Packing Slip
A packing slip is a document included with a shipment that lists what is inside: items, quantities, and the order it fulfills. The receiver uses it to check the delivery against the purchase order before signing. Unlike an invoice, it usually shows no prices. It travels inside or attached to the carton, often in a pouch marked packing list enclosed.
What a packing slip includes
The receiving dock needs enough detail to check the delivery quickly and flag shortages.
- Seller and ship-to addresses
- Order number and the buyer's PO number
- Ship date and carrier
- Item numbers, descriptions, and GTINs
- Quantity ordered, quantity shipped, and any backordered quantity
- Number of cartons and which carton holds which items
Packing slip vs packing list vs bill of lading vs invoice
People use packing slip and packing list interchangeably, though in international trade the packing list is a more detailed export document.
| Document | Prepared by | Shows prices | Main purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Packing slip | Seller or warehouse | No | Check contents on receipt |
| Packing list | Seller | No | Export detail: weights, dimensions, marks per package |
| Bill of lading | Shipper, signed by carrier | No | Contract of carriage and freight receipt |
| Invoice | Seller | Yes | Request for payment |
Packing slips and the ASN
Retailers that receive an EDI 856 advance ship notice already know what is in each carton before the truck arrives. The packing slip is the paper backup, and its quantities should match the ASN. When they disagree, receiving stops to reconcile, and the retailer may charge back for the mismatch.
Related Terms
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually not. Packing slips are for checking contents, and many B2B sellers leave prices off so warehouse and receiving staff do not see them.
No. The packing slip lists what shipped. The invoice asks for payment and shows prices and totals.
Inside the carton or in a clear pouch attached to the outside, often marked packing list enclosed. For multi-carton shipments it usually goes in carton 1.
How to Answer "Are You EDI Capable?"
A buyer asked, and you need to answer this week. The four things they are checking, what you can say yes to today, and a realistic date for the rest.
- What a buyer is really asking when they ask this
- The minimum set-up that makes the answer yes
- What you can answer today versus what needs building
- Rough timelines, so you can give a date rather than a maybe
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