Shipping Manifest Best Practices: Streamline Carrier Handoff

A shipping manifest consolidates multiple packages for carrier handoff. Here's how to create and use manifests effectively.

What Is a Manifest?

Definition

A manifest (or end-of-day form) is a document that:

• Lists all packages being shipped
• Provides single scan entry
• Confirms package count
• Speeds up carrier pickup

Types

Benefits of Manifests

USPS SCAN Forms

What It Does

• Creates single barcode for all packages
• Driver scans once for all packages
• Activates tracking immediately
• Required for some commercial accounts

Creating SCAN Forms

Print all labels for the day
Generate SCAN form (single barcode)
Give to driver with packages
Driver scans SCAN form barcode
All packages show "Accepted" scan

Limits

UPS End of Day

Process

Create all shipments

Run "End of Day" close

Print manifest

Driver picks up with manifest

All packages verified

Features

• Package count reconciliation
• Daily summary
• Exception reporting
• Billing trigger

FedEx Close

End of Day Process

Create shipments throughout day

Process "Ground Close" or "Express Close"

Print close report

Package ready for pickup

Close Types

Manifest Best Practices

Timing

Organization

• Sort packages by carrier
• Group by service level
• Count matches manifest
• Have manifest accessible

Verification

atoship Manifest Features

Streamline your manifests:

Auto-generation: One-click manifests

Multi-carrier: USPS, UPS, FedEx

SCAN forms: Automatic creation

Package count: Verification

History: Manifest records

Common Issues

Issue: Package Not on Manifest

Issue: Driver Missing Packages

Conclusion

Shipping manifests ensure smooth carrier handoff, activate tracking, and provide documentation. Generate manifests daily before pickup using atoship's automated tools. Verify package counts and maintain records for dispute resolution.