Imagine your customer service team receiving complaints that packages aren’t arriving. They’re routinely getting lost in transit or returned to your warehouse.
After weeks of frustration and discussions with carriers, you find the cause: poor shipping labels. The delivery address isn’t clear and there’s no weight listed, which makes it difficult to deliver the packages.
That’s why every shipment needs a shipping label that tells carriers everything they need to know to get it to its destination. Without shipping labels, there might be delays, misdelivery, and extra shipping costs — or packages might never arrive at all.
Here’s more on how to make shipping labels so that your items arrive at their intended location without hiccups.
What is a shipping label?
Shipping labels are the main identifiers for goods traveling from one point to another. They’re pasted onto boxes or packages to help anyone handling them know more about the package, like the contents of the shipment, where it needs to travel, and how handlers should treat it during the journey.
The anatomy of a shipping label
A shipping label contains several important sections, each with a designated use throughout the transportation and supply chain process. Here’s an overview of each element:
- Sender information: The sender’s information consists of the full name and address of the person sending the package, which is especially important for returning packages that can’t be delivered. This is also the “return address.”
- Recipient information: The complete name and address of the person receiving the package needs to be included. Accuracy is essential for ensuring the shipment reaches the correct destination.
- Tracking number: Both sender and recipient can monitor the shipment’s progress using a special identification number provided by the carrier.
- Shipping date: Having a shipping date tells both parties when the item was shipped, enabling tracking and delivery time estimation.
- Expected delivery date: Although it’s not always provided, this offers an expected arrival date.
- Package weight and dimensions: These specifics determine how shipping rates are calculated and how freight is handled. While the dimensions guide package stacking, storage, or transportation, the weight affects the delivery charge. Your shipping label size might also change, depending on the size of the shipment, so keep that in mind when packing orders.
- Barcode: These codes link to your tracking number, and they get scanned at several points during the delivery process to update shipment status.
Here’s an example of a USPS shipping label so you can see these elements in action.
Why are shipping labels important?
Whether packages come from a warehouse or a fulfillment center, knowing how to fill out a shipping label is essential to communicate all the necessary details about each package. Americans send millions of packages across the country, with the USPS alone processing over 23 million packages a day. Tracking these packages requires a thorough system.
If a shipping label is absent or incorrect, several problems might pop up, such as:
- Delays in transit: Packages with missing or inaccurate labeling could be stopped at sorting facilities, postponing delivery. This includes snags at international borders because of customs compliance or duties to pay.
- Misdeliveries: An incorrect label can cause a package to be sent to the wrong address, complicating retrieval and rerouting of the goods.
- Lost packages: Without the correct label, a shipment can disappear from the system, never reaching its intended destination.
Any of these issues can lead to a bad customer experience. Possible consequences include:
- Negative customer reviews: Unhappy customers could write bad online reviews, compromising your company’s reputation.
- Critical social media posts: Dissatisfied customers may vent their concerns on social media, creating negative impressions of your business.
- Customer defection: Customers experiencing delivery problems might look to competitors for a more predictable shipping service.
How to create a shipping label
Generating a shipping label is easy — especially with the help of Fishbowl ShipExpress in Fishbowl Advanced, which guarantees precision and efficiency. Here’s how to create labels like a pro:
1. Compare shipping rates from multiple carriers
To choose the most reasonably priced solution, start by comparing carrier shipping prices. Select the option that works best for your delivery timetable and budget.
The Fishbowl ShipExpress plugin connects to Shippo to integrate with UPS, FedEx, USPS, DHL, and more. This makes it easy to examine and compare prices to select the best carrier for your requirements.
2. Add insurance, signature confirmation, and other optional extras
Next, take into account any further services you might require to ship packages, such as signature confirmation or insurance. For standard eCommerce deliveries, it might be fine to leave packages at the door, but for high-value items, a signature might be preferred to confirm delivery.
These options can be included directly within the Fishbowl platform, giving valuable shipments additional protection and peace of mind.
3. Purchase a shipping label
After choosing your shipping carrier and any extras, buy a prepaid shipping label.
This is easy to do in Fishbowl — just click the Purchase Label button to complete the transaction when you’ve filled out the information. If you’re sending several shipments, there’s a Batch Shipping feature that lets you purchase several labels at once.
4. Validate the Ship To address
Verify the recipient’s address to avoid mistakes before you print labels.
Fishbowl’s verification function ensures the address is accurate and complete, preventing delivery problems.
5. Review and print the label
Once you’ve verified the Ship To address, review the label to check for accuracy. Ensure that the recipient’s address and name, tracking number, and special instructions match all other elements.
Print shipping labels using Fishbowl’s integrated printing capability once everything else looks good.
6. Schedule a carrier pickup (optional)
Although it’s not always required, arranging a carrier pickup simplifies your shipping process and saves time spent dropping off packages at a post office or shipping facility.
Fishbowl lets you schedule USPS shipment pickup straight from the platform.
Best practices when creating a shipping label
Creating and using shipping labels according to best practices can help ensure that your packages arrive on time and without damage — especially when dealing with international shipments that have extra checks before delivery. Follow these guidelines to improve the dependability of your shipping process and avoid common mistakes.
1. Ensure information is accurate
The information on your shipping labels needs to be accurate. Double-check all elements, including sender and recipient addresses, contact details, and package specifics.
2. Orient and attach labels properly
Ensuring effective scanning and processing of your item depends mostly on proper label placement. Avoid corners or edges where the label can become hidden or damaged by laying it flat on the biggest surface of the box or pouches, and make sure the sticker label is securely fastened to avoid lost or delayed goods.
It also can’t hurt to cover any paper labels with clear tape to guard them from damage and moisture so the label stays readable throughout the shipping process.
3. Employ specialized labels when needed
Some shipments require specific labeling to comply with safety regulations. Packages carrying hazardous goods, including chemicals or flammable compounds, for instance, need to be labeled in accordance with regulatory standards.
Likewise, fragile or perishable goods might need specialized labeling to guarantee proper handling during transportation. Always check if your package has extra regulatory criteria and that you meet them.
4. Plan for return shipping
If your shipment may need to be returned, consider adding a return shipping label. This step ensures recipients can easily send back goods without additional hassle.
Keep in mind that different carriers have unique policies for labeling shipments. For instance, FedEx and USPS shipping labels might include a QR code. Visit the carrier’s website to learn about their label policies and ensure your package isn’t rejected or delayed.
You can print a return label to include with a package easily with Fishbowl ShipExpress.
Streamline your shipping process with Fishbowl
Fishbowl helps you easily control your inventory and simplify your shipping process. Powered by Shippo, Fishbowl’s ShipExpress plugin effortlessly integrates with major carriers to guarantee accurate order tracking and effective label printing.
Simplify your logistics and boost productivity — find out how Fishbowl can transform your order management and shipping today. Try Fishbowl today to see how our powerful integrations create a superior shipping solution.