How to Create a Packing List and Bill of Lading

Two documents follow every ocean shipment: the packing list and the bill of lading. The packing list tells customs and the carrier exactly what is inside the boxes; the bill of lading is the carrier's receipt and the contract of carriage. Get either one wrong and your cargo can sit at the port while customs asks questions. Here's what each document needs, and how to produce both without a freight forwarder's software.

What goes on a packing list

The packing list is the box-level inventory of your shipment. Every item line should include:

• Description of goods — specific enough for customs ("LED lamps, 12V" not "electronics").
• Number of cartons — and pieces per carton if they differ per line.
• Net and gross weight per line, and for the whole shipment. Gross includes packaging; net is the goods only.
• Volume in cubic meters (CBM) — used for freight quotes and container loading plans.

Customs and the freight forwarder compare the packing list against the commercial invoice. The total cartons, weights and volumes should match exactly — a mismatch is the most common reason shipments get flagged for inspection.

What goes on a bill of lading

• Shipper — the exporter. Often the seller, sometimes a freight agent acting on their behalf.
• Consignee — the importer named on the letter of credit or sales contract. This is who the carrier releases the cargo to.
• Notify party — who to contact when the vessel arrives. Often "same as consignee", sometimes a customs broker.
• Vessel, voyage, ports of loading and discharge — the exact routing.
• Container and seal numbers — the physical identity of your cargo box.
• Goods summary — description, cartons, gross weight and volume (the packing list totals).
• Freight terms — prepaid or collect, matching the INCOTERMS on your commercial invoice.

The common mistakes that delay cargo

• Weights that don't match the commercial invoice. Customs cross-checks every document. Keep them identical.
• Vague descriptions. "Mixed goods" invites a full inspection. Name the product, the material, the model.
• Wrong consignee details. The letter of credit names the consignee — deviating from it can make the bank refuse payment.
• Missing marks & numbers. If the cartons have shipping marks (e.g. "ACME-LA-01"), they must appear on the packing list too.
• Rounding disagreements. One decimal place on weights is standard; if your forwarder uses two, use the same.

How to create both with SleekKitBox

Both documents are available in the Template Hub — no software install, no forwarder account:

1. Open the Packing List template or the Bill of Lading template.
2. Fill in the parties, shipment details and item lines.
3. Review the 1:1 preview — totals for cartons, net/gross weight and volume are calculated automatically.
4. Download the PDF and send it to your forwarder or customs broker.

Because the templates calculate totals for you, the packing list and the commercial invoice stay consistent — which is exactly what customs wants to see.

Frequently asked questions

Is a packing list legally required? Not always by law, but every carrier and customs authority in practice expects one. Without it, expect delays.

Who issues the bill of lading? The carrier or their agent issues it — but you prepare the data. Getting the draft right means the issued document is right.

Do I need both for air freight? Air freight uses an air waybill instead of a bill of lading, but a packing list is still expected.

👉 Create yours now: Packing List template →  ·  Bill of Lading template →