Your questions, answered

What information is included on a Packing List document?

It’s important that exporters include complete and accurate information on the Packing List to avoid delays during customs clearance and delivery. In Freightnaut, the Packing List covers all essential shipment details, with AI helping ensure nothing is missed.

Typically, a Packing List includes:
Exporter’s details

This includes basic company information such as:

• Company name and logo

• Registered address

• Phone number and contact details

• Company registration numbers (if required)

You can save these details in Freightnaut so they are automatically reused across future documents.

Consignee & buyer details (if different)

Includes:

• Company name

• Address

• Phone number

• Contact person details

Freightnaut’s AI can auto-fill these fields from saved contacts or previous shipments.

Shipping details

These details help logistics providers, customs brokers, and consignees manage transport and clearance efficiently. Shipping details include:

• Method of dispatch – Road, Rail, Air, or Sea

• Type of shipment – FCL, LCL, Breakbulk, or others

• Country of origin

• Country of final destination

• Vessel or aircraft name

• Voyage number

• Port of loading (POL)

• Date of departure

• Port of discharge (POD)

• Final delivery destination

AI assistance helps validate shipping data and flags inconsistencies before submission.

Reference numbers & additional information

This section includes:

• Export invoice number

• Date

• Bill of lading number (if available)

• Buyer reference number (usually the purchase order number)

• Additional references (if required)

• Packing notes or delivery instructions

Product & packaging details

This section explains exactly how goods are packed and loaded. Freightnaut allows flexible packing structures depending on shipment type.

Details include:

• Product code (unique identifier)

• Description of goods

• Unit quantity

• Kind & number of packages (e.g., Pallet × 12)

• Net weight (kg)

• Gross weight (kg)

• Package measurements (m³)

Freightnaut’s AI helps calculate totals and ensures packaging data matches invoice and shipment details.

Authorized signature

To finalize the document, exporters can add:

• Signatory company name

• Authorized signatory name

• Digital signature (drawn or uploaded)

• Digital company stamp or seal

All signatures and seals are applied securely within Freightnaut—no printing or scanning required.

Who uses a Packing List?

A Packing List is used by multiple parties involved in international shipping:

• Exporters and sellers – To declare shipment contents for customs and buyers

• Importers and buyers – To verify received goods against orders and invoices

• Shipping companies & freight forwarders – To plan transport and cargo handling

• Customs authorities – To inspect shipments and assess duties

• Insurance companies – To evaluate risk and coverage

• Warehouse managers & logistics providers – For handling, storage, and inventory planning

What other documents accompany a Packing List?

A Packing List is usually shared with other export documents, including:

• Commercial invoice – Shows transaction value and trade terms

• Bill of lading – Issued by the carrier to confirm receipt and transport of goods

• Certificate of origin – Confirms the manufacturing country of goods, if required

Freightnaut allows you to create and manage all these documents in one connected workflow.

What’s the difference between a Packing List and a Bill of Lading?

• A Bill of Lading is issued by the carrier and confirms receipt of goods for transport. It also serves as a document of title and outlines delivery terms.

• A Packing List is used for identification and inspection, detailing how goods are packed inside the shipment.

Both documents are essential but serve different purposes in the shipping process.

Can I reuse the same Packing List for repeat shipments?

You can reuse the template, but each shipment requires an updated Packing List. Quantities, weights, packaging, and shipment details must always reflect the actual cargo.

Freightnaut allows you to duplicate previous Packing Lists and update only the changed details—saving time while ensuring compliance.

Is this Packing List template available for free?

Yes. Freightnaut provides access to a Packing List template with AI assistance, allowing you to create, edit, and download export documents easily.
Simply sign up to start generating accurate shipping paperwork with fewer errors.