Packing list
A packing list is the itemised list of packages in a shipment, with the weight and dimensions of each one.
What is a packing list?
A packing list is a list of the packages (cartons, pallets, crates) in a consignment, stating the gross and net weight and the dimensions of each. It is used to calculate the volume, to check the goods at the warehouse and at customs.
It must be consistent with the commercial invoice: discrepancies between the two raise questions during a customs inspection. As the supplier, you issue both documents, so the easiest way to avoid delays for your Russian customer is to produce them from the same data.
How it works in practice
The packing list describes exactly what is where: the carton or pallet number, its contents, quantity, net and gross weight and dimensions. Our consolidation warehouse receives your goods against the packing list, the forwarder uses it to calculate the volume for the rate, and a customs officer uses it during an inspection to find a specific line item without opening everything.
For groupage and air shipments a packing list is mandatory: without it the volumetric weight cannot be calculated and the charges cannot be split between the shippers in the container.
Packing list: frequently asked questions
How does a packing list differ from an invoice?
The invoice shows prices and amounts; the packing list shows the physical side: packages, weights and dimensions. The line items must match in description and quantity, otherwise customs will ask for explanations.
What must a packing list show?
The shipper and consignee, the invoice number and, for each package, its number, contents, quantity, net and gross weight and dimensions. For pallets, add the number of cartons per pallet and the total volume in cubic metres.
Can the invoice and packing list be combined in one document?
Yes — many suppliers issue an “Invoice & Packing List” as a single file. What matters is that it contains both the values and the weights and dimensions for every line item.
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