How can I find what’s short or missing from a delivery?

Count each line of the delivery against its packing list or invoice and look for lines where you counted fewer than expected, including lines where nothing arrived at all. Do it while the delivery is in front of you, and report what you find to the supplier with the item numbers.

Last updated: October 29, 2026

If the driver is waiting

  1. Count the cartons or pallets against the delivery receipt before you sign, and look for visible damage.
  2. If the count or the condition does not match, note it on the paperwork the way your supplier’s or carrier’s terms ask. Terms differ, so check yours ahead of a big delivery. Photos of damaged packaging help.

Checking the contents

  1. Unpack one line at a time and count it in the unit the list uses.
  2. Mark each line as complete, short, or extra. A line with nothing counted yet is still missing, not done.
  3. Set aside anything that is not on the list instead of counting it against another line.
  4. Write up the shortages with item number, description, expected quantity, and quantity received, and send them to the supplier within the time their terms allow.

Where CountMinder helps

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