Our shipping software reviews are the result of over 40 hours of research on 90+ shipping software companies from across the web. These reviews and our shipping software guide help small businesses and startups find the best shipping software for their business.
The Best Shipping Software Companies of 2021
- Easyship
- Multiorders
- NetSuite
- Orderhive
- Ordoro
- QAD Precision
- Shipedge
- ShipHawk
- ShipMonk
- ShippingEasy
- Shippo
- ShipRush Web
- ShipStation
- Stamps.com
- Stitch Labs
How We Chose the Best Shipping Software
Shipping software streamlines outgoing shipments so businesses can increase customer satisfaction and reduce abandoned shopping carts due to shipping concerns. These platforms are packed with features, from calculating shipping costs to tracking shipments all the way to the customers’ doors. There are numerous shipping software vendors pitching the latest features, making it difficult to choose the best option. We created our list by evaluating important shipping features, integrations, and reports that increase a shipping software’s value.
Shipping Features
We recommend software with a variety of shipping features, such as inventory management, a shipping price calculator, and shipment tracking. Inventory management keeps track of physical inventory, so businesses know what’s in stock and ready to ship. Shipping price calculators accurately figure shipping and handling costs, so businesses aren’t hit with higher than expected shipping bills. Shipment tracking tools send shipping confirmations and updates to customers, keeping them happily informed and loyal to the companies that let them know exactly when their packages will arrive.
Integrations
The best software has built-in integrations for e-commerce platforms, accounting systems, and other tools often used together with shipping software. Integrating shipping software with accounting systems streamlines payment processing, and integrated e-commerce platforms let businesses sell their products on a variety of marketplaces to reach more customers. We looked for shipping software that integrated with some of the most popular platforms.
Reports
Detailed reports help users measure the performance of their shipping process and identify areas for improvement. Advanced reporting provides valuable information, such as where the most shipments are sent and the cost of these shipments to help businesses determine where a new shipping hub would do the most good. We choose shipping software with robust reporting tools to help business owners capture the data they need to make all kinds of important decisions.
The 15 Best Shipping Software of 2021
Easyship
Easyship is a cloud-based shipping platform that helps e-commerce merchants ship products around the world. Users can create shipments, sync orders in real time, and manage their label generation, shipping, and fulfillment all in one place. Easyship even generates all documents required for international shipping to avoid errors at customs. It also serves as a top shipping partner with crowdfunding companies Indiegogo and Kickstarter. Other key features include:
- Free shipping label creation for every courier
- Automatic generation of commercial invoices for every shipment
- Instantly compare shipping rates with over 250 shipping solutions from top couriers
- Accurate tracking from all couriers to see exactly where shipments are
- Return management with return label generation for customers
- Full financial reporting and export capability to view shipping costs and find efficiencies
- Status snapshot to see outstanding shipments and manage workflows
- Pre-negotiated discounted courier rates
- Easy-to-use tax and duty calculator
Easyship integrates with leading couriers, e-commerce platforms, and marketplaces, including Amazon, BigCommerce, DHL, eBay, Etsy, FedEx, Groupon, Magento, Shopify, Squarespace, UPS, USPS, WooCommerce, Zapier, and Zoho.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Plus: $29/month Premier: $49/month | Free Version Available, Free Trial for Paid Plans | >Deployment: Web-based, cloud, SaaS >Support Options: 24/7 (live rep), email, chat, phone >Shipping features: Inventory Management, Shipping Price Calculator, Shipment Tracking >More features at Easyship |
Pros & Cons of Easyship Shipping Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Offers free version | >No mobile app |
| >Offers free trials on paid plans | >Customer support options limited on some plans |
| >Includes all key shipping features |
Multiorders
Multiorders is a multichannel inventory and order management software that allows sellers to fulfill orders faster. Users can print labels with a single click, manage pricing and stock levels of all sales channels, and get the shipping options from all well-known shipping companies without any volume requirements. Other key features include:
- Bulk shipping, order merging, bundling, and kitting
- Merge inventory from all sales channels
- Automatic tracking number update
- Low stock notifications
- CSV imports/exports
- Daily reports and analytics for all sales channels
- Unlimited team members
- USPS Commercial Plus pricing
- Unlimited marketplace and shopping cart integrations
- Order status syncing
- Insights, reports, and order history
Multiorders has over 30 integrations for the most popular carriers, including DHL Express, USPS, FedEx, UPS, Australia Post, and Canada Post. It also integrates with all e-commerce giants and other web service providers, including Amazon, BigCommerce, eBay, Etsy, Houzz, Magento, OpenCart, Shopify, Squarespace, Stripe, Vend, Wix, WooCommerce, and 3dcart.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Small: $49/month Medium: $149/month Large: $249/month Enterprise: Custom Quote | 14-Day Free Trial | >Deployment: Web-based, cloud, SaaS >Support options: 24/7 (live rep), phone, chat, email, knowledge base >Shipping Features: Inventory Management, Shipping Price Calculator, Shipment Tracking >More features at Multiorders |
Pros & Cons of Multiorders Shipping Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Offers free 14-day trial | >No freight or container shipping |
| >24/7 live customer support | >Pricing on the high side |
| >Includes most of the key shipping features |
NetSuite
NetSuite’s order management capabilities expedite the sales-to-fulfillment process to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Users can manage orders from multiple channels, and products are delivered on time and at optimal cost. Users can control inventory, fulfillment, and shipping costs to streamline order processing and prevent errors. It also integrates a business’ sales, fulfillment, and finance teams to improve quote accuracy and eliminate billing errors. Real-time inventory updates and integration with shipping systems further lets businesses manage their distribution operations in the most optimal manner. Key capabilities include:
- Speeding up the order-to-cash process with rules-based automation
- Getting a single view of inventory across all channels, including stores and warehouses
- Shortening the order-to-ship timeframe to increase on-time delivery
- Determine optimal shipping locations to reduce shipping costs
- Defining workflows with rules-based transitions
- Having the right materials in the right location with inventory management
- Supporting cross-channel returns and exchanges
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Quote | Free Trial | >Deployment: Web-based, cloud, SaaS >Support options: 24/7 (live rep), Online >Shipping features: Inventory Management, Shipping Price Calculator, Shipment Tracking >More features at NetSuite |
Pros & Cons of NetSuite Shipping Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Offers a free trial | >No public pricing information |
| >Includes all key shipping features | >No mobile app |
| >24/7 live customer support |
Orderhive
Orderhive is an inventory management and shipping software for online retailers. It features e-commerce automation with multichannel workflow automation that lets users cut fulfillment costs. Users can also track and manage their inventory in real time across multiple channels, including managing their Amazon FBA account, inventory, and shipments. Key features include:
- Inventory control to maintain stock levels and minimize errors
- Omni-channel shipping with shipping rate calculator and comparisons
- Integrates multiple sales channels, shopping carts, third-party logistics, and carriers
- Returns management with hassle-free returns processing
- Data-driving analytics, reports, and insights
- Buy shipping labels from more than 300 carriers
- Customizable automation rules to manage repetitive tasks and ship more in less time
- End-to-end order delivery and return orders tracking
Orderhive integrates with popular e-commerce platforms, shopping carts, enterprise applications, and shippers, including Amazon, BigCommerce, eBay, Etsy, FedEx, Magento, PayPal Pro, QuickBooks, Salesforce, Shopify, Square, Stripe, UPS, USPS, Vend, Walmart, WooCommerce, Xero, and Zoho.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Lite: $44.99/month Starter: $134.99/month Growth: $269.99/month Enterprise: Custom Quote | Free Version Available, Free Trial for Paid Plans (Excludes Enterprise Plan) | >Deployment: Web-based, cloud, SaaS, iPhone/iPad, Android >Support options: 24/7 (live rep), business hours, online >Shipping features: Inventory Management, Shipping Price Calculator, Shipment Tracking >More features at Orderhive |
Pros & Cons of Orderhive Shipping Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Offers free version and free trials | >Pricing higher than most |
| >Includes most of the key shipping features | >No freight or container shipping |
| >24/7 live customer support |
Ordoro
Ordoro is a central hub for shipping and inventory management. It accelerates fulfillment by managing orders and products across multiple channels. Users can manage all their marketplaces, shopping carts, and shipping accounts from one platform with discounted USPS rates and rate comparisons across all major carriers. Key features include:
- Direct-to-printer shipping label creation and branded packing lists
- Shipping presets that auto-fill shipping parameters
- Filterable tags to search and view status of every shipment
- USB scale support records weight for rate calculations
- Shipping status and tracking number automatically relayed to customers
Mix and match shipping methods to get the most affordable rates through integrations with all major shipping carriers and postage providers. Users can select any USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL International, Canada Post, or Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime account for shipping. Ordoro handles shipping from all channels, including Amazon, BigCommerce, eBay, Etsy, Magento, QuickBooks, Shopify, Squarespace, Stripe, Walmart Marketplace, and WooCommerce.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Express: $59/month Pro: $499/month | Free Demo Only | >Deployment: Web-based, cloud, SaaS >Support options: Business hours, online >Shipping features: Inventory Management, Shipment Tracking >More features at Ordoro |
Pros & Cons of Ordoro Shipping Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Offers free demos | >Pro plan highest of all listed |
| >Includes inventory management | >No shipping price calculator |
| >Includes shipment tracking | >No freight or container shipping |
QAD Precision
QAD Precision provides enterprises with a complete end-to-end global trade and transportation solution. With this software, you can automate every step of your fulfillment process, from global sourcing to last mile delivery.
There are a variety of useful features offered by QAD Precision, such as import management, export management, restricted party screening, transportation execution, transportation analytics, and business intelligence. You’ll also get access to an unparalleled global network of configurable and certified carriers in every region of the world.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Quote | Free Demo | >Deployment: Cloud, On-Premise >Support options: 24/7 (live rep), online >Shipping features: Import Management, Export Management, Transportation Execution >More features at QAD Precision |
Pros & Cons of QAD Precision Shipping Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Feature-rich shipping software | >No public pricing information |
| >24/7 customer support | >Doesn’t offer free trial |
Shipedge
Shipedge is a cloud-based all-in-one fulfillment and distribution software with omni-channel order management, warehouse management, and shipping software to take care of end-to-end logistics. Its order management system streamlines the fulfillment process with intelligent order routing and integrated selling channels that let users manage multiple channels and tasks in one place. Key features include:
- Automatic best-rate shipping based on dimensions, weight, and delivery date
- Special rates from all major shipping carriers
- Real-time inventory control
- Inventory forecasting with automatic purchase order generation
- Order routing from any inventory location
- Simple returns and exchanges with RMA sent to customer
- Unlimited users, products, and channel integrations
- Real-time reporting and history
Shipedge has over 240 integrations available for shipping solutions, selling channels, and current technology. Popular integrations include Amazon Prime, Australia Post, Buy.com, DHL, eBay, Etsy, Facebook, FedEx, Lightspeed, OnTrac, PayPal, Shopify, Shopware, Square, UPS, USPS, Walmart, Wayfair, WooCommerce, and Yahoo.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Quote | Free Consultation | >Deployment: Web-based, cloud, SaaS, Android >Support options: Business hours, online >Shipping features: Inventory Management, Shipping Price Calculator, Shipment Tracking >More features at Shipedge |
Pros & Cons of Shipedge Shipping Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Includes shipping calculator and tracking | >No public pricing information |
| >Includes inventory management and reports | >No free demo or trial |
| >Integrates with 240+ popular platforms | >No ground, freight, or container shipping |
ShipHawk
ShipHawk is a shipping software that digitizes fulfillment for high volume retail, e-commerce, and wholesale companies looking to lower their shipping costs and compete with e-commerce giants. It uses proprietary packing and shipping algorithms to automate order fulfillment and provide a better shipping experience with orders shipped from the right warehouse using the best carrier and service. ShipHawk allows users to access all major carriers in one place to get rates and book shipments. Other key features include:
- Real-time shipping data and analytics
- Rules-based shipping engine for multi-carrier packing and shipping
- On-brand tracking and tracing
- Well-documented, RESTful API
- Multiple online store and marketplace support
ShipHawk has partnered with hundreds of parcel and freight carriers to create the best automated shipping solution, including UPS, USPS, FedEx, DHL, OnTrac, Sterling Van Lines, and Pilot Freight Services. It also offers plugins for many popular platforms, including Amazon, eBay, NetSuite, Shopify, and Magento.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Quote | Free Demo Only | >Deployment: Web-based, cloud, SaaS >Support options: Business hours, online >Shipping features: Shipping Price Calculator, Shipment Tracking >More features at ShipHawk |
Pros & Cons of ShipHawk Shipping Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Offers free demos | >No public pricing information |
| >Includes shipping calculator and tracking | >No inventory management |
| >Includes ground and freight shipping | >No container shipping |
ShipMonk
ShipMonk is a cloud-based multichannel order, inventory, shipping, and warehouse management solution that supports small to medium e-commerce businesses. Its inventory management portal allows users to track inventory levels across multiple sales channels and receive low stock alerts. The order management portal syncs users’ sales channels to eliminate manual data imports and lets users track every order from the time they’re placed until they arrive on the customers’ doorsteps.
ShipMonk’s shipping management system lets users calculate real-time shipping rates with discounted rates provided through its partnerships with all major carriers. Cheaper shipping helps eliminate abandoned shopping carts. Users can also access multiple shipping reports and export this data to a CSV to run their own custom reports. ShipMonk has over 65 API integrations with popular marketplaces, shopping carts, and retailers, including BigCommerce, eBay, Etsy, QVC, Houzz, Jane, Magento, PayPal, Shopify, Squarespace, Target, Walmart, Wish, WooCommerce, and Yahoo.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Small Bin: $1/month Medium: $2/month Large: $3/month Extra Large: $4/month Pallet: $20/month | Free Trial, Free Demo | >Deployment: Web-based, cloud, SaaS >Support options: 24/7 (live rep), business hours, online, phone, chat, email >Shipping features: Inventory Management, Shipping Price Calculator, Shipment Tracking >More features at ShipMonk |
Pros & Cons of ShipMonk Shipping Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Offers free demos and free trial | >No ground or container shipping |
| >Multiple low-cost pricing/plan options | >Additional fees added to monthly cost |
| >Includes key shipping features and 24/7 customer support | >No mobile app |
ShippingEasy
ShippingEasy is a cloud-based shipping, inventory, and customer marketing platform for growing e-commerce merchants. Shipping tools lets users manage orders, organize packing with picklists and packing slips, automate shipping with rules, track shipments, and notify recipients. Users can print labels, picklists, packing slips, and customs forms using a laser or thermal printer or print labels automatically with InstantLabel. Other key features include:
- Automate shipping with rules for delivery preference, weight, package size, etc.
- Comprehensive shipping reports, segmented by destination or service
- Real-time tracking information sent to the individual stores and customers
- Branded shipment and delivery confirmations via email
- Returns with same low rates for return labels and real-time tracking
- Commercial Plus Pricing guarantees the lowest shipping rates
ShippingEasy integrates with leading online marketplaces and e-commerce tools, including 3dcart, Amazon, BigCommerce, ChannelAdvisor, eBay, Etsy, Magento, PrestaShop, QuickBooks, Shopify, Storenvy, Volusion, Walmart, Wish, WooCommerce, and Yahoo! Stores.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Starter: $0/month Basic: $29/month Plus: $49/month Select: $69/month Premium: $99/month Enterprise: $159/month | Free Version Available, 30-Day Free Trial | >Deployment: Web-based, cloud, SaaS >Support options: Business hours, online, phone support, live in-app chat, email, 24/7 knowledge base >Shipping features: Inventory Management, Shipping Price Calculator, Shipment Tracking >More features at ShippingEasy |
Pros & Cons of ShippingEasy Shipping Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Offers free version and free trial | >No container shipping |
| >Multiple features and support options | >No mobile app |
| >Multiple mid-range pricing plans |
Shippo
Shippo is a multi-carrier shipping API and dashboard that provides users with instant access to the best possible discounts from USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, and other shipping partners. Users can sync all their sales channels to manage all orders in one place, track shipments with notifications automatically sent to customers, and streamline returns with automatic generation of return labels for free. Other features include:
- Real-time rates from carrier network for quick comparisons
- Automated label creation with easy business rules setup
- CSV upload to generate labels from existing order files
- Built-in global address validation to prevent failed deliveries
- Personalized shipping labels and customer notifications
- Analytics and reporting with at-a-glance view of shipping spends
Shippo partners with over 50 global carriers and several top store platforms for instant integrations with UPS, USPS, FedEx, DHL, Shopify, Wix, Fishbowl, Square, eBay, BigCommerce, ShipBob, Magento, Squarespace, WooCommerce, and many others.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Pay-As-You-Go: $0.05/label Professional: $10-$125/month | 30-Day Free Trial | >Deployment: Web-based, cloud, SaaS >Support options: Business hours, online, live chat customer support >Shipping features: Shipment Tracking >More features at Shippo |
Pros & Cons of Shippo Shipping Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Offers 30-day free trial | >No shipping calculator |
| >Has a low-cost pay-as-you-go option | >No inventory management |
| >Includes shipment tracking | >No ground, freight, or container shipping |
ShipRush Web
ShipRush streamlines shipping processes for small and medium e-commerce businesses with multi-carrier shipping needs. Users control shipping from one centralized dashboard that eliminates the need to go into each e-commerce or carrier account to see shipping details. Track and search shipment history with complete history reports for individual customers or all customers. Other core features include:
- Side-by-side real-time rate shopping of over 200 parcel and LTL freight carriers
- Automate and repeat best practices and create custom templates
- Automatic labels without any import/export or copy/paste requirements
- Shipping discounts from FedEx, UPS, and USPS
- Print domestic and international labels, packing lists, and customs documents
- Remote shipping label printing with ShipRush Cloud Print
- Print labels with thermal, laser, or other printer types
- Unlimited labels without additional charges
ShipRush has more than 95 e-commerce integrations with marketplaces, carriers, ERP, and accounting systems. Popular connections include Amazon, eBay, Etsy, NetSuite, SAPAnywhere, Shopify, and WooCommerce.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Speedy: $29.95/month Turbo: $59.95/month Warehouse: $99.95/month | 60-Day Free Trial | >Deployment: Windows install, web-based, cloud, SaaS >Support options: Business hours, online >Shipping features: Inventory Management, Shipment Tracking >More features at ShipRush Web |
Pros & Cons of ShipRush Web Shipping Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Offers free 60-day trial | >No shipping calculator |
| >Free phone support at any level | >No container shipping |
| >Includes inventory management and shipment tracking | >No mobile app |
ShipStation
ShipStation is a shipping software for online sellers seeking multiple shipping carrier options, real-time package tracking, and inventory syncs with low stock alerts to notify users when inventory counts run low. Users can instantly rate shop between their favorite carriers to get the best rates on desired delivery dates. Other key features include:
- Self-service tracking portal for customers
- Automation rules to complete multi-step shipping tasks in seconds
- Custom return policy with instant access to return labels for qualified customers
- Detailed analytics for business insights and optimized selling strategy
- Full-featured mobile app with push notifications sent to phones or tablets
ShipStation works with all major carriers and imports orders from over 100 marketplaces, carts, and stores with unlimited selling channels and carriers available. Popular platforms include Amazon, Best Buy, BigCommerce, DHL, eBay, Etsy, FedEx, Google, Magento, Oracle, PayPal, QuickBooks, Salesforce, Shopify, Squarespace, UPS, USPS, Walmart, Wix, WooCommerce, and Zendesk.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Starter: $9/month Bronze: $29/month Silver: $49/month Gold: $69/month Platinum: $99/month Enterprise: $159/month | 30-Day Free Trial | >Deployment: Windows install, Mac install, web-based, cloud, SaaS, iPhone/iPad, Android >Support options: Business hours, online >Shipping features: Inventory Management, Shipment Tracking >More features at ShipStation |
Pros & Cons of ShipStation Shipping Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Offers 30-day free trial and low-cost plan | >No shipping calculator |
| >Has full-featured mobile apps | >No freight or container shipping |
| >Includes shipment tracking and inventory management |
Stamps.com
Stamps.com is an internet-based postage provider for online retailers, small and medium businesses, and e-commerce sellers. Automated shipping tools and discounted USPS and UPS rates allow users to ship faster for less money. It automatically selects the best delivery option based on price, required delivery date, package size, and weight. Other key features include:
- Automatic domestic address cleansing to eliminate errors
- Presets to apply shipping preferences to multiple orders
- Package tracking info immediately sent to marketplace/store and customers
- Online reporting dashboard access tracking details for any order
- Unlimited shipments, sales channels, and live phone support
Stamps.com automatically imports orders and lets users manage and ship orders from all sales channels from one simple dashboard. Import from CSV files, popular sales channels, and shopping carts, including Amazon, BigCommerce, eBay, Etsy, Magento, PayPal, Shopify, Volusion, Yahoo, and Zencart.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| $17.99/month | 30-Day Free Trial | >Deployment: Windows install, web-based, cloud, SaaS >Support options: Business hours, online, phone >Shipping features: Shipment Tracking >More features at Stamps.com |
Pros & Cons of Stamps.com Shipping Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Offers 30-day free trial | >Only one plan level |
| >Unlimited shipments and support | >No mobile app |
| >Includes shipment tracking and other key features | >No inventory management or shipping calculator |
Stitch Labs
Stitch Labs is a cloud-based inventory and order management software for fast-growing retail brands. It helps users sell across multiple channels, control inventory, and quickly respond to operational demands from a single platform. Advanced automation lets users offer fast, reliable shipping to their customers. Core features include:
- Inventory management for all retail and wholesale channels and fulfillment locations
- Order management optimizes order logistics through automation
- B2B wholesale management with rep management tools
- Purchasing and replenishment with consolidated data and accurate cost capture
- Order fulfillment across warehouses and 3PLS reduces errors
- Reporting and analytics with dozens of simple retail reports
Stitch Labs integrates with top e-commerce, shipping, POS, accounting, and fulfillment technologies, including Amazon, BigCommerce, eBay, Etsy, FBA, FedEx Supply Chain, inDinero, Magento, PayPal, QuickBooks, ShipStation, SPS Commerce, Shopify, Square, and Xero.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Quote | Free Trial | >Deployment: Web-based, cloud, SaaS >Support options: Business hours, online >Shipping features: Shipping Price Calculator, Shipment Tracking >More features at Stitch Labs |
Pros & Cons of Stitch Labs Shipping Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Offers a free trial | >No public pricing information |
| >Includes shipping calculator and tracking | >No inventory management |
What Is Shipping Software?
Shipping software streamlines the entire outgoing shipping process from label creation to package arrival for online retailers and e-commerce businesses. These programs typically integrate with e-commerce platforms, shopping carts, shipping carriers, and other technology to bring all sales channels and shipping needs together in a single platform. Most platforms provide real-time shipping calculations and custom tracking and confirmation notifications.
While there may be some similarities, shipping software isn’t the same as transportation management or supply chain management software. These software are intended to manage and track shipping of products to the seller instead of managing and tracking products being sent by sellers to their customers.
Shipping software providers usually partner with shipping carriers to obtain discounted rates for their users. These discounted rates and clear shipping details on their websites can help prevent abandoned shopping carts. With an ever-increasing number of online shoppers, businesses that sell online use shipping software to improve the efficiency of their shipping operations and ensure they can offer their customers multiple shipping options at the lowest prices possible.
Benefits of Shipping Software
The most obvious benefit of shipping software is the money users save by receiving steep discounts on shipping from software providers. These discounts vary, but businesses can generally provide consumers with affordable shipping options that encourage brand loyalty. Before choosing software, businesses should evaluate how many shipments they make monthly compared to the cost of the software and the discounts offered. Other benefits include:
- Accelerated shipping and fulfillment: Automated processes save time with order-specific rules, picklist and packing slip creation, organized packing, and quicker shipment processing.
- Integrations: Integrate orders from multiple sales channels to manage all shipping from one platform with automatic order downloads and uploaded tracking numbers and order status posted to the sales platform.
- Save time: Instead of manually figuring up shipping costs, shipping software automatically calculates cost and presents the best shipping options to customers.
- Rate comparisons: Software that includes shipping price calculators and real-time rate comparisons ensure consumers get the best prices possible.
- Streamlined document creation: Software walks users through the process of generating all required documents, including labels, invoices, packing slips, and customs forms.
- Simplified returns management: Easily generate return labels to provide to customers, and use return tracking details to manage returns swiftly.
Must-Have Features for Shipping Software
To be considered a quality shipping software, a company must offer integrations for e-commerce platforms, shopping carts, and other online retail sites. It must have order management tools, so businesses can manage orders and monitor shipments in real time. There are also numerous must-have shipping features that businesses should require in their software, including:
- Shipping label creation: Ensure products meet shipping regulations and help consumers identify shipments with easy printing options straight from the user’s desktop.
- Rate management: Get discounted rates from various shipping partners, which allows businesses to pass on lower shipping rates to their consumers and encourage completed orders.
- Inventory control: Manage physical inventory with insights into how much is left of each product and automatically get low stock alerts.
- Reporting tools: Advanced metrics reporting provides insights into where most shipments are going and how much these shipments cost, which influences decisions like where to place new shipping hubs.
- Returns management: Generate return labels and send these to consumers to ensure timely returns and refunds/exchanges that keep consumers happy.
- Tracking and customer communication: Real-time shipment confirmations and automatic tracking updates sent to consumers keep them informed and reduce inbound calls to businesses concerning tracking status.
The Cost of Shipping Software
Shipping software usually comes with monthly subscription pricing, with the average amounts running the gamut. Most software options offer multiple price points with different plan levels at different prices to cater to a variety of personal and professional needs. Compare each level carefully, because lower-level plans tend to be missing certain features and/or will cap the number of shipments per month. A small number of shipping software companies offer a free version, but the included features are typically limited, and they almost always cap the number of allowable monthly shipments.
Most shipping software doesn’t have per-user pricing, although some limit the number of users who can access the system. A majority of shipping software offerings are cloud-based solutions, so users can access shipping and tracking data from anywhere. They also usually work out discounted rates with various shippers, which can help promote customer satisfaction and future sales. Of the companies on our list, pricing ran between $1 and $499 per month, depending on the product. Besides a monthly fee, many have additional fees, such as pick fees, setup costs, training sessions, and various other hidden costs.
