Warehouse Receiving Checklist
A warehouse receiving process checklist helps teams control every step of inbound shipment handling: dock preparation, document verification, trailer inspection, unloading, quantity checks, product condition review, labeling, system entry, and preparation for putaway.
This checklist is useful for warehouse receivers, supervisors, inventory teams, and logistics managers who need to reduce receiving errors and document shipment issues on time. It helps identify shortages, overages, damaged goods, wrong items, missing paperwork, labeling problems, and temperature deviations before products enter storage.
With TARGPatrol, the receiving checklist can be completed in a mobile app with photos, comments, discrepancy notes, responsible persons, and corrective actions. This makes the receiving process more transparent, improves accountability, and keeps a clear digital record for claims, audits, and inventory control.
Warehouse / facility name
Supplier / vendor name
Carrier / delivery company
Purchase order number
Delivery note / bill of lading number
Trailer / container number
Photo of arriving shipment
Receiving dock is available and safe to use
Dock area is clean and free from obstructions
Dock door is operating properly
Dock leveler / dock plate is in good condition
Trailer restraint or wheel chocks are used
Adequate space is available for unloading
Required handling equipment is available
Dock preparation notes
Purchase order is available for verification
Bill of lading / delivery note is received
Supplier name matches the purchase order
Delivery address matches the warehouse location
Item descriptions match the order documents
Quantities are listed on delivery documents
Special handling instructions are reviewed
Documentation issue notes
Photo of delivery documents
Trailer / container number matches documents
Trailer seal is present, if required
Seal number matches shipping documents
Trailer interior is clean and dry
No signs of pests, moisture, or contamination
No strong odor or visible product damage inside trailer
Load appears secure before unloading
Seal number
Photo of trailer / container condition
Unloading area is restricted from unauthorized access
Employees use required PPE
Forklift / pallet jack is operated safely
No unstable pallets are moved without control measures
Heavy or oversized items are handled safely
Damaged loads are separated during unloading
No spills, broken packaging, or loose product on the floor
Unloading safety issue notes
Photo of unloading process
Number of pallets received matches documents
Number of cartons / cases received matches documents
Product quantities match purchase order
Shortages are identified and documented
Overages are identified and documented
Partial delivery is recorded if applicable
Received pallet count
Received carton / case count
Quantity discrepancy notes
Photo of counted shipment
Packaging is intact and undamaged
No crushed, torn, wet, or leaking packages
No visible product contamination
No expired or near-expired product received
Fragile items show no signs of damage
Temperature-sensitive items are checked on arrival
Damaged goods are separated from accepted goods
Number of damaged units
Damage description
Photo of damaged product / packaging
SKU / item codes match the purchase order
Product names match delivery documents
Batch / lot numbers are visible where required
Serial numbers are checked where required
Expiration dates are checked where required
Barcode labels are readable
Unlabeled or incorrectly labeled items are identified
Batch / lot number
Expiration date, if applicable
Photo of product label
Temperature-controlled shipment received
Required temperature range is known
Actual product / trailer temperature is checked
Temperature is within acceptable range
Temperature deviation is documented
Cold chain goods are moved to storage immediately
Actual temperature, °F
Temperature issue notes
Photo of temperature reading
No receiving discrepancies found
Quantity discrepancy found
Product damage found
Wrong item received
Missing documentation found
Incorrect label or barcode found
Supplier / carrier notified if required
Exception report created
Exception description
Photo of discrepancy
Received items are labeled according to warehouse rules
Internal barcode labels are applied if required
Receiving data entered into WMS / ERP
Purchase order status is updated
Lot, serial, or expiration data entered if required
Accepted quantity is recorded correctly
Rejected quantity is recorded correctly
System entry reference number
System entry notes
Goods are sorted by storage area
Pallets are stable before transport
Products are ready for putaway
Damaged or rejected goods are moved to quarantine area
Temperature-sensitive goods are prioritized for putaway
Putaway location is assigned
Receiving area is cleared after processing
Assigned storage location
Photo of goods ready for putaway
Corrective action required
Responsible person assigned
Supplier claim required
Carrier claim required
Return to vendor required
Recount required
Follow-up inspection required
Corrective action description
Responsible person
Target completion date
Claim / work order number
Shipment accepted
Final receiving comments
Final status: completed / pending review / rejected




























