Batch Shipping

Batch shipping means processing multiple orders together instead of one at a time. It’s a key efficiency strategy for e-commerce operations, reducing the time and cost per package by streamlining label creation, packing, and carrier handoff.

How Batch Shipping Works

1. Accumulate orders - Collect orders over set period
2. Validate addresses - Check all addresses at once
3. Generate labels - Print labels in batch
4. Pick and pack - Process orders together
5. Manifest - Create single pickup manifest
6. Ship - Hand off all packages together

Batch Shipping Benefits

Batch Shipping Workflow

Small Operation (50-100 orders/day)

1. Morning: Download new orders
2. Batch validate addresses
3. Print all labels
4. Pick products for all orders
5. Pack at single station
6. Afternoon: Single carrier pickup

Medium Operation (500+ orders/day)

1. Multiple batches per day
2. Zone-sorted label printing
3. Wave-based picking
4. Multiple pack stations
5. Multiple pickups

Batch Shipping Software

Most platforms support CSV import for bulk orders.

Batch Shipping Strategies

By Carrier

Print all USPS labels together, then UPS, then FedEx:

• Organized pickup
• Efficient sorting
• Carrier-specific packing areas

By Service Level

Group expedited orders vs. standard:

• Prioritize time-sensitive orders
• Match urgency levels
• Meet cutoff times

By Zone

Batch by destination zone:

• Regional carrier optimization
• Consolidation opportunities
• Routing efficiency

By Product Type

Group similar products:

• Same packaging materials
• Similar pick locations
• Specialized handling

Best Practices

1. Set batch schedules - Same times daily
2. Define minimum batch size - Worth the setup time
3. Validate before printing - Catch errors early
4. Keep backup labels - For reprints
5. Track batch performance - Measure efficiency
6. Document process - Train consistently

Batch Shipping Limitations

When to process individually:

• Urgent, time-critical orders
• Custom or complex orders
• High-value requiring special handling
• When batch would delay shipping

Finding balance:

• Small batches more frequently
• Urgent orders pulled out of batch
• Hybrid approach based on order type