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Cargo manifest: what it is and when it closes

The manifest is the document listing every parcel in an international load, with its contents, value, weight and recipient, presented to customs at departure and at arrival.

It is built at the origin hub from the data on each label. When the manifest closes, the load is fixed: no parcel is added or removed, and transit times are counted from that moment.

At destination customs, the manifest is matched against the physical parcels. Any discrepancy (a declared parcel that did not arrive, a value that does not match) stops the load.

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How Manifest works in our operation

In MailAmericas' operation, manifest closure is the moment the transit-time clock agreed with each marketplace starts. It is the reference point for measuring delivery days, not the date of the sale.

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Frequently asked question

Why is transit time counted from manifest closure and not from purchase?

Because between purchase and manifest closure the parcel is still with the seller or in domestic transit. The international operator can only answer for the time from when the load is closed.

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