Best Tools to Automate and Streamline Shipping for Online Stores

Shipping and logistics are critical components of every e-commerce business. Whether you run a small online store or manage an enterprise-level operation, the complexity of managing shipping logistics grows as your business scales. This is where shipping automation tools become invaluable, helping businesses streamline processes, reduce manual errors, and ensure timely deliveries. With the right automation platform, you can save time, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.

In this article, we’ll walk through the best shipping automation tools available, along with insights into their benefits, features, and use cases. Digital marketing professionals, developers, and content creators will find value in how these tools simplify fulfillment processes and optimize customer experience.

1. What is Shipping Automation?

Shipping automation refers to the use of software solutions to automate various aspects of the order fulfillment process, from generating shipping labels and tracking orders to notifying customers and managing returns. These tools integrate with e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Amazon, allowing businesses to scale efficiently.

With automation, tasks such as printing invoices, managing bulk orders, and selecting shipping carriers are handled seamlessly. This eliminates human error, speeds up operations, and creates a consistent workflow.

2. Why You Need Shipping Automation for E-commerce Success

Shipping automation tools have become essential for e-commerce stores for several reasons:

• Cost Savings: Automating manual tasks minimizes labor costs.
• Time Efficiency: Focus on scaling your business instead of worrying about logistics.
• Improved Customer Experience: Provide real-time updates and faster delivery options.
• Error Reduction: Automation eliminates the risks of human error in fulfillment processes.

Whether your store handles dozens or thousands of orders per day, automated shipping solutions enhance your ability to scale seamlessly.

3. Top 7 Shipping Automation Tools for E-commerce

1. ShipStation – Best for Multi-Carrier Shipping

ShipStation is one of the most popular shipping automation platforms that integrates with multiple carriers such as UPS, FedEx, and USPS. This tool offers seamless order management by connecting with various e-commerce platforms, including Shopify, eBay, and Amazon.

Key Features:

• Automated shipping label generation.
• Rate comparison between carriers.
• Customizable branded tracking pages.

Best For: Businesses managing orders from multiple channels.

💡 Affiliate Tip: Try ShipStation’s free trial to explore their automation capabilities.

2. AfterShip – Ideal for Post-Purchase Experience

AfterShip focuses on providing a superior post-purchase experience by automating tracking notifications and delivery status updates for customers. It also supports returns management and integrates easily with Shopify and WooCommerce.

Key Features:

• Real-time shipment tracking.
• Branded tracking notifications.
• Returns automation features.

Best For: Brands looking to enhance customer experience post-purchase.

3. Easyship – Best for International Shipping

Easyship simplifies international shipping by offering automated documentation for customs and tax management. It integrates with a wide range of carriers and marketplaces, making it ideal for businesses with global customers.

Key Features:

• Automated customs paperwork generation.
• Duty and tax calculators for global shipping.
• Multiple warehouse management.

Best For: Businesses that ship internationally.

4. Shippo – Budget-Friendly Shipping Automation

Shippo is an affordable solution for smaller businesses or startups looking to automate their shipping process without incurring high costs. With pay-per-label pricing and essential features like rate shopping, Shippo provides a simple and effective automation experience.

Key Features:

• Pay-per-label pricing.
• Rate comparison between carriers.
• Automated returns management.

Best For: Startups and small businesses.

5. Ordoro – Best for Inventory and Shipping Management

Ordoro offers shipping automation along with inventory management capabilities, making it perfect for businesses that want a centralized platform for both. It integrates with major e-commerce platforms and allows for bulk printing of shipping labels.

Key Features:

• Automated inventory tracking.
• Bulk shipping label creation.
• Discounted shipping rates.

Best For: Businesses seeking combined inventory and shipping management.

6. ShipHero – Best for Warehouse Automation

ShipHero is ideal for businesses with their own warehouses, offering advanced warehouse management features alongside shipping automation. With tools for picking, packing, and shipping, it helps streamline the entire fulfillment process.

Key Features:

• Warehouse management tools.
• Automated order routing.
• Real-time inventory tracking.

Best For: E-commerce stores managing their own warehouses.

7. ClickPost – Fastest Growing Logistics Platform

ClickPost specializes in logistics automation and provides end-to-end solutions for e-commerce businesses, including real-time order tracking, carrier performance monitoring, and returns management.

Key Features:

• Real-time carrier monitoring.
• Automated returns and exchanges.
• Advanced analytics for logistics optimization.

Best For: Large e-commerce businesses needing deep insights into logistics.

4. How to Choose the Right Shipping Automation Tool

Choosing the right shipping automation tool depends on your business’s specific needs. Here are some factors to consider:

• Business Size: Smaller stores might prefer tools with simple pricing models like Shippo, while larger businesses may need comprehensive solutions like ShipHero.
• Shipping Volume: High-volume stores benefit from platforms that offer bulk label printing and multi-carrier integrations.
• Customer Experience: Tools like AfterShip improve customer experience with tracking notifications and return automation.
• International Shipping Needs: Easyship stands out for businesses with a global customer base.

Make sure to choose a tool that integrates seamlessly with your existing platforms to avoid compatibility issues.

Best Tools to Automate and Streamline Shipping for Online Stores COmparaison

Top Shipping Automation Tools for E-commerce

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best shipping automation tool for small businesses?
Shippo is an excellent option for small businesses due to its pay-per-label pricing model and essential automation features, making it both budget-friendly and efficient.

2. Can shipping automation tools handle international orders?
Yes, tools like Easyship and ShipStation offer robust features for international shipping, including customs paperwork automation and tax calculations.

3. How do shipping automation tools improve customer satisfaction?
By providing real-time tracking notifications, faster order processing, and easy return options, these tools enhance the customer experience and build brand loyalty.

Conclusion

Shipping automation tools play a crucial role in scaling e-commerce operations and ensuring smooth order fulfillment. From handling multi-carrier shipping to enhancing the post-purchase experience, platforms like ShipStation, AfterShip, and Easyship help businesses stay competitive in the fast-paced world of online retail.

Investing in the right automation solution saves time, reduces errors, and improves customer satisfaction—key factors for long-term business success. Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, there’s a shipping automation tool tailored to your needs. Explore the options mentioned here and choose the one that aligns with your goals.

💡 Affiliate Tip: Get started with your shipping automation journey by exploring ShipStation’s free trial, or dive into international markets with Easyship’s platform.