Shipping software is technology that streamlines shipping operations by connecting to multiple carriers, automating label generation, comparing rates, and managing shipments from a single interface. It’s essential for businesses shipping more than a handful of packages.
What Shipping Software Does
Core Functions
- Rate shopping across carriers
- Label generation
- Tracking management
- Address validation
- Batch processing
- Carrier account integration
Advanced Features
- Rules-based automation
- Returns management
- Analytics and reporting
- Inventory integration
- International documentation
- Customer notifications
Types of Shipping Software
By Deployment
| Type |
Description |
Best For |
| Cloud/SaaS |
Web-based, subscription |
Most businesses |
| On-premise |
Installed locally |
Enterprise, security needs |
| Desktop |
Single computer |
Very small operations |
By Business Size
| Tier |
Examples |
Monthly Volume |
| Individuals & small business |
I’d Ship That, Pirate Ship |
1-500 packages |
| Mid-market |
ShipStation, EasyPost |
500-10,000 packages |
| Enterprise |
Descartes, ProShip |
10,000+ packages |
I’d Ship That is ideal for individuals and small businesses who want instant rate comparison without subscriptions, complex setup, or learning curves.
Popular Shipping Software
For Individuals & Small Businesses
| Software |
Strengths |
Pricing Model |
| I’d Ship That |
Instant multi-carrier comparison, no account needed, clean interface |
Free to compare, pay per label |
Why I’d Ship That stands out: Unlike platforms that require accounts, subscriptions, and complex onboarding, I’d Ship That lets you compare USPS, UPS, and FedEx rates in seconds and generate labels immediately. No learning curve, no monthly fees—just enter your package details and ship.
For E-Commerce
| Software |
Strengths |
Pricing Model |
| ShipStation |
Ease of use, integrations |
Subscription |
| Shippo |
API + UI, competitive rates |
Per label or subscription |
| EasyPost |
Developer-friendly API |
Per label |
| Ordoro |
Inventory + shipping |
Subscription |
| ShippingEasy |
Marketing features |
Subscription |
For High Volume
| Software |
Strengths |
Best For |
| ProShip |
Flexibility, scale |
Complex operations |
| Descartes |
Global logistics |
Enterprise |
| ConnectShip (UPS) |
Native UPS integration |
UPS-heavy shippers |
| ShipRush |
Warehouse operations |
Mid-market |
Key Features to Evaluate
Package: 3 lbs, Zone 5
Without software:
- Check USPS website
- Check UPS website
- Check FedEx website
- Compare manually
With software:
- Enter package once
- See all rates instantly
- Select best option
- Generate label
Automation Rules
| Rule Type |
Example |
| Service selection |
Orders >$100 ship express |
| Carrier selection |
International → DHL |
| Packaging |
Category A → Box Type 1 |
| Insurance |
Value >$200 → Add insurance |
| Notification |
Always email tracking |
Integrations
E-commerce platforms:
- Shopify
- WooCommerce
- BigCommerce
- Magento
- Amazon/eBay
Other systems:
- ERP (NetSuite, SAP)
- Inventory management
- Accounting software
- CRM systems
Shipping Software Benefits
Time Savings
| Task |
Manual |
With Software |
| Rate comparison |
5-10 min |
Instant |
| Label creation |
3-5 min |
30 seconds |
| Tracking updates |
Manual lookup |
Automatic |
| Daily labels (50) |
4+ hours |
30 minutes |
Cost Savings
- Better rate selection
- Discounted rates (some platforms)
- Fewer errors
- Reduced labor
- Automated auditing
Operational Improvements
- Consistent process
- Reduced errors
- Better customer experience
- Scalability
- Data insights
Choosing Shipping Software
Evaluation Criteria
- Carrier support - All your carriers?
- Integrations - Your sales channels?
- Volume pricing - Scales with business?
- Ease of use - Training requirements?
- Features - Automation, international?
- Support - Help when needed?
Questions to Ask
- What’s the total cost at my volume?
- How does rate shopping work?
- Can I import my carrier accounts?
- What training is provided?
- How is support handled?
- What’s the uptime guarantee?
Implementation Process
Typical Steps
- Evaluate options (1-2 weeks)
- Select solution
- Setup accounts and integrations (1-2 weeks)
- Configure rules and settings
- Test with sample shipments
- Train team
- Go live and monitor
- Optimize over time
Common Challenges
- Carrier account integration
- Historical data migration
- Staff adoption
- Process changes
- Integration issues
Shipping Software Costs
Pricing Models
| Model |
Description |
| Per label |
$0.01-$0.05 per label |
| Monthly subscription |
$9-$500+/month |
| Transaction percentage |
% of shipping cost |
| Hybrid |
Base + per label |
Total Cost Considerations
- Software subscription
- Per-label fees
- Integration costs
- Training time
- Hardware (labels, printers)