How to create a packing list [Free Template]

A packing list is the “to load list” in a shipment. That list is usually edited by the seller and given to the courier and it contains all information about the shipments to be delivered.

What this article is about

Packing list elements

There are some must be elements in a shipping list, the following for every shipment:

• Shipping label number
• Sender
• Recipient
• Destination
• Number of packages
• Description
• Weight
• Cash on delivery to be collected

The packing list is a very important document, going with the packages during the delivery process. Every time a shipment passes through a checkpoint or a deposit, a shipping list is created and updated. 

The shipping list gives key indications to the courier, in order to favour a fast delivery without incurring in errors. Moreover, a good shipping list template makes it possible to highlight cash on delivery to be collected or other particular information, such as delivery in some precise hours.

What is the difference among packing list and all the other shipping documents?

Let’s be clear. There are lots of shipping documents you could use depending on the operations of your e-commerce performs. We created a short glossary to help you in understanding shipping documents.

These are some important shipping documents:

Delivery note

The delivery note must contain the following info:

• Progressive number
• Date in which it was given to the courier
• Sender information
• Type and quantity of goods transported

Delivery note template

Delivery note has not a fixed template, there is not a compulsory format. It has to be printed in double copy, one to be conserved by the sender and the other to be given to the courier.

Bill of lading

The Bill of lading (sometimes called “bill of loading”) is the document representing some goods charged on a ship. The owner of this document has the right to obtain the described goods at the arrival. Bill of lading can be transferred, in order to transfer the ownership of the goods.

Shipping manifest

The shipping manifest is a document that is typically presented to the carrier outlining the individual shipping orders included in a shipment. The manifest will show the reference number of each shipping order in the load, the weight and count of boxes or containers, and the destination.

Why is it important to create a packing list for your e-commerce?

If you manage an e-commerce , you should know how important it is to perform perfectly every step in the order fulfilment, in order to reduce errors, delivery tim e and unhappy customers. 

Creating in a fast and good way a shipping list can help you in managing better your logistic flow, reducing wasted time and performing better.

Shipping list is useful for:

• Making inventory management easier 
• Making order fulfillment simpler
• Reducing delivery errors
• Lowering the time dedicated to customer care in solving eventual problems
• Providing the courier good information about the deliveries to be done

How can I create a packing list?

You can create a shipping list by filling your data into a shipping list template. By clicking on the banner here, you can download a free shipping list template, in Excel and Word.

Manually filling a shipping list template requires time and precision. A good alternative could be creating a automatic packing list, with a preset shipping list template containing your data and logo.

This is possible thanks to professional software, helping you in reducing time waste and errors. Shippypro, allows you to create a shipping list easily.

Automatic creation of a shipping list through professional softwares such as Shippypro is possible thanks to automatic sync and update of orders received by your store.

Using a Saas to generate your shipping list could help you in:

• Saving on costs
• Reducing time connected to order fulfilment
• Reducing errors
• Reducing complaints on customer care due to delivery errors.