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May 17, 2024

Are you ready to dive into the world of shipping labels? Whether you need to create a shipping label for personal packages or office needs and are unsure where to begin, at Airpals, we have you covered.

Table of Contents:

  1. What is a shipping label?
  2. Exploring the structure of a shipping label
  3. Can I buy a shipping label online? How to choose the right shipping label maker tool
  4. Choosing the right carrier for your shipment
  5. Steps to create a shipping label with Airpals
  6. How to print shipping labels at home
  7. Best practices to handle your shipping labels
  8. Shipping labels FAQs

What is a shipping label?

A shipping label is an indispensable element in the logistics process that helps identify and track packages as they move from one location to another. It provides carriers with precise instructions for destination and handling. By affixing these labels to packages, carriers can efficiently scan and expedite shipment processing. It's important to understand that each label is unique and cannot be reused. Every package must have its own shipping label.

Exploring the structure of a shipping label

Shipping labels have many details that can look hard to get. We will break down these terms for better understanding and to know their purpose within the shipping label. A shipping label typically includes the following components:

Parts of the shipping label marked

1. Sender's Information: includes name, telephone number, and address. It gives the carrier all the details about the person or company sending the package.

2. Recipient's Information: includes the same information as the sender. It shows where the package should be delivered.

3. Tracking Number: Every shipping label is given a unique tracking number consisting of 8 to 40 letters and numbers. The tracking number helps customers to follow their packages through the carrier's website.

4. Barcode: The tracking barcode is a machine-readable pattern that carriers use for identifying and monitoring a package's journey during shipping.

5. QR Code: The QR code, also known as the MaxiCode, is another machine-readable symbol found on shipping labels. It holds digital information that matches the label's printed details.

6. Weight and Dimension: The weight and dimensions of the package help calculate shipping costs and ensure correct handling.

7. Shipping Service Information: This part shows us the carrier (e.g., USPS, UPS, FedEx) and the specific method or service chosen for shipping (e.g., Priority Mail, Ground Shipping).

8. Payment: The payment part explains how the shipment is billed. Common options are prepaid or billed to a third party.

9. Additional information: Extra details about the package go in the­ additional information section. The sender can include any relevant notes here.

Shipping labels are a crucial tool for individuals and businesses in broad industries. For example, manufacturers rely on them to ship their products to distributors and retailers, while businesses may require them for shipping documents, samples, or promotional materials. Additionally, shipping labels are essential for personal shipments, such as sending gifts or personal items to friends and family members. Whether used for business or personal purposes, shipping labels play a considerable role in ensuring packages reach their final destination efficiently.

Printing shipping labels at home offers convenience and flexibility for multiple shipping needs. People can print labels whenever they find it suitable instead of waiting in line at a post office. Moreover, it helps us with cost savings and control over the shipping process. Using online shipping platforms or software, users can compare shipping rates from a wide range of carriers and choose the most cost-effective option for their needs.

So, for those seeking a more convenient and cost-effective way to get a shipping label, printing shipping labels at home is indeed possible and offers significant benefits.

Can I buy a shipping label online? How to choose the right shipping label maker tool?

When choosing an online shipping label maker tool, it's crucial to consider multiple features and characteristics to ensure it aligns with your shipping needs. One essential aspect is the tool's user interface. Opt for a platform with a user-friendly interface that is intuitive to navigate, allowing you to create shipping labels quickly and efficiently without requiring extensive training or technical expertise.

Integration skills are also essential when choosing a shipping label maker tool. Be sure the tool integrates seamlessly with other software or platforms you use in your shipping process. This integration can include e-commerce platforms, shipping carriers, inventory management systems, or accounting software. Compatibility with these systems simplifies your workflow.

Another important characteristic to review when selecting an online shipping label maker tool is its compatibility with shipping carriers. Businesses often work with multiple carriers like UPS, USPS, FedEx, and more, each having specific label requirements and formats. Look for a platform that works with many carriers, making shipping easier and saving you time.

Lastly, consider the cost-effectiveness of the tool. Check the pricing structure, including any subscription fees or transaction-based pricing, to ensure it fits within your budget. Look for a transparent pricing tool that breaks down all charges upfront.

Now that we've covered these important features to seek in a shipping label maker tool, let's discuss another option: purchasing shipping labels directly from carriers.

When you buy shipping labels directly from carriers, you’re picking a one-size-fits-all approach. You're limited to the rates and services offered by that particular carrier, without the ability to compare options from other providers. While this option may work fine for some people, there is another solution for those open to exploring different options.

In contrast to the traditional method of buying shipping labels directly from carriers, let’s talk about the multi-carrier shipping solution.

With multi-carrier platforms, you gain the flexibility to compare rates and services from multiple carriers all in one place, and that’s where Airpals Multi-Carrier web tool steps in.

Instead of being tied down to a single carrier's offerings, with the Airpals Multi-Carrier tool, you’ll have the autonomy to choose the best option for your shipment based on factors like price, type of services, and delivery speed.

Additionally, the Airpals Multi-Carrier platform offers the possibility of finding discounts on shipping labels. Through partnerships with different carriers, Airpals can give exclusive discounts to its users, helping reduce shipping costs. Access to discounted rates allows you to maximize savings without compromising service quality.

carriers budget-friendly options

Airpals allows you to sort carrier options by price, ensuring you never miss out on the best deals and rates.

Choosing the right carrier for your shipment

When it comes to shipping, selecting the right carrier makes all the difference. With Airpals, you’ll have access to shipping labels from FedEx, USPS, UPS, and more (coming soon) allowing you to choose the carrier that best fits your needs.

Each carrier has its strengths and specialties. USPS, for example, is often known for its affordability and accessibility, making it an ideal option for everyday non-urgent shipments. With competitive rates and various service options, USPS is preferred by individuals and small businesses looking for cost-effective shipping solutions.

UPS, on the other hand, focuses on reliability and efficiency. Seen as a popular choice for domestic and international shipments, particularly for individuals and businesses looking to reduce shipping costs. Another exceptional feature is its tracking and monitoring capabilities, enabling users to stay informed about their package status and location in real time.

Finally, we have FedEx. Known for its extensive network, fast transit times, and reliable tracking services, FedEx is the go-to choice for express delivery shipments, making it a trusted option for businesses and individuals alike.

Steps to create a shipping label with Airpals

Now that we have established that the best web tool to create shipping labels is Airpals, let’s delve into a fully explained step-by-step guide on how to use Airpals to create a shipping label!

Step 1: Log in or Sign Up

Get into our Multi-Carrier Shipping Label Maker by logging into your account or signing up if it's your first time. (You can sign up with your Google account if you like).

Airpals Multi-Carrier landing page

Step 2: Addresses and contact information

Add the addresses of where your package is coming from and where it's going. Sections marked with a red asterisk are necessary information to create the shipping label, while the rest are optional.

Multi-Carrier dashboard address page

Step 3: Package Information

Provide information about your package: first, choose the shipping date, which can be any weekday, indicating the day the package will be dropped off at the carrier office. Then, continue with the package type information, which can be a custom package or USPS Flat rates. Depending on that choice, continue by adding the weight of the package and dimensions if the custom package option was selected.

Multi-Carrier dashboard package information page 1
Multi-Carrier dashboard package information page 2

Click on "show rates" to save the information and then the different options of carriers and costs will appear.

Step 4: Choose a shipper, explore rates

Select the carrier and cost option that best suits you.

Multi-Carrier dashboard carriers page

Step 5: Add any extra services

Here, you can add insurance to the package and decide whether a signature is required upon delivery. After making those selections, proceed to the final step, which is payment.

Multi-Carrier dashboard extra services page 1
Multi-Carrier dashboard extra services page 2

Step 6: Billing Information

Choose the payment method that best suits you. In the first example image, we already had a payment method added, but you can also add a card at that time.

Multi-Carrier dashboard payment info page 1
Multi-Carrier dashboard payment info page 2

Step 7: Your order has been created!

Once your payment has been successfully processed, you will be automatically directed to a confirmation page indicating your order has been generated. At this point, you will have the option to save your shipping label as a PDF. And just like that, you have your shipping label! Simply affix it to your package and you're ready to drop it off at a carrier's office or shipping center.

Multi-Carrier dashboard confirmation page

How to print shipping labels at home

Disclosure: Some links in this section are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we love and think you will too. Thanks for your support!

Now that you’ve got your shipping label from Airpals, it's time to print it and attach it to your package. Don't worry if you're new to this; we’ll show you some easy instructions for printing your shipping label at home!

Step 1: Gather all the necessary materials and equipment. Be sure you have a printer, adhesive labels or plain paper, and a good internet connection.

Step 2: Access the PDF file where you can find the shipping label from Airpals and open it on your computer.

Step 3: Adjust printer settings before printing. Be sure that you select the correct paper size and quality settings. You can customize your shipping label size directly through the pdf file in the scale section:

How to print a shipping label

If you own a shipping label printer, it's a great option for printing labels quickly and with high quality, as they are tailored for this purpose. If you don’t have one yet, consider this top-rated shipping label printer on Amazon for a more efficient shipping process!

Step 4: Once the settings are adjusted, click the print button to print your shipping label.

Step 5: Securely attach the shipping label to your package using clear tape or adhesive.

Sample of how a shipping label should be placed on a package

Now, while carriers offer solutions for printing shipping labels at home, it's essential to remember the benefits of using Airpals. With Airpals, you have the convenience of printing labels at home but also the opportunity to compare prices between different carriers and choose the best deal for your shipping needs. By choosing Airpals, you can be sure you are getting the best deal for your shipping needs while enjoying the simplicity and convenience of printing labels in the comfort of your home.

Best practices to handle your shipping labels

Now let’s explore some practical dos and don'ts for handling your Airpals shipping labels, combining real-life examples with some advice to boost your shipping experience.

DO: paste your shipping label on the largest and most flat side of the package, be sure it does not bend.

Sample of a shipping label properly placed on a package

DON’T: paste the shipping label on a corner of the package or anywhere other than the center of the package.

Sample of a misplaced shipping label 1
Sample of a misplaced shipping label 2

DO: make sure that the shipping label is printed clearly and legibly.

Sample of a well-printed shipping label

DON’T: send a package with a blurry or badly printed shipping label.

Sample of a badly printed shipping label

DO: Paste your shipping label on the largest flat surface of the package. If you don't have clear tape, leave larger margins when cutting your label to avoid covering important information.

Sample of a well-placed shipping label

DON’T: Use pieces of non-transparent tape to paste your shipping label, hiding important information for carriers.

Sample of a shipping label paste with a non-transparent tape hiding information

Shipping labels FAQs

Can you print shipping labels on a regular printer?

Yes, you can print shipping labels on a regular printer. Most shipping labels are designed to be printable on standard letter-sized paper (8.5 x 11 inches). The only requirement is that your printer is compatible with the type of paper you are using and can print at a resolution that ensures the clarity of barcodes and text. Please note that you might need to adapt the printing settings to print the label according to the size of the package.

Additionally, it's worth noting that laser and thermal label printers are also popular choices for this task. They offer alternatives for printing numerous labels rapidly and with excellent quality. Thermal printers, specifically, produce sharp, smear-resistant labels, perfect for those requiring long-lasting prints without smudging.

Can I buy and print a shipping label from my phone?

Yes, many shipping carriers offer mobile apps or mobile-friendly websites that allow you to buy and print shipping labels directly from your smartphone.

Once the label is created, you have a few options: if you have a wireless printer compatible with your phone, you can print it directly; otherwise, you can email the label to yourself or a nearby print shop for printing.

Do shipping labels expire?

Typically, shipping labels do not have an expiration date. Therefore, you must send out your packages by the specified "ship by" date, which is provided along with the tracking details for your shipment.

The duration that a shipping label remains valid depends on the carrier and the service chosen. Usually, it can range from a few days to up to a year. It's crucial to check directly with the carrier to know exactly how long your label will be valid.

Does shipping label size matter?

Yes, it does. The size of a shipping label can have an impact, as it must adhere to the carrier's guidelines and suit the package being shipped. Carriers have specific requirements for label size to facilitate smooth processing and scanning of packages. For example, shipping label sizes may vary from 4x6, 4x4, to 8.5x11 depending on the carrier and package you’re shipping. If the label is too small, it can lead to scanning errors or challenges in handling packages during transit.

We hope this information offers you valuable insights to enhance your shipping process. Create your next shipping label with Airpals, the shipping platform where you can compare different carrier’s rates and find the best options, every time.

Stay tuned for more tips and guides on optimizing your shipping process with Airpals!