A packing list explains how a shipment is physically packed. It helps receiving teams, warehouses, carriers, forwarders and brokers reconcile cartons, crates or pallets with the goods expected in the shipment.
What information belongs on a packing list?
The exact format varies, but a practical packing list often includes:
- Shipper and consignee names and addresses
- Packing list number and date
- Customer, invoice, sales-order or purchase-order references
- Number and type of packages
- Package or pallet identification numbers
- Description of the goods in each package
- Item quantities
- Gross and net weights when required
- Package dimensions or total shipment volume
- Shipping marks, handling notes or special references
Packing list vs. commercial invoice
Both documents may describe the same shipment, but they serve different jobs. The packing list focuses on the physical shipment—what is in each carton or pallet, how many packages there are, and what they weigh or measure. The commercial invoice focuses on the transaction—values, currency, seller/buyer information, origin and other commercial details.
| Information | Packing List | Commercial Invoice |
|---|---|---|
| Package counts / carton details | Primary purpose | May be summarized |
| Gross / net weight | Common | Sometimes included |
| Dimensions | Common | Usually secondary |
| Unit prices / total value | Usually omitted | Core information |
| Currency / trade terms | Usually omitted | Common |
Do you include prices?
A packing list usually does not need unit prices or transaction totals because its main purpose is to describe the physical contents. The commercial invoice normally carries the value information. If a customer, carrier or other party requires a specific packing-list format, follow that requirement.
Gross weight vs. net weight
Net weight generally means the weight of the goods themselves. Gross weight generally includes the goods plus cartons, crates, pallets or other packaging. Use the weight convention requested by the carrier, customer, broker or destination.
Cartons, pallets and package numbers
When a shipment contains multiple cartons or pallets, number them consistently—such as Carton 1 of 10 or Pallet 2 of 4—and make sure package counts agree with labels and related paperwork. If the goods are spread across several packages, listing which items are in each package can make receiving much easier.
Keep quantities consistent
Product descriptions and quantities should agree with the commercial invoice and shipment record. A reusable shipment record makes that cross-check easier because the same parties and item information can be reused instead of retyped.
Example packing list
Before creating your own, review the completed packing-list sample and the blank-style template page. The example shows the kind of shipper, consignee, package, weight and dimensional information that can be organized on the document.
View Packing List Template & Sample Open Sample PDF
Create a packing list online
For an occasional shipment, use the free browser generator. For repeat work, Shipping Documents Pro can save parties, products and shipment records so the same information can be reused across the packing list and related documents.
Open Free Packing List Generator