What is Manifest: In Simple Terms
Manifest in logistics contains the list of items that have been shipped from the seller to the buyer. The manifest document makes sure that the goods do not contain contraband or from belligerent groups. And this document includes the physical aspects of the cargo like size, dimension, and weight. Moreover, this document is essential in identifying unique goods like artwork, pharmaceuticals, and dangerous commodities, including toxic gas and chemicals. And require constant monitoring and relevant management while shipping, loading and unloading of the cargo.
Manifest: Technical Definition
ClickPost defines manifest as a non-legal document that contains the list of items being transported in a single consignment or vehicle from their source to the destination with details of the cargo in terms of consignee information, operator name, quality, type and dimensions of the product, and shipping route to make shipping more clear and precise.
Who uses Manifest in the Supply Chain?
The shipper-designated carriers use the manifest to transport cargo and verify the cargo and destination materials based on the details listed in the manifest. This document, along with a bill of lading by authorities to grant entry and exit through ports.
What is the Importance of Manifest in Logistics?
A Manifest is important to all concerned parties in shipping operations to unload the cargo at the port. A manifest should contain all the necessary information and may not be limited to:
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Quantity of packages in the cargo
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Type of commodities
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Description of the products
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Information about the consignee
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Method of transportation
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Details of the shipper
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Shipping route
All the particulars mentioned above help keep the shipping operations clear and concise while maintaining the cargo's integrity.
What is the End of Day Manifest?
End of day manifest is the confirmation document providing the list of shipments that were done for the day. This is generated to help carriers verify the list of consignments transported.
What is the Difference Between Manifest and Bill of Lading?
Manifest is a non-legal document that consists of the cargo details primarily for the verification of the consignment when delivered at the port of destination. In comparison, the Bill Of Lading or BOL is a legal quasi-negotiable document that binds the shipper and the buyer to the agreed-upon terms and conditions of shipping with specific details of the consignment. At the same time, BOL can be used to transfer cargo ownership, whereas manifest is only a document for verification of cargo and shipping guidance. Having said that, both these documents are used by the authorities for confirmation to the release of cargo through the port. However, in case of liability issues, the Bill of Lading is the document that is referred to further the case. And unlike BOL, a Manifest document cannot be used as a receipt to acknowledge the appropriate loading and unloading of cargo at the port.
What is the Difference Between Cargo Manifest and Freight Manifest?
The cargo manifest contains the list of commodities that make up the cargo, excluding the freight charges. In contrast, the freight manifest includes the expenses required for shipments, and they have to be paid either by the shipper or the consignee.
Some Other Types of Manifest Document are:
Dangerous Goods Manifest : This document is for shipping hazardous goods containing details of goods like toxic gas, chemicals, etc., for maintaining relevant shipping practices.
Out of Gauge Manifest : As the name suggests, this document is enlisted for abnormally sized cargo, and the specific details.
Reefer Manifest : This document points to the reefer cargo on the shipping vessel with temperature-controlled facilities that require constant monitoring.