How to Prepare an Accurate Cargo Manifest: A Step-by-Step Guide

Shipping is considered the largest portion of the maritime industry, thus, having a detailed cargo manifest is required to facilitate the shipping process through all carriers on the ocean.

Moreover, the use of an accurate ocean cargo manifest will boost the ship's movements in and out of ports and terminals without delays and time loss despite the quantity of the delivered items.

So, if you are interested in knowing more about cargo manifests, the required shipping list, and the different types of cargo manifests based on the transported freight, continue reading our article.

What Is the Cargo Manifest of a Ship?

A cargo manifest is a document form that is used to list the details of cargo based on board to help customs and port authorities manage and organise the shipment movement based on the best security standards, and practices in port operations.

Moreover, the issued cargo manifest document includes lists with specific records about the carried cargo’s descriptions, quantities, weight, dimensions of boxes, and official handling instructions.

The cargo manifest file also contains the consignor and consignee names, the vessel's name, voyage number, and origin and destination port details.

What Is the Difference Between Cargo Manifest and Bill of Lading?

Before continuing with our article, this is an important detail to understand. As the cargo manifest is a listing document to clarify the total contents for cantons and get cargo clearance for loading and unloading on port.

On the other hand, the bill of lading is a legal document or contract that clarifies and organises the relationships between the shipping parties, and it is typically used to transfer ownership of the shipped packages or crates.

What Is Required in a Cargo Manifest?

If you want to set an accurate and efficient cargo manifest document, then you need to include these details and information:

• Name of the ship and its voyage number.
• Names of consignors and consignees.
• Comprehensive description of transported goods.
• The number of submitted bills of lading.
• The off and on ports and the following shipment routes.

However, you should know that the cargo manifest document could include other lists to share with the customs department based on the shipping type.



5 Types of Marine Cargo Manifests:

Based on the best shipping management courses online, there are many types of cargo manifest documents for marine shipping based on the shipment's list details and requirements.

General Cargo Manifest Document:

This is the manifest document that lists the general details for the booked freight. Moreover, this summary document shares an overview of the referred cargo with the customs authorities to get a declaration.

The required list of details by customs:

• Description of goods.
• Weight and physical dimensions.
• Consignors and consignee information.
• Complete carrier information.
• Origin country and destination.
• Bill of lading number.

Out-of-Gauge Manifest Document:

The OOG cargo manifest document is the used document for large loaded cargo, like machinery and vehicles. This list ensures the clarity of required handling loading and unloading processes and key storage techniques.

The required list of details by customs:

• General cargo manifest list.
• OOG details.
• Special handling instructions.

Reefer Manifest Document:

So, if you are going to transport a cargo item that requires temperature control then you will need a reefer (refrigerated) cargo list. This usually includes special temperature settings and monitoring for each container to guarantee the safety of the package.

The required list of details by customs:

• General cargo manifest list.
• Temperature requirements.
• Special handling instructions.

Dangerous Cargo Manifest:

This manifest lists dangerous shipped materials and goods based on their nature and classification to ensure the implementation of proper safety measures and protection of the crew and vessel from any accident.

The required list of details by customs:

• General cargo manifest list.
• Nature of dangerous materials.
• Emergency response instructions and information.

Air Waybill Cargo Manifest:

This is the used cargo manifest to relocate pets between countries without having their owner as a passenger. This applicable format is popular and accepted in multiple countries.

The required list of details by customs:

• General cargo manifest list.
• Crate dimensions and charges.
• Required oxygen and temperature rates.

Last But Not Least,

Although there are other cargo manifests like a road cargo manifest and an air cargo manifest, yet, ocean cargo manifests through vessels are the most popular and used ones in the shipment and transportation industry.

Thus, investing in shipping management training will help you join an interesting and promising field.