A packing slip goes in the box and lists what is inside: the items, SKUs and quantities ordered, shipped and backordered, with the order number and ship-to address. No prices. Fill in the example below, then download it as PDF, Word or Excel. Free, no sign-up.
1 case of napkins is backordered and will ship by Oct 19 at no extra charge. Please check the order on delivery and report any damage within 48 hours.
Received by: ____________________ Date: ________
Saved in this browser as you type. Need to bill for the order? Make an invoice.
What is a packing slip?
A packing slip, also called a delivery note or packing list, is the document you put in a shipment so the receiver can check it. It shows who the order is from and who it is for, the order number, and each item with its SKU and quantity. When an order ships in parts, it also shows what is backordered and still to come. Unlike an invoice, a packing slip has no prices, so it is safe to include in gifts and in orders received by someone other than the buyer.
What to include on a packing slip
Your business name, address and contact details
The ship-to name and address, and the bill-to address if different
Your order number and the customer's PO number, if they gave one
The order date and ship date
The carrier or shipping method, tracking number and number of packages
Each item with SKU, description, quantity ordered, quantity shipped and any backorder
Notes such as return instructions, and a line for the receiver to sign
How to make a packing slip
Add your business. Your name, address and a phone or email the customer can contact about the delivery.
Add who it ships to. The receiver's name and delivery address, and the billing address if it is different.
Add the order details. Your order number, the customer's PO number if they gave one, the order date and the ship date.
Add shipping details. The carrier or method, the tracking number, and how many boxes, such as Box 1 of 2.
List what is in the box. Each item with its SKU, the quantity ordered and the quantity shipped. Anything not shipped shows as backordered.
Print it and pack it. Download the PDF, print it and put it in the box, or in a clear pouch on the outside.
Packing slip example
Lone Star Restaurant Supply ships order SO-5518 (the customer's PO-1042) to Harbor & Pine Café, Receiving on Oct 12, 2026 by vendor truck, in 3 cartons. One case of napkins is backordered:
SKU
Item
Ordered
Shipped
Backordered
HC-12
12 oz paper hot cups, case of 1,000
4
4
LD-1220
Hot cup lids, 12-20 oz, case of 1,000
4
4
NP-500
Compostable napkins, case of 6,000
2
1
1
GB-64
Commercial grinder burr set
1
1
Total items
11
10
1
Packing slip vs invoice vs purchase order
Purchase order
Packing slip
Invoice
Sent by
The buyer
The seller, in the box
The seller
Purpose
Place the order
Show what was shipped
Ask for payment
Prices
Yes
No
Yes
Key details
Items, prices, deliver-by date
Items, quantities shipped and backordered, tracking
A packing slip is a document that goes inside a shipment and lists what is in it: the items, SKUs and quantities, with the order number and ship-to address. The person receiving the box uses it to check the delivery is complete.
Does a packing slip show prices?
Usually not. A packing slip lists items and quantities only, because the box may be opened by someone other than the buyer, or the order may be a gift. Prices go on the invoice, which is sent separately.
What is the difference between a packing slip and an invoice?
An invoice asks for payment and shows prices, totals and the due date. A packing slip travels with the goods and shows what was shipped, with no prices. Many sellers send both: the invoice by email and the packing slip in the box.
What is the difference between a packing slip and a packing list?
They are often used as the same thing. In international shipping, a packing list is more detailed, with weights, dimensions and how the goods are packed for customs and freight; a packing slip is the simpler customer-facing list of what is in the box.
What does backordered mean on a packing slip?
Backordered means part of the order was not in this shipment and will follow later. The slip shows the quantity ordered, the quantity shipped and the difference, so the customer knows what is still coming.
Is a packing slip the same as a delivery note?
Yes, in most cases. Delivery note is the common name in the UK and many other countries. Both list the goods delivered so the receiver can check and sign for them.