Best Shipping Software of 2024

Use the comparison tool below to compare the top Shipping software on the market. You can filter results by user reviews, pricing, features, platform, region, support options, integrations, and more.

Overview of Shipping Software

Shipment software is a type of software used by businesses to manage their shipping operations. It helps them track, organize and store data related to shipping processes, such as freight costs, tracking numbers, and delivery times. The goal of shipment software is to reduce costs and improve the efficiency of shipping operations.

The features of shipment software vary from program to program but generally include tools for calculating rates, planning routes and tracking shipments. Some systems also offer features like customer service portals, inventory management tools, web-based access and reporting options.

In order to use shipment software effectively, businesses must first gain an understanding of the product's capabilities, then match those capabilities to the needs of their organization. Many businesses focus on using the software for customer service purposes, providing customers with real-time updates on orders and deliveries; while others may choose to use it to optimize processes such as pricing or routing.

Once a business has selected a shipment software system that suits its needs, they can begin implementing it into their daily operations. This implementation process typically involves training staff in how to use the system properly so they can generate accurate rates and reports, update tracking information in a timely manner and monitor performance metrics. The company will also need to configure settings specific to their particular situation (such as carrier accounts) in order for the software to function properly.

Once up-and-running, shipment software can provide businesses with greater visibility into their entire supply chain and enhanced control over their finances through more accurate calculations of freight costs and improved billing accuracy. As well as streamlining customer service functions by allowing users to trace orders from start until delivery at any given time—something that becomes increasingly important when dealing with international clients where local regulations come into play more often than not.

Overall, successful adoption of a shipment software solution requires both technical knowhow and the ability for employee teams across departments (from sales teams all the way down) work together towards common goals. When done correctly, however, businesses stand much chance of maximizing profits by having efficient use of funds allotted towards shipping expenses, reduced labor cost due automated tasks handled by software, better customer service ratings due quicker delivery timeframes, increased brand loyalty due consistent quality assurance among other advantages commonly associated with successful usage of different types shipment solutions today.

Reasons To Use Shipping Software

1. Improved Delivery Efficiency: Shipping software improves delivery efficiency by automating the process, eliminating manual errors and providing visibility into customers’ orders and shipments. This allows customers to have greater control over their cargo and receive their goods faster.
2. Enhanced Customer Experience: Automated shipping processes make it easier for customers to track their orders, reducing the stress associated with uncertainty of when an item will arrive or when an order may be delayed. Customers can use this information to plan better and potentially save time while waiting on a shipment.
3. Cost Savings: Shipping automation reduces operational costs due to fewer operational inefficiencies such as misplaced paperwork and manually-created invoices, labels, or packing slips that require significant effort from staff members. Additionally, automated processes enable companies to reduce manual labor costs associated with updating customer information in the system throughout the entire shipping cycle.
4. Increased Visibility & Tracking: With automated tracking capabilities provided by shipping software, businesses are able to monitor every step of the freight journey from origin to destination and successfully manage any potential delays which may arise along the way by easily reaching out for support if needed. This increases visibility so industry professionals can act quickly before potential issues escalate into bigger problems like missed deadlines or less than optimal customer satisfaction ratings due to longer delivery times than expected.
5. Improved Regulatory Compliance: Many industries must comply with various regulations related to packaging standards, safety precautions, certification requirements, etc., while dealing with hazardous materials during transportation. All of this requires accurate documentation that is up-to-date with changing regulations which can be easily done with automated software solutions offered through ship management tools which keep businesses compliant across all stages of delivery operation keeping them away from costly fines and legal hassles resulting from non-compliance issues.

Why Is Shipping Software Important?

Shipment software is an invaluable tool for businesses that need to manage their supply chain and logistics operations. Shipments of goods or materials can have a significant impact on the success of any company, so having a reliable system for tracking, managing, and overseeing them is essential.

Shipment software helps organizations maintain visibility over their shipments throughout the entire process. Accurate shipment tracking records enable better forecasting, planning, and budgeting. This can help improve customer service levels by providing real-time updates on orders and delivery progress. With better insight into which shipments are running late or experiencing unexpected delays, companies can immediately adapt their own processes to ensure efficient delivery times.

Furthermore, shipment software simplifies many of the day-to-day tasks related to shipping products. Automated notifications can be used to alert customers when orders are dispatched and provide up-to-date information on transit times and estimated delivery dates. Shipping labels with barcodes can also be generated faster than ever before; this allows faster processing once an item reaches its destination warehouse location or retail store outlet. By reducing manual work involved in shipping processes, businesses benefit from improved accuracy as well as time savings that boost efficiency across their organization.

The impact goes beyond just internal operations too: it impacts the customer experience and loyalty toward a company's brand as well. Good customer service depends largely on accurate communication about order status–something that can become much more achievable with the use of shipment software solutions that empower staff with timely information regarding orders from start to finish. In short, without shipment software systems in place today’s increasingly globalized supply chains would simply not be able to run efficiently or effectively enough to meet modern demands for quick turnaround times at competitive prices.

Shipping Software Features

1. Shipping Calculator: Shipment software typically includes a shipping calculator that can quickly and accurately estimate the cost of shipping a package to its destination. It will consider factors such as package weight, delivery time, and service type when calculating the cost.
2. Online Tracking Services: Most shipment software comes with an integrated tracking service that allows customers to see where their orders are in real-time. Customers can enter their order information into the system and get up-to-date reports on where the order is located throughout its journey from origin to destination.
3. Automated Labeling & Printing: Many shipment software provide automated labeling and printing services that allow users to create labels for their shipments quickly and easily without having to manually write them out or attach them by hand. The software will generate barcodes, apply postage, and even print out documents like customs forms as needed by different countries’ regulations.
4. Scheduling Services: Shipment software often also comes with integrated scheduling services that let you view available pick-up times for your shipments so you can plan appropriately around certain cut-off times or holidays in certain regions or countries. This helps ensure timely delivery of packages since it takes into account delivery windows that may vary based on the location being shipped to or from.
5. Real-Time Updates & Notifications: Another useful feature of shipment software is its ability to send real-time updates about orders via text message or email notifications, keeping customers informed every step of the way during transit until final delivery occurs successfully at their doorstep. This can help build customer confidence, trust, and loyalty.
6. Integration with Third-Party Software: Many shipment software also provide integration capabilities with popular ecommerce platforms such as Shopify and Magento so users can sync their inventory data and order information automatically and keep everything up to date in one system. This eliminates the need for manual data entry and helps streamline operations.

Who Can Benefit From Shipping Software?

• Business Owners: Shipment software can help business owners streamline the process of getting goods to their customers. They can use tracking and automatic updates to stay informed of where their shipments are at all times, and they can manage inventory more easily with automated ordering systems.
• Retailers: Retailers often rely on shipment software to accurately track their orders as they move through various distribution channels. With integrated package tracking capabilities, retailers can quickly identify problems with a shipment’s progress and take corrective action before it impacts customer satisfaction or sales.
• Carriers: Shipment software helps carriers streamline their operations by providing detailed real-time information about each package in transit. This allows them to optimize the routes of drivers and other resources for greater efficiency, as well as allow customers to track the status of their shipments in real time for better service.
• Manufacturers: By utilizing automated ordering systems, manufacturers can keep tabs on inventory levels so that production needs are always up to date and production bottlenecks do not occur due to lack of parts or materials. Additionally, manufacturing processes can be streamlined by reducing paperwork associated with the shipping process.
• Consumers: Consumers benefit from shipment software because they get updates regarding the status of their order throughout its journey from point A (the retailer) to point B (their doorstep). Furthermore, when an issue arises with an order (e.g., delayed delivery), consumers are notified immediately so that appropriate action may be taken if necessary.

How Much Does Shipping Software Cost?

The cost of shipment software depends on a variety of factors, including the type and size of your business. For example, small businesses may find that basic shipping software is sufficient and can cost anywhere from $10 to $1000 per month. Medium to large businesses may require more robust options, such as real-time tracking capabilities or EDI (electronic data interchange) integration. In these cases, pricing could go up significantly and range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars per month.

Furthermore, some software providers offer additional features for an added fee or subscription plan with benefits such as customer support and cloud-based storage capabilities. Ultimately, the amount you pay for shipment software will depend on your specific needs and the services offered by each provider you evaluate.

Shipping Software Risks

• Lack of Security and Data Protection: If shipment software is not properly secured, the confidential data held in the system may be vulnerable to access by unauthorized third parties, leading to a potential breach of privacy.
• Insufficient Reporting and Tracking Capabilities: Without accurate reporting and tracking abilities, companies may not be able to track their shipments with sufficient accuracy, resulting in delays or even loss of goods.
• Limited Flexibility: Some types of shipment software can be limited in terms of how they are configured, meaning that companies may not be able to customize the software for their specific needs. This could lead to inefficient processes and an inability to take advantage of cost savings opportunities.
• System Downtime: If there are issues related to server downtime or connectivity issues, this can lead to disruptions in your company's operations and potentially lost revenue due to delayed deliveries.
• High Costs: Depending on the type of shipment software used, there can be substantial upfront costs associated with purchasing it as well as additional costs related to maintainence and upkeep. This is especially true for software with complex features.

What Software Can Integrate with Shipping Software?

Shipment software can be integrated with a variety of types of software. Accounting software, customer relationship management (CRM) platforms, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems can be helpful for tracking invoices, analyzing data from customer orders and managing inventory. Warehousing systems, supply chain management solutions, and transportation management systems can integrate with shipment software to provide automation for warehouse receiving, order fulfillment and shipping processes. Lastly, ecommerce or online store platforms are commonly integrated with shipment software in order to streamline the checkout process and automatically create shipments when orders are placed.

Questions To Ask When Considering Shipping Software

1. Does the software have an automated tracking system that offers real-time updates on the delivery process?
2. What type of analytics does the software provide to help you make better shipping decisions?
3. Does the software allow for multi-carrier overlap, so you can access more carriers in one platform?
4. Is it compatible with existing international carriers and global partners?
5. Does it integrate with other systems like accounting, ERP, and ecommerce platforms?
6. How easily can users customize their own unique shipping labels, invoices, and packing slips?
7. Does it offer any additional services such as package insurance or signature confirmation options?
8. What are the security features included in the software package for protecting shipment data?
9. How reliable is customer support when reached by phone or online chat feature responses timeframes?
10. Are there any training tools available to make sure employees know how to use all of the features/functionalities of the software properly and efficiently?