Need to ship something from home or the office but don’t have a label printer? You’re not alone. Many people, whether running a small business, sending out personal packages, or managing office logistics, want a simple, reliable way to create and print shipping labels without specialized tools.
At Airpals, we make it easy. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how shipping labels work, how to create them from your computer, and how to print them using a regular printer. No fancy software, no extra equipment, just a clear, step-by-step approach you can follow anytime.
Table of Contents:
- What Is a Shipping Label?
- Before You Print: How to Create a Shipping Label with Airpals
- How to Print Shipping Labels at Home
- How to Properly Place Shipping Labels on Packages
- Printing Labels Through Carriers vs. Multi-Carrier Platforms
- Final Thoughts on How to Print Shipping Labels At Home
- Shipping labels FAQs
What Is a Shipping Label?
A shipping label is a key part of any shipment. It tells the carrier where the package is going, how to handle it, and includes tracking information. Each package needs its own label, and no two labels are the same.
What’s Included in a Shipping Label?
Shipping labels contain all the details needed to get your package to its destination. Here's what you’ll typically find:
- Sender & Recipient Info: Names, addresses, and phone numbers.
- Tracking Number & Barcode: Helps carriers scan and update your package’s journey.
- Shipping Service: The selected carrier and shipping method (e.g., USPS Priority Mail).
- Package Details: Weight and dimensions to determine cost and handling.
- Payment Info: Indicates if it’s prepaid or billed to someone else.
Whether you're sending personal gifts or business shipments, a proper shipping label ensures your package moves smoothly through the system.
Before You Print: How to Create a Shipping Label with Airpals
Before you can print a shipping label, you’ll need to generate it. Airpals multi-carrier tool makes it easy to create labels from your computer, no special software required.
Here’s how to create your shipping label step by step:
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.)
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.
Step 3: Package Information
Select the shipping date (indicating the day the package will be dropped off at the carrier office), then choose your package type: either a custom box or a carrier-provided option (commonly known as flat-rate packages). If using a custom box, enter the weight and dimensions.
Click “Show Rates” to view available shipping options.
Step 4: Choose a shipper, explore rates
Select the carrier and cost option that best suits you.
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.
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.
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!
How to Print Shipping Labels at Home
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:
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.
How to Properly Place Shipping Labels on Packages
Now let’s explore some practical dos and don'ts for handling your 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.
DON’T: paste the shipping label on a corner of the package or anywhere other than the center of the package.
DO: make sure that the shipping label is printed clearly and legibly.
DON’T: send a package with a blurry or 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.
DON’T: Use pieces of non-transparent tape to paste your shipping label, hiding important information for carriers.
Printing Labels Through Carriers vs. Multi-Carrier Platforms
Most carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx allow you to create and print shipping labels directly from their websites. While this can be useful for occasional shipments, it often comes with limitations, especially if you want to compare pricing, delivery speed, or service types.
If you're shipping more regularly or want more flexibility, using a platform that connects multiple carriers in one place can help you make more informed choices. Instead of switching between different websites or creating multiple accounts, you can manage everything from a single interface.
This is where tools like Airpals come in. With Airpals Multi-Carrier Platform, you can access shipping options from major carriers, compare rates in real time, and print your labels directly, all from one dashboard. It’s a practical solution for individuals or teams looking for a faster, more organized way to manage their shipments.
Final Thoughts on How to Print Shipping Labels At Home
Printing shipping labels at home isn’t just possible, it’s easy, efficient, and cost-effective. With tools like Airpals, you don’t need expensive equipment or multiple carrier accounts. Just enter your shipment details, compare carrier options, and print your label in minutes.
So next time you need to ship something, skip the post office line. Use Airpals Multi-Carrier Platform and ship smarter from home.
Shipping labels FAQs
Can you print shipping labels on a regular printer?
Yes, you can print shipping labels on a regular printer. Most carriers allow you to print labels on standard 8.5 x 11-inch paper using an inkjet or laser printer. Just make sure your printer produces clear text and barcodes for accurate scanning. To attach the label, you can tape it to the package or use adhesive label sheets compatible with regular printers.
Can I buy and print a shipping label from my phone?
Yes, you can buy and print a shipping label from your phone. Most carriers and shipping platforms offer mobile apps or mobile-friendly websites where you can create a label. Once purchased, you can print the label using a wireless printer, or send the file to your email or a nearby print shop for printing.
Do shipping labels expire?
Yes, shipping labels can expire. Most labels include a “ship by” date, and they are usually valid for a few days up to a year, depending on the carrier and service. To avoid issues, always check the expiration policy of the specific carrier before using the label.
Does shipping label size matter?
Yes, shipping label size matters. Labels must follow carrier guidelines to ensure they can be scanned and processed correctly. Common sizes include: 4" x 6" (standard for thermal printers); 8.5" x 11" (for regular printers); 4" x 4" (used by some services). Incorrect sizes can lead to scanning errors or delivery delays.
How do I print USPS labels at home?
You can print USPS shipping labels at home using Airpals. Just enter your shipment info, choose USPS, and download the label as a PDF. Once downloaded, print the label on regular 8.5 x 11 paper or adhesive label sheets using a standard printer. Make sure the barcode is clear and the label is securely attached to your package before drop-off.