Shipping Documents
Packing List – Purpose & Key Fields
Detailed list of shipment contents including packaging, weights, and dimensions.
- Document
- Packing List
- Transport modes
- Sea, Air, Road, Rail, Multimodal
- Issued by
- Exporter, Shipper, Packing department
The Packing List provides a detailed breakdown of the shipment contents, including how goods are packed, number of packages, weights, and dimensions. It helps customs officials, carriers, and receivers identify and verify cargo. Unlike the commercial invoice, it typically does not include pricing information, focusing instead on physical details of the shipment.
Purpose of the Packing List
- Detailed inventory of shipment contents
- Helps receivers verify cargo
- Assists customs inspection
- Required for cargo insurance claims
- Facilitates warehouse management
Who issues the Packing List
- Exporter
- Shipper
- Packing department
When the Packing List is required
- All international shipments
- Customs clearance
- Cargo verification
- Warehouse operations
Key fields on the Packing List
- Shipper Details (required): Sender information
- Consignee Details (required): Receiver information
- Package Numbers (required): Sequential package numbering
- Description of Contents (required): What is in each package
- Net Weight (required): Weight of goods only
- Gross Weight (required): Weight including packaging
- Dimensions (required): Length x Width x Height
- Total Packages (required): Total number of packages
- Marks and Numbers (required): Package markings
Tips for the Packing List
- Match package counts and weights with B/L exactly
- Include shipping marks for easy identification
- Separate list by pallet or container if applicable
More in this directory
Frequently asked questions
What is a Packing List?
Detailed list of shipment contents including packaging, weights, and dimensions.
What is the purpose of the Packing List?
Detailed inventory of shipment contents. Helps receivers verify cargo. Assists customs inspection. Required for cargo insurance claims. Facilitates warehouse management
Who issues the Packing List?
The Packing List is issued by: Exporter, Shipper, Packing department.