There comes a point in every growing brokerage or trucking company where one pick, one drop loads just don’t cut it anymore.

That’s why we built Manifest Loads — giving you the ability to:

It works just like the AscendTMS you already know and love.

Automated Workflow Engine (AWE) rules? ✔
User Permissions? ✔
Tracking integrations? ✔
Accounting? ✔

Begin by selecting the Settings tab found on the left side of your AscendTMS screen

Locate the Load Management section, then select Enable Manifest Loads

Once enabled, a new tab labeled Manifest Loads will appear in Load Management.

This Manifest Loads tab provides a centralized view of all multi-carrier and multi-leg loads. Individual legs will also appear in other relevant Load Management tabs, based on your organization's Load Status workflows.

Building a Manifest Load is just as simple as building a standard load.

You can:

On the Build a Load screen, you’ll now see two additional options:

Select the appropriate option and proceed.

The overall load-building process remains familiar, with a few updates designed to support multiple carriers and multiple legs.

For Manifest Loads:

The Carrier / Asset Info & Edit Stops tabs have been combined into a single tab — Edit Manifest & Carriers

Additionally, you can toggle back to a Standard Load at any time by selecting the Convert to Standard Load option.

Next, add some Stops to your Manifest Load. To do so, simply select from:

Here's a quick look at what your Edit Manifest & Carriers tab will look like once you've added Stops.

To rearrange the order of your Stops — which can be done at any time while building the Manifest Load — simply click and drag the Stop into the desired position.

Each Manifest Load receives:

—Select the stops that belong to the leg using the checkbox next to each stop

—Choose one of the following options:

Use this option if you already know which carrier will handle the leg. You will be prompted to select the carrier immediately.

A new window will appear where you can search your existing carrier database and select the carrier to assign to the leg.

You will now see the carrier selected as assigned to the leg

Use this option if you do not yet have a carrier or driver you wish to assign. You can assign a carrier or driver at any time after the leg has been created.

Once you've created a leg, the leg identifier will appear under the Manifest Load.

If you chose the Create Leg & Set Carrier Unassigned (outlined above), Click Assign Carrier on the leg.

A new window will appear where you can search your existing carrier database and select the carrier to assign to the leg.

You will now see the carrier selected as assigned to the leg

Once a carrier has been assigned to a leg, all documentation and financial management for that leg can be handled directly from the leg view.

From the leg view, you can:

Each leg operates independently, so each carrier receives their own documentation and pay structure.

To add carrier payables (expenses) to a leg:

When expanded, you can:

All financials and documentation can still be managed the same way as a standard load — they’re simply consolidated into one convenient location within the leg view.

Once you've added desired info (including the rate you're paying the carrier), select the View / Send Carrier Confirmation button

When sending the carrier confirmation, choose one of the following options:

Regardless of which option you choose, the workflow remains the same as sending confirmations on a standard load.

Once your load and legs are built, you can manage everything from Load Management.

Navigate to the Manifest Loads tab to view all multi-carrier loads in one place.

Within this view:

The Master Load will appear labeled as Manifest

Each leg will be listed beneath the Master Load

Leg identifiers (e.g., 2443-A, 2443-B, 2293-A) will be visible for easy reference

Manifest Loads operate the same as standard loads, with added visibility into each leg. As a result, all standard actions in the Shortcuts Menu are still available, including:

Posting works the same as it does for standard loads, with the added flexibility of posting individual legs.

The posting modal will display the selected leg’s details.

The load posting modal will open, where you can post the legs within the Manifest Load the same way you would a standard load.

All Dispatch and Tracking features work the same as standard loads — now with control at the leg level.

When selecting a Manifest Load, you’ll be prompted to choose which leg you’d like to manage.

After selecting the leg you which to manage, you can:

Enable tracking

Send text messages

Log check calls

This allows you to track, communicate, and manage each portion of the load independently — without losing visibility of the full shipment.

Tendering follows the same process as standard loads, with selection at the leg level.

To tender a load:

Click Tender Load from within the load

Select the specific leg to send

Each leg must be tendered individually. If the carrier is not currently setup to receive and accept tenders via AscendPortal, the tender option will be unavailable.

Manifest Loads provide added flexibility when it comes to accounting.

You can:

This allows you to process carrier payments without waiting for the full load to finish.

Manifest Loads appear similar to standard loads and follow the same invoicing workflow.

Each leg/carrier will generate its own bill.

If using QuickBooks:

Create legs before assigning carriers
If you’re still sourcing capacity, build out your legs first. This allows you to move quickly when carriers become available.

Use templates for repeat workflows
If you regularly move freight with similar stop structures or handoffs, create a Manifest Load Template to save time.

Send legs to Accounting as they complete
Don’t wait for the full load to finish. Sending completed legs to Accounting helps speed up carrier payments and keeps cash flow moving.

Double-check stop groupings before creating legs
Legs are built based on selected stops. Taking a moment to confirm your stop selections upfront can prevent rework later.

Leverage tracking at the leg level
Enable tracking per leg to maintain accurate visibility across each segment of the shipment.

Manifest Loads are designed to extend your existing workflow — not replace it.

You’ll continue using the same tools you’re familiar with in AscendTMS, now with the flexibility to manage more complex, multi-leg freight within a single, organized load.

This added flexibility becomes especially valuable when managing cross-border and multi-segment freight.