Shipping can be a make-or-break factor for ecommerce brands, especially for those in the fast-growing DTC sector. With customers demanding faster delivery times and seamless experiences, it's crucial to have efficient shipping software in place. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one?

This article explores ten of the best shipping software tools for ecommerce brands in 2023, helping founders and CX leaders make informed decisions. We'll look at how each tool can improve customer experience, streamline operations, and drive loyalty.

1. ShipStation

ShipStation is a top contender in the ecommerce shipping game, offering a host of features designed to simplify the shipping process. This tool integrates with over 100 marketplaces and shopping carts, making it a versatile choice for many businesses. But what sets ShipStation apart?

For starters, its user-friendly interface allows you to import orders from various sales channels, manage them in one place, and choose from multiple shipping carriers. This integration is a game-changer for businesses juggling multiple platforms.

• Automated Shipping: ShipStation automates many shipping tasks, including label printing and order tracking, which can save time and reduce human error.
• Custom Branding: Want to leave a lasting impression? ShipStation allows you to customize tracking pages and emails, reinforcing your brand's identity.
• Discounted Rates: Take advantage of discounted shipping rates, helping you cut costs and potentially pass savings onto your customers.

Interestingly, ShipStation also offers robust reporting tools. You can analyze shipping costs, order fulfillment times, and other metrics to fine-tune your operations. This data-driven approach ensures that your shipping process is not only efficient but also continuously improving.

2. Easyship

Easyship is another popular choice, especially for brands looking to expand globally. This tool simplifies international shipping by offering a range of international carriers and shipping options.

Easyship's standout feature is its ability to provide accurate shipping costs, taxes, and duties at checkout. This transparency can significantly enhance customer experience by preventing unexpected charges upon delivery.

• Global Reach: With access to 250+ shipping solutions worldwide, Easyship helps you reach customers no matter where they are.
• Cost Calculations: Automatically calculate shipping costs, taxes, and duties, providing your customers with a clear view of what they'll be paying.
• Dashboard Management: Manage orders, track shipments, and analyze your shipping operations from a single, centralized dashboard.

On the technical side, Easyship integrates with major ecommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento. This means you can start using it without a hitch. For brands targeting international markets, Easyship's ease of use and transparent pricing model make it a valuable ally.

3. Shippo

Shippo is celebrated for its accessibility and flexibility, making it a great choice for smaller ecommerce businesses or those just starting out. What makes Shippo stand out? It's all about straightforward, affordable shipping solutions that scale with your business.

One of the best things about Shippo is its pay-as-you-go pricing model. This is ideal for startups and small businesses that can't commit to hefty subscription fees. You only pay for what you use, which can help manage budgets more effectively.

• Multi-Carrier Support: Access to a variety of carriers ensures you can choose the best shipping option for each order.
• Batch Label Printing: Speed up your shipping process by printing multiple labels at once.
• Tracking Updates: Keep customers informed with automatic tracking updates, minimizing support queries.

Shippo’s integration capabilities are also noteworthy. It connects with major ecommerce platforms and marketplaces, ensuring a seamless workflow from order placement to delivery. By using Shippo, you can enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction simultaneously.

4. ShippingEasy

ShippingEasy lives up to its name, offering a straightforward solution for managing shipments. It's particularly beneficial for businesses focusing on customer retention and loyalty.

One of ShippingEasy's key features is its automated marketing tools. These tools help you engage customers post-purchase, encouraging repeat business and boosting loyalty.

• Automated Email Campaigns: Set up automatic email campaigns to thank customers or offer discounts on future purchases.
• Inventory Management: Keep track of stock levels in real-time, preventing stockouts and ensuring timely fulfillment.
• Discounted Shipping Rates: Access to discounted USPS shipping rates helps reduce costs and improve margins.

ShippingEasy's integration with ecommerce platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay ensures a smooth transition from order processing to shipping. By leveraging its marketing capabilities, you can transform shipping into a way to build deeper relationships with your customers.

5. ShipBob

ShipBob offers a comprehensive fulfillment solution, combining warehousing and shipping services. It's ideal for businesses that want to outsource these aspects to focus on other areas of growth.

With ShipBob, you get access to a network of fulfillment centers. This decentralization allows you to store inventory closer to your customers, reducing shipping times and costs.

• Fulfillment Network: Utilize multiple warehouses to reduce shipping distances and times.
• Inventory Management: Monitor stock levels and manage inventory across various locations from a single dashboard.
• Real-Time Tracking: Offer customers real-time tracking updates, enhancing their post-purchase experience.

ShipBob also integrates with popular ecommerce platforms, ensuring a seamless flow of information from your online store to their fulfillment centers. If you're looking to streamline your operations significantly, ShipBob's end-to-end solution could be the answer.

6. Ordoro

Ordoro offers a powerful shipping and inventory management tool, designed to give ecommerce businesses greater control over their operations. It's particularly known for its automation capabilities, which can save time and reduce manual input errors.

One standout feature is Ordoro's ability to automate common tasks, such as assigning shipping carriers or creating shipping labels. This automation can free up valuable time that you can use to focus on other business areas.

• Automated Workflow: Automate repetitive tasks, such as order routing and label printing.
• Multi-Channel Integration: Connect with various sales channels and consolidate orders in one place.
• Inventory Syncing: Ensure that your inventory levels are accurate across all platforms.

Ordoro's reporting tools are another highlight, providing insights into shipping costs, delivery times, and more. By leveraging these insights, you can optimize your operations and improve customer satisfaction.

7. Stamps.com

Stamps.com is a veteran in the shipping software world, known for its simplicity and reliability. It's particularly favored by businesses that frequently ship with USPS due to its exclusive discounts and seamless integration.

The platform offers a robust set of features designed to streamline shipping, from printing postage and labels to tracking shipments. But what makes Stamps.com particularly appealing?

• USPS Discounts: Access to discounted USPS rates can significantly reduce shipping costs.
• Batch Printing: Print multiple labels at once, saving time during busy shipping periods.
• International Shipping: Easily manage international shipments with customs forms and tracking options.

Stamps.com integrates with numerous ecommerce platforms, making it easy to sync orders and streamline your workflow. If USPS is your primary carrier, Stamps.com can be a cost-effective and efficient solution.

8. FedEx Ship Manager

For businesses primarily using FedEx as their shipping carrier, FedEx Ship Manager offers a dedicated solution to optimize the shipping process. It's designed to handle everything from small package shipments to large freight deliveries, making it versatile for various business needs.

FedEx Ship Manager's strength lies in its comprehensive suite of tools that cater specifically to FedEx services. This ensures that you can take full advantage of FedEx's capabilities without any third-party complications.

• Customizable Shipping Options: Tailor shipping options to meet customer needs, whether it's expedited delivery or special handling.
• Tracking and Notifications: Provide customers with real-time tracking updates and delivery notifications.
• International Shipping Support: Manage international shipments with ease, thanks to FedEx's extensive global network.

While FedEx Ship Manager is tailored for FedEx users, its robust features make it a compelling choice for businesses looking to maximize their relationship with FedEx.

9. UPS WorldShip

UPS WorldShip is another carrier-specific shipping solution, ideal for businesses that frequently ship with UPS. It's designed to streamline the shipping process, offering a range of tools to manage shipments efficiently.

One of UPS WorldShip's key advantages is its ability to integrate with business systems, allowing for seamless data exchange and reducing manual entry errors. This integration ensures that your shipping operations are aligned with broader business processes.

• Customizable Shipping Solutions: Adjust shipping options based on customer preferences and business needs.
• Automated Shipping Processes: Automate routine tasks, such as label printing and shipment tracking.
• Comprehensive Reporting: Access detailed reports on shipping costs, delivery times, and more.

UPS WorldShip's extensive features make it a powerful tool for businesses heavily reliant on UPS services. By optimizing your shipping processes with UPS WorldShip, you can enhance efficiency and improve customer satisfaction.

10. Sendcloud

Sendcloud is a versatile shipping platform designed to simplify the shipping process for ecommerce businesses. It offers a range of features that cater to different needs, making it a flexible option for various business types.

One of Sendcloud's standout features is its ability to automate the entire shipping process, from label creation to tracking updates. This automation can save time and reduce errors, allowing you to focus on other areas of your business.

• Multi-Carrier Support: Access a variety of carriers to find the best shipping options for your needs.
• Automated Shipping Processes: Automate routine tasks to save time and reduce errors.
• Custom Branding: Customize tracking pages and emails to reinforce your brand's identity.

Sendcloud's integration capabilities also make it a compelling choice. It connects with major ecommerce platforms and marketplaces, ensuring a seamless workflow from order placement to delivery. By leveraging Sendcloud's features, you can enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction simultaneously.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right shipping software is vital for any ecommerce business, especially for those looking to scale and enhance their customer experience. Each of the tools mentioned offers unique features and benefits, catering to various needs and preferences. From automation and integration to cost-saving options, there's a solution for every business.

While finding the right shipping software is crucial, having an efficient customer support system is equally important. Fullcourt is a simple, user-friendly ecommerce helpdesk specifically designed for fast-growing Shopify brands. It offers a shared team inbox, self-service live chat portal, knowledge base, and AI customer support assistant. By integrating Fullcourt into your operations, you can streamline customer support, boost loyalty, and enhance your brand's reputation—all without breaking the bank.