Best Shipping Software 2026

What is Shipping Software?

Shipping Software automates the management and tracking of product shipping. These solutions integrate with eCommerce platforms, help with carrier selection, offer multiple shipping options, and support the purchase and printing of shipping labels.

The software will auto calculate shipping prices based on shipment weight, dimensions, shipping zone, carrier, and priorities such as the best rate or fastest delivery time. It accommodates free shipping options for customers based on their profile, product price, delivery cost, and destination. The software provides real-time shipment tracking with delivery status information available online, through mobile apps, SMS, or email notifications. Return item management is supported for customer returns. It offers the convenience of printing shipping labels and packing slips at your location using any computer or device with a printer.

Machine learning analytics are used to identify customer habits, create profiles for expedited service, and identify the locations where products are most often being shipped, supporting informed decision making for warehouse locations

The software is used by eCommerce and retail businesses, third-party logistics providers, and import and export companies.

Shipping Software Features

Shipping Software will offer many of the following features.

• Rule-based shipping priorities
• Real-time, automated shipping rate calculations based on weight, dimensions, shipping zone
• Carrier selection options
• Shipping options include best rate, fastest delivery time, free shipping
• Printing of shipping labels and packing slips at your location
• Real-time tracking of shipment and status updates online, through mobile apps, SMS, or email
• Order delivery dashboard
• Return management include return labels, return portals and return documentation capture
• Customer support and communications
• Analytics for shipping destinations, volumes, frequency, and costs
• Carrier performance monitoring
• Integrations with eCommerce, order, inventory, and POS platforms
• Dropshipping support
• International import, export support
• Bulk label and packing slip printing
• Brand support for custom labels and packing slips
• Label and packing slip templates
• Support a variety of shipping label sizes and formats
• Import, update, and retain customer contact and address information
• Address validation and correction
• Import content such as logos
• SaaS, web-based, and mobile

Shipping Software Comparison

Consider the following when purchasing Shipping Software

Cost Savings: Many popular shipping solutions have arrangements with large carriers to offer discounted rates as high as 70%. This typically involves entering into an exclusive partnership with that carrier, so be sure you are happy with the mail carrier as well as the shipping software.

Integrations: If you are already using eCommerce, POS, order, and inventory management software or 3PLs (third-party logistics) providers, check that your selection readily integrates with these platforms and services.

APIs: Some vendors such as Easypost and ShipEngine offer APIs for specific shipping functionality (carrier connections, tracking, address verification) that you can integrate into your custom in-house applications.

International Business: If your products cross borders ensure your selection supports integration with international carriers.

Pricing Information

Shipping software typically has tiered monthly pricing based on shipping volume ranges from $25 for 500 shipments, to a few hundred dollars for 10,000 shipments. Enterprise-scale pricing requires obtaining a custom price quote. Some carriers will provide free shipping software with an exclusive relationship. A few vendors offer pay-as-you-go pricing. Free trials are available.