We'll show you what to look for when choosing shipping software and which providers offer the right solution for your business.
Shipping Software: The 5 Best Providers Compared
For online sellers, shipping and the customer experience that comes with it are among the most important success factors. Shipping software helps you automate your processes, get instant access to leading carriers, and save money through preferential rates. We'll show you what to look for when choosing your shipping software, what your options are for track and trace, and which providers are the best fit for your business case.
What benefits does shipping software offer in E-Commerce?
Shipping software helps companies organize the shipment of goods efficiently. It supports every step, from handing over the goods all the way to delivery to the customer.
The most important features of shipping software include:
Comparing and (automatically) selecting suitable, cost-effective carriers
Bulk processing and printing of shipping labels and other shipping documents
Sending custom tracking notifications
Generating handover lists
Transmitting data to carriers and managing loading checks
Sometimes branded track and trace pages
Documenting and managing returns
Integration & Synergies
Since these integrations transmit sensitive customer data — like addresses, phone numbers, and order details — you should put extra security measures in place. You should also make sure your internal processes and the systems you use meet the requirements of information security. Using a VPN when accessing your shipping dashboard can help prevent data interception, especially if you're working remotely or connecting over public Wi-Fi. Surfshark, for example, is a popular choice among business users thanks to its strong encryption and ease of use — for a detailed look at its features and performance, check out the Surfshark review on Cybernews.
High-quality shipping software offers easy integrations with a wide range of parcel services and freight carriers (e.g. DHL, DPD, UPS, FedEx, DB Schenker, Kühne & Nagel, and Dachser) and provides API connections to shop systems, ERP systems, and inventory management systems, plus contract management software.
Easy onboarding without long-term contracts
Shipping software providers already have framework agreements in place with various transport partners. That means companies don't have to contact every carrier individually and sign separate contracts — they can start shipping right away. There are also no minimum shipping volumes or volume thresholds you have to hit.
Returns handling
Depending on your industry, returns can be an essential part of the value chain. Sending parcels back, especially from abroad, can quickly add up in cost and effort. Shipping software makes the returns process simpler. Customers can generate return labels online without needing customer support.
5 Top Providers Compared
Sendcloud
Pros:
Multiple carriers: Integration with various carriers enables flexible shipping options.
Automated shipping processes: Saves time by automating shipping labels and tracking (track and trace).
Scalability: A good fit for growing businesses with rising shipping volumes.
Customer service: Solid support and easy to set up.
Cons:
Cost: Fixed costs can be relatively expensive for small businesses (€23–138/month).
Complexity: Depending on your use case, the wide range of features and services can be too much.
Shipcloud
Pros:
Unified API: Makes it easy to integrate and use multiple carriers.
Flexibility: Supports a broad range of shipping options (1,000+ shipping products).
Ease of use: Simple to use and integrate.
Cons:
Limited features: Leaner than some competitors. Depending on what you need, some features are missing.
Cost: Can be expensive for smaller businesses with low shipping volume.
Shippo
Pros:
Best rates: Access to discounted rates with over 85 carriers (free plan available, €19/month for premium).
Easy integration: Connects easily to various E-Commerce platforms.
Automated returns: A simple process for return labels.
No minimums: Works for businesses of any size.
Cons:
Customer support: Some users report slow support response times.
User interface: The UI is fairly dated and isn't always intuitive at first glance.
ShippingEasy
Pros:
Automation: Automated workflows for shipping and inventory management.
Customer support: Excellent customer support and training materials.
Pricing: Affordable pricing tiers for small and mid-sized businesses (free plan available, €19.99–29.99/month for premium).
Marketing tools: Built-in email marketing tools.
Cons:
User interface: The interface feels dated.
Feature limitations: Limited features compared to some other providers.
Shipstation
Pros:
Integration: Supports a wide range of sales platforms and carriers.
Automation: Extensive automation features for optimizing the shipping process.
Mobile app: Available for mobile access and management on the go.
Discounts: Access to discounted shipping rates.
Cons:
Cost: Can be expensive for small businesses with low shipping volume (starting at €29.99/month).
Complexity: The range of features can be overwhelming for new users.
Which option is best for your business?
Each of these shipping software solutions has its own strengths and weaknesses. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. Small businesses should look at simple, affordable options like ShippingEasy or Shippo. For larger companies or those with more complex shipping requirements, Sendcloud, Shipcloud, or Shipstation could be the better choice.
.png)
