2023-05-23
Written by David Renwick
International shipping labels may seem like a relatively small part of the shipping process - but they're actually quite important. Shipping labels are the key documents which share information between the carriers, people and technology that make up the supply chain.
When you get labels wrong, orders could be lost completely, leading to poor delivery experiences and unhappy customers.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about creating labels for international shipping. We'll also explain how you can automate the process.
An international shipping label is typically attached to the outside of a package. These documents provide all the details required for the accurate delivery of a shipment across international borders.
Here's what they contain. Don't worry – we'll share more specific tips for these fields further on in the article.
Need some help?
If you’re finding the process of international shipping complicated, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our shipping experts who will be happy to help.
They can explain how you can automate tasks like creating labels with shipping automation.
When you’re sending a package overseas, there are a few different ways to generate and print your label. Which method you choose depends on your needs:
While you can manually create your own international shipping labels, it's a much faster process with shipping automation software.
You can also generate and print these labels individually or in bulk, whichever option is best for you. See below for an example of what this can look like:
Starshipit can also automate the process of adding HS codes and customs information. Across multiple orders, retailers can save hours per week on sending orders cross-border.
We've already covered what goes into an international shipping label, now let's cover the specific considerations for each field.
While you can create these labels manually, it's much more reliable (and faster) to use fulfillment software to generate them automatically.
Labelling a package for cross-border shipping means ensuring you have the correct address (including destination country) listed on the label.
Make sure you secure your label to your package correctly so it remains fixed throughout the shipping process. Here are some tips:
International shipping is a complicated process when you're sending one or two orders to international destinations. It's impossible when you need to send multiple orders per week.
From needing to fill out a customs forms to managing multiple carriers, it's all much easier with shipping automation.
With Starshipit, you can:
You can set Starshipit up in minutes, all with the help of one of our shipping experts. Book a free consultation now and discover just how much time you can save.
Below, we'll outline where you can create shipping labels using some of the most popular carriers. Of course, to save time, you can integrate any of these carriers with Starshipit and automate your label generation.
You can create labels for FedEx either at an office location or using their tool FedEx Ship Manager Lite.
For USPS, simply use their Click-N-Ship system to create international shipping labels.
For MyPost Business, you can use the MyPost Business platform to create international shipping labels.
DHL offers a number of services to create international shipping labels, including MyDHL+.
You can tape over a shipping label, but you need to ensure you use clear tape. You also need to make sure the shipping address and barcode are completely visible.
Don't let the process of international shipping or creating shipping labels slow you down. To learn how to manage important cross-border requirements, like customs documentation and the technology that can help you achieve international shipping success, download our eBook today.
Download the guideAutomate your entire shipping process while delivering better experiences for your customers.
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