Packing List: Template & Required Fields

A packing list breaks a shipment down package by package: how many cartons or pallets there are, what is inside each one, and what each weighs and measures. It travels with the commercial invoice so customs and carriers can verify contents without opening a single box.

What goes on a packing list

The packing list answers "what is physically in this consignment", not "what is it worth". Prices live on the commercial invoice — a packing list carries quantities, weights and dimensions only.

Field	What it shows
Seller & buyer	Full names and addresses of both parties
Invoice & packing-list number	Matching reference numbers, plus the date
Number & type of packages	E.g. 4 pallets, 60 cartons
Shipping marks	Marks and numbers stencilled on the outside of each package
Contents per package	Item description and quantity inside each numbered package
Net weight	Weight of the goods alone, per package and total
Gross weight	Weight including packaging, per package and total
Dimensions & volume	L × W × H per package and total CBM

How customs and carriers use it

Customs use the packing list to spot-check a consignment: they pick a package number, read what should be inside, and inspect only that one. A clear list means fewer boxes opened and faster clearance.

Carriers use the weights and dimensions to plan the load, confirm the gross weight against the CMR or air waybill, and check the consignment fits the booked space. If your total CBM or gross weight disagrees with the transport document, the load can be re-measured and re-rated at the terminal.

Net weight vs gross weight

These two are the most-confused fields, so keep them distinct:

• Net weight — the goods only, with no packaging.
• Gross weight — the goods plus the carton, pallet, dunnage and wrapping.

Both should appear per package and as a shipment total. For pallets, remember the pallet itself counts toward gross weight — a Euro pallet adds roughly 25 kg. If you are working back from a target chargeable weight, the volumetric weight calculator shows where you stand.

Totals must match the invoice

Customs cross-reference the two documents. The number of packages, the quantities and the descriptions on the packing list have to agree with the commercial invoice. A mismatch — even a transposed carton count — flags the consignment for manual inspection and holds it at the border. Issue both documents from the same source data and check the totals line up before the goods leave your dock.

Once your packing list and invoice are ready, UMERA turns the weights and dimensions on them into booked carrier quotes — you paste the package count and CBM into a single request and get priced offers back, rather than emailing forwarders one at a time. For the full document set behind a shipment, see the guide to export documents.

FAQ

Does a packing list show prices?

No. A packing list shows quantities, weights and dimensions only. The monetary value of the goods belongs on the commercial invoice.

What is the difference between a packing list and a commercial invoice?

The commercial invoice states who sells what to whom and at what price — it is the basis for customs valuation. The packing list itemises how those goods are packed, weighed and measured. The two must agree on quantities and descriptions.

Do I need both net and gross weight?

Yes. Customs and carriers expect net weight (goods alone) and gross weight (goods plus all packaging), shown per package and as a total. The gross weight must match the figure on the transport document.

Who prepares the packing list?

The seller or exporter prepares it, usually at the same time as the commercial invoice, so both documents share the same reference numbers and totals.