How to Create and Download a Packing List for Export Shipments
Jul 9, 2025
A simple and smart guide by Freightnaut
When you are shipping goods internationally, documentation is not just a formality. It is the key to smooth, fast, and successful delivery. And one of the most important documents in that process is the Packing List.
In this guide, we will show you what a packing list is, why it is important, and how you can easily create and download one using smart tools without any technical expertise.
What is a Packing List?
A Packing List is a document that clearly explains what is packed inside your shipment. It lists each product, how it is packed, how much it weighs, and its size. This document is shared with
Freight forwarders
Customs officers
Shipping lines
Buyers
Other logistics partners
They all rely on it to handle and move your shipment correctly. Without a proper packing list, your cargo can get delayed or even rejected during customs clearance.
Why Does a Packing List Matter? Your packing list helps
Freight forwarders understand the shipment’s volume and packaging
Carriers prepare the Bill of Lading
Customs inspect the shipment and approve it for export or import
Banks release payments when using a Letter of Credit
If there is ever a problem with the shipment such as a dispute about weight or quantity, this document becomes the official reference.
Save Time with Freightnaut’s AI-Powered Packing List Assistant
Creating the same documents again and again can be repetitive. We understand that. That is why Freightnaut’s smart AI Assistant helps you fill your packing list automatically using your historical shipment data.
Here’s how it helps:
Automatically suggests relevant values for each field
Learns from your past exports
Reduces repetitive manual data entry
Prefills fields such as:
This is perfect for repeat exporters who handle similar products or destinations regularly.
Turn Old Documents into Editable Templates
You can also upload a PDF, image, or screenshot of an old packing list. Our AI will instantly extract all key information, including:
Product details
Quantities and weights
Dimensions
Port and destination information
Container details
In just seconds, your document is converted into an editable, ready-to-use format
What Should Be Included in a Packing List? Here is what every professional packing list must contain
Exporter Details Your company name, logo, address, phone number, email, and any official registration numbers.
Consignee and Buyer Information The name and contact details of the company receiving the shipment. If the buyer is different, list their details too.
Shipping Information
Transport Mode such as Air, Sea, Road, or Rail
Shipment Type such as Full Container Load (FCL), Less than Container Load (LCL), or Breakbulk
Country of Origin and Destination
Vessel or Aircraft Name • Voyage Number
Port of Loading and Port of Discharge
Estimated Departure Date
4. Reference Numbers and Notes
Export Invoice Number
Date of Issue
Bill of Lading Number if available
Purchase Order Number
Any delivery instructions or notes
5. Product and Packaging Details
Product Code or Name
Description of Goods
Quantity • Number and Type of Packages such as 10 boxes or 5 pallets
Net and Gross Weight in kilograms
Dimensions or Volume in cubic meters
6. Signature and Company Stamp To finalize the document, include
Name of Authorized Person
Digital or physical signature
Company stamp or seal
Different Types of Packing List Templates Depending on your shipment, you can choose the best template
Standard Packing List Lists one product per line. Best for simple, regular shipments.
Consolidated Packing List Groups multiple products into one package. Ideal for LCL shipments and mixed pallets.
Detailed Packing List Shows the net weight for each item. Useful for precise documentation.
Container-Based Packing List Includes container numbers and seal details. Perfect for FCL or bulk shipments.
How to Create and Download Your Packing List With Freightnaut’s digital builder, you can
Reuse saved product details
Auto-fill weights, measurements, and totals
Add digital signature and stamp
Download your list in printable or shareable formats
Link it easily with other documents like Commercial Invoices
You do not need to start from scratch every time. Everything is organized, saved, and ready when you need it.
Final Thoughts A complete and clear packing list is not just helpful. It is necessary. It keeps your shipment moving, avoids customs delays, and makes sure everyone involved knows exactly what is being shipped. At Freightnaut, we give you the smart tools to handle it all including AI-powered help so that your documentation is always ready, accurate, and professional.
Want to simplify your export process Try Freightnaut’s digital packing list builder today and experience smarter shipping documentation.
Standard Packing List Lists one product per line. Best for simple, regular shipments.
Consolidated Packing List Groups multiple products into one package. Ideal for LCL shipments and mixed pallets.
Detailed Packing List Shows the net weight for each item. Useful for precise documentation.
Container-Based Packing List Includes container numbers and seal details. Perfect for FCL or bulk shipments.
How to Create and Download Your Packing List With Freightnaut’s digital builder, you can
• Reuse saved product details
• Auto-fill weights, measurements, and totals
• Add digital signature and stamp
• Download your list in printable or shareable formats
• Link it easily with other documents like Commercial Invoices
You do not need to start from scratch every time. Everything is organized, saved, and ready when you need it.
Final Thoughts A complete and clear packing list is not just helpful. It is necessary. It keeps your shipment moving, avoids customs delays, and makes sure everyone involved knows exactly what is being shipped. At Freightnaut, we give you the smart tools to handle it all — including AI-powered help — so that your documentation is always ready, accurate, and professional.
Want to simplify your export process Try Freightnaut’s digital packing list builder today and experience smarter shipping documentation.
