The shipping packing list is one of the most important documents when sending or receiving any ocean freight shipment. The packing list is a detailed summary of what you are shipping, how much of it is being sent, and where it is going.
Upon booking a shipment, you will receive a number of documents to fill out correctly. Along with the shipping packing list, it also includes the Bill of Lading. Your shipping packing list will accompany your shipment and help the freight forwarder, customs, and receivers. It allows them to visualize the exact contents of your shipment. Any mistake on the shipping packing list can cause delays in clearance at the port of destination.
What’s a shipping packing list?
Here are the uses and benefits of a shipping packing list:
Used for the Electronic Export Information [EEI] to verify goods
Used to issue the Bill of Lading
Prevents incorrect items being shipped
How to fill out a shipping packing list
The packing list should be filled out with as much details as possible. Information you must include on the packing list:
- Date
- Shipper/exporter contact information
- Consignee contact information
- Address at origin country of the cargo
- Address at destination country of the cargo
- Total amount of packages
- Detailed description of each package
- Volume and weight of each package
- Volume and weight of total shipment
- Commercial invoice number related to the shipment
The following information is not essential but useful to indicate on the packing list:
- Value of each box/package
- Value of total shipment
- Seal number of all containers [you may be required to submit the packing list after loading the container]
- HS code
- For FCL shipping, it’s recommended to detail the contents of each container on the packing list. This helps with proper identification of the cargo and proper customs clearance.
For a more in-depth look at the packing list, you may watch our video guide.
Things to look out for on a shipping packing list
When shipping B2B, it is required to include the monetary amount for all items being sent. This allows customs to assess the value and ensure that the correct number of items are accounted for.
Once the shipment arrives at the origin port and the destination, it will be weighed and measured. Making sure this information is correct on the shipping packing list is vital. This it can cause major delays, especially because the shipment cannot be moved until this information is verified to be correct.
The shipping packing list should always be filled out with care and detail. It can be the difference between a speedy release at the port and weeks of delays and thousands of dollars in delay fees.
What is a packing list?
A packing list is a document used in international trade. It provides the exporter, international freight forwarder, and ultimate consignee with information about the shipment, including how it's packed, the dimensions and weight of each package, and the marks and numbers that are noted on the outside of the boxes.
What are some other names for a packing list?
Other names used to describe a packing list are bill of the parcel, unpacking note, packing slip, delivery docket, delivery list, manifest, shipping list, and customer receipt.
Is a packing list a legal necessity?
While not technically a required document for Customs, a packing list is helpful to include in your shipment as it makes the import/export process easier for both shippers and Customs.
Why is a packing list important when exporting goods from a given country?
- It provides a count of the product that is being shipped
- It serves as proof of the inland Bill of Lading
- It indicated the information required for the Certificate of Origin
- It provides much of the detail needed by the Electronic Export Information section in the Automated Export System.
- It serves as proof of a Material Safety Data Sheet, in the case that goods are deemed hazardous or dangerous.
- It is used to create a booking with the international carrier, as well as obtaining an international Bill of Lading.
- It helps the Customs broker when entering the listed goods in their country’s import database, as it contains important information.
- It serves as a guide for the receiver/buyer when counting the product that they received.
- It serves as a supporting document for reimbursement under a letter of credit.
How do I make an export packing list?
Your export packing list needs to include information about the number of units, boxes, and any other available packaging information, and all of those details should match the Commercial Invoice and reflect the same parties involved in the transaction.
Packing lists should also indicate if solid wood was used to pack the shipment and provide the necessary fumigation or heat treatment certificate if applicable.
When creating a packing list, make sure to include as much detail as possible about the shipment. Some important details to include are:
- Date
- Shipper and exporter contact information
- Consignee contact information
- The origin address of cargo
- The destination address of cargo
- Total number of packages within this shipment
- A detailed description of each package
- The volume and weight of each package
- The volume and weight of the entire shipment
- Commercial invoice number for this shipment
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