Barrel Shipping Invoice Template: Free Layout and Example
A free invoice template for barrel, box and container shippers: what fields to include, a worked example with deposit and balance, and tips for terms and payment instructions.
A good shipping invoice is clear, itemised and consistent. Copy the layout below into a word processor or spreadsheet, fill in your details, and use it for every booking. It lists each item and fee, shows the deposit and balance, and states your terms and how to pay. You can also create invoices automatically from your bookings in ShipBackHome.
- Use one layout for every invoice so customers always know where to look.
- List each item and fee on its own line, with quantity and price.
- Show the deposit paid, the balance due and the due date.
- Put your cutoff, late-payment and claims terms on the invoice.
The template
Copy these sections into a document or spreadsheet. Replace the text in brackets with your own details.
Header
- INVOICE
- Your business name, address, phone, email (and logo, if you have one).
- Invoice number: [for example, 1042]
- Invoice date: [date]
- Due date: [date]
Bill to and ship to
- Customer name, phone and email.
- Consignee name, phone and delivery address at the destination (if different).
- Destination country and port or city.
- Container or sailing: [container number or planned sailing date]
Items and charges
| Description | Quantity | Price each | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Barrel, 55 gal] | [qty] | [price] | [qty x price] |
| [Box, medium] | [qty] | [price] | [qty x price] |
| [Appliance or furniture item] | [qty] | [price] | [qty x price] |
| [Pickup fee] | 1 | [price] | [price] |
| [Delivery fee] | 1 | [price] | [price] |
| [Other fee: packing, storage, oversize] | [qty] | [price] | [amount] |
Totals
- Subtotal
- Discount (if any)
- Total
- Deposit paid
- Balance due
Payment instructions
- Accepted methods: [cash, Zelle, Cash App, card, bank transfer].
- Account or handle for each method, and the reference the customer should use (the invoice number).
Terms
- Cutoff: goods must be received by [date] to ship on [sailing].
- Balance must be paid by [point: drop-off, before loading, or date].
- Late payment and unpaid goods: [your policy, for example storage fee or move to the next container].
- Weight and size limits per barrel and per box.
- Prohibited and restricted items. Customer is responsible for declaring contents accurately.
- Claims for damage or loss: [how to report them, and by when].
- Transit times are estimates and not guaranteed.
A worked example
These numbers are for illustration only. Use your own prices.
| Description | Quantity | Price each | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel, 55 gal | 2 | $95 | $190 |
| Box, medium | 3 | $35 | $105 |
| Pickup fee | 1 | $40 | $40 |
| Delivery fee, Kingston area | 1 | $60 | $60 |
- Subtotal: $395
- Total: $395
- Deposit paid: $100
- Balance due: $295, payable at drop-off.
Tips for using it
- Number every invoice in sequence so you can find any one later.
- Send it straight away. Customers pay faster when they have the total in writing.
- Mark invoices paid as soon as money arrives, with the date and method.
- Keep copies. You will need them for claims, taxes and bookkeeping.
- Check local rules. Requirements for invoices, sales tax and shipping terms vary. Ask an accountant if unsure.
For more on deposits, balances and late payments, read invoicing for shipping businesses. To work out what to charge, see how to price barrel and box shipping.
Skip the copy and paste
A template works well for a handful of bookings. Once you have many customers per container, typing every invoice by hand is slow and errors creep in. ShipBackHome creates invoices from your bookings, adds your default fees, tracks deposits and balances, and gives customers a link to view their invoice and track their shipment.
Frequently asked questions
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