What is a packing list?
A packing list (also called a packing slip or shipping list) itemises how a shipment is packed: how many packages, what is in each one, and their weights and dimensions. It carries no prices. Freight forwarders use it to book space and prepare the Bill of Lading, customs uses it to check and examine the cargo, and the consignee uses it to verify the delivery is complete.
What a packing list should contain
- Parties: shipper/exporter and consignee with full addresses
- References: packing list number and date, commercial invoice number, order reference, B/L or air waybill number
- Transport: vessel and voyage, ports of loading and discharge, container and seal numbers
- Marks: the shipping marks and numbers printed on the packages, so each one can be identified
- Per package line: package numbers, package type (carton, pallet, crate), contents, quantity, net and gross weight, dimensions and volume
- Totals: total packages, net weight, gross weight and volume — these must match the Bill of Lading and commercial invoice
Frequently asked questions
What is a packing list used for?
Forwarders use it to book space and draft the Bill of Lading, customs uses it to check and physically examine the cargo, and the consignee uses it to confirm everything arrived. Some letters of credit require one as a presentation document.
Packing list vs. commercial invoice — what's the difference?
The commercial invoice is the bill: it states the value of the goods and what the buyer owes. The packing list describes the physical shipment — packages, contents, weights and dimensions — and has no prices. The package count and weights on both must agree with the Bill of Lading.
What is the difference between net and gross weight?
Net weight is the weight of the goods alone. Gross weight is the goods plus all packaging (cartons, pallets, crates). The Bill of Lading normally states the gross weight, so the packing list's total gross weight should match it.
How do I calculate CBM?
Multiply length × width × height in centimetres and divide by 1,000,000 to get cubic metres per package, then multiply by the number of identical packages. This template calculates CBM for you when you enter dimensions as L×W×H in centimetres.
Is this packing list template free?
Yes. Fill it in online and print or save as PDF. No signup, no watermark, and nothing you type is uploaded.