August 13, 2024

12 Best Shipping Software For Ecommerce and Retail

Alena Arsionava

Technology Evangelist

Ecommerce

12 Best Shipping Software for eCommerce in 2024

Alena Arsionava

Technology Evangelist

Ecommerce

12 Best Shipping Software for eCommerce in 2024

Today's online consumers demand the best possible shopping experience. The possibility to pick an optimal shipment option is no exception. Some of your customers may need next-day delivery for last-minute gifts or perishable goods. Others feel comfortable planning purchases in advance and flat-rate shipping. Those living abroad surely seek the most cost-effective option to get their purchases shipped and delivered. So, how can you best accommodate your customers' preferences? The right shipment software will help you do so, leaving all your hassles behind. The challenge is picking the one. 

In our post, we've reviewed and compared the best ecommerce shipping software. Whether you're an individual entrepreneur, small venue, or enterprise marketplace, our overview will help you find the right shipping platform for your ecommerce business growth. We explain what to look for and how to choose the best shipping software. 

If you need shipment software integration services or seek to develop custom ecommerce solutions, get in touch with NEKLO.

What is Shipping Software?

Shipping software, often called third-party logistics (3PL) software, helps you manage supply chain activities in your store. It’s normal practice for e-commerce businesses, especially small ones, not to have their warehouses and vehicles for delivering goods to end customers. Third-party shipment services come in handy in this matter, helping you manage these activities for yourself. With proper shipment software, you can print shipping labels for your online orders and effectively plan, schedule, and monitor the sending and delivery operations on behalf of your store. 

While some vendors offer 3PL products specifically designed for manufacturing and transportation management, in our post, we focus on 3PL software that integrates e-commerce platforms. If you run a retailer business, marketplace or multistore, these shipping software solutions will help you close all your needs for streamlined shipments.

12 Best Ecommerce Shipping Solutions Compared

Here’s a quick overview of the most recognized shipping software vendors for e-commerce businesses. Some solutions best suit large international retailers, while others focus on domestic shipments. Check their prices, features, and possibilities to choose the one that best suits you using our shipping software comparison. 

Shipping Software For Ecommerce — How to Choose?

The choice of the shipping software integration may be bewildering. To make one wisely, consider your immediate needs, e.g. order volumes, supported carriers and channels, and also leave some room for future growth. 

Here’s a quick checklist of steps you can take to choose the best ecommerce shipping solutions for your store.

  1. Determine Your Order Volumes: Determine the average number of orders you process daily, weekly, and monthly. Some platforms are better suited for high-volume shippers, while others are designed for smaller businesses.
  2. List Your Sales Channels: Evaluate the eCommerce platforms and marketplaces you sell on (e.g., Shopify, Amazon, eBay). Ensure the shipping software integrates seamlessly with these channels.
  3. Include Your Shipping Locations: Consider whether you ship domestically, internationally, or both. Some solutions offer better support and rates for international shipping.
  4. Track Costs (estimate and actual): Most shipping software platforms charge a monthly subscription fee. Some platforms provide discounted shipping rates with carriers, which can offset the software cost. Advanced features often come at an additional cost.
  5. Evaluate Customer Support: Check if the platform offers support via chat, email, or phone. Responsive and knowledgeable customer support can be crucial when you encounter issues.
  6. Read Reviews and Recommendations: self-explanatory.
  7. Trial Periods: Many shipping software providers offer free trials or demos. Take advantage of these to test the software’s features and usability before making a commitment.

Shipping Software: Key Features to Look For

Most shipping software providers offer a more or less similar set of features. Make sure the solution you integrate addresses the needs of your customers and lets them pick the best shipping option. Consider the additional features that may help you grow your store and accommodate your future business needs if you decide to extend your presence in new markets.

  • Carrier Integration: Most shipping software integrates with multiple carriers (USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). The more varied carrier support list is, the better flexibility you can offer to your customers. 
  • Rate Comparison: Some vendors let your customers even compare and view best rates. This approach is very customer-friendly and especially vital if you ship internationally. For cross-continent shipments, the delivery rates may overprise the cost of the purchase, so make sure your customers can choose the best option.
  • Tracking and Notifications: All customers want to know when the purchases are due. Make sure to implement software with real-time tracking. Automated notifications is another helpful tool that improves the post-purchase experience.
  • Reporting and Analytics: Comprehensive reporting tools help you track shipping costs, identify trends, and optimize your shipping strategy.
  • Automation Capabilities: Automation features like shipping rules, batch label printing, and automatic order import can save you lots of time as well as avoid errors in setting up your shipment operations.
  • Inventory Management: While not a must-have feature, consider inventory management functionality. Some shipping solutions offer it as an add-on to help you keep track of stock levels and manage orders.

12 Best Shipping Software for Ecommerce: Detailed Overview

Now, it’s time to look at the best providers of shipping software. You can integrate this software into your e-commerce website to handle purchase shipments to your customers.

Software Order Volumes Integrations Supported Shipping Locations Key Features Pricing Plans
ShipStation 50 - 10,000+ orders/month 40+ platforms (Amazon, eBay, Shopify, etc.) Domestic, International Multi-carrier support, automation rules, batch label creation, comprehensive reporting, branded tracking Free tier; Basic at $9/month; higher tiers up to $229/month for Enterprise
Shippo 50 - 20,000+ orders/month 50+ platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, etc.) Domestic, International Discounted rates, API integration, batch label creation, real-time tracking, address validation Free tier; paid plans at $19/month
Easyship 50 - 10,000+ orders/month 50+ platforms (Shopify, BigCommerce, Magento, etc.) Domestic, International 250+ shipping solutions, tax and duty calculation, real-time rates, branded tracking, multi-courier support Free plan; paid plans start at $29/mo
Ordoro 500 - 50,000+ orders/month Major platforms (Shopify, BigCommerce, Amazon, etc.) Domestic, International Centralized inventory management, multi-carrier support, dropshipping, barcode scanning, detailed analytics Free plan; Basic at $59/month; Premium at $149+/month
ShipBob 500 - 100,000+ orders/month Major platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, etc.) Domestic (primarily) Fulfillment centers, real-time inventory tracking, two-day shipping, order management, detailed reporting Based on fulfillment needs
ShippingEasy 50 - 20,000+ orders/month Major platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, etc.) Domestic, International Discounted rates, automation rules, inventory management, customer marketing tools, comprehensive reporting Free plan; Basic at $19/month; higher tiers up to $159/month for Enterprise
ShipHero 500 - 50,000+ orders/month Major platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, etc.) Domestic, International WMS features, barcode scanning, multi-carrier support, real-time inventory tracking, detailed analytics Available upon request
Stamps.com 50 - 10,000+ orders/month USPS, UPS, FedEx integrations Domestic, International Discounted postage rates, batch label printing, address verification, detailed tracking, customizable labels $19.99/month
Pirate Ship 50 - 5,000+ orders/month USPS integration Domestic Discounted USPS rates, simple interface, batch label creation, address validation, real-time tracking Free to use
AfterShip 100 - 50,000+ orders/month 700+ carriers (integrates with various eCommerce platforms) Domestic, International Real-time tracking, automated notifications, branded tracking pages, detailed analytics, customer feedback Free plan available; paid plans start at $9/month, with additional fees for advanced features
2Ship 100 - 20,000+ orders/month Major platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, etc.) Domestic, International Multi-carrier rate comparison, shipment tracking, automated shipping rules, detailed reporting, customizable labels Starter at $23.00/mo; up to $149.00/mo for Advanced plans
OrderCup 50 - 10,000+ orders/month Major platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, etc.) Domestic, International Discounted rates, batch label printing, automated notifications, detailed tracking, customizable labels Starts at $29/month

ShipStation

ShipStation shipping software for ecommerce
  • Integration: Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, eBay, Amazon, and more.
  • Features: Multi-carrier shipping, automation rules, batch processing, branded tracking, and inventory management.

ShipStation, founded in 2011 by Robert Gilbreath and Matthew Danna, is a comprehensive shipping software solution for eCommerce businesses. It provides you with a centralized platform to manage your shipping tasks and you can integrate it with over 40 eCommerce platforms and marketplaces. ShipStation supports various carriers including USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL, so you can choose the best shipping option for your needs. The software is particularly notable for its robust automation features. You automate repetitive tasks such as label printing, order routing, and notifications, thus reducing manual errors and saving time.

ShipStation's features include batch label creation, where users can print multiple shipping labels at once, and customizable packing slips, which can be tailored to fit a business's branding. The platform also provides detailed analytics and reporting tools to help you track your shipping performance and costs. 

If you’re a multi-channel retailer and need to manage your orders from various sales channels, ShipStation is your way-to-go choice. The company has received various accolades for its innovative approach to eCommerce shipping, including recognition in the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies. However, its pricing can be a consideration for smaller businesses, as it may be more cost-effective for those with higher shipping volumes.

Pricing Plans:

  • Free: Up to 25 shipments / mo
  • Starter: $9.99/ mo for up to 50 shipments / mo.
  • Bronze: $29.99/ mo for up to 500 shipments / mo.
  • Silver: $59.99/ mo for up to 1,000 shipments / mo.
  • Gold: $99.99/ mo for up to 2,000 shipments / mo.
  • Platinum: $149.99/ mo for up to 5,000 shipments / mo.
  • Enterprise: $229.99/ mo for up to 7,500 shipments / mo.

Shippo

Shippo shipping software for ecommerce
  • Integration: Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, eBay, Amazon, Etsy, and more.
  • Features: Discounted shipping rates, multi-carrier support, address validation, international shipping, and return labels.

Shippo, founded in 2013 by Laura Behrens Wu and Simon Kreuz, offers a flexible shipping API and dashboard to help you set the shipping process on autopilot. You can connect with numerous carriers like USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL, enabling users to access discounted shipping rates and streamline the process of label creation and shipment tracking. Its API integration makes it an attractive option for developers looking to incorporate shipping functionality into their custom eCommerce platforms or applications.

Beyond its core shipping features, Shippo also offers real-time tracking updates, address validation, and international shipping support, including customs documentation. If you need a scalable shipping solution that supports a wide range of shipping volumes, the platform is well-suited for you. You can integrate it with an eCommerce platform of your choice — Shopify, Magento, or WooCommerce. Shippo has garnered positive feedback for its ease of use and customer support, though some users have noted that its reporting capabilities are less robust compared to other solutions. 

Pricing Plans:

  • Starter: Free; Up to 30 labels/mo
  • Professional: $19/mo; 1-200 labels/mo
  • Premier: Custom pricing

Easyship

Easyship shipping software for ecommerce
  • Integration: Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, eBay, Amazon, Etsy, and more.
  • Features: Global shipping solutions, rate comparison, tax and duty management, tracking and notifications, and customizable shipping rules.

Easyship shipping software, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Hong Kong, provides access to over 250 shipping solutions across 100+ countries, making it an excellent choice for retailer businesses looking to expand their global reach. The platform offers a wide range of tools to manage shipping taxes, duties, and customs clearance, ensuring a smooth and transparent shipping process.

Easyship's user-friendly interface provides real-time shipping rates and delivery times, allowing you to choose the most cost-effective shipping options for your needs. The platform also supports multi-courier shipping and provides branded tracking and notifications to enhance the customer experience. Easyship's comprehensive analytics help you track your shipping performance vitals. 

Pricing Plans:

  • Free, 50 shipments/mo
  • Plus: $29/mo, 500 shipments/mo
  • Premier: $69/mo; 2,500 shipments/mo
  • Scale: $99/mo; 5,000 shipments/mo

Ordoro

Ordoro shipping software for ecommerce
  • Integration: Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, eBay, Amazon, and more.
  • Features: Inventory management, kitting, multi-channel support, barcode scanning, dropshipping support, and shipping rate discounts.

Founded in 2010 by Jagath Narayan and Gary Carson, Ordoro is an all-in-one inventory management and shipping solution designed to support the operational needs of eCommerce businesses. The platform is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and integrates with major eCommerce platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, and Amazon, providing a centralized system for managing orders, inventory, and shipping. Ordoro's robust inventory management features include automated dropshipping, barcode scanning, and multi-warehouse support, making it ideal if your business has complex inventory management.

Ordoro shipping software also offers comprehensive features, including support for multiple carriers, batch label creation, and customizable shipping labels. The platform's detailed reporting and analytics tools help businesses track their performance and identify areas for improvement. While Ordoro's extensive feature set is beneficial for mid-sized to large eCommerce businesses, some users may find the learning curve steep, particularly when implementing advanced features. Nonetheless, Ordoro's strong integration options and powerful automation capabilities make it a popular choice among retailers.

Pricing Plans:

  • Free for Monthly Label Count: 100
  • Advanced: $59/mo for Monthly Label Count: 3,000
  • Premium: $149/mo for Monthly Label Count: Unlimited

ShipBob

ShipBob shipping software for ecommerce
  • Integration: Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, eBay, Amazon, Walmart, and more.
  • Features: Fulfillment centers, 2-day shipping, inventory management, order management, and real-time analytics.

ShipBob, founded in 2014 by Divey Gulati and Dhruv Saxena, is a prominent third-party logistics provider that offers eCommerce fulfillment services. With headquarters in Chicago and a network of fulfillment centers across the United States, ShipBob offers fast and reliable shipping. The company focuses on two-day shipping capabilities, helping your eCommerce business meet your customer expectations for quick deliveries.

ShipBob's shipping platform integrates seamlessly with major eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce. The company's comprehensive fulfillment services include storage, pick-and-pack, and shipping, allowing businesses to outsource their logistics and focus on growth. ShipBob's commitment to technology-driven solutions and its expanding network of fulfillment centers have earned it recognition in the industry, including being listed among the leaders in the G2 Grid for eCommerce Fulfillment.

Pricing

Custom, based on fulfillment needs

ShippingEasy

ShippingEasy shipping software for ecommerce
  • Integration: Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, eBay, Amazon, Etsy, and more.
  • Features: Discounted shipping rates, marketing automation, inventory management, order management, and customer management.

Established in 2011, ShippingEasy is an eCommerce shipping software for small to medium-sized businesses. Based in Austin, Texas, the platform integrates with numerous eCommerce platforms, including Shopify, WooCommerce, and Amazon, and offers discounted shipping rates from major carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx. 

ShippingEasy's cloud-based system provides tools for automations. You can automate certain tasks, e.g., set up shipping rules based on order weight, destination, and other criteria. You can also create basic email campaigns and loyalty programs, — a great advantage for those looking to nurture their customer relationships. Despite its many strengths, some users have reported occasional integration issues with certain platforms, and advanced features may come at a higher cost. Still, ShippingEasy's intuitive interface and robust feature set make it a popular choice for small to medium-sized eCommerce businesses.

Pricing Plans:

  • Free: Up to 25 shipments per month
  • Growth: $19.99/mo (26-200 shipments)
  • Basic: $29.99/mo (201-500 shipments) 
  • Plus: $49.99/mo. (501-1,500 shipments)
  • Enterprise: $159.99/mo. (6,001-10,000 shipments)

ShipHero

ShipHero shipping software for ecommerce
  • Integration: Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, eBay, Amazon, Walmart, and more.
  • Features: Warehouse management, inventory management, order management, returns management, and 3PL services.

Founded in 2013 by Nicholas Daniel-Richards, ShipHero offers a comprehensive warehouse management system and fulfillment services designed to optimize warehouse operations, inventory management, and shipping processes for eCommerce businesses. The company, headquartered in New York, provides a cloud-based platform that integrates with major eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Amazon. The feature choice is extensive too — real-time inventory tracking, barcode scanning, and multi-carrier shipping support are included.

Among the highlights, ShipHero offers fulfillment services through its network of warehouses, providing storage, pick-and-pack, and shipping services. While ShipHero's extensive feature set is beneficial for mid-sized to large eCommerce businesses, smaller businesses may find the pricing higher compared to other solutions.

Pricing

Available upon request

Stamps.com

Stamps.com shipping software for ecommerce
  • Integration: Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, eBay, Amazon, Etsy, and more.
  • Features: USPS integration, discounted postage rates, batch printing, address validation, and reporting.

Founded in 1996 and headquartered in El Segundo, California, Stamps.com is a well-established online postage and shipping software. It allows users to print postage and shipping labels from their computers. The platform integrates with major carriers, including USPS, UPS, and FedEx, and offers discounted postage rates. 

Stamps.com feature set is up to its competitors and offers you batch label printing, address verification, and detailed tracking. The software is designed to be user-friendly. It also offers customizable shipping labels and detailed reporting, allowing users to track their shipping expenses and performance. Stamps.com remains a popular choice for its ease of use and reliable service.

Pricing:

$19.99/month; 30-day risk-free trial

Pirate Ship

Pirate Ship shipping software for ecommerce
  • Integration: Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Etsy, and more.
  • Features: Simple interface, USPS discounted rates, batch shipping, address validation, and detailed reporting.

Launched in 2014, Pirate Ship is a free shipping software that provides access to discounted USPS rates. The platform is designed to be straightforward and easy to use, so if you’re a small business or an individual looking to save on shipping costs, make sure not to miss it.

Pirate Ship's web-based interface allows you to quickly compare shipping rates, create and print shipping labels, and track packages in real-time. It stands for transparency, with no hidden fees or subscription costs. 

On the technical side, the platform implements powerful validation features to help you reduce shipping errors and make sure your packages reach your customers. While Pirate Ship is limited to USPS shipping, its competitive rates and user-friendly interface make it a popular choice for businesses seeking an affordable shipping solution. 

Pricing

Free to use; no subscription fees, with fees based on postage purchased

AfterShip

AfterShip shipping software for ecommerce
  • Integration: Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, eBay, Amazon, Etsy, and more.
  • Features: Branded tracking pages, shipment tracking, returns management, and customer notifications.

Founded in 2012 by Andrew Chan and Teddy Chan, AfterShip is a shipment tracking platform made to help your eCommerce business create a better post-purchase experience for your customers. Based in Hong Kong, AfterShip integrates with over 700 carriers worldwide, offering real-time tracking updates and automated notifications to keep customers informed about the status of their orders. 

AfterShip provides comprehensive analytics and reporting tools. You can track your shipping performance operations and identify areas for improvement. The platform is customer-focused. It lets you collect feedback and gather insights directly from your customers and thus improve your service quality. While AfterShip offers a robust set of features, some advanced options require higher pricing tiers, which may be a consideration for smaller businesses.

Pricing Plans:

  • Essentials: $9/mo for 1,200 shipments/year; +$0.08 per extra shipment
  • Pro: $99/mo for 24,000 shipments/year; +$0.08 per extra shipment
  • Premium: $199/mo for 24,000 shipments per year; +$0.12 per extra shipment
  • Enterprise: Custom; 300,000+ shipments per year

2Ship

2Ship shipping software for ecommerce
  • Integration: Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, eBay, Amazon, and more.
  • Features: Discounted shipping rates, multi-carrier support

Founded in 2007, 2Ship is a multi-carrier shipping software with a range of features. You can enable rate comparison, shipment tracking, and reporting, to streamline logistics operations in your ecommerce site. 2Ship integrates with major eCommerce platforms and carriers, providing you with a centralized system for managing all your shipping needs in one place within a clear dashboard.

Among its competitive features, you can compare shipping costs across multiple carriers and choose the most cost-effective options. The platform also offers automated shipping rules, customizable shipping labels, and detailed reporting to help you track your shipping daily routines. While 2Ship's comprehensive feature set is beneficial for businesses of all sizes, some users have reported occasional technical issues and higher pricing for advanced features. Despite these challenges, 2Ship remains a popular choice for its effective rate comparison and robust integration options.

Pricing Plans:

  • Starter: $23.00/mo for 100 Parcel Labels
  • Basic: $35.00/mo for 250 Parcel Labels
  • Enhanced: $60.00/mo for 500 Parcel Labels
  • Ultimate: $109.00/mo for 1000 Parcel Labels
  • Ultimate 2: $149.00/mo for 2000 Parcel Labels

OrderCup

OrderCup shipping software for ecommerce
  • Integration: Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, and more.
  • Features: Discounted shipping rates, multi-carrier support, international shipping

OrderCup, founded in 2008 and based in Princeton, New Jersey, is an eCommerce shipping software that provides tools to simplify shipping, order management, and customer communication. The platform integrates with various eCommerce platforms and carriers, offering features like discounted shipping rates, batch label printing, and automated notifications.

OrderCup's interface is designed to be user-friendly, allowing businesses to manage their shipping processes with ease. The platform's integration with major carriers — you are most likely to find the needed one on their list. It provides detailed tracking and reporting tools, enabling businesses to monitor their shipping performance. Despite its strengths, some users have noted that OrderCup's advanced features come at a higher cost, which may be a consideration for smaller businesses.

Pricing Plans:

  • Starts at $29.99/mo for 500 shipments
  • Enterprise: $ 189.99/mo for 10,000 shipments

Summing Up

Navigating the world of shipping software for e-commerce can feel overwhelming. Still, the right solution can make a world of difference for your retail business. Whether you’re looking for robust features, seamless integrations, or budget-friendly options, there’s a tool out there to accommodate your needs and the needs of your customers.

As you evaluate these options, consider NEKLO as your trusted e-commerce software development provider. We can help you integrate the right solution, create custom functionality, and achieve a shopping experience that delights your customers. Get in touch!