Direct Answer
A submittal transmittal is a cover document accompanying every shop drawing submission that formally identifies: the project, contract number, drawing list (number, title, revision), submission date, and purpose (for approval, for information). It creates a formal record of what was submitted, when, and to whom — essential for establishing review period timelines and for dispute resolution.
Full Explanation
Transmittal requirements vary by contract but typically include: (1) Project and contract identification. (2) Submitting contractor name and contact. (3) Submittal number (sequential for tracking). (4) List of enclosed drawings with revision level. (5) Submittal action requested (Approved, Approved as Noted, Revise and Resubmit). (6) Engineer's review period statement (e.g., 'Response requested within 14 calendar days'). (7) Signature of submitting party. Most project management platforms (Procore, BIM 360) auto-generate transmittals when submitting through the platform — a major advantage of using a CDE.
What This Means for Your Shop
A transmittal without a review period statement gives the engineer undefined time to respond. Including 'Response requested within 14 days' in your transmittal — in accordance with your contract's review period provision — starts the clock and creates grounds for escalation if the deadline passes.
Common Mistakes
Not numbering submittals sequentially. Without sequential submittal numbers, it's impossible to confirm all submittals have been responded to or to track resubmittals.
Recommended Process
Maintain a sequential submittal log from day one. Each submission gets a sequential number (Submittal 001, 002, etc.). Resubmittals are numbered as 001-R1, 001-R2. Use this numbering in all transmittals and your submittal register.