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Packing List Template

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PACKING LIST TEMPLATE

Parties and Background

This Packing List and Shipping Agreement (the "Document") is prepared by and between the parties identified below in connection with the packing and shipment of goods described herein.

WHEREAS, the Shipper wishes to deliver the Goods described on this Packing List to the Consignee under the terms set forth in this Document; and

WHEREAS, the Consignee acknowledges receipt of the Packing List and agrees to inspect and accept or reject the Goods in accordance with the inspection and claims provisions contained herein;

WHEREAS, the parties intend that this Packing List shall also constitute the controlling list of contents for the shipment and a record of packing particulars for customs, logistics and commercial purposes.

Shipment Details

Carrier:    Booking / Bill of Lading No.:    Shipment Date:

Packing List No.:    Purchase Order No.:    Invoice No.:

Contents / Itemization

List each package or box. Indicate counts, weights, dimensions, and marks.

Item 1 — Description: Qty: Unit: Net Wt:

Package Type: Gross Wt: Dimensions (LxWxH):

Marks & Nos.:

Item 2 — Description: Qty: Unit: Net Wt:

Package Type: Gross Wt: Dimensions (LxWxH):

Marks & Nos.:

Item 3 — Description: Qty: Unit: Net Wt:

Package Type: Gross Wt: Dimensions (LxWxH):

Marks & Nos.:

Item 4 — Description: Qty: Unit: Net Wt:

Package Type: Gross Wt: Dimensions (LxWxH):

Marks & Nos.:

Item 5 — Description: Qty: Unit: Net Wt:

Package Type: Gross Wt: Dimensions (LxWxH):

Marks & Nos.:

Item 6 — Description: Qty: Unit: Net Wt:

Package Type: Gross Wt: Dimensions (LxWxH):

Marks & Nos.:

Item 7 — Description: Qty: Unit: Net Wt:

Package Type: Gross Wt: Dimensions (LxWxH):

Marks & Nos.:

Item 8 — Description: Qty: Unit: Net Wt:

Package Type: Gross Wt: Dimensions (LxWxH):

Marks & Nos.:

Totals & Handling

Total Packages:    Total Net Weight:    Total Gross Weight:

Total Volume (m³):    Handling Instructions:

Scope of Work

The Shipper will pack, mark and deliver the Goods to the Carrier for transport to the Consignee. The parties agree the packing methods and documentation described on this Packing List reflect the full contents and are sufficient for customs and carriage purposes.

Payment Terms

Freight and charges are payable as agreed between parties. Specify amount and schedule below.

Term and Termination

This Document is effective as of the Shipment Date and applies to the shipment described herein unless otherwise terminated in writing by either party in accordance with the notice provisions below.

Start Date:    End Date (if applicable):

Confidentiality

Each party shall keep confidential all non-public commercial information disclosed in connection with this Document, including packing specifications, markings and shipment volumes. Confidential information shall not be disclosed except to employees, contractors or authorities who have a need to know and are bound by confidentiality obligations no less protective than those set forth here.

Governing Law

This Document shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction specified below. The parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of that jurisdiction for disputes arising out of or in connection with this Document.

Entire Agreement

This document, together with any referenced invoices, purchase orders and bills of lading, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral.

Certification

The undersigned certifies that the items, quantities and descriptions set forth on this Packing List are complete and accurate to the best of their knowledge, and that packaging, marking and documentation comply with applicable laws and carrier requirements.

Shipper Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Consignee Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Enter text✕

What a Packing List Template Is and When It’s Used

A Packing List Template is a standardized shipping document that itemizes goods contained in a shipment, including quantities, descriptions, weights, dimensions, and packaging details. It accompanies a commercial invoice and bill of lading for domestic and international shipments, helps warehouse staff verify contents at receipt, and supports customs clearance by detailing HS codes and lot/serial numbers when applicable. The template can be a standalone sheet or embedded in an invoice and is commonly used by shippers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and receiving departments to reduce disputes and speed inbound processing.

Why a Clear Packing List Matters

A consistent Packing List Template reduces receiving errors, speeds customs clearance, and preserves evidence for shipment condition and quantity. It provides a single reference used across carriers, brokers, and customers to reconcile expected versus delivered goods and supports claims handling if items are missing or damaged.

Why a Clear Packing List Matters

Who Typically Creates and Relies on a Packing List

Front-line and administrative teams use packing lists to prepare, inspect, and document shipments before and after transit.

  • Warehouse managers and shipping clerks who pick, pack, and verify goods for dispatch.
  • Customs brokers and freight forwarders who need itemized details for clearance and HS coding.
  • Receiving teams and accounts payable for checking deliveries and matching invoices to receipts.

Multiple internal and external stakeholders reference the packing list during pickup, transit, delivery, claims, and inventory reconciliation.

Essential Elements of a Professional Packing List Template

A well-structured Packing List Template organizes shipment metadata, item detail rows, and reference identifiers so recipients can easily verify contents and carriers can process loads without back-and-forth. It should be clear for manual review and structured for digital data extraction.

Header Information

Shipper and consignee names, addresses, contact details, and purchase order numbers for quick identification and routing.

Reference Numbers

Include PO, invoice, bill of lading, and shipment reference numbers so teams can cross-reference related documents and systems.

Itemized Rows

Per-line SKU or part number, detailed description, unit count, unit of measure, and any serial or lot numbers for traceability.

Packaging Details

Number of packages, package type, dimensions, and gross/net weight to support handling, stacking, and carrier quoting.

Customs Data

HS code, origin of goods, value, and any ECCN/export control or licensing notes required for cross-border shipments.

Special Instructions

Palletization notes, temperature control, hazardous-material markings, or delivery appointment information to guide carriers.

Required Fields to Include on Every Packing List

Shipper: Name, address, contact
Consignee: Name, address, contact
Purchase Order: PO or customer ref
Item Description: SKU, part, or description
Quantity: Units per line
Package Details: Count, weight, dims

Step-by-Step: Completing a Packing List Before Shipment

Follow these sequential steps to prepare an accurate packing list that supports receiving, customs, and carrier handling without delays.

  • 01
    Gather Documents: Collect PO, invoice, and product specs before filling fields.
  • 02
    Populate Header: Enter shipper, consignee, and shipment references.
  • 03
    List Items: Add SKU, description, quantity, and serials per line.
  • 04
    Confirm Packaging: Record package counts, weights, and dimensions accurately.

How to Configure a Digital Packing List Workflow

Configure template fields, validation, and routing so data is consistent and automatically sent to carriers, ERP, and receiving teams.

Field Configuration
Header Validation Require PO and consignee before submission
Line Item Rules Auto-validate SKU format and quantity totals
File Attachments Allow photos or CMR documents as optional files
Routing Send completed list to carrier, broker, and AP

Where a Completed Packing List Goes Next

After validation, route the packing list to the receiving party, carrier, and any customs or compliance contacts in a controlled sequence.

  • Carrier: Attach to bill of lading and shipment manifest
  • Customs Broker: Provide HS codes and itemized values for clearance
  • Receiver: Email or EDI for inbound verification
  • Accounts: Match to invoice for payment processing

Digital Delivery and eSubmission Options

Packing lists can be shared as fillable PDFs, structured XML/EDI, or embedded within ERP shipping modules to fit existing logistics systems.

  • File Formats: PDF, DOCX, Excel, or structured EDI/XML
  • Integrations: Connectors for ERP, WMS, and TMS
  • Authentication: Email links, SMS codes, or stronger MFA

Timelines and Typical Deadlines to Observe

Key timing depends on carrier cutoffs, customs filing windows, and internal approval steps; plan shipments to meet all required lead times.

Carrier Cutoff:

Meet carrier manifest deadlines before pickup

Customs Filing:

Submit required docs at export clearance stage

Claims Window:

Report shortages or damage per carrier terms

Recordkeeping:

Retain shipping records for tax and audit

Tax Retention:

Keep relevant records at least 3 years (IRC §6501(a))

Common Mistakes When Preparing Packing Lists

  • Omitting serial or lot numbers for serialized goods, causing traceability gaps and slower recalls or warranty claims.
  • Entering inconsistent item descriptions between invoice and packing list, which leads to receiving disputes and delayed payments.
  • Missing package weights or dimensions, resulting in carrier reweigh charges or incorrect freight billing.
  • Failing to include HS codes for international shipments, which can trigger customs holds and additional documentation requests.

Risks and Penalties of an Incorrect Packing List

Customs Delay: Holds and inspections
Fines: Civil penalties possible
Claim Denial: Carrier denies loss claims
Inventory Mismatch: Reconciliation failures
Contract Breach: Buyer disputes delivery
Return Costs: Unplanned reverse logistics

How Organizations Use Packing Lists in Practice

Real customers use electronic packing lists to reduce manual touches and speed both outbound and inbound operations.

Tech Data — Distribution

Opted for digital shipping documents to centralize distribution records and reduce disputes.

  • Bulk distribution at scale reduced processing time.
  • "Tech Data uses airSlate SignNow to improve our internal and external customer service while increasing our speed to revenue."

Martin Properties — Deliveries

Used fillable lists to confirm delivered fixtures and appliances during closings.

  • On-site verification avoided rework.
  • "I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security. Whether on mobile or working offline, I can get forms back to their necessary parties efficiently."

eSignature Vendor Comparison for Packing List Workflows

Compare baseline pricing, trial availability, bulk send, audit trail, and HIPAA support when selecting an eSignature provider to sign packing lists and related shipping documents.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial Yes, 7-day trial Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Packing List FAQs and Troubleshooting

Answers to common questions about packing list content, e-signing, customs, and disputes to help avoid delays and ensure accurate records.


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