Many people have never visited a post office or a shipping company, thus they are unfamiliar with the shipping process. Don’t worry if you fall into this category; we’re here to help. Packages must be transported from one location to another using shipping labels. Here we’ll see how to create a shipping label, specifically looking at UPS, USPS, and FedEx.
What is a Shipping Label?
A shipping label contains all of the information required by a carrier to transport your goods from their origin to their destination. It has a scannable barcode with a tracking number, allowing the carrier to provide delivery updates. Mailing labels, which merely feature the recipient’s name and address, are different from shipping labels.
Each shipment necessitates its own shipping label. Furthermore, many types of shipments, such as unboxed commodities or perishables, necessitate the use of a custom label designed expressly for their shipping requirements.
How Can I Obtain a Shipping Label?
Shipping labels can be obtained in-person or online from specific carriers, printed at home using personal shipping software or handled by a 3PL (you only pay for shipping).
Why Is It Necessary to Create a Shipping Label?
An e-commerce company prepares shipping labels to ensure that products are delivered to clients accurately and on time by the shipping provider.
What Are the Various Parts That Make Up a Shipping Label?
Despite the fact that shipping labels vary by carrier, they all contain the same general information to ensure that a shipment gets from point A to point B.
The following are the various components that can be found on a shipping label:
- Return Shipping Address: Shows where the package is being mailed and to who it’s being sent to
- Package weight: Indicates the weight of the package, the nature of the item, and the sort of packaging utilized.
- Unidirectional Code: Also known as the Maxicode, this is a scannable code that aids in package routing.
- Postal Service Barcode: The IMpb code is a scannable barcode that indicates the recipient’s zip code.
- Service Type: Indicates the shipping mode, such as “Standard” shipping, “Express” shipping, “Priority” shipping, “Overnight” shipping, and so on.
- Routing Number: This informs the sorting process and indicates where the shipment should be routed.
- Tracking Code: Customers can readily track the position of their package online, either manually or through automated text or email updates.
How Do You Create a Shipping Label?
If you know what you’re doing, printing labels is simple. You can create a shipping label directly with the carrier or with the assistance of a software tool.
How to Create a Shipping Label With a Carrier
One method is to work directly with the carrier to create a shipping label. In the United States, there are numerous different carrier options, each with its own shipping label method.
Let’s look at how to create a shipping label using three of the most popular shipping companies in the United States: FedEx, UPS, and USPS.
#1. How To Create a Shipping Label FedEx.
Fill up the necessary address information, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses for notifications, to create a shipping label with FedEx.
Choose between FedEx One Rate and FedEx Standard Rate as your shipping method from there. In contrast to FedEx Standard Rate, FedEx One Rate does not require an account or the weight of the package. Then select your packaging and shipping choices.
Finally, you pay for and confirm your shipping label, which you then print and affix to your shipment.
#2. How To Create a Shipping Label UPS
To create a shipping label with UPS, enter your return address information first, followed by your shipping address information, making note of whether or not the shipping address is a residential one.
You will then choose your packing. For items weighing up to 50 pounds, UPS offers flat-rate shipping. If you do not select this option, you must specify the type of packaging, weight, length, breadth, and height.
You can specify a stated value for the contents of your package. You can also provide signature and delivery confirmations.
The next step is to arrange for your box to be picked up from a place of your choice or dropped off at a UPS Store. You then select your shipping option, enter shipping details, then enter payment information before confirming and printing the label.
#3. How To Create a Shipping Label USPS
You must first create a USPS account with an email address, username, and password in order to create a shipping label with USPS.
It’s simple to create a USPS shipping label with “Click-N-Ship” once you’ve set up your account. Before going to the shipping service selected, you must enter the return and delivery addresses, package information, optional package value, and shipping date.
Before choosing “add to cart,” select your selected service and any additional services for your shipment. You can examine your shipping label information on this page to ensure that everything is proper. After that, input your billing information and proceed to pay for and print the label.
How To Use Software to Create a Shipping Label
If you think going in and manually completing all of these processes with UPS, FedEx, or USPS sounds like a lot of work, you’re right. This is especially true if you have a high volume of shipments. The good news is that software solutions can help you complete big amounts of shipping labels at record speed.
These technologies link to your e-commerce software platform and can generate shipping labels automatically as orders come in. Some tools have a pay-as-you-go pricing model in which you pay for each item. Other products employ a monthly fee price approach in which you pay for a predetermined number of items.
These technologies, however, provide more than simply automated label generation; they frequently include carrier discounts and valuable reporting features to help you track and manage your shipments.
Can a Shipping Label Can Be Printed
It is extremely simple to download and print your label once it has been produced. All you need is a printer that has paper and ink. For shipping labels, you only need your basic printer paper and black ink – there’s no need for special paper or colorful ink with shipping labels. Simply connect your printer to your computer and then press the print button.
Instructions for Putting a Shipping Label on a Package
Following the printing of a shipping label, the final step is to attach it to the package in question. While this may appear to be a simple step, it is critical to complete care to ensure that the label is easily seen and readable.
Place the shipping label on the side of the package that has the most visible surface area. Avoid placing labels on the packaging’s edges and corners, as this can make them difficult for machines to read.
If you don’t use a sticker with built-in adhesive, you’ll have to affix the label to the packaging with transparent tape. Tape around the edges to ensure that it is securely secured to the package and will not easily fall off or be pulled off during transit.
Best Practices for Shipping Labels
Here are a few other things to keep in mind when it comes to shipping labels:
#1. Particular Instructions
Make a note on the packaging if the contents of your package require specific instructions. Labeling it “Fragile,” “Perishable,” or “Flammable” could be an example of this (carriers will often ask this as well). You should also take note of whether a package must be “This Side Up.” Taking note of these unique requirements will help ensure that your delivery reaches in pristine condition of your customer’s door.
#2. Positioning of Labels
Labels should be placed on the top of your product (particularly if “This Side Up” instructions are included). Check that the label is entirely visible and that no edges are folded over, as this could obscure critical information or render it unreadable. Also, make sure to flatten any lumps after gluing it down, as this may cause the codes to become unreadable. If you wrap your label with clear tape or place it in a plastic wallet for protection, just be sure the complete label is legible.
#3. Packing Slips
A competent e-commerce merchant will always include packing slips, often known as “waybills.” This is placed inside the package (or outside, in a plastic wallet) and acts as a receipt. The slips should include your company’s contact information, the customer’s address, the order date and number, the items in the package and their quantities, a customer care number, and any other comments or information about returns, refunds, and so on.
Is It Possible To Print a Shipping Label on Normal Paper?
A shipping label can be printed on normal paper! You can use a label pocket or an adhesive label to protect the label from the weather while it is in transit. If you create a label straight from the shipping carrier, you may be able to print it at one of the carrier’s facilities.
Does It Cost To Create Shipping Labels?
It’s free to create a shipping label, but you can’t ship the product until you’ve paid for postage.
What Is a Pre-paid Shipping Label?
Some corporations may pay for the shipping of things that are being returned for repair or reimbursement, while some non-profit groups will pick up the shipping fee for items being donated. They accomplish this by either sending you a prepaid shipping label to attach to your shipment or providing you with a web link where you can print it.
Is It Possible to Print a Shipping Label at Home?
Yes. Read the section “How to Create a Shipping Label” for further information on how to create shipping labels.
Can I Make a Shipping Label by Hand?
Yes (as long as your writing is readable), although other information, such as the barcode, may need to be obtained from the carrier before to shipping. As a result, internet tools are far more efficient.
Can You Tape Over Shipping Labels?
Yes, as long as it’s transparent tape and the label is clearly visible. For a smooth affixture, avoid any air gaps beneath the tape.
Is a Specific Printer Required to Produce Shipping Labels?
Any current printer should be able to produce a shipping label; but, if you wish to utilize self-adhesive shipping labels (rather than gluing or taping them to the item), you’ll need a thermal printer that can accept them. Here are the top 8 best thermal printers.
Where Should I Place a Shipping Label?
Place your shipping label on the largest and most visible surface of the package. Labels can stretch if placed on edges, rendering them unreadable by machines, thus avoid wrapping them around corners.
Do Shipping Labels Have an Expiration Date?
If a label has a “ship by date” and that date has passed, the label will expire. Some delivery providers may still transport things after the expiration date, but issues may occur, so keep an eye on that date.
Is there a Minimum Size for Shipping Labels?
A normal shipping label size is 4″ x 6,” however other carriers may have different criteria, so check with them before designing your own shipping label.
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