Manifest. A manifest is a document containing complete specifications of the goods loaded by a vessel for various destinations.
As a rule cargo manifests are drawn up by the agents in the ports of loading based upon the information contained in the bills of lading.
The manifest shows: Name of vessel; Port of loading and date of sailing; Port of destination, and in various columns: Number of bills of lading; Marks of packages; Number of packages and contents; Names of shippers and consignees; Notify address, if any; Weight/Cubic measurement; Rate of freight per unit; Total rebate; Net freight.
In some foreign countries it may be required that manifests be certified by the respective Consul in the port of shipment. Usually Customs authorities require detailed manifests when the vessel arrives in a port to discharge.