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Packing List Template for Export and Domestic Shipments

A packing list tells the carrier, the customs officer and the receiving dock exactly what is in each package. This template produces a clear list with package numbers, contents, dimensions and weights that you can export to PDF, Word or Excel.

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Packing List Template for Export Shipments

PACKING LIST

Packing list no: PL-2026-01842 Date: 2026-10-19 Invoice no: INV-2026-01842 Buyer PO: PO-77120

Shipper

Acme Precision Components Inc. 1200 Industrial Way, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA

Consignee

Rhein Maschinenbau GmbH Hafenstrasse 14, 47119 Duisburg, Germany

Transport

Carrier / vessel / flight: Ocean carrier, vessel TBA Terms: FCA Cleveland, OH (Incoterms 2020) Shipping marks: RMB / PO-77120 / Duisburg / Pkg 1-3

Package details

Pkg noContentsDimensions cmNet kgGross kg
1Aluminium brackets, 400 EA120 x 100 x 90310352
2
3
4

Totals

Total packages: 3 pallets Total net weight: 930 kg Total gross weight: 1,056 kg Total volume: 3.24 CBM

Remarks

Pallets heat-treated and stamped to ISPM 15. Keep dry. Do not double stack.

Packed and checked by

Packed by / Date
Checked by / Date
Date / Date

A starting point. Add rows after export for more packages, or paste into Excel for long lists. Packing list data must match the commercial invoice and bill of lading, and destination rules for wood packaging (ISPM 15) and marking vary.

Handling unit data to documents

Optional: we can look at generating packing lists from your ERP handling-unit or shipment data so nothing is typed twice.

Optional. The tool and every export work without this. No spam.

How to use it

Start with the shipper, consignee and reference numbers so the list ties to the invoice and purchase order. Enter the package details, the totals and any remarks, and download the document. For a long shipment, export to Excel and add one row per package. Print a copy to travel with the cargo and send another to the freight forwarder before the booking cut-off.

Packing list versus packing slip

A packing slip is the document inside the carton, usually showing item numbers and quantities for the receiving clerk. A packing list is the shipment-level document that lists all packages with weights, dimensions and marks for carriers, forwarders and customs. They are produced from the same delivery data in the ERP but serve different readers, so do not treat them as interchangeable.

  • Packing slip: inside the carton, item and quantity
  • Packing list: outside, per package with weight and cube
  • Both should match the delivery and invoice

Weights and volume

Net weight is the goods only, gross weight includes packaging, pallet and dunnage, and tare is the difference. Carriers bill and plan on gross weight and volume, while customs may use net weight for duty on some tariff lines. Compute volume as length times width times height in centimetres divided by 1,000,000. Enter measured values rather than estimates, because a mismatch with the dock scale can cause delays.

Common mistakes

Totals that do not add up, package numbers that skip, quantities that differ from the invoice, and missing shipping marks are the usual faults. Wood pallets for export often need ISPM 15 treatment and a stamp, which should be noted. Generate the packing list from the ERP delivery or shipment record, so package-level data is entered once and flows to every document.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a packing list include?

Shipper and consignee, reference numbers such as invoice and PO, shipping marks, a package-by-package list with contents, quantities, dimensions, net and gross weights, plus totals. Many shipments also need the Incoterm, carrier details, country of origin and notes on handling or wood packaging treatment.

Is a packing list required for customs?

Most countries expect one along with the commercial invoice and transport document, and carriers use it to verify cargo. It lets inspectors match the physical cargo to the declaration. Some low-value or courier shipments waive it, but it is still good practice to include.

How do I calculate gross weight?

Weigh the loaded package, including the pallet, carton, strapping and dunnage, on a calibrated scale. Gross weight is that measured figure. Net weight is the product alone. If you estimate, state it. Verified gross mass is also a legal requirement for ocean containers under SOLAS, so keep a weighing record.

Should the packing list show prices?

Usually not. The packing list focuses on physical details, while prices belong on the commercial invoice. Some buyers ask for a priced version, so follow their instruction. Keeping prices off the packing list also makes it easier to share with warehouses and carriers who do not need commercial data.

If package data is typed twice, once in the ERP and again in a document, Netray can help generate packing lists from delivery and handling-unit records.

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