A manifest is a shipping document that outlines the contents of a shipment. It typically includes a description, quantity, and weight of each item that is being sent. It is used by both the shipper and the receiver to verify that the goods have arrived safely at their destination.
Manifests have been around for hundreds of years, and they remain a useful tool in the transportation industry today. They are especially useful when you ship items out to international destinations. They can help you determine the amount of shipping costs for a package and how much insurance is needed to cover damages or losses.
There are several types of manifests. They include freight manifests, cargo manifests, and packing lists. Each type of manifest shipping will have different purposes and requirements, but they all contain vital information about the products that are being shipped.
Freight Manifest
A freight manifest is used for shipments that have bulk quantities of the same product. It will list the total number of items that are being shipped, their weight and description, and freight charges for each consignment. This can be helpful when collecting freight charges from the consignee at the port of origin or when calculating the carrier’s freight commission.
Cargo Manifest
A cargo manifest is used for shipments that are being shipped by boat. It will show the specific Bill of Lading (BOL) for each consignment, and will also list the details of the vessel, such as its name, location, and identification markings. It will also provide details about the contents of each consignment, such as weight, dimensions, and the names and addresses of the consignor and consignee.
In addition to the BOL, a cargo manifest will also show the shipper’s contact information, including the name and address of the company, its registered address, and telephone numbers. This is important for customs authorities to identify and confirm the contents of the shipment before allowing it into their ports.
Packaging List
A packing list is a shipping document that outlines the items being shipped in a container or crate. It will typically contain the invoice number, shipper’s address, and shipment reference number for each container or crate being shipped. It will also list any special shipping requirements for the shipment such as oversized items, heavy items, or items that need to be protected during transport.
It is essential to have a packing list on all shipments, as it can be the key to avoiding shipping errors and disputes. It can also save you time and money in the long run by ensuring that all the correct items are included in your shipment.
Manifests can be generated through the carrier web system, an online shopping cart, or shipping app. These tools will send shipment information to the carrier when a label is created, so you do not need to print manifest forms.
If you are an e-commerce business, you should use a manifest whenever you ship multiple packages. This will streamline the pickup process and make it more efficient for your carrier to pick up all of your shipments at once. Some carriers will even refuse to pick up your orders if you don’t have a manifest.