What is a Packing Slip? [Full Guide + Template]

You’ve just opened a shipment — and something’s off.

Maybe an item’s missing, duplicated, or just doesn’t match what you expected. You check the box and find a document listing what should be inside… that’s the packing slip.

For warehouse teams, store owners, and anyone managing logistics, packing slips are more than just a formality — they’re a key part of making sure every order goes out right. But what exactly are they, and how do they differ from invoices or shipping labels?

Let’s break it all down — and show you how to use them the right way.

Packing Slip Overview

A packing slip is a document that lists all the items included in a shipment. It typically contains details such as product descriptions, quantities, and SKU numbers.

This document is placed inside the package and is used by the recipient to confirm that all ordered items are present and accounted for.

Key Components of a Packing Slip:

A standard packing slip typically includes:

Sender Information

Includes the name, address, and contact details of the company or individual dispatching the package, ensuring the recipient knows the source of the shipment.

Recipient Information

Details the name, address, and contact information of the person or entity receiving the package, ensuring accurate delivery.

Order Number

A unique identifier assigned to the transaction, facilitating tracking and reference for both sender and recipient.

Shipment Date

Indicates when the package was dispatched, helping in tracking the delivery timeline.

Shipping Method

Specifies the mode of transportation (e.g., ground, air, express), providing insight into the expected delivery speed.

Tracking Number

A unique code that allows both sender and recipient to monitor the package's journey in real-time.

Itemized List of Products

A detailed enumeration of all items included in the shipment, allowing verification of contents upon receipt.

Product Descriptions

Brief details about each item, such as name, model, or specifications, aiding in identifying the products.

Quantities

The number of units for each item listed, ensuring the correct amount has been shipped.

SKU or Product Codes

Unique identifiers for each product, assisting in inventory management and resolving any discrepancies.

Backordered or Out-of-Stock Items

Lists any items that were ordered but not included in the shipment, informing the recipient of pending deliveries.

Special Instructions or Notes

Any additional information pertinent to the shipment, such as handling instructions or return policies.

Including these components in a packing slip ensures clarity, accuracy, and effective communication between the sender and recipient, enhancing the overall shipping experience.

Packing Slip Template

To help you visualize what a proper packing slip looks like, we’ve created a sample template from a hypothetical brand, GlowNest Co., a beauty and skincare company based in Riyadh.

This packing slip reflects a real-world use case — fulfilling an order within Saudi Arabia, one of the markets Carriyo actively supports.

This template includes all the essential fields:

• Order and shipping details – such as order ID, shipping method, and tracking number
• Customer information – including full delivery address and contact number
• Itemized list of products – with SKUs, quantities, and special handling notes
• Backordered items and special instructions – to ensure clear communication with the recipient

We’ve formatted it the way most logistics and fulfillment teams would see it during the packing process. If you're new to using packing slips, this example can serve as a practical reference for what to include and how to organize the layout.

👉 Click here to download the GlowNest packing slip sample (PDF) and use it as a guide for your own fulfillment workflow.

How Does a Packing Slip Differ From an Invoice and Shipping Label?

You might be wondering how a packing slip differs from an invoice or shipping label… and honestly, it can get confusing — especially when they all arrive together.

They may look similar, but each one serves a unique purpose. Here’s how they compare:

Invoice Comparison

A packing slip lists what’s inside the box — item names, quantities, and any special notes — but not prices. It’s meant for the person receiving the package to verify its contents.

An invoice is a bill — it includes prices, payment terms, and instructions. It’s sent to whoever is paying for the order and is used for accounting, not unpacking.

Think of it this way:

Packing slip = what’s in the box. Invoice = what you owe.

Shipping Label Comparison

A packing slip stays inside the package and tells the recipient what’s included. A shipping label is stuck outside the box — it shows the delivery address, sender info, tracking number, and barcode.

This is what the carrier scans to get the box to the right place.

In short:

Packing slip = what’s inside. Shipping label = where it’s going.

Why Are Packing Slips So Important?

Now that we’ve covered how a packing slip differs from an invoice and a shipping label, let’s talk about why it actually matters. Here are the top reasons packing slips play a vital role in shipping and fulfillment:

Ensures Order Accuracy

Packing slips help verify that the right items — in the right quantities — are being sent and received.

Both the warehouse team and the customer use it as a final checklist to avoid missed, duplicated, or incorrect items.

Improves the Unboxing Experience

Clear, well-organized packing slips make unpacking simple and stress-free.

Customers can quickly check if their full order arrived, which reduces confusion and builds trust in your brand.

Supports Returns and Inventory Tracking

When there’s an issue — like a return or damaged item — the packing slip becomes a key reference document.

It helps customer service, warehouse teams, and even couriers quickly identify what was sent and what needs to be corrected.

How to Use Packing Slips Properly

Below, we explore two approaches: creating packing slips manually and automating them using Carriyo.

Option 1: Create One Manually

If you're handling a small volume of orders or just starting out, manually creating packing slips can be a straightforward process.

Step 1: Gather Order Information

Collect all necessary details for the packing slip, including:

• Order Number: Unique identifier for the order.
• Customer Details: Name, shipping address, and contact information.
• Item Details: Product names, SKUs, quantities, and descriptions.
• Special Instructions: Any notes regarding the order, such as gift messages or handling instructions.

Step 2: Use a Template

Utilize a standardized template to ensure consistency and professionalism.

You can create one using spreadsheet software or download a pre-made template. Ensure the template includes all the fields mentioned above.

Step 3: Print and Include in Shipment

After filling out the packing slip, print it and place it inside the package. This allows the recipient to verify the contents upon delivery.

Option 2: Automate It Using Carriyo

For businesses handling a higher volume of orders, automating packing slips can save time and reduce errors. Carriyo offers robust features to streamline this process.

Step 1: Integrate Carriyo with Your Systems

Connect Carriyo to your eCommerce platform, warehouse management system (WMS), or order management system (OMS). This integration allows Carriyo to automatically retrieve order information.

Step 2: Set Up Automation Rules

Define rules within Carriyo to automate the generation of packing slips. These rules can be based on various criteria, such as:

• Shipping Method: Different carriers or delivery speeds.
• Destination: Domestic vs. international shipments.
• Order Value: High-value orders may require additional documentation.

By setting these rules, Carriyo can automatically generate and assign packing slips as orders are processed.

Step 3: Customize Packing Slip Templates

Carriyo allows you to customize packing slip templates to match your brand identity. You can include your logo, company information, and any other relevant details.

Step 4: Automate Printing and Inclusion

With Carriyo, you can automate the printing of packing slips and ensure they're included with the correct shipments. This reduces manual handling and minimizes the risk of errors.

FAQs

Is a packing slip required for every shipment?

Not always — but it’s highly recommended. While not legally required, packing slips are essential for internal accuracy, customer satisfaction, and smooth returns or disputes. Many eCommerce brands, especially those shipping internationally or in bulk, consider them standard practice.

What happens if the packing slip is missing?

Missing packing slips can lead to confusion, delays in returns, or inventory discrepancies. Without it, the recipient may not be able to verify what was shipped versus what was ordered — especially for large or multi-item shipments.

Who prepares the packing slip?

Typically, the warehouse team or fulfillment software generates the packing slip during the order packing process. In automated systems (like those integrated with Carriyo), the packing slip is printed or added digitally just before shipment.

Conclusion

Understanding how to use packing slips properly can make a big difference in how smooth and accurate your shipping process is.

Manual methods work, but for growing operations, using a platform like Carriyo can help streamline fulfillment, reduce errors, and improve the delivery experience.

If you're planning your next move in logistics, here are a few resources and tools worth exploring:

Carriyo Solutions

• Shipping Automation
• Carrier Management
• Last-Mile Intelligence
• Customer Experience Optimization

Industry-Specific Tools

• eCommerce Logistics
• Retail Fulfillment
• 3PL Fulfillment
• Enterprise Logistics
• Small Business Support

Helpful Reads on the Blog

• Unifying eCommerce Logistics and Customer Service
• Black Friday 2024: What to Expect and How to Prepare

We hope this guide gave you clarity. When you're ready to simplify logistics and improve your fulfillment flow, Carriyo is here to help.