What is Shipping Manifest?

A shipping manifest is a comprehensive document that lists all packages included in a carrier pickup or shipment batch. It serves as the official handoff record between the shipper and the carrier, detailing tracking numbers, package weights, dimensions, service levels, and destination addresses for every package. The manifest ensures that both parties agree on what was tendered for shipping.

Why It Matters

The manifest is the contractual bridge between your warehouse and the carrier. Without an accurate manifest, packages can be lost in the carrier system with no record of tendering, billing disputes become difficult to resolve, and package accountability breaks down. For high-volume shippers processing hundreds or thousands of packages daily, automated manifest generation is essential for operational efficiency.

How It Works

• Generation: As packages are labeled throughout the day, each shipment is added to the day’s manifest. The manifest accumulates until the carrier pickup cutoff time.
• End-of-Day Close: At the carrier pickup time, the manifest is closed and transmitted electronically to the carrier. This “end-of-day” process finalizes the day’s shipments.
• Carrier Scan: The carrier driver scans the manifest or individual packages at pickup, confirming receipt. This scan event initiates tracking for all packages in the manifest.
• Reconciliation: The manifest serves as the basis for billing reconciliation. You can compare what you manifested against what the carrier invoices to catch discrepancies.

How Nventory Helps

Nventory automatically generates shipping manifests as labels are created throughout the day and transmits end-of-day closings to each carrier. The system maintains manifest records for billing reconciliation and provides visibility into the total package count and weight tendered to each carrier daily.