Delivery Note vs Packing Slip: What's the Difference?

The Confusion

Both a delivery note and a packing slip go inside (or with) a box when you ship goods. Both list what's in the shipment. But they're different documents used in different contexts — and mixing them up can cause problems.

What Is a Packing Slip?

A packing slip (also called a packing list) is an internal logistics document that lists every item in a shipment. It's primarily used by the warehouse or shipping team to verify they've packed the right items, and by the recipient to verify they received everything.

A packing slip typically contains:

Seller's name and address

Ship-to address

Order number

List of items: description, quantity, SKU/product code

Item dimensions and weights (for freight shipments)

Any special handling instructions

What a packing slip usually doesn't contain:

Prices (it's not a financial document)

Payment terms

Invoice number

A signature block

Packing slips are internal and operational. They're about logistics — making sure the right things went in the box.

What Is a Delivery Note?

A delivery note is a commercial document that confirms what was delivered to a customer. It serves as proof of delivery — especially when signed by the recipient.

A delivery note typically contains:

Seller's name, address, and contact details

Customer's name and delivery address

Delivery note number (for reference and tracking)

Date of delivery

Reference to the original order or purchase order

Itemised list of goods delivered (description, quantity, unit)

A "received by" signature block — for the recipient to sign and confirm receipt

What a delivery note usually doesn't contain:

Prices (it's a delivery confirmation, not an invoice)

Payment terms

The critical difference from a packing slip: the delivery note is a customer-facing document that creates a legal record of receipt. When a customer signs it, they're acknowledging that they received the goods as listed.

When to Use Each

Use a packing slip when:

You're shipping via courier and need an internal picking/packing checklist

The shipment is complex (many SKUs, multiple boxes)

Your warehouse team needs to verify the packing

You're shipping internationally and need a detailed item manifest

Use a delivery note when:

You're delivering goods directly to a customer (especially in person or by your own vehicle)

You need the customer to sign to confirm receipt

You want a paper trail linking the delivery to a specific order or quotation

You're in an industry where proof of delivery has legal importance (construction materials, medical supplies, etc.)

Do You Need Both?

For many small businesses, especially those doing direct deliveries, a delivery note is sufficient. It covers the same informational content as a packing slip while also providing proof of delivery.

For businesses with a warehouse operation, separate packing slips (for internal use) and delivery notes (for the customer) are common — they serve different audiences.

Creating Delivery Notes in Quotation Expert

In Quotation Expert, you can generate a delivery note directly from an accepted quotation — all the items, quantities, and customer details carry over automatically. The PDF includes a signature block for the recipient to sign on delivery. No separate template needed.