Shipping label: creating and printing

Intro 

Though shipping labels may appear to be a minor component of the e-commerce puzzle, they are critical to both inbound and outbound logistics, as well as the success, reach, and customer satisfaction of your online store. 

Creating and printing shipping labels

A shipping label is a type of identification label that assists in the description and identification of the contents of a container or package. Addresses, names, weights, and tracking barcodes are all included on these labels. 

A shipping label typically includes the following information: the type of goods, the destination zip code, the address, the country, the tracking number, the date, and the weight. They also indicate the urgency: express delivery, same-day delivery, 24-hour delivery, two-day delivery, and so on. 

Because shipping labels contain critical information about the orders, they are essential during any inspection in the supply chain management process. 

Because of this information, the package arrives at its destination on time and under the agreed-upon conditions. 

The days of handing out manual instructions about where to ship orders and how to process them are over, thanks to advances in technology and automation. To ship your product to your customers, you must now use automated printed labels. 

How do you make a shipping label? 

Shipping is a critical component of the selling process. Nonetheless, it is something that many people overlook. The more you understand about printing labels, selecting the right carrier, and using the right packaging, the more efficiently your business will run. 

The following are the options: 

• DIY stands for "do it yourself". These days, old school is hardly efficient. 
• Create Your Labels Online - You can use the carrier's online tools to create a shipping label. 
• Using Shipping Label Software enables you to download a carrier's shipping label template and fill it out locally on your computer. 
• Fully Automate With A Shipping Tool - Using a shipping tool, automatically aggregates order information from multiple platforms and carriers to fill out forms quickly and efficiently. 

You can create your own shipping label to save time and money. You can then take advantage of postage discounts and make pickup arrangements with the carrier from your desired location. 

You can manually create a shipping label using your carrier's services. As long as you are shipping a small number of packages, this should not be an issue. Simply go to the carrier's website, fill out the necessary information in the shipping label template, and then download and print the file. 

Characteristics of a shipping label 

There are additional benefits to creating your own shipping labels, such as lower postage costs and the ability to schedule package pickups rather than waiting in line at the post office. There are even ways to automate the process to eliminate as much manual input as possible. 

Without clear shipping labels, your customers' orders may be misplaced or mishandled, resulting in a negative customer experience, harmed brand loyalty, and ultimately lost sales. 

A shipping label contains information that can be used to direct packages to the correct destinations, track them through each stage, and ensure the correct service is provided. Each carrier has its own template for shipping labels. They are intended to be read by both humans and machines, so they must be clear and easy to understand. Because each carrier designed its label to work with its own sorting and delivery process, it is critical to use their templates. 

How does a shipping label function? 

Each label is unique, and old labels cannot be reused. Each delivery necessitates the creation of a new label. 

A shipping label contains information that can be used to direct packages to the correct destinations, track them through each stage, and ensure the correct service is provided. Each carrier has its own template for shipping labels. They are intended to be read by both humans and machines, so they must be clear and easy to understand. Because each carrier designed its label to work with its own sorting and delivery process, it is critical to use its templates. 

It is important to note that the standard size of shipping labels is 4 x 6 inches (10 x 15 cm). If this does not work for your package, other sizes are 6 x 3 inches (15 x 7 cm) and 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 cm). 

A typical shipping label's structure 

The following details are important: postal code, country, tracking number, date, package quantity and weight, address, validation, and ship street, city, and state (area). Shipping labels can also specify the contents, which is especially useful for international shipments. 

The carrier generates the majority of the information automatically. You will need the following information: 

• Name and address of the sender 
• The name and address of the recipient 
• The method of service 

Shipping label anatomy - what information is contained on a shipping label? 

1: The sender's name and address 

2: The recipient's name and address 

3: A MaxiCode is a machine-readable code that can be read in any direction. 

4: The Routing Code - specifies how the package should be routed within the sorting section. 

5: The Postal Barcode - the destination zip code 

6: Tracking Number - the number provided to the customer in order for them to track their package. 

7: Level of Service - the method chosen by the carrier (e.g., Express, Standard, etc.) 

You'll see barcodes, numbers, and letters on a shipping label. All of these are critical to the process. Each section provides information about different parts of the chain. 

What are the distinctions between shipping labels from various shipping service providers? 

Shipping labels from the major carriers — DHL, FedEx, and UPS — differ slightly, but they all contain the same information. 

Different shipping service providers' shipping labels may differ in format, size, and information included. Most shipping labels, on the other hand, will include:

• The sender's and recipient's addresses.
• A tracking number.
• The shipping service provider's logo.
• A barcode.

Additional information, such as package weight, dimensions, and shipping method, may be included on some shipping labels. It is critical that the shipping label you use is compatible with the shipping service provider you select. 

Overall, while shipping labels from different carriers may have some similarities, they may also have significant differences that affect the efficiency and dependability of the shipping process. 

DHL shipping label unique features 

DHL shipping labels may include a number of unique features that set them apart from those of other shipping companies. Here are some examples of possible features: 

1. Custom branding: DHL allows customers to brand their shipping labels with their own logos or images. 
2. Tracking and barcoding: The DHL label includes a barcode that is linked to the package's tracking number, allowing for easy tracking of the package's progress. 
3. Duty and tax information: For international shipments, the DHL label may include customs duty and tax information, which can help ensure smooth and timely delivery. 
4. Optional signature confirmation: By adding a signature-required option to their label, customers can request signature confirmation upon delivery. 
5. Unique identifier: A unique identifier on the DHL label allows DHL to track and manage the package throughout the shipping process. 

Overall, the DHL shipping label's unique features can help improve the efficiency, security, and dependability of the shipping process for both businesses and individual customers. 

GLS shipping label special features

The GLS shipping label may include several unique features that set it apart from labels from other shipping companies. Here are some examples of possible features: 

1. Custom branding: GLS allows customers to brand their shipping labels with their own logos or images. 
2. Tracking and barcoding: The GLS label includes a barcode or QR code that is linked to the package's tracking number, allowing for easy tracking of the package's progress. 
3. Delivery preferences: GLS provides delivery preferences for individual customers, such as selecting a delivery day and location. 
4. Delivery proof: GLS provides digital delivery proof, which includes the recipient's signature and a photograph of the delivered package. 
5. Return label: For easy and convenient returns, GLS includes a pre-printed return label on the shipping label. 

Overall, the GLS shipping label's unique features can help improve the efficiency, security, and convenience of the shipping process for both businesses and individual customers. 

The UPS shipping label has some unique features

The UPS shipping label may include several unique features that set it apart from labels from other shipping companies. Here are some examples of possible features: 

1. Custom branding: UPS allows customers to brand their shipping labels with their own logos or images. 
2. Tracking and barcoding: The UPS label includes a barcode that is linked to the package's tracking number, allowing for easy tracking of the package's progress. 
3. Hazardous materials indicator: To alert handlers, the UPS label includes an indicator symbol for packages containing hazardous materials. 
4. Options for delivery confirmation: UPS provides several delivery confirmation options, such as signature required or adult signature required, which can be added to the shipping label. 
5. International customs information: For international shipments, the UPS label includes customs duty and tax information, as well as any required documentation. 

Overall, the special features of the UPS shipping label can help businesses and individual customers improve the efficiency, security, and dependability of the shipping process. 

FedEx shipping labels have unique features

FedEx shipping labels may include several unique features that set them apart from those of other shipping companies. Here are some examples of possible features: 

1. Custom branding: FedEx allows customers to brand their shipping labels with their own logos or images. 
2. Tracking and barcoding: The FedEx label includes a barcode that is linked to the package's tracking number, allowing for easy tracking of the package's progress. 
3. Hazardous materials indicator: To alert handlers, the FedEx label includes an indicator symbol for packages containing hazardous materials. 
4. Delivery options: FedEx provides a variety of delivery options, such as a signature required or delivery to a specific location, which can be specified on the shipping label. 
5. International customs information: For international shipments, the FedEx label includes customs duty and tax information, as well as any required documentation. 
6. FedEx provides direct billing options that can be added to the shipping label, allowing the shipper or recipient to pay for shipping charges. 

Overall, these FedEx shipping label features can help improve the efficiency, security, and dependability of the shipping process for businesses and individual customers. 

The DPD shipping label has some unique features 

The DPD shipping label may include several unique features that set it apart from labels from other shipping companies. Here are some examples of possible features: 

1. Predictive delivery window: DPD tracks packages in real-time and can provide an estimated delivery window, allowing recipients to plan accordingly. 
2. Custom branding: DPD allows customers to brand their shipping labels with their own logos or images. 
3. Tracking and barcoding: The DPD label includes a barcode that is linked to the package's tracking number, allowing for easy tracking of the package's progress. 
4. Delivery preferences: DPD offers delivery preferences for individual customers, such as selecting a delivery day, preferred delivery location, and even the ability to change delivery dates during the shipping process. 
5. Delivery proof: DPD provides digital delivery proof, which includes the recipient's signature and a photograph of the delivered package. 

Overall, the DPD shipping label's unique features can help improve the efficiency, security, and convenience of the shipping process for both businesses and individual customers. 

Can I print my own parcel labels? 

Printing shipping labels is simple, whether you do it yourself at home using your computer or other methods. 

Shipping labels can be printed at home or in the office in the same way that you print anything else. Shipping software solutions can help you operationalize the process if you own a small business. 

What should I keep in mind when printing shipping labels? 

We assume you have the necessary equipment and materials, as well as the skills to use them. Aside from that, shipping labels typically contain the following information: 

• The address of origin and return. 
• The address of the final destination. 
• The package's weight. 
• The shipping class determines the speed and cost of delivery. 
• Shipping barcode and electronic tracking number (automatically generated by the carrier) 

How do I make shipping labels? 

When it comes to printing shipping labels, you have two choices: a standard inkjet/laser printer or a thermal label printer that doesn't require ink. 

What is the best way to reprint a shipping label? 

It can be difficult to get those printer settings just right, but don't worry; most carriers will never charge you to reprint a label that you've already purchased. However, it is important to carefully follow the advice provided by each individual carrier. 

How do I revoke a shipping label? 

You can usually cancel shipping labels that have already been created on the same day. However, we strongly advise that the shipping labels be cancelled as soon as possible. You will be notified if cancellation is no longer possible.

FAQs 

Where should the shipping label be placed on the box? 

For the delivery process to go off without a hitch, the product needs to have a shipping label firmly attached to it. The shipping label needs to be adhered to the very top of the shipping container, and then it needs to be gently smoothed out to get rid of any bubbles or edges that aren't secured. It is imperative that labels be completely affixed to the address side of the package and not folded over the corners of the package. It is possible for the barcode to be scanned accurately throughout the shipping procedure if the label is attached such that it is flush against one side of the package. 

Can a package service demand separate shipping labels? 

It is possible for a parcel service to demand the use of several shipping labels, depending on the kind of shipment, its final destination, and possibly other considerations. Some types of shipments, such as those containing hazardous materials or perishable goods, may require certain information and symbols to be printed on the shipping labels that are provided by some parcel providers. In addition, additional customs documentation and labelling may be necessary for international shipments, whereas these requirements may not be necessary for domestic shipments. 

How do you attach a shipping label to your shipment? 

Take out any old labels or other information that could be on the box, and don't utilize any previously used boxes. Before affixing the mailing label, make sure the surface has been cleaned. 

Position the label so that it is visible from the exterior of the box, preferably along the side that is the widest. It should not be placed on a closing line or anywhere on the tape that is used to secure the package. Be sure you use sturdy, see-through adhesive tape that does not obscure the label's shipment information or barcodes in any way. 

Be sure to guard the label. 

Following the attachment of the shipping label, the label should be covered with adhesive tape to prevent it from becoming damaged. 

I don't have a printer to print the shipping label. What action should I take? 

Your shipping label can be printed out at your neighbourhood library, an office supply store, or any other location that provides printing services. It's possible that you have acquaintances who have access to printers. In any event, you won't be able to ship anything without your digital PDF shipping label. 

Can I print a shipping label on regular paper? 

Printing shipping labels on a standard printer is possible, regardless of whether you have a laser or an inkjet model. It is essential to keep in mind that these are primarily intended to function as substitutes for conventional printers in the sole purpose of producing shipping labels. 

You are able to print a shipping label on standard paper; however, this is not the method that is advised. In most cases, shipping labels are intended to be printed on adhesive-backed label paper, since this type of paper is more resilient and less likely to smudge or peel when the product is being shipped. If you print a shipping label on standard paper, there is a greater likelihood that the label will become damaged or slip off the item, which could cause a delay in delivery or perhaps prevent delivery altogether. 

Do the shipping labels expire? 

That is dependent on the parcel service and the guidelines they have in place. In most cases, labels sent through email can be printed for up to two years. After the label has been printed, you will typically have two weeks to utilize it before it becomes invalid. 

It may be a requirement of some parcel delivery providers that the shipping label be utilized within a specific amount of time, such as within 30 days after the day it was purchased or printed. This is due to the fact that the information on the shipping label, such as the tracking number, could become obsolete and less useful with time. 

It is in your best interest to consult with the individual parcel provider regarding their policies on the expiration of shipping labels.