Shippo Shipping [Complete Guide]

1) Introduction

Shippo is an American shipping software that assists e-commerce businesses with logistical and shipping operations using API. It has partnered with a multitude of carriers and provides easy, hassle-free integration. It also allows businesses to track packages, print shipping labels, and schedule order pickups. It also integrates with many well-known companies ranging from GoDaddy to Weebly. 

With such a wide variety of services, Shippo is considered an ideal choice even for new and inexperienced businesses. But perhaps their most essential feature is the Shippo Shipping functionality.

2) Features of Shippo Shipping

Shippo is a logistics and shipping software that provides a wide suite of features. It is such a popular choice because it handles almost all operations from its side, integrating multiple carriers into a single dashboard and allowing clients to manage it as they see fit. Some of the  major benefits of choosing Shippo and its shipping services are:

2.1) Track Shipments

As a shipping API, the first and foremost task is to allow businesses to track and manage their shipments. It also sends e-mail notifications regarding the current location of the order and estimated delivery time.

2.2) Streamline the Shipping Process

Especially important for new and small businesses, Shippo takes care of the shipping process very efficiently, using multiple APIs along with the help of its shipping labels and tracking features. Its diverse functionality means it is very versatile and customers do not have to worry about anything on their end.

2.3) Customizable API

Shippo Shipping allows customers to customize its packaging and shipping solutions as per their specific needs and requirements. They can choose from a wide pool of carriers and individualize the process for their buyers.

2.4) Free Trial

Shippo allows users to opt for a free trial and check out the features before deciding to become regular customers and continue paying. Additionally, it provides paid plans with specialized services that some businesses might require.

2.5) Print Shipping Labels

Shippo also allows businesses to print shipping labels easily, including the ones integrated with other marketplaces such as Shopify or WooCommerce.

3) List of Shippo Shipping Partners

Shippo has agreements with various shipping partners to provide their users with a comprehensive and well-rounded experience. Some of their shipping partners are:-

3.1) US Postal Service

USPS is one of Shippo’s most popular and well-known partners. It offers up to 90% off retail rates and allows you to connect easily with more than 85 other Shipping carriers. It also pre-fills customs documentation for international orders and adds shipping insurance to protect the orders.

3.2) FedEx

Shippo offers seamless integration with FedEx, a major shipping partner. It provides features such as shareable tracking, automatic syncing of orders, and validation of addresses to ensure proper deliveries.

3.3) DHL 

Shippo integrates with DHL to offer a range of services such as scheduled pick-ups and hassle-free returns. It generates standalone as well as scan-based return labels to ensure the customer can return products easily and safely.

3.4) UPS

Shippo provides its users with various delivery options and discounts with UPS, along with on-demand tracking and returns. Some of the rates include up to 55% off on UPS ground shipments and up to 69% off on UPS Second-Day Air Service.

4) Does Shippo Shipping allow you to compare shipping rates?

Yes, Shippo allows users to compare the costs for shipping as well as the shipping time in some cases. It allows rate comparisons from all its leading carriers and shipping partners in real-time. It also provides an at-a-glance view of all your shipping expenses, allowing the customers to make a well-informed decision regarding which carrier suits their needs the best.

Using the Shippo eCommerce shipping software, users can connect their accounts with over 50 carriers, compare the rates for a specific package, and select the best option accordingly.

5) Shippo Shipping Rates

Shippo offers discounted shipping rates with multiple carriers. It also claims to offer the best prices for all specified shipments. The price per shipping label is around 0.05 USD. The shipping rates that Shippo offers can be broken down into two major parts:-

1. Flat Rate: This consists of a pre-determined cost, irrespective of what or how many products are being ordered.
2. Live Rate: This rate is calculated on the basis of the product weight, volume, dimensions, and quantity. It is subject to change.

Once the flat rate and live rate are calculated, 0.05 USD as label cost is added to the total amount, thus displaying a final quote. However, this fee is waived when using Shippo’s carrier accounts with USPS, UPS, DHL, and some others.

In addition, Shippo provides discounted rates with multiple carriers, particularly USPS. The USPS shipping rates can be easily calculated on the official Shippo website itself.

6) Does Shippo Provide Automatic Shipping Label Printing?

The Shippo Shipping Labels API allows users to automatically create, purchase and print shipping labels from any carrier. These labels can then be affixed to the shipments for delivery.

At the same time, it does not provide the shipping or packaging supplies or the paper supplies for label printing. Users are required to make arrangements for their own paper supplies.

Users have to enter their package dimensions, select their preferred shipping rates, and the label is created automatically.

Once the label is printed, all the customer needs to do is to attach it to the parcel and either drop it off or schedule a pickup with one of Shippo’s many shipping partners.

7) Shippo Shipping API integration for Order Tracking

The Shippo Shipping API integration for Order Tracking allows users to check up on and track their shipments in real-time. It uses push notifications to inform the users of any updates and keeps a record of the tracking history.

Shippo also helps e-commerce businesses set up their own branded page for their customers, allowing the tracking of individual live shipments so that the customer knows where their order is at all times.

8) Conclusion

To sum up, we have seen the various features that the Shippo API platform has to offer when it comes to shipping. Its specific features such as label creation, unified dashboard, real-time tracking, and discounted rates make it the ideal choice for businesses or sellers that are just starting out and don’t have their own digital or logistical infrastructure.
All in all, it’s a solid platform for all the specified reasons. Still, if you’re an experienced business or want specialized logistical operations, you might have to go for the higher-paid plans or look for other options.