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Best Shipping Solutions For Ecommerce Shortlist

Here’s the shortlist of the best ecommerce shipping solutions that I’ve selected:

  1. 1. ShipStation — Best for companies operating outside the US
  2. 2. ShipperHQ — Carrier access is limited on lower-tier plans
  3. 3. 2Ship — Best dashboard to manage shipments
  4. 4. ShippingEasy — Best for discounted UPS and USPS rates
  5. 5. OrderCup — Best for multi-carrier global shipping
  6. 6. Shippo — Best with 85+ global carrier partners
  7. 7. Ordoro — Best combined inventory and shipping management
  8. 8. DesktopShipper — Best for direct database connectivity
  9. 9. Stamps.com — Best for unlimited shipments with UPS and USPS
  10. 10. Easyship — Best for global fulfillment expansion

I’ve tested and evaluated the best shipping solutions to support your ecommerce business and streamline your order fulfillment processes.

Whether you’re a major ecommerce company or running a small online business, order fulfillment is a top priority for customer satisfaction. But getting your orders out to your customers in a timely, cost-effective manner comes with its share of roadblocks.  Shipping solutions can support a speedier, more streamlined shipping process for your business, and I’ve tested dozens of the best options available. Based on my research, I’ve narrowed down this list to help you pick the right one for your needs.

What are Shipping Solutions for Ecommerce?

Shipping solutions for ecommerce companies are the software and services that help you get your products from your warehouse to your customers’ doorsteps. These solutions can be used by large-scale online retailers and small businesses alike and to sell all different types of products. They can calculate shipping rates, generate shipping labels and tracking numbers, and connect you with local and international shipping carriers. Many also support inventory management and have automation tools to streamline your order management processes.

Overviews Of The 10 Best Shipping Solutions For Ecommerce

I’ve written a detailed overview for each of the shipping solutions for ecommerce I selected. These overviews showcase each option’s best use case, noteworthy features, and pricing information. I also added a screenshot of the user interface to give you a feel for each platform.

1

ShipStation

Best for companies operating outside the US

This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.
4.3
162 reviews

30-day free trial

From $9.99/month

ShipStation is multi-channel shipping software that can be used to centralize orders from multiple channels and manage shipments and inventory.

Why I picked ShipStation: It was easy to add ShipStation to my list because of its availability in the US, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Users can consolidate their orders coming in from various selling platforms and manage their shipments through the software. Several carrier options are available to help you get the best rate, and the software can help you create branded packaging with custom labels and packing slips.

ShipStation Standout Features and Integrations

Standout features include the inventory management capabilities that come with this software. You can track your stock levels in real-time and forecast your inventory needs in the same place you manage your orders. I found this to be a convenient time-saver to keep my ecommerce operations in the same place.

Integrations include WooCommerce, BigCommerce, BigCartel, Shopify, Squarespace, Etsy, Wix, Magento, NetSuite, SAP, DHL, USPS, Canada Post, Purolator, Lumis, and dozens more.

Pros

  • Available to use in several countries
  • Inventory management included
  • Flexible to various user needs

Cons

  • Somewhat complex, has a learning curve
  • Rate calculator isn’t always accurate
2

ShipperHQ

Carrier access is limited on lower-tier plans

This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.
4
5 reviews

15-day free trial

Pricing available upon request

ShipperHQ is a shipping solution that provides various shipping options and enhances the checkout experience to reduce cart abandonment.

Why I picked ShipperHQ: An effective and efficient shipping strategy is an important part of every ecommerce business’s operations. But the checkout experience is often the first step in order fulfillment, and can have a big impact on your sales and customer satisfaction. I decided to add ShipperHQ to my list because of their dedication to improving not just your shipping operations but also your checkout experience for customers. You can provide customers with customized shipping rates, multiple pickup and delivery options, and accurate delivery time estimates using the software.

ShipperHQ Standout Features and Integrations

Standout features I spotted in this software were its multiple pickup and shipping options. The software can facilitate click and collect and multi-origin shipping, helping you provide a more customized experience for your customers. Being able to offer various options helps you stand out from the competition and become a more memorable brand.

Integrations include Adobe Commerce, BigCommerce, Magento, Shopify, WooCommerce, Zoey, ShipStation, Shiptheory, UPS, and FedEx, among others.

Pros

  • Good for complex shipping needs
  • Checkout customization included
  • Select from various advanced features

Cons

  • Limited carrier access depending on pricing tier
  • Advanced functionality, comes with a learning curve
3

2Ship

Best dashboard to manage shipments

Free plan + 30-day free trial available

From $23/month

2Ship is a shipping platform that provides solutions for both small businesses and enterprise-scale companies.

Why I picked 2Ship: The user-friendliness of this platform was one of the main reasons I chose to add it to my list. Its unified shipping screen serves as your dashboard to manage all of your shipments in one place. You can also compare rates from different carriers in real-time based on zone, fuel, surcharges, and averages. Reporting and analytics are built into the system so you can monitor live metrics like your costs, volumes, and performance. Daily reports can also be generated to help you automate your reporting needs.

2Ship Standout Features and Integrations

Standout features include the software’s inbound shipment management capabilities, which I found to be a nice additional benefit. Shipments that have a delivery address that matches any of your locations will automatically show up in the system. This feature can be used to track your incoming stock and monitor your shipments between store or warehouse locations. It also includes receiving features to help you manage your inventory and keep track of everything you receive.

Integrations can be configured using InteGr8, which is 2Ship’s app that can facilitate ODBC integrations.

Pros

  • Manage outbound and inbound shipments in one platform
  • User-friendly interface
  • Compare rates in real-time

Cons

  • Takes time to get familiar with all the features
  • Some smaller carriers are not included
4

ShippingEasy

Best for discounted UPS and USPS rates

30-day free trial

From $5/month (50 shipments)

ShippingEasy is a UPS and USPS shipping solution that offers discounted shipping rates as well as order management and marketing tools. 

Why I picked ShippingEasy: The discounted shipping rates provided made it easy to add this solution to my list. The company guarantees the lowest commercial USPS rates available, and offers discounts for priority, flat rate, express, and international shipments. In addition to its great shipping rates, I picked ShippingEasy because you can manage and automate your order workflows through the software. This includes automatically mapping your carriers and creating weight, delivery preference, and package size rules.

ShippingEasy Standout Features and Integrations

Standout features include its marketing tools. You can manage your marketing campaigns and emails in the system and collect customer feedback. There are plenty of templates to choose from, too. I like that you can manage both your orders and marketing from the same platform.

Integrations include Shopify, Amazon, Ebay, Magento, WooCommerce, Etsy, BigCommerce, Walmart, Squarespace, Wish, PayPal, UPS, USPS, FedEx, DHL, and dozens more.

Pros

  • Manage orders and marketing in one platform
  • User-friendly marketing tools
  • Lowest USPS rates guaranteed

Cons

  • Setup can be cumbersome and time consuming
  • Carrier options are limited
5

OrderCup

Best for multi-carrier global shipping

30-day free trial + free plan available

From $25/month

OrderCup is an ecommerce order management, fulfillment, and global shipping platform that can help ecommerce companies with their multi-channel and multi-carrier shipping operations.

Why I picked OrderCup: As an industry leader in global shipping, I thought OrderCup was a good fit for my list. The company has several global carrier partners, both major international ones and regional ones. It provides discounted shipping rates and workflow automation features like predefined package types and order processing and insurance rules. While the company is US-based, it’s a great option for fulfilling international shipments with various carriers and managing orders from various channels.

OrderCup Standout Features and Integrations

Standout features include the hardware support provided by OrderCup. I was impressed to find out that they provide not just printers but scales and scanners to help with order fulfillment. The customer support provided by the company is also excellent, and clients can access support via phone, email, or chat. Community forums and a knowledge base are also available to help with common challenges or troubleshooting.

Integrations include Amazon, Shopify, eBay, Magento, WooCommerce, Lightspeed, Walmart, BigCommerce, Volusion, Etsy, PayPal, UPS, USPS, FedEx, Sendle, DHL, Canada Post, Purolator, Canpar, and Stripe, among others.



Pros

  • Free plan available for fewer than 50 shipments per month
  • Hardware like printers, scales, and scanners provided
  • Simple interface, easy to learn

Cons

  • Premium support comes at an additional cost
  • Shipment limits per month with every plan
6

Shippo

Best with 85+ global carrier partners

30-day free trial

From $10/user/month

Shippo is a shipping solution provider that can help you create shipping labels, manage and track your shipments, and facilitate returns.

Why I picked Shippo: The main reason I chose Shippo is because they partner with over 85 global carriers to facilitate your shipping needs. To work with Shippo, you start by connecting your store to their platform. From there, you can automate your label production and compare rates from various carriers in real-time to find the best option for each shipment. The software can also facilitate return workflows and offers comprehensive shipping insurance.

Shippo Standout Features and Integrations

Standout features include standardized tracking across all carriers. I like that this is provided because it helps create a consistent customer experience while getting you the best rates for every order. You can also customize all shipping and return notification emails with your own branding, which also creates consistency. 

Integrations include Shopify, Square, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Wix, Squarespace, USPS, FedEx, UPS, DHL, Canada Post, Australia Post, Swyft, Sendle, Purolator, and dozens more.

Pros

  • Friendly user interface, easy to navigate
  • Quick setup and implementation
  • Good options for international shipping

Cons

  • Extra fees from some carriers
  • Not super mobile-friendly
7

Ordoro

Best combined inventory and shipping management

Free trial + free plan available

From $59/month

Ordoro is a shipment management platform that also has order, inventory, and dropshipping management capabilities.

Why I picked Ordoro: A platform that handles both shipping and inventory management in one place can be a great option to reduce your tech stack, which is why I included Ordoro on my list. The software has automation features to help you speed up label production and shipping presets. It can also send you low-stock notifications and help you manage your suppliers. If you want to opt for a dropshipping approach to order fulfillment, the software can facilitate that, too. It’s a robust solution that helps automate and simplify your order and shipping operations.

Ordoro Standout Features and Integrations

Standout features include the software’s picking and packing tools that speed up your fulfillment process. You can build out your workflows, automate pick list generation, and verify orders through the system. What I like the most about these tools is that they work together with the inventory management features. Rather than relying on two systems to communicate with one another, you can keep everything centralized and ensure better accuracy.

Integrations include Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Magento, Stripe, eBay, Walmart, Etsy, FedEx, UPS, USPS, DHL, Canada Post, Sendle, and Square, among others.

Pros

  • Unlimited shipping labels with every plan
  • Unlimited sales channels with paid plans
  • Onboarding and phone support with paid plans

Cons

  • Inventory syncs about every hour, can lead to inaccuracies
  • Automation not available in the free plan
8

DesktopShipper

Best for direct database connectivity

Free demo available

From $25/month

DesktopShipper is an order management and shipping automation solution that provides both web-based and on-premise apps.

Why I picked DesktopShipper: I chose DesktopShipper because not only does it provide a cloud-based solution, but it also offers an on-premise app for workstation-based shipping. This means that you can have direct database connectivity for managing your shipments from your warehouse. It’s a good solution for warehousing and order fulfillment companies as well as ecommerce businesses that manage their own sizable warehousing operations.

DesktopShipper Standout Features and Integrations

Standout features I noticed in my testing were the multi-branding options and the address validation tool. The ability to manage various branding options and add different logos to different packages is helpful especially for warehousing companies managing order fulfillment for several businesses. Address validation, meanwhile, is very helpful to reduce human error from customers, ensure successful delivery, and improve satisfaction rates.

Integrations include DHL, FedEx, Canada Post, GlobalE, UPS, Sendle, USPS, Amazon, BigCommerce, eBay, Etsy, Keap, Magento, Shopify, Sage, and Squarespace, among others.

Pros

  • Several pricing tiers to cater to all business sizes
  • Phone, chat, and email support with all plans
  • Friendly interface, easy to learn

Cons

  • Limited users, additional fee to add more
  • Carrier access is limited on lower-tier plans
9

Stamps.com

Best for unlimited shipments with UPS and USPS

28-day free trial

From $19.99/month

Stamps.com is a virtual post office solution for UPS and USPS that can help online retailers manage orders from multiple channels and facilitate their shipment needs.

Why I picked Stamps.com: One of the features that made me want to add Stamps.com to my list was that it offers unlimited shipments. Other unlimited features are store connections and phone support, making it a good option if you’re running a high-volume business across multiple sites. Labels can be printed in batches and you can ensure packages up to $10,000. While it’s a robust tool suitable for large-scale companies, it can also be used by smaller businesses with lower volume needs shipping both within the US and internationally.

Stamps.com Standout Features and Integrations

Standout features I noticed the company’s specific advantages for shipping with USPS. For example, you can get free package pickup 6 days a week with USPS and access free shipping supplies. Stamps.com also provides award-winning customer service by phone from their team of experts and dedicated account managers.

Integrations include Bigcommerce, Magento, Shopify, Amazon, eBay, Etsy, PayPal, Volusion, ProShip, ShipStation, ShipWorks, and TrueShip. API integrations including web services, XML import/export, ODBC connectivity, and a Software Developer Kit (SDK) are also all available.

Pros

  • Specialized advantages for USPS shipping
  • Unlimited store connections
  • Award-winning customer support

Cons

  • Only available for US-based companies
  • UPS and USPS shipping only
10

Easyship

Best for global fulfillment expansion

14-day free trial + free plan available

From $29/month

Easyship is a shipping software that can help you streamline your shipping process and expand your warehousing globally with their international network.

Why I picked Easyship: I picked Easyship because of its global warehouse network, which can help businesses small and large expand internationally. The company has warehousing partners in North America, Asia, Europe, and Australia, and their experts can help you create a global fulfillment strategy for your business. In terms of the software, it’s a comprehensive solution that can automate your workflows and support your order management needs.

Easyship Standout Features and Integrations

Standout features include the software’s large selection of carriers, which includes 250+ shipping services. I also appreciated the fact that users can connect their own courier accounts to continue using their pre-negotiated rates. The software also has an algorithm that will tell you the best flat rate option and the ideal box for each order.

Integrations include DHL, USPS, FedEx, UPS, GlobalPost, Sendle, and hundreds of other carriers. You can also connect your Ebay, BigCommerce, Shopify, Squarespace, or WooCommerce store, among others. Integrations for various order management, warehousing, and inventory management software are also available.



Pros

  • Global fulfillment network comes with all plans
  • Analytics come with all plans
  • Onboarding session with all paid plans

Cons

  • Somewhat complex, has a learning curve
  • Setup can be cumbersome and time consuming

The 10 Best Shipping Solutions For Ecommerce Summary

Tool Free Option Price
1
ShipStation

Best for companies operating outside the US

30-day free trial

From $9.99/month Visit Website
2
ShipperHQ

Carrier access is limited on lower-tier plans

15-day free trial

Pricing available upon request Visit Website
3
2Ship

Best dashboard to manage shipments

Free plan + 30-day free trial available

From $23/month Visit Website
4
ShippingEasy

Best for discounted UPS and USPS rates

30-day free trial

From $5/month (50 shipments) Visit Website
5
OrderCup

Best for multi-carrier global shipping

30-day free trial + free plan available

From $25/month Visit Website
6
Shippo

Best with 85+ global carrier partners

30-day free trial

From $10/user/month Visit Website
7
Ordoro

Best combined inventory and shipping management

Free trial + free plan available

From $59/month Visit Website
8
DesktopShipper

Best for direct database connectivity

Free demo available

From $25/month Visit Website
9
Stamps.com

Best for unlimited shipments with UPS and USPS

28-day free trial

From $19.99/month Visit Website
10
Easyship

Best for global fulfillment expansion

14-day free trial + free plan available

From $29/month Visit Website

Other Shipping Solutions For Ecommerce

There are plenty of options for great shipping solutions for ecommerce out there. Here are some alternatives that didn’t make it to my shortlist, but are still worth considering:

  1. ShipDaddy

    Best for outsourcing order fulfillment

  2. ShipBob

    Best complete fulfillment solution

  3. Bolt Fulfillment

    Best for order fulfillment and paid media management

  4. ShipRush

    Best for a customizable and brandable interface

  5. ShipHero

    Best with integrated warehouse management

  6. Pacejet

    Best for enterprise multi-carrier shipping

  7. Sure Shipped

    Best for Canada-based outsourced fulfillment

  8. Pirate Ship

    Best pay-as-you-go shipping solution

  9. Freight Club

    Best with complete claims management

Selection Criteria for the Best Shipping Solutions for Ecommerce

Narrowing down this list wasn’t easy because there are so many shipping solutions out there. I started with a long list of options that had positive user ratings and used the selection criteria outlined below to evaluate each of them. I looked at how well each solution measured up to the criteria I’d set and compared them against one another.

Having worked in ecommerce for over two decades, I’m familiar with the challenges that come along with shipping out orders. And as ecommerce has risen up to new levels of popularity over the last few years, I’ve been able to see what features really make a solution stand out from the rest. With this knowledge, I sought out solutions that have something uniquely valuable to offer.

Here are the specific criteria I used to compare the software and services featured on my list.

Core Functionality

One of the major things I looked for in the shipping solutions I included on my list was their core functionality. Some are software as a service (SaaS) solutions, while others are fulfillment service providers. Additionally, some solutions cover various aspects of order management and order fulfillment while others focus on one specific area of the process. My overviews explain the functionality of each provider to give you a better sense of what to expect.

Key Features

Features can vary quite a bit from one shipping solution to the next, and I’ve listed each option’s standout features in its overview. But here are some of the key features I looked for as I was researching my list:

  1. Sales channels integrations: Whether you’re selling through Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, Amazon, or BigCommerce, you’ll want to be able to connect your online store to your shipping solution.
  2. Printing capabilities: Regardless of the carrier you’re using, a shipping solution should be able to print labels, customs forms, packing slips, and other key paperwork for order fulfillment.
  3. Shipping options: This could be multi-carrier options, flat-rate shipping, next-day delivery, various shipping methods, delivery options, or providing shipping services.
  4. Discounted carrier rates: Most shipping service providers offer discounted rates for carriers like UPS, USPS, DHL, and FedEx.
  5. Workflow management: Ideally, software will help you streamline and automate various aspects of your order fulfillment process.
  6. Order fulfillment: Some shipping companies can take on your order fulfillment or have fulfillment partners you can outsource to.
  7. Branding options: It’s important to be able to add your custom branding when shipping products out to customers or sending out customer communications.
  8. Inventory management: Some ecommerce shipping software will provide stock, inventory, and supply chain management tools.

Usability

Whether you’re a small business owner or you’re managing shipping for a large ecommerce store, it’s important to find a friendly shipping platform. Being able to navigate the interface smoothly will not only save you time and hassle, but it will help you fulfill customer orders more efficiently and provide a better customer experience. In my testing, I looked for tools that were user-friendly and easy to implement. You’ll find notes about each option’s usability in my overviews.

Integrations

It’s important that any new solution you add to your toolbox can connect with the other software and apps you’re already using. Many of the options on my list connect with selling channels like Shopify, Etsy, Amazon, or WooCommerce, and carriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS. Some also have integrations with other workplace software like CRMs and marketing tools, and many have APIs that can be used to build custom integrations.

Value for Money

As I reviewed each solution, I had to consider the overall value each one could offer for the price tag. Things that stood out as added value were offering guaranteed best rates, exceptional customer support, or free plans that support the needs of a small business. These are the types of details I included in my overviews because they’re the type of feature that makes a solution the right one for your needs. And to put the price points of each option into context, shipping software tends to offer paid plans starting from $10-$50/month.

People Also Ask: Common Questions About Shipping Solutions For Ecommerce

Still have questions about ecommerce shipping solutions or general shipping best practices? We’ve outlined everything you need to know about the following frequently asked questions.

Other Fulfillment and Shipping Solutions Reviews

These software and service lists are in line with what you might be looking for if you need shipping solutions, or platforms that work with your shipping solution of choice.

There’s a Shipping Solution For Every Ecommerce Business

Managing an online business takes hard work and dedication, but there’s no need to handle every aspect of your shipping operations manually. Plenty of shipping solutions are available for companies big and small, shipping to and from various locations. And many of the providers on this list also have free plans for small businesses processing low volumes. Hopefully, you’ve learned what you needed to select a solution that’s right for your business needs.

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By Francois Marchand

Francois Marchand is The Ecomm Manager's content strategist and editor. He is passionate about helping and educating business leaders, ecommerce professionals, and digital marketers grow their skill sets to stay ahead of the competition. Francois holds a BA Specialization in Communication Studies & Journalism from Concordia University (Montreal, QC) and 20+ years of experience in ecommerce, marketing, traditional and digital media, and public relations, including The Vancouver Sun, National Post, CBC/Radio-Canada, Unbounce, and Vancouver Film School. He also hosts The Ecomm Manager Podcast, discussing ecommerce best practices, customer experience, branding, inventory management, shipping and delivery, and analytics with expert guests.

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