A packing slip is the document that goes inside or on a shipment listing exactly what's in the box — the items and quantities, but not the prices. It lets the receiver check that everything ordered actually arrived.
What is a packing slip?
The seller includes a packing slip with the goods so the buyer's receiving team can verify the contents against what they ordered. It shows SKUs, descriptions, quantity ordered, quantity shipped, and anything backordered. Because it carries no prices, it's safe to leave inside the carton.
What to include
- Ship-from and ship-to addresses
- Order number, packing slip number, and ship date
- Carrier / tracking number
- A line-item table: item/SKU, description, quantity ordered, quantity shipped, backordered
- Total packages and weight
Free Packing Slip Template
Below is a free, blank packing slip template. Download it, list the items and quantities in the shipment, and enclose it with the goods. Download the packing slip template
- Order number, order date, ship date and customer PO
- Ship from, ship to and bill to details
- Carrier, service and tracking number
- Items with SKU, description, quantity ordered, shipped and backordered
- Total packages, total weight, packed by and checked by
- Notes and return instructions
Packing slip vs. packing list vs. invoice
- A packing slip is the customer-facing contents note enclosed with a domestic or e-commerce shipment.
- An export packing list is the more detailed trade document used for international freight and customs — with weights, dimensions, and marks for every carton.
- A commercial invoice shows the prices and is used for payment and customs valuation.
Why it matters
A packing slip reduces disputes: the receiver checks goods against the slip on arrival and reports any shortage or error immediately. It's also a quick internal record of what was picked and shipped.
FAQ
What is a packing slip? A document enclosed with a shipment listing the items and quantities inside — but not prices — so the receiver can verify the contents against their order.
What is the difference between a packing slip and an invoice? A packing slip lists what was shipped and carries no prices; an invoice shows the amounts due and is used for payment.
What is the difference between a packing slip and a packing list? A packing slip is the contents note for a domestic or retail shipment; an export packing list is a more detailed customs document for international freight with weights, dimensions, and marks.
Does a packing slip show prices? No. By design a packing slip omits prices so it can safely travel inside the shipment. Prices appear on the invoice.
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