A delivery note is a document that accompanies a goods shipment. It describes which items, in what quantity, and — where relevant — in which version were or are being delivered. So the delivery note primarily serves as an information and proof document for the physical flow of goods. Unlike an invoice, it isn't focused on payment processing but on uniquely identifying and verifying a shipment.
In a logistics context, the delivery note is typically created by the sender and either included with the shipment or sent electronically. On the recipient side, it supports goods receipt by helping identify the delivery, reconcile it with the order or advance shipping notice, and document any deviations. In many industries, the delivery note is also an established communication tool between the parties involved — for example, when there are partial deliveries, batches, or different packaging units.
Legally, the delivery note isn't a mandatory standard document for every goods shipment in Germany. Its importance comes mainly from operational practice, contractual agreements, and requirements for traceability and process security. In regulated areas (e.g., pharma or food), additional documentation requirements may apply that expand the information on a delivery note or call for additional accompanying papers.
A delivery note is structured so a shipment can be identified quickly and clearly. Standard details include sender and recipient information, a delivery note number, and references to the order, job, or shipping order. Delivery notes also include line-item data such as item numbers, item descriptions, quantities, and units of measure where applicable. Often you'll also see packaging information (e.g., number of cartons, pallets, packages) and shipping notes (e.g., partial delivery, backorder).
Typical features include clear line-item structure to make reconciliation easier during picking, shipping, and goods receipt. Depending on the system landscape, additional identifiers such as barcodes or QR codes get printed to enable scan-based data capture. In practice, you'll see different forms: the classic paper proof in the parcel, the electronic delivery note as a data record (e.g., via EDI), or combined forms where document and data transfer run in parallel.
You'll find delivery notes used along the supply chain: in B2B wholesale, industrial supply, retail stores, contract logistics, and e-commerce — especially for shipments with multiple items and in returns processes. Delivery-note-style documents can also accompany internal moves between warehouse sites or production areas to document material movements and post stock correctly.
In logistics, the delivery note supports the process chain from picking to posting at goods receipt. During shipping, it can serve as a reference to verify packages, line items, and quantities. At goods receipt, it makes it easier to check whether the physically delivered goods match the expected line items. Discrepancies like shortages, overages, damage, or wrong deliveries can be captured and processed in a structured way on this basis.
In e-commerce, the delivery note plays an additional role as an information medium inside the shipment — especially when recipient details, item descriptions, or variants (e.g., size/color) need to be transparent. Depending on the merchant's or marketplace's requirements, delivery notes can also be customized for internal purposes — for example, by reducing sensitive data, showing return information, or separating shipping and billing data. In international supply chains, the delivery note can also be part of a document bundle alongside other paperwork (e.g., customs documents or certificates of origin), without replacing them.
With digitalization, delivery notes are increasingly generated from ERP, WMS, or OMS systems and linked to shipping data. Electronic versions enable a consistent data foundation across process stages — for example, when shipping notices, goods receipt postings, and complaint handling all reference the same data. At the same time, paper delivery notes remain common in many operational environments, for example as a quickly available document at the pack station or as a paper accompanying freight shipments.
Invoice: billing document with prices, taxes, and payment terms; differs from the delivery note in its financial purpose.
Purchase order: document or data record used by the buyer to request goods; often serves as a reference for the delivery note.
Order confirmation: supplier confirmation of acceptance and content of an order; can form the basis for delivery scope and dates.
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