Delivery Note Methodology — Complete Guide

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CalculatorAI's reference for issuing professional delivery notes and packing slips to verify shipments and protect your business from delivery disputes. Every section covers what to include, why it matters, and standard shipping practices. Used as the public guide AND as background context for the editor's AI Help mode.

What is a delivery note (packing slip)

A delivery note (also called a packing slip or dispatch note) is a document accompanying a shipment of goods that lists the descriptions and quantities of items being delivered. It does not contain financial fields (prices, rates, taxes, or total sums).

Key document distinctions:

• Delivery Note: Lists only physical goods and quantities being shipped. Signed by the buyer upon receipt to confirm delivery.
• Invoice: Sent separately to request payment, containing full pricing, taxes, and payment terms.
• Bill of Lading: A legal document between the shipper and the carrier, whereas a delivery note is between the seller and the buyer.

Required fields & what each one is for

A professional packing slip contains:

Sender & Receiver details. Swaps standard merchant and customer labels with "Sender" and "Receiver" to focus on shipping entities.

Unique Delivery Note Number. Essential for tracking shipments in warehouse management systems and matching packages to orders.

Description & Quantities. Item description, quantities, and weights. No pricing is listed to protect pricing privacy during warehouse handling.

Signature & Date Block. The single most important field on a delivery note. A signed delivery note is a merchant's primary legal defense if a customer disputes delivery or files a credit card chargeback.