Looking for the best shipping software? Our comprehensive buyers guide outlines keyfeatures and benefits to help you make an informed decision on selecting a tool that will streamline your shipping process.
Shipping software can be a game-changer for businesses looking to streamline and optimize their logistics operations. When choosing a shipping solution for your company, it's important to consider the diverse range of features and integrations offered by different providers. With the increasing demand for effective shipping solutions, the market has become saturated with a plethora of options, making it difficult to navigate through the sea of choices. This buyer's guide is designed to assist you in making an informed decision when it comes to choosing the best shipping tool for your specific business needs. With our comprehensive analysis you'll be able to make a confident decision that will save you time, money, and enhance customer satisfaction.
What is shipping software?
This is a category of technology that streamlines and automates the shipping process. It may offer a range of features, including the ability to print shipping labels, track packages, and manage carrier accounts. Shipping software is used by a variety of companies to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and save money.
Some of its most common use cases include:
- E-commerce businesses: Shipping technology can help online retailers manage order fulfillment, print shipping labels, and track packages in real-time. This can save time and money, while also providing a better customer experience.
- Wholesale and distribution companies: It can help wholesalers and distributors manage large volumes of orders on a regular basis. With features like batch shipping and automated tracking, these companies can improve speed and accuracy while reducing the risk of errors.
- Manufacturing companies: A shipping tool can help manufacturers manage outbound logistics, including scheduling and routing shipments. They can also manage and track inventory, ensuring that the right products are shipped to the right customers at the right time.
- Third-party logistics providers (3PLs): 3PLs use shipping software to manage logistics operations on behalf of their clients. With features like multi-carrier management and order consolidation, 3PLs can optimize shipping processes and reduce costs. In the 2023 27th Annual Third-Party Logistics Study, 75% of shippers report that they’re placing a bigger emphasis on technology solutions when evaluating and selecting a 3PL partner, while 87% of 3PLs said that shippers are focusing more on technology solutions as part of their evaluation process.
What are the benefits of utilizing a shipping tool?
A shipping system can bring significant advantages to businesses in other ways and these are some of the main benefits you can expect from using one:
- Increased efficiency: With shipping software, you can automate many of the laborious tasks involved in shipping, which allows you to focus on other essential areas of your business.
- Better customer satisfaction: Accurate delivery times and tracking details can help your customers plan ahead and feel at ease. It can also reduce the number of inquiries and complaints from your customers.
- Cost savings: It can help your business save money in several ways, including improved inventory management, lower staff costs, and better shipping rates.
- Improved tracking: Tracking the movement of your goods through the supply chain is crucial. This essential tool provides you with detailed information on the status of your shipments in real-time, which helps you identify and rectify any issues quickly. Statistics from Acropolium have reflected that automation and real-time tracking lead to a 30% decrease in shipping errors and a 20% reduction in manual data entry.
- Enhanced reporting: A shipping program can generate detailed analytics about your shipping patterns, which can help you optimize your operations, streamline your processes, and identify trends and growth opportunities.
10 key features of shipping software
Shipping software offers many features and in this section, we will discuss the 10 common ones to look out for:
1. Automation:
One of the most important features is automation of the shipping process. A shipping application automates many tasks such as processing orders, generating shipping labels, and printing packing slips.
2. Multi-carrier support:
It provides users with the ability to support multiple carriers, which can help reduce shipping costs and improve delivery times. This allows users to choose the best carrier for their specific shipping needs, depending on factors such as delivery time, cost, and service level.
3. Freight management:
It also provides freight management solutions, which can help businesses manage their entire freight workflow from a single platform. This includes managing freight quotes, selecting carriers, tracking shipments, and invoicing.
4. Order management:
This tool can also help businesses manage their entire order process, from acceptance to delivery. They offer solutions such as order entry, order tracking, and inventory management, all from a single platform.
5. Reporting and analytics:
It provides users with detailed reporting and analytics, allowing them to track and analyze shipping costs, delivery times, and service levels. This helps businesses identify areas of improvement and optimize their shipping processes.
6. Customization:
A shipping app provides users with the ability to customize shipping labels, packing slips, and other shipping documents. This is especially useful for businesses that require branding or special instructions on their documents.
7. Integration:
A shipping package can integrate with other business software such as e-commerce platforms, accounting software, and warehouse management systems. This allows for seamless data transfer and reduces errors in the shipping and fulfillment process.
8. International shipping:
It also provides international shipping solutions, including customs documentation, international shipping rates, and compliance with international regulations.
9. Returns management:
It can also manage returns by generating return labels, processing returns, and issuing refunds. This simplifies the returns process for businesses and improves customer satisfaction.
10. Support:
Providers of shipping solutions typically offer support to assist users with any issues that may arise. This can be especially helpful for businesses that are new to shipping software or that have complex shipping requirements.
Things to consider when purchasing a shipping solution
In today's world of e-commerce, shipping technology has become more important than ever especially with the competition between companies increasing, managing and monitoring your shipping operations can make a significant difference in customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. However, with a wide range of software options available, purchasing the right one for your business operations can be daunting. Here are some of the factors businesses should consider when making a purchasing decision:
1. Integration:
One of the first and most important factors to consider is the compatibility of the solution with your existing systems. The program you choose should seamlessly integrate with your eCommerce platforms, inventory management systems, and order processing software to avoid any potential disruptions in your operations.
2. Carrier options:
Different shipping software solutions will support different carriers, so you want to ensure that the one you select has the appropriate carrier integration options that you need. Make sure that it supports your preferred carriers and also offers multiple carrier integrations to ensure that you have flexibility and choice.
3. Shipping rates:
Shipping costs can quickly add up and significantly impact your bottom line. Make sure you select a tool that gives you the ability to compare and choose the most cost-effective carrier options. The ability to set different rules for specific products, regions, and even customer segments can also be an advantage in terms of cost and profitability.
4. Tracking and reporting:
With the increased demand for real-time shipment tracking, businesses need to choose a shipping app that provides a comprehensive tracking system and real-time updates for customers. Additionally, the solution should provide detailed reports for analyzing shipping statistics, tracking costs, and shipping times.
5. User experience:
Another critical factor to consider is the user experience. The software should be easy to set up and use for both your staff and customers. A well-designed interface, clear navigation, and intuitive controls are essential for ensuring that the product provides a seamless experience for all users.
6. Customer support:
Finally, consider the level of support offered by the vendor. Ensure that the vendor provides adequate support with quick response times and knowledgeable staff to guarantee a smooth transition to your new solution. Make sure to check the vendor's reputation and reviews to ensure you choose a reliable and trustworthy partner.
Industry trends for shipping software
Shipping technology has come a long way in the past few years, and the move towards automation and AI is just the beginning. As we look to the future of the industry, here are the biggest trends that businesses should keep their eyes on.
#1 Greater integration with eCommerce platforms:
Shipping software will continue to offer greater integration with popular online shopping platforms like Amazon, Shopify, and WooCommerce. This will allow retailers to manage their orders and shipping needs seamlessly in one place.
#2 More automation and AI:
With the rise of machine learning, this solution will become more intelligent and autonomous. Expect to see more tools that can handle tasks like route optimization and parcel labeling without human input.
#3 Increased focus on customer experience:
Shipping software providers will put more emphasis on the customer experience by offering better tracking tools, flexible delivery options, and real-time communication with shipping carriers.
#4 Greater environmental awareness:
Sustainable and eco-friendly shipping options will become more important and prevalent in the years to come. Expect to see more shipping software tools that help retailers reduce their carbon footprint while still providing fast and efficient delivery.
#5 Integration with emerging technologies:
As emerging technologies like blockchain and IoT become more prevalent, expect this system to become more integrated with these tools. This will allow for greater transparency, security, and efficiency in the shipping process.
Conclusion
Overall, the future of shipping technology looks bright, with new technologies and innovations emerging all the time the solution has become a must-have for businesses of all sizes and niches. It can help you stay ahead of the competition and offer your customers unparalleled service. So if you're not already using it, it's time to consider it seriously and start reaping its benefits of always providing the best possible shipping experience for your customers.