. Booking platforms or agents possess specialized knowledge of MSC's specific requirements and often provide related services to facilitate transactions.
When freight forwarders choose not to handle the stamping and endorsement procedures themselves, they must rely on these intermediaries to complete the process. This division of responsibilities, while sometimes inefficient, forms part of MSC's risk mitigation strategy in international shipping operations.
Understanding these operational constraints and identifying potential optimization opportunities within the existing framework could lead to significant improvements in telex release efficiency without compromising the shipping line's risk management objectives.