-1.png)
Table of Contents
10 Best Shipping Software for Small Businesses in 2025
Overview
Efficient shipping processes can make or break customer satisfaction and profitability in this competitive small business landscape. As eCommerce and digital retail continue to grow, small businesses are increasingly adopting shipping software to improve operations. This demand is evident in the numbers: the global shipping software market was valued at USD 37 million in 2020. It is projected to reach USD 58 million by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.5%.
Small businesses constitute 99.9% of all American enterprises. Today, they are uniquely positioned to benefit from shipping solutions that improve workflows, reduce shipping costs, and amplify customer experience. Tools that integrate easily with online platforms like Shopify, Etsy, or eBay can transform the logistics process. They enable businesses to meet rising consumer expectations.
Why Shipping Software Matters for Small Businesses:
-
Time-Saving Automation: Automates repetitive tasks, allowing businesses to focus on growth.
-
Cost Efficiency: Provides discounted shipping rates and helps select the best carriers.
-
Buyer’s Satisfaction: Real-time tracking and updates boost the buyer’s experience.
The Importance of Shipping Software for Small Businesses
Small businesses face unique logistics challenges, from managing limited resources to meeting customer demands for fast and affordable shipping. The best shipping software solutions address these challenges. Hence, they empower businesses to deliver efficiently and scale operations.
Key Reasons Why Small Businesses Need Shipping Software
-
Real-Time Updates for Transparency: Customers expect real-time updates on their orders. The best shipping software allows small businesses to provide precise shipment tracking. That improves transparency and reduces customer anxiety.
-
Efficient Inventory Management: Advanced shipping solutions integrate inventory management, ensuring that products are always in stock and ready to ship. It minimizes delays and improves order accuracy.
-
Cost-Effective Carrier Selection: Many shipping tools offer rate comparison features that enable small businesses to select the most affordable shipping options. Some software solutions also offer shipping discounts.
-
Streamlined Returns Management: Handling returns can be complex, but shipping software simplifies the process with automated return labels and real-time tracking. A smooth return process can boost customer loyalty.
-
Improved Customer Experience: Fast, accurate, and affordable shipping enhances customer experience. Businesses using shipping software can meet these demands while standing out from competitors.
Key Features of Shipping Software for Small Businesses
The best shipping software solution should simplify logistics, reduce shipping costs, and boost efficiency. Here are the essential features to look for:
1. Quick Order Processing
Shipping software improves workflows to process orders faster. By automating steps like order consolidation and package preparation, these tools reduce manual errors and speed up dispatch. It is especially helpful during peak seasons when order volumes spike.
2. Rate Comparison
One of the most valuable features for small businesses is the ability to compare real-time shipping rates from multiple carriers. It helps small businesses select cost-effective shipping methods without compromising delivery timelines, saving money while meeting customer expectations.
3. Tracking Capabilities
Shipping software integrates directly with carrier systems and provides real-time updates to businesses and customers. This feature ensures complete visibility of the shipment journey. As a result, it helps businesses proactively resolve delays and keep customers informed.
4. Label Generation
Automated label creation improves the shipping process by reducing the time spent on manual entry. Shipping software ensures that shipping labels are accurate and compliant with carrier requirements. It helps businesses avoid costly errors.
5. Inventory Management Integration
For small businesses, inventory management integration is critical. Shipping software synchronizes inventory levels across sales channels. It prevents stockouts and ensures that customers can order with confidence. This feature also supports better forecasting and restocking decisions.
10 Best Shipping Software for Small Businesses in 2025
Selecting the right shipping software is a pivotal decision for small businesses aiming to improve operations and meet customer expectations. With the growing demands of eCommerce, businesses require tools that cater specifically to their needs, offering efficiency, cost savings, and improved customer experiences. Below, we explore the top 10 shipping software solutions, detailing their features, benefits, and pricing to help small businesses make informed decisions.
1. ClickPost
ClickPost is a global leader in shipping software. It offers small businesses an intuitive platform to manage and augment logistics operations. Known for its robust multi-carrier integration and advanced analytics, ClickPost is one of the best shipping software options that helps businesses simplify shipping processes, improve customer experience, and reduce operational complexities. Its AI-driven solutions for return-to-origin (RTO) management and cash-on-delivery (COD) remittance cycles make it particularly advantageous for small businesses in eCommerce.
Key Features
-
Multi-Carrier Integration: Flawlessly connects over 150 carriers to modernize operations.
-
Branded Tracking Pages: Amplifies customer engagement with customized tracking portals.
-
NDR Management: Automates resolution of delivery exceptions, reducing failed deliveries.
-
Quick COD Remittance: Ensures faster cash flow by shortening COD cycles.
-
Returns Management System: Simplifies return processes for both businesses and customers.
Custom pricing tailored to business needs. Contact ClickPost for a detailed quote.
2. AfterShip
AfterShip is a versatile shipping management software tailored for small businesses. It offers real-time shipment tracking and returns automation. With integrations across 1,151 carriers, it provides global visibility into shipments and automates customer notifications. Its AI-driven delivery predictions boost accuracy and ensure a smooth post-purchase experience.
Key Features
-
Branded Tracking Pages: Strengthens brand identity while keeping customers informed.
-
AI-Enhanced Predictions: Provides accurate estimated delivery dates.
-
Return Management: Simplifies the returns process with automated workflows.
-
Essentials: $11/month
-
Pro: $119/month
-
Premium: $239/month
3. ShipStation
ShipStation is a popular choice among small businesses for its extensive integrations and user-friendly interface. With support for over 300 platforms, it simplifies order management and provides discounted shipping rates from major carriers. Its branded tracking and shipping labels improve professionalism and customer experience.
Key Features
-
Discounted Shipping Rates: Offers cost-effective options with DHL, USPS, and UPS.
-
Order Management: Consolidate, split, or filter orders efficiently.
-
Real-Time Rates: Compare shipping costs on the dashboard for informed decisions.
Free shipping software for up to 25 shipments/month
Plans range from $9.99/month to $229.99/month for enterprise users.
4. Shippo
Shippo is a cost-effective solution for small businesses seeking robust shipping tools. Its multi-carrier integration and automation features make it easy to manage shipments, print shipping labels, and track deliveries. Shippo’s international shipping support is particularly beneficial for businesses looking to expand globally.
Key Features
-
Multi-Carrier Support: Access 40+ carrier networks.
-
Automation Tools: Automates label creation and shipping workflows.
-
International Shipping: Simplifies cross-border logistics with custom forms and tax calculators.
Free plan available.
Pro: $19/month.
5. ShippingEasy
ShippingEasy lives up to its name by simplifying shipping processes for small businesses. With robust automation tools and access to discounted carrier rates, it helps businesses save time and money. Its Shopify Seller Suite offers easy integration with popular eCommerce platforms.
Key Features
-
Rate Comparison: Provides competitive carrier rates.
-
Automated Shipping Labels: Speeds up fulfillment with rule-based workflows.
-
Centralized Order Management: Consolidates orders from multiple platforms.
Free shipping software for up to 25 shipments/month
Paid plans start at $19.99/month.
6. Ordoro
Ordoro is a Texas-based shipping solution designed for small sellers. It simplifies fulfillment workflows with features like barcode scanning, order splitting, and bulk label printing. Its inventory management tools and dropshipping capabilities make it a comprehensive solution for small businesses.
Key Features
-
Order Verification: Reduces errors with pick-and-pack workflows.
-
Inventory Integration: Synchronizes stock across platforms.
-
Carrier Discounts: Helps reduce the overall costs by offering discounted rates.
-
Free for basic shipping.
-
Advanced: $59/month.
7. EasyShip
EasyShip is a globally recognized shipping platform that offers small businesses access to pre-negotiated rates from 250+ couriers. Its intuitive dashboard simplifies customs paperwork and tax calculations, making it an excellent choice for international shipping.
Key Features
-
Discounted Rates: It offers discounted rates and helps save up to 91% on overall costs.
-
Customizable Branding: Offers branded checkout and tracking pages.
-
Global Shipping: Facilitates cross-border logistics with automated documentation.
-
Free (up to 50 shipments/month).
-
Paid plans start at $29/month.
8. Shipsy
Shipsy offers an all-in-one platform for small businesses looking to facilitate logistics operations. Features like route optimization and automated dispatch ensure the smooth management of both local and international shipments.
Key Features
-
Real-Time Tracking: Provides visibility into shipment movements.
-
Multi-Modal Transport: Supports air, sea, and road freight operations.
-
Cost Management: Analyzes freight costs to identify savings opportunities.
Available upon request.
9. ShipWell
ShipWell combines supply chain management with shipping solutions, offering small businesses a platform to handle logistics and freight operations. Its AI-powered tools provide insights into carrier performance, enabling businesses to elevate delivery strategies.
Key Features
-
Load Optimization: Maximizes freight capacity to reduce costs.
-
Dock Scheduling: Improves loading and unloading operations.
-
Carrier Management: Simplifies working with multiple shipping providers.
Available upon request.
10. WeSupplyLabs
WeSupplyLabs focuses on after-sales management and shipping solutions to upgrade the customer experience. By offering tools like flexible return rules and CSAT scoring, it empowers small businesses to build loyalty and retain customers.
Key Features
-
Return Management: Automates return processes with smart shipping rules.
-
Customer Insights: Tracks satisfaction metrics like CSAT and NPS.
-
Delivery Date Accuracy: Reflects precise estimated delivery dates at checkout.
Custom pricing based on business needs.
Benefits of Using Shipping Software for Small Businesses
Shipping software offers numerous benefits that address the unique challenges faced by small businesses. By automating processes and enhancing efficiency, these tools enable businesses to focus on growth and customer experience.
Key Features
-
Time-Saving Automation: This technology automates repetitive tasks like label generation and carrier selection, freeing up time for strategic business activities.
-
Cost Reduction: These tools provide access to discounted rates and rate comparison tools, helping businesses get significant discounts.
-
Inventory Management: Synchronizes inventory levels across platforms to prevent stockouts or overstocking.
-
Improved Customer Experience: Offers real-time tracking and proactive notifications, enhancing transparency and trust.
-
Easy Integration: Integrates with existing eCommerce platforms and tools for a unified logistics workflow.
-
Scalability: Supports business growth by handling increasing order volumes and expanding carrier networks.
How to Choose Shipping Software for Your Small Business
Given the array of options available, choosing the right shipping software can feel overwhelming for small business owners. A well-suited tool simplifies logistics and also empowers businesses to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and build stronger customer relationships. To help you navigate this decision-making process, we have broken down the key factors to consider when selecting the best shipping software platforms for your needs.
1. Define Your Goals and Needs
Before selecting a shipping tool, it is crucial to define what you want to achieve. Are you looking to reduce shipping costs, handle larger order volumes, or improve delivery tracking? Identifying your challenges and aligning them with your business objectives can narrow down your options.
For example, if inventory management is an issue, choose software that helps track inventory and gives low-stock alerts. If managing multiple carriers is time-consuming, prioritize software that automates rate comparisons and provides dynamic carrier recommendations. This clarity ensures you invest in a solution tailored to your specific needs.
2. Look for Multi-Carrier Support
Multi-carrier support is a must for small ecommerce businesses aiming to reach broader markets. By integrating with various carriers, shipping software lets you compare rates, select the best shipping option for each order, and maintain flexibility during peak seasons or carrier downtimes.
This capability is instrumental when scaling your business. For instance, you might choose one carrier for local deliveries while using a different one for international shipping. Such flexibility ensures cost efficiency and consistent service quality across regions.
3. Prioritize Integration with E-Commerce Platforms
Your shipping software should integrate effortlessly with your existing systems to ensure a smooth flow of information between sales, inventory, and shipping operations. Tools that connect with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or QuickBooks can automatically import orders, sync inventory levels, and update order statuses.
Look for solutions that also support third-party integrations, such as inventory management systems or customer relationship management (CRM) tools. This integration minimizes manual entry errors and reduces operational bottlenecks, allowing your business to focus on growth.
4. Evaluate Automated Label Creation Features
For businesses handling a growing number of orders, automated label creation is indispensable. This feature allows you to print shipping labels in batches, reducing processing time and errors.
Consider software that integrates with scales and printers for accurate weight calculations and label generation. For example, a tool that updates tracking details on the dashboard automatically can save you hours daily. That will allow you to focus on customer service and other core business areas.
5. Assess Returns Management Capabilities
Returns are an inevitable part of running a business, and how you manage them can significantly impact customer satisfaction. Effective shipping software should offer reverse logistics features like automated return label generation, real-time status updates, and easy-to-use return portals.
For instance, a return portal that tracks items from the customer back to your inventory ensures transparency and helps restock items quickly. This capability boosts the customer experience and also optimizes inventory management.
6. Compare Pricing Models
Understanding the cost implications of different shipping software is essential, especially for small businesses with tight budgets. Compare plans that offer free trials or tiered pricing based on shipment volumes.
While free plans may seem appealing, they often come with limited features. Ensure the software provides a balance between affordability and functionality, such as access to discounted carrier rates or advanced analytics in higher-tier plans. This will ensure you receive value for your investment as your business grows.
7. Check Customer Support Options
Reliable customer support can be a lifesaver, especially when unexpected issues arise. Ensure your chosen software offers multiple support channels, including live chat, email, and phone support.
Additionally, look for a knowledge base, tutorial videos, or webinars provided by the software company. These self-help resources can reduce downtime and empower your team to troubleshoot common issues independently. Strong customer support builds confidence and ensures smooth adoption of the software.
8. Consider Reporting and Analytics Features
Advanced reporting tools can offer invaluable insights into your shipping operations. Look for software that consolidates data across platforms, tracks carrier performance, and provides inventory forecasts.
For example, analytics can help you identify high-performing products, monitor shipping costs, and evaluate delivery success rates. These insights enable you to make data-driven decisions, upgrade resources, and stay competitive in the market.
Choosing the right shipping software is a critical step for small ecommerce businesses seeking to improve logistics efficiency. By carefully evaluating these factors—your goals, integration needs, automation capabilities, and support options—you can find a tool that meets your current requirements and also supports your growth in the long term.
Unlock Flawless Shipping Solutions with ClickPost – Perfect for Small Businesses
As a small business owner, you know the importance of efficient shipping in building customer loyalty and staying competitive. ClickPost offers a robust shipping solution tailored to small businesses, helping you simplify your logistics and elevate the customer experience.
With ClickPost, you gain access to multi-carrier shipping options, tracking in real time, automated notifications, and powerful analytics—all from a single platform. Whether you are scaling up or optimizing operations, ClickPost helps you make smarter decisions, compare carrier rates, and ensure timely deliveries. Take the next step towards hassle-free shipping today. Get started with ClickPost and transform the way you ship!
The Final Thoughts
Shipping software has become a strategic asset for small businesses. The right solution refines your logistics and empowers you to meet customer expectations, manage costs, and support your growth journey. In an age where convenience and speed are key, shipping solutions act as a bridge between your business and your customers. They ensure trust and satisfaction at every touchpoint.
As you navigate your options, remember that the best shipping software is one that aligns with your unique business needs. From multi-carrier support to automated processes, each feature can make a significant difference in your daily operations. By choosing a solution like ClickPost, you are not just optimizing logistics; you are creating a foundation for lasting success. It is time to embrace smarter shipping strategies and unlock the potential of your business.