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10 Best Shipping Software for Delivery Businesses (According to Users)

Explore leading shipping software for small businesses: real-time rate comparison, label creation, order tracking, and streamlined workflows!


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As online shopping grows, small businesses have to meet higher customer expectations. Over 45% of shoppers want alerts when their packages arrive, and 68% want to know when their orders are shipped.

Small businesses need shipping software that easily works with their marketplace and tech setup to keep up. This helps meet customer needs and keeps them happy.

The top shipping software comes with handy features like:

  • Real-time carrier pricing
  • Easy label creation
  • Order tracking
  • Quick refunds
  • Streamlined workflows for faster fulfillment

A good shipping management system can simplify admin tasks, speed up shipping times, and improve the customer experience. All this can lead to better reviews!

In this article, we'll check out the best shipping software for small businesses. We'll focus on those selling on platforms like Shopify, Etsy, eBay, and other marketplaces. We'll start by explaining what shipping software is and how it can help your business grow.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

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Understanding Shipping Software

Shipping software makes managing shipping and post-shipment tasks easier. With these apps and services, you can:

  • Compare rates
  • Choose carriers
  • Print labels
  • Handle returns
  • Track shipments
  • Automate key shipping processes

You can create automation rules for labels and pick carriers based on the best rates or fastest delivery times. Plus, notification systems keep customers updated when their order is shipped and delivered.

6 top benefits of e-commerce shipping software

  1. Streamlined Automation. Shipping software makes things easier by automating tasks. With customizable rules, businesses can set up shipping options based on factors like distance, price, delivery time, weight, and value.
  2. Efficient Inventory Management. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can easily track and manage their inventory with shipping software. This helps them run things smoothly, know when to order more stock, and fulfill orders quickly.
  3. Cost Savings. Shipping software connects with big names like USPS and FedEx, making it simple to compare prices and save money. Plus, many platforms offer discounts on shipping rates, which helps cut down on costs for SMBs.
  4. Enhanced Customer Experience. Keeping customers happy is key. Shipping software speeds up delivery, offers competitive prices, and gives detailed tracking information. That makes the shopping experience better for customers.
  5. Seamless Integration. Shipping solutions work smoothly with popular e-commerce platforms such as WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and QuickBooks. This means businesses can automate many tasks, making everything run more smoothly and efficiently.
  6. Data-driven Decision Making. Shipping software gives businesses useful insights and data. By looking at shipping trends, order numbers, and what customers prefer, SMBs can make smarter decisions to improve their strategies and results.

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Finding Shipping Software for Your Small Business

You're aware of the advantages of shipping software, but how do you discover the ideal solution? Several factors should be taken into account:

1. Define Your Goals

Understanding your objectives is key to crafting an efficient e-commerce shipping plan. So, what outcomes do you aim for with your software? Are you aiming to:

  • Enhance inventory management?
  • Simplify purchase orders?
  • Strengthen inventory tracking?
  • Minimize shipping expenses?
  • Elevate customer experience?

Identify your primary shipping hurdles and seek solutions to address them effectively.

2. Optimal Integrations

Your shipping software should ideally blend smoothly with your existing platform and operations, ensuring a seamless transition. Seek solutions that provide real-time integration, capable of automatically:

  • Importing orders from various sales channels
  • Updating inventory levels
  • Communicating with your inventory management and warehouse systems
  • Syncing with your ERPs or accounting software like QuickBooks

Some platforms offer integration via their shipping API. That gives greater flexibility and customization options.

Comprehensive reporting features can elevate inventory management. It can enable you to make informed, data-driven choices.

3. Streamlined Label Printing and Shipping Processes

When managing order fulfillment and shipping independently or with a small team, efficiency is crucial. You need shipping software that saves time and simplifies your workflow.

Look for software that provides:

  • Batch label printing
  • Integration with scales and printers
  • Streamlined shipping workflows
  • Dashboard tracking

These functionalities will help you save time, enabling quicker order fulfillment and reducing the likelihood of errors. Spending less time on shipping and order management allows you to prioritize customer service and provide top-notch products to shoppers.

4. Cost-effective Shipping Rates

Shipping expenses can impact your profitability significantly. Yet, the appropriate shipping software can alleviate this issue. Many providers offer pre-arranged shipping discounts to assist merchants in saving on expenses.

In addition to discounts, seek solutions that offer transparent rate comparisons and suggest more economical alternatives without compromising delivery quality.

5. Efficient Returns Handling

Shipping management isn't complete once packages leave your premises. Many things can occur between pickup and delivery. Shipments might face delays, packages might go missing, or customers might opt to return their purchases. Having a shipping solution capable of managing these "reverse logistics" post-shipment issues is invaluable.

Search for solutions that facilitate the resolution of non-delivery reports and returns effortlessly. Many platforms offer integrated return portals, return label generation, and automated status updates to enhance the customer experience.

6. Comprehensive Reporting Capabilities

Shipping software offers more than just help in finding optimal shipping rates and printing labels. Many providers also furnish detailed reporting features to simplify your operations, such as:

  • Inventory reports
  • Multi-channel sales reports
  • Inventory forecasts

Best shipping software for SMBs in 2024

1. ShippingEasy

shipping-easy-website

Key Features

  • Shopify Seller Suite with seamless shipping integration
  • Discounted rates from shipping carriers
  • Automated label printing and recipient notifications
  • Workflow automation for shipping, tracking, and returns
  • Integration with marketplaces, shopping carts, and major platforms
  • Shipping automation with customizable rule-setting

ShippingEasy provides robust features to simplify the shipping process. It allows you to manage orders from a single dashboard, create custom order views, merge or split orders to save costs, generate shipping reports, and more.

Customers appreciate its integration with many e-commerce platforms. They also value easy order cancellation and refund options, and helpful support. Yet, some users find the interface difficult to navigate.

Pricing

  • Free: 25 shipments per month
  • Growth: $19.99 per month
  • Basic: $29.99 per month
  • Plus: $49.99 per month
  • Select: $69.99 per month
  • Premium: $99.99 per month
  • Enterprise: $159.99 per month

2. Shippo

shippo-software-website

Key Features

  • Unlimited store connections
  • International shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Analytics and reporting
  • Branded labels, packing slips, and tracking emails
  • Schedule pickups
  • Automation

Shippo's shipping app provides access to over 40 carrier options. It allows users to select the best rates and lower shipping costs. You can automate label creation by setting shipping rules and create custom forms and invoices for international customers.

More than 100,000 online businesses use Shippo to expand their reach and manage shipments. That includes everything from scheduling pick-ups to ensuring delivery.

Users appreciate Shippo's intuitive design and helpful customer support.

Pricing

Shippo offers several non-API pricing options:

  • Free
  • Pro: $19 per month
  • Premier: Contact for details

3. Pirate Ship

pirate-ship-website

Key Features

  • Pre-negotiated discounts
  • Compare carriers & rate shop
  • Import orders from e-commerce platforms
  • Customizable tracking emails
  • Automatic address suggestion & correction
  • Discounted shipping insurance

Pirate Ship offers a simple interface with no learning curve. It allows you to quickly buy and print UPS and USPS-certified shipping labels in just three steps, whether you're shipping one package or thousands. Enjoy the cheapest shipping rates without monthly fees, as Pirate Ship is paid by the carriers, not by you.

User Feedback

Users appreciate the intuitive interface, instant setup, and friendly customer support available every day via live chat or email. There are no commitments, so you can try it risk-free.

Pricing

Pirate Ship operates on a pay-as-you-go model with no monthly fees. Simply pay with any card or PayPal as you use the service.

4. AfterShip

after-ship-software-website

Key Features

  • Branded tracking pages
  • Customizable notifications
  • AI-driven product recommendations
  • Estimated delivery date options
  • Seamless integration with 1,151 carriers and 70 platforms
  • Return management solutions

AfterShip's platform ensures customers stay informed with updates and tracking for their shipments. AI-powered estimated delivery date predictions enhance accuracy and streamline the post-purchase process.

Real-time tracking and automated returns management alleviate small business responsibilities while enhancing customer satisfaction. You can opt for SMS notifications at an additional charge to keep customers informed via text, or stick with email notifications.

Pricing

  • Essentials: $11 per month
  • Pro: $119 per month
  • Premium: $239 per month
  • Extra pricing tiers based on shipments per month are also available.

5. Ordoro

ordoro-software-website

Key Features

  • Pick-and-pack workflows, barcode scanning, and order verification
  • Access to carrier discounts
  • Bulk printing of packing slips and automation features
  • First-class customer support
  • Connections to well-known shipping carriers such as USPS, FedEx, Amazon SFP, Canada Post, Australia Post, and others

Ordoro, a small independent shipping software based in Austin, TX, aims to simplify and streamline shipping for small sellers. Their shipping app offers comprehensive tools for order management and fulfillment, including order filtering, splitting, merging, and cloning. Notable features include Amazon FBA order routing, shipping insurance, and automated order routing options. 

To ensure a smooth customer journey, Ordoro offers customized packing lists, shipping labels, and email notifications.

Additionally, Ordoro offers inventory and dropshipping solutions for sellers looking to manage other aspects of their business.

Pricing

  • Shipping: Free
  • Advanced: $59 per month
  • Premium: $149 per month

6. Easyship

easy-ship-software-website

Key Features

  • Streamline shipping operations through personalized shipping rules
  • Create and print shipping labels effortlessly
  • Integrate seamlessly with your online store using intelligent connections
  • Access discounted rates of up to 91% off retail prices
  • Stay updated with tracking information and manage returns efficiently
  • Offer branded checkout and order fulfillment choices

Easyship is a comprehensive shipping platform that seamlessly integrates with various sales channels. It also provides access to pre-negotiated shipping rates. With over 250 couriers worldwide to choose from, merchants can find the best rates conveniently from one platform.

Small e-commerce businesses seeking to expand and offer international shipping will find Easyship's global shipping tools invaluable. The platform calculates tax and duty costs and prepares the necessary paperwork to facilitate customs clearance.

Customer-facing features, such as branded tracking pages and customized packing slips, contribute to a more positive customer experience.

Pricing

  • Free (up to 50 shipments per month)
  • Plus: $29 per month
  • Premier: $69 per month
  • Scale: $99 per month

7. ShipStation

shipstation-software-website

  1. Key Features:
    • Access to discounted shipping rates from DHL, USPS, UPS, and GlobalPost
    • Integration with over 300 platforms, including Amazon, FedEx, Etsy, WooCommerce, and more
    • Order management with 70+ direct integrations
    • Inventory management capabilities
    • Branded tracking pages and shipping labels

ShipStation offers a range of pricing tiers tailored to meet the needs of small businesses at different stages, catering to shipments from 25 to 7,500+ packages per month. Its order management tools empower business owners to merge, divide, or refine orders as required.
Users have access to real-time shipping rates displayed on the dashboard. That facilitates easy comparison and selection of the most favorable rates.
The platform boasts dedicated customer service, with representatives keen to understand your business and provide support in overseeing all orders and shipments from a unified central hub.

Pricing:

  • Free (Up to 25 shipments per month)
  • Starter: $9.99 per month
  • Bronze: $29.99 per month
  • Silver: $59.99 per month
  • Gold: $99.99 per month
  • Platinum: $149.99 per month
  • Enterprise: $229.99 per month
  • High-Volume: Quoted pricing

8. 2Ship

2ship-software-website

Key Features:

  • Real-time rate comparison
  • Email labels
  • Returns management
  • Customized reports
  • Request carrier pickups
  • Integrations through the InteGr8 app and 2Ship’s API
  • International shipping management

Established in 2009 and headquartered in Canada, 2Ship aims to simplify shipping by enabling real-time carrier rate comparison and management from a single dashboard. The platform provides live charts and graphs to keep users informed. The One Rate table displays all available shipping services from various carriers.

The standout feature of 2Ship is its ability to view, compare, and select carriers and prices from one centralized location. The ONE Ship button allows users to generate carrier-compliant labels effortlessly. Additionally, 2Ship monitors shipments and alerts users if any are delayed.

For users new to 2Ship, the Shipping Assistant mode guides them through each step of the shipping process.

Pricing:

  • Starter: $23 per month
  • Basic: $35 per month
  • Enhanced: $60 per month
  • Ultimate: $109 per month
  • Ultimate 2: $149 per month

9. OrderCup

ordercup-software-website

Key Features:

  • Integration with e-commerce platforms and marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy, eBay, Shopify, Magento, Bigcommerce, Woocommerce, and others
  • Multi-carrier shipping options including USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, Purolator, Canada Post, and UK Mail
  • Built-in shipping discounts with popular carriers
  • Automation of shipping processes through pre-defined package types, shipping profiles, shipping rules, and more
  • Management of returns and refunds

OrderCup is a web-based e-commerce shipping platform. It helps streamline retailers' order management and shipments. Its features, such as shipping rules and intelligent defaults, along with discounted shipping rates, contribute to saving time and money.

The platform seamlessly integrates with leading e-commerce solutions like Etsy, Shopify, and Woocommerce. It also provides support for many carriers, enhancing the shipping process.

Being a fully web-based platform, OrderCup offers accessibility to all its features from any Internet-connected device.

Pricing:

  • Short: $29.99 per month
  • Tall: $49.99 per month
  • Grande: $69.99 per month
  • Venti: $99.99 per month
  • Trenta: $189.99 per month

10. XPS Ship

xpsship-software-website

Key Features:

  • Integration with various e-commerce platforms and marketplaces such as Shopify and others
  • Multi-carrier shipping options including major U.S. carriers like USPS, UPS, FedEx
  • Built-in discounted shipping rates with major carriers
  • Automation of shipping processes including pre-defined package types, shipping profiles, and rules
  • Management of order data from multiple sales channels in a single user-friendly platform
  • Dynamic rate quotes at checkout with 3rd-party calculated shipping rates
  • Live customer onboarding and ongoing support included

XPS Ship provides shipping software designed to simplify the process of finding the best shipping rates, printing shipping labels, and tracking orders. Users can save money by accessing discounted shipping rates from major U.S. carriers. The software allows for easy import of order data from Shopify and other sales channels, streamlining order status updates and tracking. With features like automation rules, batch fulfillment, and live customer support, XPS Ship aims to optimize shipping efficiency and reduce manual labor for businesses.

Pricing:

Contact the vendor for pricing details.

Concluding Thoughts

Shipping software simplifies the often complex shipping process, particularly for independent e-commerce businesses. These software options seamlessly integrate with popular e-commerce platforms and carriers. They serve as a centralized dashboard to streamline your workflows.

Additionally, they provide access to shipping discounts and help with rate comparison, all in one convenient location.

Many of these solutions provide free trials or free account options. That allows you to explore their features and functionalities before committing to a specific one that best suits your business needs.

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