Best Shipping Software
Ship more packages with less headache—and get better rates while you're at it
TL;DR
ShipStation is the market leader with the best balance of features and usability. Shippo offers excellent rates and is easier for smaller operations. ShipBob combines software with fulfillment services if you want to outsource warehousing. For API-first needs, EasyPost provides the most flexibility.
Shipping software sits at a critical point in e-commerce operations. Without it, you're manually copying addresses, comparing carrier rates one by one, and printing labels from different systems. Good shipping software automates this chaos: import orders automatically, compare rates across carriers, print labels in batch, and track everything. The efficiency gains are massive.
What is Shipping Software?
Shipping software connects your e-commerce orders to carriers (USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.) for label creation, rate shopping, and tracking. It imports orders from your sales channels, lets you compare shipping rates, prints labels, and updates tracking information back to customers. Some platforms also handle returns, inventory, and warehouse management.
Why Shipping Software Matters
Manual shipping doesn't scale. At 10 orders/day, it's tedious. At 100, it's impossible. Shipping software pays for itself quickly: discounted rates (often 30-60% off retail), time savings from automation, fewer errors from manual entry, and better customer experience from accurate tracking. It's essential infrastructure for any serious e-commerce operation.
Key Features to Look For
Multi-Carrier Rate Shopping
essentialCompare rates across carriers to find the best option per shipment
Discounted Rates
essentialAccess pre-negotiated carrier discounts without volume minimums
Channel Integration
essentialImport orders from Shopify, Amazon, eBay, etc. automatically
Batch Processing
essentialPrint labels and process multiple orders efficiently
Tracking Updates
importantAutomatic tracking notifications to customers
Returns Management
importantCreate return labels and manage the returns process
Shipping Rules
importantAutomate carrier and service selection based on order attributes
International Shipping
nice-to-haveHandle customs forms, duties, and international carriers
Key Factors to Consider
- Order volume: pricing and feature needs vary at different scales
- Sales channels: ensure integration with your platforms
- Carrier preferences: some platforms have better rates or support for specific carriers
- International shipping: if you ship globally, verify customs support
- Fulfillment model: self-fulfilled vs. 3PL affects what features you need
Pricing Overview
Most shipping software is free or low-cost—they make money on shipping markup or transaction fees.
Free
$0
Basic needs, lower volume
Growth
$25-$100/month
Higher volume, advanced automation
Enterprise
$200+/month
Multi-warehouse, custom needs
Top Picks
Based on features, user feedback, and value for money.
ShipStation
Top PickThe market leader for multi-channel shipping
Best for: Growing e-commerce businesses with multiple sales channels
Pros
- Excellent integrations
- Powerful automation rules
- Best-in-class batch processing
- Strong reporting
Cons
- Interface feels dated
- Some learning curve
- Price increases at higher tiers
- Customer support varies
Shippo
Best rates with simpler interface
Best for: Smaller operations wanting great rates and easy setup
Pros
- Often best rates
- Very easy to use
- Good free tier
- Clean interface
Cons
- Fewer integrations
- Less automation capability
- Basic reporting
- Support limited on free tier
EasyPost
API-first shipping for developers
Best for: Tech teams building custom shipping integrations
Pros
- Excellent API
- Maximum flexibility
- Good rate access
- Developer-friendly
Cons
- Requires development work
- No built-in UI for operations
- Per-label pricing adds up
- Less suitable for non-developers
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not rate shopping—the default carrier is rarely the best value
- Ignoring dimensional weight—carriers charge by size, not just weight
- Manual entry when integrations exist—automate order import
- Skipping automation rules—they save massive time at scale
- Not offering tracking—customers expect it, and it reduces support tickets
Expert Tips
- Always rate shop—carrier pricing varies by route and package
- Use automation rules to assign carriers based on weight, destination, or value
- Batch process during low-demand hours for faster label generation
- Offer multiple shipping speeds—some customers will pay for faster
- Analyze shipping costs regularly—renegotiate as volume grows
The Bottom Line
ShipStation is the safe choice for most e-commerce businesses—comprehensive features and integrations. Shippo offers simpler operation with excellent rates for smaller sellers. EasyPost is ideal if you're building custom solutions. All major platforms offer significant discounts over retail carrier rates—the savings alone justify the switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I save with shipping software?
Typically 30-60% off retail carrier rates for major carriers. The exact savings depend on your volume, package sizes, and destinations. Most sellers save enough to offset any software costs within the first month.
Should I use shipping software or my carrier directly?
Shipping software almost always—even if you only use one carrier. You get better rates, faster label printing, and automatic tracking updates. Direct carrier portals only make sense for very specific contract terms.
What's the difference between shipping software and 3PL?
Shipping software helps you ship from your own warehouse. 3PL (third-party logistics) companies warehouse your products and ship for you. Some tools (like ShipBob) offer both. Use 3PL when you don't want to handle physical inventory.
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