Learn how multi carrier shipping software can help you save time, money, and headaches
Shipping products to customers is a critical part of running an e-commerce business. However, managing shipments across multiple carriers can be complex and time-consuming without the right tools. This is where multi carrier shipping software comes in.
Multi carrier shipping software allows businesses to automate their shipping operations across multiple carriers like UPS, FedEx, USPS, and more. This type of software provides valuable time and cost savings by comparing rates, routes, and transit times across carriers to find the best option for each shipment. It also eliminates the need to manually enter orders into multiple carrier systems.
In this guide, we will explain the features and benefits of using multi carrier shipping software. We will also provide tips on how to choose the right shipping management software solution for your business needs.
What is Multi Carrier Shipping Software?
Multi carrier shipping software is a powerful solution designed to streamline the shipping process for businesses that rely on multiple carriers to deliver their products. It provides a centralized platform where businesses can manage all their shipping needs, from carrier comparison to label generation and real-time tracking. This software simplifies and automates various shipping tasks, saving businesses time and money while ensuring smooth operations.
Challenges of Shipping with Multiple Carriers
Shipping with multiple carriers can be challenging for businesses due to the diverse set of carriers, each with its unique rates, routes, and transit times. It becomes difficult to compare the best carrier and service level for each shipment manually. Businesses often find themselves grappling with various carrier interfaces, shipping labels, tracking numbers, and invoices, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors.
To overcome these challenges, many businesses are turning to multi carrier shipping software, which streamlines the shipping process, saves time, reduces costs, and minimizes headaches associated with managing multiple carriers.
How Can Multi Carrier Shipping Software Benefit Businesses?
Using multi carrier shipping software provides a range of benefits:
- Save time – Eliminate repetitive data entry and manual carrier comparisons. The software does the rate shopping for you and generates the required shipping documentation.
- Save money – Get the best rates and find the most cost-effective shipping options by comparing carriers.
- Reduce shipping errors – Automation and rule-based shipping ensures each order goes out correctly.
- Improve customer experience – Send proactive tracking info and delivery notifications to customers.
- Gain insights – Use reporting to understand shipping costs, performance by carrier/service.
- Scale your business – The software grows with your business and can support your multichannel shipping needs.
Key Features of Multi Carrier Shipping Software
Multi carrier shipping software centralizes the shipping process into one platform. Key features include:
- Carrier integrations – Connect to major carriers like UPS, FedEx, USPS, DHL and access their rates and services.
- Rate shopping – Compare rates, routes, transit times across carriers to find the most cost effective option.
- Shipment processing – Generate shipping labels, packing slips, customs documents for each order.
- Tracking and notifications – Track the status of shipments and send delivery notifications to customers.
- Reporting and analytics – Gain insights into shipping costs, carrier performance, and other metrics.
- Rules and automation – Set rules to automatically route orders to the best carrier and service level.
Comparing Multi Carrier Shipping Solutions
There are many multi carrier shipping software platforms to choose from. Here are some key factors to consider when comparing solutions:
- Integrations – Ensure the software connects to all the carriers you use.
- Cost – Look for solutions that fit your budget. Some charge monthly fees plus per shipment fees.
- Ease of use – The software should be intuitive and easy to navigate. Look for features like pre-built workflows.
- Support and resources – Check if the provider offers onboarding, 24/7 support, and online resources.
- Scalability – Choose a solution that can handle your current and future shipping volume.
- Reviews – Look at third-party software reviews to evaluate pros/cons from other users.
Let’s compare some popular multi carrier shipping software options in the market:
1. ShippingEasy
- Features: ShippingEasy offers a wide range of features, including carrier comparison, batch processing, and automated label generation. It also integrates with major e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Amazon.
- Benefits: ShippingEasy is known for its user-friendly interface and excellent customer support. It is suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.
- Website: https://shippingeasy.com
2. ShipStation
- Features: ShipStation provides a comprehensive suite of features, including address validation, real-time tracking, and custom branding options for shipping labels.
- Benefits: ShipStation is ideal for businesses with high shipping volumes and multiple sales channels. Its strong integration capabilities with various e-commerce platforms make it a popular choice.
- Website: https://www.shipstation.com
3. Shippo
- Features: Shippo offers carrier comparison, discounted shipping rates, and customizable tracking pages for businesses. It also provides international shipping support.
- Benefits: Shippo is best suited for businesses with international shipping needs, thanks to its emphasis on simplifying global shipping processes.
- Website: https://goshippo.com
4. Ordoro
- Features: Ordoro specializes in inventory management and order fulfillment, making it a comprehensive solution for businesses that need both shipping and inventory support.
- Benefits: Ordoro’s inventory management features complement its shipping capabilities, making it a preferred choice for businesses with complex logistics requirements.
- Website: https://www.ordoro.com
Tips for Choosing the Right Software
Follow these tips to select the ideal multi carrier shipping software for your ecommerce business:
- Analyze your current shipping volume, carriers used, and pain points. This clarifies must-have features.
- Seek free trials to test software functionality before fully committing.
- Prioritize software with excellent carrier connectivity and rate shopping comparisons.
- Look for automation features like rules to route orders to the best carrier/service.
- Ensure the solution provides the reporting and insights you need to optimize shipping.
- Choose a software that can support and scale with the growth of your business.
- Seek a solution with outstanding customer support in case issues arise.
Get Started with Multi Carrier Shipping Today
In conclusion, implementing multi carrier shipping software can greatly benefit your ecommerce business. It saves substantial time and money while also improving the customer experience. Just be sure to evaluate your needs, compare solutions, and choose reliable software that positions your business for shipping success as you continue to grow. The investment is well worth it when you consider the long-term time and cost savings.
