At Cabrella, we understand that the shipping process can be confusing, even for the most seasoned business professionals. From the moment a package leaves your doorstep to when it reaches its destination, it all hinges on a small but pivotal detail: the shipping label. 

These labels aren’t just stickers on a box. Instead, they are critical navigational tools that guide your packages through the global supply chain. 

Read on to perfect the art of writing a successful shipping label, ensuring your packages leave the warehouse on time and track and arrive accurately.

What Is Box Shipping?

What exactly do we mean by "box shipping?" This term refers to transporting goods in boxes via various carriers, such as the U.S. Post Office (USPS), FedEx, UPS, or DHL, to different destinations. 

Box shipping plays a crucial role in e-commerce logistics, enabling businesses and individuals to send, receive, and exchange products worldwide. It's the starting block of the shipping process, where everything from the initial packing to the final delivery begins. 

Why Does the Shipping Label Matter?

A shipping label might appear to be a simple sticker, but it plays a big part in the logistics process. These labels ensure that your package reaches its delivery address and travels efficiently through various points of the supply chain. 

Each label contains essential information, such as the recipient’s name, destination address, and tracking number, which are vital for carriers to manage and route thousands of packages daily. Labels also include barcodes that are scanned at multiple points during the shipping process, providing real-time updates and helping prevent packages from going astray. 

Essentially, a well-prepared shipping label is your package's passport, ensuring it moves through the logistics network smoothly and reaches its destination as intended.

How To Start Writing a Shipping Label

Now that you know the importance of shipping labels in logistics, how can you create one that ensures your shipment reaches its destination without hiccups? Here’s a simple, step-by-step approach to writing a shipping label:

Gather the Required Information

Before you print or attach a label, make sure you have all the required information. This includes the full name and address of both the sender and the recipient, the package weight, and any additional delivery instructions (such as "fragile" or "perishable"). 

Ensuring this information is accurate is vital for avoiding delays or delivery issues.

Choose the Right Label Template

Most carriers offer their own shipping label templates, which can be found on their websites. These templates are designed to make sure that all the necessary information is clearly visible and placed correctly on the label. 

Whether using USPS, UPS, FedEx, or DHL, selecting the right template is necessary for compatibility with scanning and processing systems.

Input Information Into Shipping Software

Using shipping software can streamline the process of creating labels, especially if you frequently send packages. This software allows you to input all the necessary details, such as the recipient’s address and the sender’s address. It also automatically formats this information onto your chosen label template. 

Many programs also offer the option to save recipient information, speeding up the process for future shipments.

Print the Label

Once you’ve input the necessary details and selected your template, the next step is to print your label. Using a label printer makes sure your labels are clear and durable, which is key for avoiding issues during transit. Ensure the printer has adequate ink and the label stock is of good quality, particularly if the package is likely to be exposed to harsh weather conditions.

Attach the Label Securely

The final step is to securely attach the label to your package. It should be placed on the top side of the box to ensure it is easily visible and scanned by logistics personnel. Avoid placing the label over seams or edges where it could be damaged or peeled off during handling. 

If you’re using a sticker label, make sure it adheres well. Otherwise, use clear shipping tape to cover the label, protecting it from moisture and wear during transit.

How To Ensure Your Shipping Label Is Accurate and Secure

Having discussed the fundamentals of writing a shipping label, let's shift focus to ensuring your package label looks professional and functions effectively. Properly securing and verifying your label can safeguard your shipments, ensuring they arrive precisely where they need to be without delay.

Use Carrier Validation Services

Leverage tools from major carriers like USPS Click-N-Ship or FedEx Ship Manager to validate and confirm addresses. These tools compare your input with official databases to correct common errors in street addresses and ensure that they’re formatted correctly for each specific carrier's system.

Take Advantage of Routing Tools

For packages that require specific handling or routing, such as priority mail or express shipping services, make sure to use carrier-provided routing numbers. This helps streamline the delivery process, especially for time-sensitive shipments, ensuring they’re expedited correctly through the carrier's network.

Select the Right Label Material

Choose sticker labels that are made to withstand various weather conditions. Labels marked as “weatherproof” are ideal for packages exposed to elements like rain, snow, or extreme temperatures, which helps preserve the label's integrity throughout its journey.

Secure Labels for International Shipping

For international shipments, make sure your labels include all the necessary customs information and that they’re covered with a protective sleeve. This is crucial, as these packages often undergo more handling and exposure to different environments. A QR code can also expedite customs clearance and provide additional tracking security.

Optimize Label Placement

Affix the label on the side of the package that is the most visible and flat. Avoid placing it near seams or on top of closures where it could be compromised if opened. This positioning helps ensure that the barcode and other scannable information are easily accessible during each scanning point in the delivery chain.

Double-Label for Added Security

For high-value or fragile items, consider placing a second label inside the package or on an inner container. This acts as a failsafe if the outer label is damaged or removed, allowing carriers to identify the package's destination and handling instructions.

How To Handle Special Cases in Shipping Labels

When it comes to shipping labels, one size does not fit all. Special cases require particular attention to ensure your packages meet the criteria for a hassle-free delivery.

International Shipments

For international shipping, it's important to include customs information and special routing numbers directly on your label. Use shipping software to automatically generate this data, ensuring all details, like country-specific requirements, are accurate and visible. 

Additionally, check the carrier’s website for specific international label requirements, which may vary depending on the destination.

Package Sizes and Weights

Adjust your shipping labels based on the size and weight of your package. For smaller packages, make sure the label contains all necessary information in a readable size without overwhelming the package's surface. 

For larger or heavier items, use more prominent labels with bolder print to ensure visibility from a distance. Always confirm that the shipping address and package weight are prominently displayed to aid carriers in handling and routing.

How Can Cabrella Help With Your Shipping Needs?

At Cabrella, we recognize that writing and managing shipping labels is just the beginning. Our comprehensive shipping services are designed to simplify and enhance every aspect of shipping, from individuals and small businesses to large enterprises. 

With Cabrella, you gain access to powerful tools that automate and integrate our shipping insurance solutions. Our system allows you to generate and print shipping labels, track shipments in real time, manage risks, and even handle claims, all through an intuitive, user-friendly platform.

Whether you're shipping domestically or internationally, we offer customized solutions that fit your needs. Our detailed risk assessments and proactive tracking ensure your packages are well-labeled and monitored from pickup to delivery. Additionally, our API allows for seamless integration with existing logistics systems, making Cabrella a natural extension of your business.

Securely Ship With Cabrella

The logistics of shipping can be daunting, but with Cabrella, it doesn't have to be. Our shipping insurance solutions provide the support and technology you need to streamline your operations, reduce risk, and confirm your packages reach their destinations safely and on time.

Ready to take control of the shipping process and elevate your logistics? Contact Cabrella today to discover how we can tailor our services to your business, ensuring your shipments are always in good hands. Ship smarter — together.

Sources:

How to Prepare & Send a Package | USPS

E-commerce Defined: Types, History, and Examples | Investopedia

The 30 Elements of Consumer Value | HBR

What is international shipping and how does it works? | LinkedIn