A delivery note is a document that accompanies the shipment in transportation. The document has information about the products and quantity of the goods, their size and weight. It doesn’t always have to accompany the shipment physically but can be sent to the receiver by email.
Delivery notes have many purposes in logistics. The delivery note helps to gain a complete view for the customer, so they’d know if they have received all the purchased goods. If the wrong parts or shipment is delivered, a delivery note helps simplify the shipment’s return or exchange. It helps warehouses track what goods go in and out of the warehouse. It also acts as proof of delivery, as the consignee needs to sign the delivery note once they have received the shipment. It will help to avoid any disputes over whether the shipment was delivered or not.
Simply put, each side of the party has their purpose for the delivery note:
- Shipper – acts as a list of goods that have been removed from the warehouse and as proof of delivery;
- Consignee – acts as a verification that they have received what was ordered;
- Carrier – acts as a proof of delivery;
The delivery note must contain the following information:
- Shippers information – name and contact details;
- Consignees information – name and contact details;
- Date of the document being issued;
- Date of delivery;
- Description of goods being shipped, their quantity and weight;
- Delivery note number or reference;
- Receiver’s signature;
The previous information is not only limited to these points, but more details can be added. For example, the price of the shipment, product number, payment information, etc. Overall, delivery notes format can vary, but its purpose will always be the same – confirmation that the shipment has been delivered and received by the consignee.