Shoppers expect a range of shipping options that cater to their needs. They might choose next-day delivery for last-minute gifts, opt for the cost savings of flat-rate shipping when planning ahead, or filter for companies that offer international shipping because they’re living abroad. The challenge for businesses lies in creating a shipping strategy that offers this spectrum of options cost effectively.
A robust shipping software enables seamless integration of various shipping processes. This means keeping shipping costs transparent, printing shipping labels, and ensuring that packages are dispatched and delivered reliably. This article outlines what to look for when choosing shipping software and highlights some of the best choices available today.
Table of contents
How to choose shipping software for your ecommerce business
- Integration with ecommerce platforms
- Shipping volume and multi-carrier options
- Cost management and discounted shipping rates
- Support for international shipping and compliance
- Streamlined shipping workflows and label printing
- Customer service and returns management
Selecting the best shipping software for your needs is a crucial step for ecommerce businesses aiming to improve efficiency and boost customer satisfaction. Here’s what you’ll want in a shipping software solution:
Integration with ecommerce platforms
A shipping software solution that offers real-time integration with your ecommerce platforms can automatically import orders and update stock levels. This eliminates manual data entry and the potential for human error.
Look for features like automatic order retrieval from multiple sales channels, synchronization of stock numbers, and direct communication with your inventory management and warehousing systems to keep your ecommerce business operations cohesive and responsive to demand.
Shipping volume and multi-carrier options
Whether your business sees seasonal spikes or is experiencing consistent growth, having software that scales with your shipping volume is essential. Seek out multi-carrier shipping software that facilitates rate comparisons. This can lead to optimal delivery times and cost savings, especially when the software includes features that automate the selection process based on pre-set preferences for price, speed, or shipping carrier reliability.
Cost management and discounted shipping rates
Efficient shipping cost management directly impacts your bottom line. Look for software for ecommerce that calculates shipping rates and provides access to discounted rates through pre-negotiated carrier agreements. Features that offer transparent rate comparisons and suggest less expensive alternatives without compromising delivery quality can significantly reduce shipping expenses.
Support for international shipping and compliance
Global reach requires a shipping solution adept at handling international regulations and paperwork. The right software will automate customs forms and duties calculations, provide necessary tax documentation, and ensure adherence to international shipping laws. This kind of support minimizes the risk of customs shipping delays and can make the difference between a package arriving on time or getting stuck at the border.
Streamlined shipping workflows and label printing
A shipping platform that simplifies workflows can dramatically speed up the packing and dispatching process. Advanced software should offer batch label printing, integration with printers and scales for accurate weight capture, and tracking directly in the dashboard. These features provide faster fulfillment, save time, and reduce errors, allowing staff to focus on order accuracy and customer service rather than manual input tasks.
Customer service and returns management
Effective management of customer service issues—including quick resolution of non-delivery reports (NDRs) and streamlined returns management—is essential for customer retention. Shipping software that includes an integrated returns portal, automated communications for status updates, and straightforward return label generation can improve the customer experience, even when issues arise.
Top ecommerce shipping software
- Shopify Shipping
- Aftership
- 2Ship
- Shippo
- ShipStation
- ShippingEasy
- Easyship
- ShipEngine
- OrderCup
- Ordoro
To effectively manage your ecommerce logistics, choose software that fits your specific needs. With unique features that cater to various aspects of online order fulfillment, here are the top contenders in shipping software:
1. Shopify Shipping
Shopify Shipping integrates directly with Shopify stores, allowing for seamless order fulfillment and management. It provides savings on shipping rates and a simplified workflow to handle everything from printing labels to tracking shipments. The service is exclusively available to Shopify merchants.
Key features include:
- Discounted rates (77% to 88%) with major carriers like USPS, UPS, DHL Express, FedEx by Shippo, and Canada Post.
- Bulk label printing and fulfillment for efficient order processing.
- Built-in tracking and analytics for both merchants and customers.
- Shopify Shipping is included with a Shopify subscription plan. Basic ($39/month) provides shipping discounts of up to 77% and label printing, while Shopify ($105/month) and Advanced ($399/month) plans offer shipping discounts of up to 88%, label printing, package discounts, and shipping insurance.
2. Aftership
Aftership is a post-purchase customer experience platform that helps online retailers track shipments, manage ecommerce returns, and automate warranty processes. The platform provides real-time shipment tracking and return automation, increasing customer retention and satisfaction.
Key features include:
- AI-powered estimated date of delivery (EDD) prediction that increases accuracy.
- Warranty automation that streamlines the warranty claim process.
- Carbon emissions reports to help ecommerce businesses understand their environmental impact.
- Aftership offers Essentials ($9/month), Pro ($99/month), Premium ($199/month), and Enterprise (custom pricing) subscription plans.
3. 2Ship
2Ship is an all-in-one multi-carrier shipping platform designed to streamline the shipping process for businesses of all sizes. It consolidates carrier rates for easy comparison and selection while offering robust tracking and reporting features.
Key features include:
- Rate Shop, which allows for quick comparison of shipping rates across different carriers.
- One-click tracking for all shipments simplifies the monitoring process.
- Real-time visibility with comprehensive reports and analytics to inform shipping strategies.
- 2Ship offers free, pay-as-you-go, and various subscription options: Starter ($23/month), Basic ($35/month), Enhanced ($60/month), Ultimate ($109/month), and Ultimate 2 ($149/month) plans. All subscription tiers come with a free 30-day trial.
4. Shippo
Shippo provides an ecommerce shipping solution that integrates with more than 40 global carriers and numerous store platforms, offering seamless label printing and easy tracking and returns. The platform is known for its ease of use and developer-friendly API, which can speed up business integration.
Key features include:
- Seamless integration with top store platforms that require no additional setup for immediate use.
- Enterprise-grade security for handling shipping at scale, ensuring data safety and compliance.
- Additional features like seamless tracking and returns to enhance the customer post-purchase experience.
- Shippo offers Starter (free plan), Professional ($10/month), and Enterprise (custom pricing) subscription plans.
5. ShipStation
ShipStation offers an efficient and flexible ecommerce order fulfillment solution that integrates with more than 180 selling channels. It offers carrier discounts of up to 68%, a comprehensive set of automation tools, and a user-friendly interface for streamlined shipping management.
Key features include:
- Bulk updates and automation capabilities for efficient order processing.
- Instant order import from more than 100 sales channels and real-time tracking updates.
- Access to exclusive shipping discounts from carriers like UPS, FedEx, and DHL Express.
- ShipStation offers multiple subscription tiers: ShippingEasy (free plan), Starter ($9.99/month), Bronze ($29.99/month), Silver ($59.99/month), Gold ($99.99/month), Platinum ($149.99/month), Enterprise ($229.99/month), and High-Volume (custom pricing).
6. ShippingEasy
ShippingEasy is an online shipping platform offering discounted USPS and UPS rates and a suite of automation tools to streamline the shipping process. It offers easy integration with multiple sales channels and unlimited customer support.
Key features include:
- Intuitive user interface with automated order import.
- Customizable branding options for labels and tracking emails.
- Extensive customer marketing tools to boost retention and repeat business.
- ShippingEasy offers Free and Growth ($19.99/month) plans. They also have a 30-day free trial.
7. Easyship
Easyship is a cloud-based shipping software designed for growing businesses, offering up to 91% off shipping rates and a tracking system for customers. The software provides seamless integration with numerous ecommerce platforms and marketplaces and offers dynamic rates at checkout, which can improve conversion rates.
Key features include:
- Access to a global network of couriers with pre-negotiated discounted rates.
- Automated tax and duty calculations with customs paperwork for international shipping.
- Branded tracking pages and emails.
- Easyship offers Free, Plus ($29/month), Premier ($69/month), and Scale ($99/month) plans. All plans offer a 14-day free trial with no credit card details required.
8. ShipEngine
ShipEngine is a comprehensive shipping API that offers multi-carrier shipping solutions for businesses of all sizes. Its strengths lie in its robust integrations with more than 100 carriers, real-time rate comparisons, and address validation, which streamline the shipping process and reduce costs. The service may have a learning curve for those unfamiliar with API integration and could present a barrier for businesses lacking technical expertise.
Key features include:
- Embeddable web components that allow for easy integration into existing platforms.
- Enhanced tracking experiences through a dedicated tracking API.
- Simplified rate comparison to ensure cost-effective shipping options.
- ShipEnginge offers Free, Advanced ($75/month), and Enterprise (custom) plans.
9. OrderCup
OrderCup is a web-based order management and shipping solution designed to automate and streamline ecommerce fulfillment globally. It offers time and cost savings through features like batch shipping, intelligent defaults and rules, and access to discounted shipping rates.
Key features include:
- Direct web-based printing and zero-configuration scale support for seamless shipping operations.
- Global address validation to reduce errors and ensure efficient delivery.
- Integration with multiple carriers and channels, facilitating a wide reach for ecommerce businesses.
- OrderCup offers Free, Short ($29.99/month), Tall ($49.99/month), Grande ($69.99/month), Venti ($99.99/month), and Trenta ($189.99/month) subscription plans.
10. Ordoro
Ordoro is an all-in-one ecommerce platform that automates shipping, inventory, and dropshipping processes, allowing business owners to reclaim time spent on menial tasks. It offers shipping discounts, bulk label printing, and automated inventory alerts, enhancing operational efficiency for users.
Key features include:
- Bulk label printing and advanced filtering capabilities for efficient order processing.
- Automated inventory alerts and streamlined purchasing for proactive restocking.
- Simplified dropshipping management with automated order routing and vendor communication.
- Order offers Free, Advanced ($59/month), and Premium ($149/month) subscription plans.
Ecommerce shipping software FAQ
What is ecommerce shipping software?
Shipping software automates and manages the order fulfillment process for online businesses, including label printing, inventory tracking, and carrier integration.
Which shipping company is best for ecommerce?
The best shipping companies for ecommerce depend on specific business needs, but major shipping carriers like UPS, FedEx, and USPS are commonly used for their reliability and range of shipping services.
Does Shopify offer ecommerce shipping software?
Yes. Shopify offers integrated shipping software solutions within its platform, allowing businesses to manage orders, print shipping labels, reduce shipping costs, and track packages directly from their Shopify dashboard.
