Overview of Shipping or Logistics or Courier Software for eCommerce
The logistics industry has steadily built its way up over the past half-century. The eCommerce industry has changed the way people enjoy their shopping experience, bringing millions of people to online storefronts. The seamless services of Shipping, logistics, and courier software companies were at the center of this development.
With the onset of e-commerce in the 21st century, courier software companies made rapid changes to handle the increasing delivery demands. To address these numerous changes, eCommerce companies turned to logistics software.
Ecommerce businesses with large monthly order volumes (between 3000 and 10000) typically rely on more than two shipping companies to serve their customers. However, more carriers mean additional efforts are required to monitor both the delivered orders and the shipping partners' performance over various periods.
This is where eCommerce shipping and courier software comes in to streamline the management of heavy order volumes. Shipping logistics software can help in every delivery aspect, from order creation to customer updates and even a smooth return journey. Let’s explore the different e-commerce shipping software that online businesses worldwide rely on.
What is Shipping or Logistics or Courier Software, and How Do They Work?
Logistics, as we see it today, functions much more streamlined way. That is in large part due to logistics software. Ecommerce shipping/courier/logistics software, in the simplest terms, are shipping systems that allow eCommerce service providers to integrate with multiple shipping companies. Courier software uses tech-enabled features to provide more efficient logistics solutions like speedy delivery and real-time automated order tracking.
These logistics software automate various delivery processes and shipping services that previously had to be carried out manually. These automated systems help streamline and optimize the delivery process. This software can help you manage shipments, supply chain, carrier selection, and order management across multiple third-party logistics providers, among many other things.
Depending on the range of available features, shipping and courier software can also help identify problem areas and address significant challenges. Courier software enables both the logistics and eCommerce industries to grow side-by-side as more and more customers choose the online shopping experience. They can be synonymous with the growth of eCommerce companies.
Top 15 Logistics or Courier or Shipping Software for eCommerce Companies [2023 Updated List]
Logistics Software can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some courier software focuses on cloud-based supply chain management solutions. Others may provide overall logistics solutions. This includes everything from AI-driven courier recommendation engines and real-time electronic proof of delivery to automated NDR management protocols.
All over the globe, eCommerce businesses are using the best logistics and shipping software to revolutionize the online shopping experience. Over 100 million of our country’s residents now prefer to make their purchases online.
It's up to the logistics industry to keep up with their demands. To give you a better understanding of how transportation management software works, here are the top 15 logistics/courier/shipping software that can help you get some insight into how this various software operates and how they can help you.
1) ClickPost
ClickPost is a top-level logistics and shipping intelligence software in the world. This company uses its supply chain management software to integrate and automate various shipping solutions. This ensures that customers are given the best delivery experience and that eCommerce enterprises have the room they need to grow their business.
Features:
1.1) This powerful delivery management software uses APIs to simplify order creation for eCommerce businesses.
1.2)ClickPost uses push and pull APIs to provide to-the-minute tracking updates to customers via a customizable and brandable tracking page.
1.3)Customers are also provided real-time tracking updates via notifications through different channels (SMS, email, and WhatsApp).
1.4) One of the flagship features of this warehouse management software is the NDR management feature. It enables quick responses to failed deliveries.
1.5) It reaches out to customers with issue-specific queries and actively works to convert such orders into successful deliveries, thereby reducing RTOs.
1.6) ClickPost offers integrations with 120+ logistics companies in India and across the globe, like FedEx, DHL, and Blue Dart.
1.7) All courier companies' performance data is viewable on the dashboard. This enables improvement initiatives that can be carried out regularly.
Pros: ClickPost offers the broadest range of features and shipping services. It has high-standard tech capabilities to ensure more streamlined services.
Cons: ClickPost is most appropriate for large businesses. Only a specific category of SMBs can utilize ClickPost effectively.
2) Aftership
Aftership is a Hong Kong-based company that provides global eCommerce shipping management software. It was founded in 2011 and served brands all across the globe.
Features:
2.1) Aftership allows eCommerce businesses to choose their ideal shipping partners from 600+ integrated third-party logistics providers.
2.2) It also maintains integrations with the most prominent online storefronts and marketplaces like eBay, Magento, and Shopify.
2.3) The main feature of this courier/shipping software is the automated shipment tracking mechanism.
2.4) Aftership uses its custom tracking page to update customers at each delivery stage.
2.5)These order tracking updates are also visible to customers via a branded tracking page.
Pros: The main benefit of Aftership is easy implementation and integration with partnered systems.
Cons: In the case of large businesses with high order volumes, delays and inaccuracies in tracking are known to occur more frequently.
3) FreightPop
FreightPop joins Narvar and Shippo as a California-based shipping software that works on a global scale. FreightPop is a shipping management solution designed to provide optimal integration solutions. It functions as a reliable transportation management software, even when WMS and ERP services are not used.
Features:
3.1) Distribution of orders is easier using FreightPop as it is integrated with 300+ shipping companies.
3.2)Through this partnership, negotiable rates are provided to e-commerce businesses for shipping.
3.3) This software also allows rates, shipments, invoices, and other complexities to be monitored and audited regularly to reduce freight discrepancies.
3.4) FreightPop aids ecommerce businesses in handling both domestic and international freight.
Pros: FreightPop enables better visibility of orders and easy warehouse management, regardless of existing partnerships.
Cons: For large companies, implementation and integration with FreightPop can be a tedious process.
4) MetaPack
MetaPack is a London-based transportation management software company that provides eCommerce businesses with highly functional shipping software. This shipping software enables order management regarding both forward and reverse logistics journeys.
Features:
4.1) This shipping management software is integrated with 400+ shipping companies that e-commerce businesses can partner with to avail services.
4.2) These services include international delivery, express delivery, and customs documentation.
4.3) MetaPack maintains 350000+ storage facilities all across the planet to provide pick-up and drop services on a global scale.
4.4) It provides customers with real-time tracking updates.
Pros: Metapack is one of the few courier software that enables ecommerce companies to tap into their existing supply chain.
Cons: Metapack offers a limited range of features and has minimal serviceability in the US and Asia.
5) Narvar
Narvar is a US-based shipping software company that serves ecommerce businesses across Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region. Over 800 brands, spread across 38 nations, use the Narvar.
Features:
5.1) This shipping management software helps to create orders and process and pack them.
5.2) Narvar ensures that the orders are efficiently delivered to customers alongside frequent tracking updates.
5.3) Narvar also has numerous Concierge Centres available all across the globe. Here orders can be picked up, or returning orders can be dropped off.
Pros: Customer experience can be improved through order tracking accuracy and estimated delivery dates.
Cons: Narvar’s concierge services are primarily restricted based on the shipping partner.
6) Shippo
Shippo, like Narvar, is a California-based ecommerce shipping management software that operates most heavily in its country of incorporation. Founded in 2013, it has expanded its services to include international shipments and fulfill global orders.
Features:
6.1) This software actively aids ecommerce businesses in printing shipping labels, creating packing slips, and ensure customers receive real-time tracking updates.
6.2) An automated system is used to send customers email notifications when orders have been picked up from the origin warehouse and when they have been delivered.
6.3) This software also provides regulatory clarity for imported or exported orders.
Pros: Shippo provides regular validation checks to reduce inaccuracies in delivery and is easily used once implemented.
Cons: Implementation of Shippo can be a complex process, and only a limited range of shipping services are available.
7) ShipStation
ShipStation is a shipping software across Europe, North America, and Australia. This shipping software gives eCommerce businesses access to a multitude of a different order and delivery-related services to improve overall efficiency.
Features:
7.1) ShipStation provides integrations with online marketplaces like Etsy and Walmart and selling channels like Shopify and Squarespace.
7.2) ShipStation is also tied up with QuickBooks, which provides enterprise customers with a wide range of accounting services.
7.3) Stock management and customized labels are services this shipping software aids with.
7.4) This software is available for purchase with different payment plans in accordance with the monthly volume of orders, starting at $9 for 50 orders to $159 for 10,000 orders.
Pros: ShipStation is a shipping software that is easy to implement, integrate and use.
Cons: It is most effective for small and medium businesses and provides minimal customer support services.
8) Shippy Pro
Shippy Pro is a cloud-based shipping and supply chain software that emerged from Italy in 2017. Automating tasks reduces labor, costs, and time spent on each order. With the software, you can automate your order creation, order tracking, and customer notification workflows.
Features:
8.1) This shipment management software is integrated with 130+ global carriers.
8.2) It also offers integration with 20+ online marketplaces and selling channels like WooCommerce, Amazon, Magento, and Shopify.
8.3) Everything from printing shipping labels to placing return requests is a streamlined process with Shippy Pro.
Pros: Shippy Pro is known for having a user-friendly interface that enables seamless order tracking.
Cons: Customer support services are only available over chat. Additional features typically incur extraneous costs, unsuitable for small businesses.
9) ShipWell
This US-based company provides shipping software that works specifically to keep shipping companies and eCommerce businesses consistently connected. It also helps to support supply chain processes smoothly.
Features:
9.1) Shipping companies are given the choice of bidding on freights to select consignments using ShipWell’s load board proprietary matching algorithm.
9.2) Each order is assigned to the correct shipping partner in accordance with the e-commerce business preference and the shipping partners.
9.3) In addition to order creation, manifestation, and tracking, this supply chain software also enables carriers to determine optimal routes for smooth delivery.
9.4) This route optimization, coupled with the tracking mechanism of the software, enables delivery agents to eliminate in-transit blindspots.
Pros: With Shipwell, both implementation and onboarding are carried out quickly. The platform is also known for its ease of navigation.
Cons: Very few features of Shipwell shipping software are customizable. This software is also not equipped to deal with delivery challenges.
10) Veeqo
Veeqo is a supply chain software developed in the UK in 2013 to handle inventory management and shipment management for e-commerce businesses across the UK and the globe. Hundreds of eCommerce businesses in England currently make use of this software.
Features:
10.1) Veeqo enables businesses to synchronize their inventory across many integrated selling channels and online marketplaces like Shopify, eBay, Amazon and Magento.
10.2) This order management software regularly appraises stock and can forecast inventory status to ensure stock is always available when an order is placed.
10.3) In addition to highly efficient inventory management solutions, this shipping software provides customers with real-time tracking updates.
Pros: Veeqo allows eCommerce stocks to be designated to different warehouses and stores. It also enables better communication between other partners.
Cons: Each supplier must be independently integrated, leading to numerous technical issues and difficulties in onboarding.
11) FarEye
FarEye was founded in 2009 and operated in 30+ countries across the world. It is a leading supply chain management and courier software. This freight forwarding software is available to eCommerce businesses the world over. It provides a low-code/no-code delivery intelligence and management platform to optimize shipment speeds.
Features:
11.1) FarEye uses plug-and-play integrations, AI-driven engines, and other tech-based solutions. This creates what they describe as more personalized delivery experiences for customers.
11.2) The software also acts as a data aggregator. It tracks and monitors orders and last-mile delivery operations to allow enhancements to be made more quickly.
11.3) Its transportation visibility software enables a more straightforward orchestration of deliveries and route optimization. It also allows the most accurate ETA information to be passed on to customers.
11.4) Smart devices are provided to delivery agents to enable them to give customers real-time tracking updates.
Pros: FarEye is an easy-to-use platform that offers good support during integration and implementation.
Cons: The process of implementation of FarEye is somewhat long and complex. There are also numerous limitations to the features and their functionality.
12) Loginext
Founded in 2014, California-based logistics company Loginext works to provide secure and automated logistics services through its state-of-the-art logistics management software. It offers end-to-end logistics and shipping solutions through a comprehensive dashboard.
Features:
12.1) Loginext’s dashboard enables both in-depth analytics to be performed alongside other significant functions.
12.2) These include route planning and optimization and order visibility. Order visibility involves tracking shipment capacities and order volumes.
12.3) Another automated function is the receipt of real-time E-Proof-of-Delivery in the form of the customer’s e-signature.
12.4) Its fleet management system collects historical data on transportation systems. It can also monitor driver behavior, fuel utilization efficiency, and other vehicle-specific metrics.
12.5) It enabled on-demand and scheduled deliveries to be performed with ease. This includes scheduling pickup for returns and route optimization for return journeys.
Pros: Loginext Mile is known for its efficient tracking system and returns management.
Cons: Only certain last-mile delivery services are provided, resulting in delayed response times. Implementation can be complex based on the systems being integrated.
13) ParcelLab
Parcellab is a logistics software platform founded in 2014 in Munich, Germany, and has been operational since 2015. Today it is among the most extensive courier software in Europe. It serves 500+ clients that are major brands like Bose and Nespresso by focusing on operations experience management to improve brand interactions.
Features:
13.1) With the ParcelLab software, eCommerce service providers can access courier and storefront integrations. This enables customers to easily engage with your brand and access a branded “Order Status” page from your website.
13.2) The software can send regular order tracking updates to customers via email notifications.
13.3) ParcelLab’s software focuses on the operations experience provided by every e-commerce business.
13.4) It uses delivery data and analytics to enhance the customer experience and improve brand loyalty. This is done through brand-based customizations and personalized communications to customers.
Pros: Both implementation and onboarding of ParcelLab are simplified processes. Good support services are also made available.
Cons: Large businesses will find it difficult to manage orders with ParcelLab as a limited range of features is available.
14) ParcelPerform
ParcelPerform is an ecommerce shipping and courier software that enables ecommerce businesses to speed up their delivery process through various shipping processes. ParcelPerform can manage inventory, store products, and provide faster delivery to customers.
Features:
14.1) ParcelPerform is integrated with 50+ logistics companies in addition to online selling channels like Shopify and Squarespace.
14.2) The platform also offers other software integrations like with accounting channel QuickBooks and numerous ERP systems.
14.3) ParcelPerform also enables eCommerce service providers to customize various processes in delivery service, like shipping labels and packaging.
14.4) Inventory management is made simpler through regular stock reporting and data analytics.
Pros: ParcelPerform offers easy integration with many systems and logistics partners. The platform is also simple and easy to use.
Cons: ParcelPerform offers features most suited for small and medium enterprises. It does not enable the identification of delivery exceptions and enhances the delivery experience.
15) WeSupplyLabs
WeSupplyLabs is post-purchase customer service and shipping software that oversees the entire shipping operations of ecommerce businesses. With WeSupplyLabs, online companies can provide WMS, OMS, and real-time order tracking features to online shoppers.
Features:
15.1) WeSupplyLabs provides integrations with numerous selling channels, storefronts like Shopify and Magento, and virtual marketplaces like eBay and Amazon. This enables e-commerce businesses to manage their inventory across multiple platforms where customers can place orders.
15.2) The software ensures that inventory accounts and bookkeeping are synchronized across all channels and platforms. The main goal is to ensure that every order placed has the necessary stock available to be fulfilled. This should be regardless of the medium used by the eCommerce business.
15.3) This software enables them to make regular stock appraisals. It also provides data on inventory forecasting, so businesses are informed as soon as stocks run low or run out.
15.4) In addition to inventory management, WeSupplyLabs also provides a platform for viewing all orders across multiple logistics partners on a single platform.
Pros: WeSupplyLabs is known for enabling more efficient communication between systems. It also allows ecommerce businesses to control stock supply to different storage locations and stores.
Cons: To manage inventory across multiple vendors, each vendor must be individually integrated. More extensive stocks require a more complex implementation and integration process.
How to Choose the Best Shipping, Courier, or Logistics Software for your eCommerce Business?
While the overall service provided by every shipping software is essentially the same, each maintains its area of operation and field of expertise, from transportation management to inventory management. It’s important to remember the vital role that courier software plays in optimizing delivery mechanisms. eCommerce logistics service providers are given a massive leg up depending on their chosen logistics software.
However, deciding which courier software can impact the success of your business is a comprehensive process. It requires a detailed understanding of your business operations and dedicated research into different logistics software like those listed above. With this information, you will be equipped to review these essential criteria.
1) Serviceability
Serviceability refers to the ability of shipping, courier, or logistics software to provide its services in the area your e-commerce business requires and in accordance with the volume of orders your company receives on a monthly and daily basis.
While global logistics software may be integrated with 500+ shipping partners, only 3-4 of those may operate within your designated region. This would impair your ability to meet the volume of orders placed. Some may be able to handle smaller volumes at first but would be unable to maintain efficiency as order volumes grow.
2) Business Priorities
Low prices don’t always mean low expenditure, given that inefficiency in delivery mechanisms can result in heavy losses borne by e-commerce businesses. So when we discuss shipping rates and rates levied by shipping/courier software, these costs must encompass a wide range of delivery services that will reduce your overall logistics costs. These services could have a more significant impact on specific KPIs like customer experience and RTO percentage.
3) Shipping Rates
As your eCommerce business grows, different issues become more visible, and each needs to be addressed. Shipping software can help address these issues in a streamlined manner. However, first, you must be aware of what your priority concerns are for your business. The services of shipping and courier software will address these issues. In case your priority is to ensure customers receive real-time updates or reduce RTO%, your choice of courier delivery software would accordingly specialize in the same.
4) Features
Once you figure out the shipping needs and the budget for shipping software, you can finalize certain vital features for your shipping partner. Take a look at all the different features the transportation management system offers in other regions. You will also have to consider the customer engagement and experience features to ensure your delivery experience is not hampered.
Some features are made more effective when customized to your business needs. Specific shipping software only offers a limited range of features which could hamper your overall business growth.
5) Implementation and Ease of Use
A brief look into reviews and past performance data of any concerned shipping/logistics/courier software will give you an idea of how they work. The software must be implemented in your system. Your system must be onboarded with theirs. Integration with shipping partners and other logistics partners must be completed.
Since the goal is to ensure maximum order fulfillment, a delayed implementation process can be detrimental to your bottom line. Similarly, once installed, the eCommerce shipping and courier software should be easy to navigate and user-friendly.
6) Customer Relationship Management
Shipping software typically requires frequent updates, upgrades, and general maintenance. As a technologically enabled system, the software must be able to keep up with the latest logistics and shipping services.
This means you would need shipping software with effective and prompt technical support. This support should extend beyond implementation and onboarding. It must be available at any given point to ensure a seamless delivery mechanism is constantly functioning.
7) Real Time Order Tracking
One of the most significant advantages of shipping with courier/shipping/logistics software is the ease with which you and your customers can track orders. Shipping and courier software use software to consolidate order status information that is visible to customers in real time.
A courier or logistics software can also provide branded tracking features that redirect customers to your branded tracking portal instead of the shipping/courier company’s tracking page. To increase sales and engagement, a branded tracking portal can send branded order tracking notifications to customers’ phones, emails, and WhatsApp.
8) Insurance
No matter how well you plan and pack your items for shipping, there's always the potential for something to go wrong. That's why it's essential to have shipping and logistics software that offers insurance as part of its package. By choosing software that includes coverage, you can rest assured that your items will be protected in case of damage or loss.
9) Tech Capabilities
Shipping a product can be a daunting task. You must decide which shipping carrier, what type of packaging, and how much insurance coverage you want. There are so many decisions that need to be made before the package is out the door. Shipping/logistics/courier software simplifies this process for ecommerce businesses by making it easy to find the best shipping rates from multiple carriers and calculate optimal packaging weights at checkout.
But managing all of these complex processes requires advanced technological abilities. Therefore, when selecting a courier or logistics software for your business, always choose the one with the best that uses the latest logistics technology.
10) Delivery methods
For a business to be successful in ecommerce, it is essential to have shipping software that can accommodate different modes of delivery and payment. This will allow the company to reach a wider audience and increase sales. By understanding the other options available, businesses can choose the best shipping software for their needs.
There are many different shipping software options, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Businesses should research the various options and find one that meets their needs.
FAQs
What are the features to look out for in shipping software?
Shipping software is meant to assist you in streamlining your delivery and order fulfillment process. Therefore, you will need features that automate your order manifestation process, ideally with multiple carriers. Additionally, the logistics software must enable you to offer various customer enhancement features on your ecommerce platform.
How do I ship with multiple carriers without integration?
If you are a large ecommerce company, it is evident that you will need to ship with multiple carriers to ensure an optimal delivery experience. To save you the technical hassle of integrating with each airline, you can partner with a courier software like ClickPost. This enables you to integrate with an entire library of carriers through a single integration and enhance your customer post-purchase experience.