What is the difference between a packing slip and a bill of lading?

A packing slip lists what is inside a shipment and travels with the goods for the recipient. A bill of lading is the contract between shipper and carrier, identifying the parties, the freight, and the terms, and serving as the receipt when the carrier takes possession. One documents contents, the other documents custody.

The signed bill of lading is the evidence that matters in a dispute. It is what proves the carrier collected the freight on a given date, which is the basis for contesting a late-delivery deduction.

More on Orders & Fulfillment, or browse every commerce operations answer.