35 Packing Slip Templates for Shipping

A packing slip is a document placed inside a shipment that lists the items in the package. It tells the customer what was sent, what is still to come and how to return something. Online sellers, wholesalers and warehouse staff print one for each order, and the receiving team checks the box against it. Unlike an invoice, it usually shows no prices.

This page has 35 packing slip templates, editable and free to download. Each packing slip template has fields for the order number, ship-to address, item names, SKUs and quantities. They work as a packing list for a single parcel or as a printable packing slip for a whole run of orders.

Add a line for back-ordered items so customers don’t think part of their order is missing. Print the slip from the same order record you use for the shipping label, so the two always match.

Simple Packing Slip Templates

What to include in a packing slip template?

An effective packing slip must contain the following important information in it:

The exact date of the order should be mentioned on the packing slip.
Packing slip reference number.
The packing slip should contain complete and accurate street address and other necessary contact details.
A complete list of the items or products that are shipped.
The weight or dimensions of the ordered products.
If an ordered item could not be shipped because it is out of stock, that item must be highlighted on the packing slip.
The quantity of every item that was ordered, must be clearly mentioned in the packing slip template.
The packing slip template should show the Stock Keeping Unit, or SKU, number. This is a specific number a seller uses to identify each product.
The packing slip should also contain the purchase order number on it.

Company’s Packing Slip Templates

Why packing slips are important?

The following points will indicate the importance of using packing slips:

Packing slips are important for the purpose preparing the certificate of origin for goods or services.
It is an important document when it comes to claim refund or compensation for defective goods.
The customs department will require the packing slip for estimating the value of the shipment.
Cross checking the details from the packing slip ensures that every item or product, that was ordered, is received.
A packing slip also serves as concrete evidence that certain goods were imported into the country.
A packing slip also contains necessary details and information required by relevant departments and institutions of a country.

Special Packing Slip Templates

Packing Slip Template

Download Template

Preparing a Packing Slip That Matches the Shipment

Choose a layout with order references, item descriptions and shipped quantities. Add SKU, batch or serial information when it helps the receiver identify the goods. A packing slip lists shipment contents and is not automatically an invoice. If you prefer a spreadsheet for checking shipment contents, WordNExcelTemplates’ packing slip templates provide Excel-compatible alternatives.

Match the recipient and order reference to the dispatch instruction.
Record quantities actually packed rather than quantities originally ordered.
Identify any partial shipment and check the packed goods against the slip before sealing.

Worked Example

Example: an order requests ten blue folders and five red folders, but only eight blue folders are dispatched. The slip should list eight blue and five red, with the remaining two blue folders clearly identified as outstanding if the format includes backorders. Listing ten blue folders would conceal a short shipment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid substituting similar product descriptions without recording the actual item. Keep prices off the slip unless required by your process, and distinguish package counts from item counts.

Related Templates

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a packing slip need prices?

Not usually for identifying contents. Include prices only when your business process or recipient requires them; an invoice normally handles the payment request.

How should I record a partial shipment?

Show the quantity shipped for each item and identify any outstanding quantity separately. Use the same order reference so the receiver can reconcile later deliveries.