Free Delivery Note Generator - Packing Slip PDF | InvoiceBean
Create delivery notes and packing slips and download as PDF for free. Add carrier, tracking number, ship-from/ship-to addresses. Free delivery note maker.
A delivery note (also known as a dispatch note or, in many warehouses, a packing slip) is the document that travels with a physical shipment and lists exactly what is in the box. It is the document the recipient signs when goods arrive, turning the delivery into the proof that the order has been fulfilled. E-commerce sellers, distributors, manufacturers, and small fulfilment teams all rely on delivery notes to prevent disputes about "this didn't arrive" or "there were only nine units, not ten". InvoiceBean's free delivery note generator lets you list the carrier, tracking number, ship-from and ship-to addresses, and the items being shipped (without prices, since delivery notes typically omit them) and produce a clean PDF in seconds — perfect for printing on adhesive label paper or attaching to a packing list pouch.
Required Fields Explained
- Delivery note number
- A unique reference (DN-2026-001) that should appear on the original PO and the eventual invoice for traceability.
- Delivery date
- The date the goods leave your facility (or are due to arrive) — this is the date the recipient counter-signs.
- Ship-from address
- Your warehouse or office of origin; carriers need this for return-to-sender handling.
- Ship-to address
- The exact destination, including suite number, dock door, or delivery instructions where applicable.
- Carrier and tracking number
- The shipping company and the parcel tracking number so the customer can self-serve status updates.
- Itemized contents
- Description and quantity of each item in the shipment — typically without prices, which belong on the invoice.
- Special handling notes
- Fragile, refrigerated, signature required, hazardous — anything the carrier or recipient must know on sight.
How This Differs From Other Documents
A delivery note is not an invoice and not a receipt. Unlike an invoice, it does not request payment — it confirms physical delivery. Unlike a receipt, it does not confirm payment — only that the goods arrived. The delivery note also differs subtly from a packing slip: in some businesses the two are identical, but where they are distinguished, the packing slip lives inside the box for the recipient to verify contents, while the delivery note is signed by the recipient and returned to the carrier as proof of delivery. Compared with a purchase order, the delivery note records what was actually delivered, which may differ from what was ordered (short shipments, substitutions, backorders). In a three-way match, the PO sets the expectation, the delivery note records reality, and the invoice asks for payment based on what was delivered, not what was ordered.
Best Practices
- Always omit prices from the delivery note — carriers and customs see this document, and exposed prices invite theft and customs disputes.
- Reference the originating PO number on the delivery note so the recipient can match it against their own records before signing.
- Use a unique sequential delivery note number; if you reuse numbers, lost-shipment investigations become impossible.
- Include carrier and tracking number whenever you have one — this single field eliminates 90% of "where is my parcel" emails.
- Print two copies: one to leave with the recipient and one for the driver to bring back signed; archive the signed copy for at least one year.
FAQ
What is a delivery note?
A delivery note (also called a packing slip or dispatch note) is a document that accompanies a shipment of goods. It lists the items included in the delivery and is used by the recipient to verify the contents of the package.
What should a delivery note include?
A delivery note should include: sender and recipient details, delivery date, carrier name and tracking number, a unique delivery note number, itemized list of goods with quantities, and any special handling instructions.
Is a delivery note the same as an invoice?
No. A delivery note confirms what was shipped and is used for verification purposes. An invoice is a request for payment. Delivery notes typically do not include prices, while invoices do.
How are delivery notes numbered?
InvoiceBean auto-generates delivery note numbers in the format DN-YYYY-NNN (e.g., DN-2026-001). Consistent numbering helps match delivery notes to purchase orders and invoices.
Can I create a delivery note for free?
Yes. InvoiceBean lets you create professional delivery note PDFs completely free with no watermarks and no signup required.
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