Cargo Manifest: the master list of all goods on board
The Cargo Manifest is one of the most important documents in maritime transport, especially for the crew, customs, and port operators. It is a complete and detailed list of all the cargo that a vessel transports on a specific voyage.
This document is prepared at the port of origin and accompanies the vessel throughout the voyage. It is the official declaration that the carrier (the shipping line) submits to the customs authorities of each port of call to inform them about the goods to be discharged.
What information does a cargo manifest contain?
The cargo manifest is a compilation of data from all Bills of Lading (B/L) issued for the vessel. For each B/L, the manifest includes:
B/L Number:
The reference of the corresponding Bill of Lading.
Shipper and Consignee Details:
Names and addresses.
Description of Goods:
A general description of the products.
Number of Packages and Type of Packaging:
Quantity of parcels, boxes, pallets, etc.
Gross Weight and Volume:
The total weight and volume of each shipment.
Marks and Numbers:
The identifiers that appear on the packages to facilitate their tracking.
Port of Origin and Port of Destination:
The loading and discharge ports for each shipment.
Special instructions:
If the cargo requires special handling (e.g., refrigeration).
What is the function of the cargo manifest?
The cargo manifest has multiple functions in the logistics and customs chain:
Customs Control
It is the main document that customs uses to verify the cargo entering and leaving the country. If the information in the Cargo Manifest does not match the customs declarations (DUA), the goods may be detained.
Port Operations
Port operators use it to plan the discharge and storage of goods. It indicates which containers or packages need to be discharged at each port.
Safety
It helps the crew and authorities identify the nature of the cargo, especially if it contains dangerous goods.
Statistics and Traceability
It provides data on trade volume and allows for tracking of cargo along its route.
Difference between cargo manifest and bill of lading
Although both are closely related, they are not the same, and it is fundamental to understand and comprehend what each one is and what function they have:
Bill of Lading (B/L)
It is an individual document that covers a specific shipment from a shipper to a consignee. It is a contract of carriage and a title of ownership.
Cargo Manifest
It is a collective document that lists all shipments on board a vessel. It is an operational and legal summary for the shipping line and the authorities, but it is not a title of ownership.
We can state, in summary, that the cargo manifest is the "passenger list" for the goods on board a vessel, thus providing the necessary transparency from the carrier, the shipping line, to third parties such as customs authorities or even border authorities of the waters through which it passes on its route.
Related documentation
Bill of Lading (B/L): the master document of your cargo
Maritime transport contract between shipper and shipping line.
House Bill of Lading (HBL)
Document issued by the freight forwarder for each individual client.
Commercial Invoice and Packing List
Details of the commercial transaction and package contents.
Certificate of Origin (COO)
Certifies the country of manufacture of exported goods.
Marine Insurance Policy
Covers risks of loss or damage during maritime transport.
Charter Party
Contract between ship owner and charterer for vessel use.
Health, Phytosanitary or Veterinary Certificates
Guarantee compliance with health standards for certain products.