In international freight shipping, a manifest is a document that provides a detailed list of all the cargo being transported. It is an important record for the shipper, the carrier, and customs authorities, facilitating the smooth movement of goods across international borders.
Importance Of A Manifest
The primary purpose of a manifest is to provide a clear and accurate account of a shipment’s contents, which is essential for many reasons.
Customs Clearance
Customs authorities use the manifest to verify the contents of a shipment and ensure that all necessary duties and taxes are paid. The manifest helps prevent smuggling and the transportation of illegal or restricted items.
Cargo Tracking
The manifest allows all parties involved in the shipping process to track the movement of goods from the point of origin to the final destination. This is particularly important for shipments that involve multiple modes of transportation or require transhipment at intermediate ports.
Cargo Insurance & Liability
The manifest serves as a legal document that can be used to determine liability in case of damage, loss, or theft of cargo during transit. It also helps process cargo insurance claims, providing a detailed record of the shipped goods.
Main Information Included
A typical manifest contains the following information:
- Shipper and Consignee Details: The names and addresses of the shipper (the party sending the goods) and the consignee (the party receiving the goods).
- Vessel and Voyage Information: The name of the vessel, its International Maritime Organization (IMO) number, and the voyage number.
- Bill of Lading Numbers: The unique identifying numbers for each bill of lading (BOL) associated with the shipment.
- Cargo Description: A detailed description of each shipped item, including the type of goods, quantity, weight, and volume.
- Hazardous Materials Information: If applicable, the manifest must include information about any hazardous materials transported, such as the UN number, proper shipping name, and packing group.
- Port of Loading and Discharge: The ports where the cargo is loaded onto the vessel and where it will be discharged.
- Date of Departure and Arrival: The estimated dates of departure from the loading port and arrival at the discharge port.
Types Of Manifests
There are several types of manifests used in international freight shipping, depending on the mode of transportation and the specific requirements of the countries involved.
Cargo Manifest
A general term for a manifest that lists all the cargo being transported on a particular vessel or vehicle.
Container Manifest
A manifest that specifically lists the contents of each shipping container on a vessel.
Dangerous Goods Manifest
A separate manifest detailing any dangerous goods transported, their specific handling and storage requirements.
Air Cargo Manifest
A manifest is used for goods being transported by air, which typically includes additional information such as the airport of departure and arrival, flight number, and airway bill numbers.