International Trade Manifests at Ports: Process, Examples, and Public Port Data

TradeInfo in Import Export Information Jul 13 / 1 day ago

International Trade Manifests at Ports: Process, Examples, and Public Port Data

Updated: July 2025 | TradeInfo.online

📦 Introduction

In the massive world of international trade, manifests are the invisible threads that tie every shipment to a country's trade, customs, and security operations. Without manifests, ports wouldn’t know what coming, who owns it, what duties to charge, or whether the cargo poses risks.

A manifest is a structured, official document submitted by shipping lines or carriers before, during, or after the arrival of cargo. It contains key data such as:

Vessel details

Voyage numbers

Container numbers

Shipper/Consignee information

Description and quantity of goods

Origin and destination ports

But how do these manifests work behind the scenes? How do shipping companies submit them? And where can you publicly view manifests online for major ports?

Let dive into the full lifecycle of trade manifests.

📑 What Is a Manifest?

A manifest is a list of goods or passengers carried on a ship, aircraft, train, or truck. In international trade, manifests are most commonly used by:

Shipping lines (e.g., Maersk, MSC, COSCO)

Customs brokers

Airlines and logistics providers

Port authorities

Types of manifests:

🔄 How Manifests Work – Step-by-Step Workflow

Here a complete step-by-step overview of how manifests move through the trade system:

Step 1: Cargo Booking and Loading

Exporter books space with a shipping line or freight forwarder.

A Bill of Lading is issued.

Cargo is loaded into containers at the port of origin.

Step 2: Manifest Preparation by Carrier

The shipping line prepares a Cargo Manifest, either manually or through software.

Data includes:

Vessel name & voyage #

Container numbers

HS codes, cargo weight

Consignee/shipper details

POL (Port of Loading) / POD (Port of Discharge)

Step 3: Electronic Submission to Customs

Carriers submit the manifest to customs in destination country using platforms like:

CBP AMS/ACE (USA)

ICEGATE (India)

Single Window System (Pakistan)

CUSCAR (Australia)

Must be submitted before vessel arrival (often 24–48 hrs ahead).

Format is usually XML or EDI (X12/EDIFACT).

Step 4: Port Authority Review

Port systems receive the manifest:

They cross-check against Advanced Ship Notices.

They assign yard space, berth time, crane slots.

If discrepancies or restricted items are found, the cargo is flagged for inspection.

Step 5: Manifest Reconciliation and Public Listing

Customs releases shipments (green channel) or orders scanning.

Port authority publishes manifest data on their website—daily or per vessel.

Examples:

Port of Los Angeles Vessel Schedule

Port Qasim Manifest Search

Dubai Ports (DP World) Cargo Tracking

Indian ICEGATE Manifest

Step 6: Delivery Order & Container Exit

Once manifest and customs clearance are done:

The importer receives a Delivery Order (DO).

Container leaves terminal via truck or rail.

🚢 Real-Life Manifest Submission Example: USA (CBP ACE System)

Carrier logs into the ACE Secure Data Portal

Uploads Cargo Manifest via web form or API (using ANSI X12 856 EDI format)

US Customs validates entries against its risk database

Cargo is flagged or cleared

After clearance, shipping line can release the container to the consignee

📄 CBP ACE Cargo Manifest Guide (PDF)

📂 Ports That Publicly Share Manifests or Vessel Info

Here are official manifest pages or vessel tracking boards of major ports:

🧾 Sample Manifest Data Entry (Simplified)

  MSC Barbara
  331E
  Shanghai
  Port Qasim
  
    TGHU1234567
    18,500
    850440
    ElectroMEC China
    Pak Tech Systems
  

This would be submitted to customs electronically and later shown (with less detail) on public manifest sites.

🧠 Why Public Manifest Access Is Important

Importers use it to plan delivery and check arrival schedules.

Freight Forwarders can trace cargo status in real time.

Government Agencies monitor for security and smuggling.

Trade Analysts extract data to analyze volumes and trade trends.

Some online tools like MarineTraffic, FleetMon, and PortInfo also extract manifest data and present it visually.

⚠️ Manifest Errors: Common Risks

Incorrect HS Codes → Leads to customs fines

Missing Container Numbers → Blocks clearance

Wrong Consignee Name → Prevents DO issuance

Late Manifest Filing → Legal penalties (e.g., $5,000 per shipment in the U.S.)

Discrepancy in Gross Weight → Can trigger detention or inspections

Always ensure manifest data matches:

Packing list

Commercial invoice

Bill of lading

✅ Tips for Shipping Lines and Exporters

Use tools like CargoWise, Softlink Logi-Sys, or SAP Global Trade Services to generate digital manifests.

Test XML/EDI files using simulators from customs sites like ICEGATE or CBP.

For smaller exporters, hire a clearing agent to handle manifest submissions.

Always track submission deadlines (e.g., 24 hrs before loading or 48 hrs before arrival).

🔮 The Future of Manifests: AI, Blockchain & Single Window

Emerging solutions include:

AI-powered validation to reduce errors

Blockchain manifests with full traceability

UN/CEFACT and WCO standards for global harmonization

“Single Window Systems” where traders file once, and data flows to all authorities

📌 Conclusion

A manifest is not just a document—it the heartbeat of international logistics. It powers customs, trade flows, port scheduling, and compliance.

Whether you’re a freight forwarder, shipping line, importer, or customs officer, understanding how manifests work—from creation to port publication—is essential.

By mastering digital tools, submission portals, and global standards, businesses can ensure smooth cargo handling, avoid costly delays, and maintain full trade compliance.

📚 Useful Links

🇺🇸 CBP ACE Manifest Portal

🇵🇰 Port Qasim Manifest Search

🇦🇪 DP World Cargo Tracking

🇮🇳 ICEGATE Manifest Filing

🇧🇩 Chittagong Port Schedule

🚢 Port of LA Vessel Schedule