With so many different companies offering various features and services, it’s hard to decide which is the best online shipping service for your business. We’re breaking down exactly how online shipping services work and the various benefits that can offer ecommerce retailers. Plus, we’ll look into the top online shipping service company picks in 2024 and explain why it may be more beneficial to work with a partner that specializes in ecommerce order fulfillment. Take a look!
What Is an Online Shipping Service?
Online shipping services offer a way for ecommerce businesses to outsource their shipping and logistics needs to experts. Online shipping services will connect to an ecommerce storefront and/or warehouse management system. With a 360 view, they help automate the inventory, distribution, and logistics processes to make for simplified order processing.
Shipping orders to customers is often the most logistically challenging part of running an ecommerce business. However, quick and affordable shipping is what consumers have come to expect in today’s marketplace. For small ecommerce merchants, managing order fulfillment and shipping on your own can be complex, time-consuming and eat into profits.
Luckily, there are a variety of online shipping solutions catered for small businesses that make shipping simpler, faster and more cost-effective. These services handle the storage, packing, delivery and returns – allowing entrepreneurs to focus on acquiring and servicing customers. They provide discounted shipping rates, automation, real-time tracking and more.
As an ecommerce business, you may take on aspects like order fulfillment or shipping on your own. However, as your business scales, outsourcing to a dedicated logistics partner, like Print Bind Ship, may make more sense. Print Bind Ship offers leading order fulfillment services, everything from warehousing, packaging and labeling, customer returns, and more. Learn more here.
4 Benefits of Using Online Shipping Services
Using an online shipping service can be beneficial for businesses that need to send packages across the globe quickly and efficiently. Some of the most notable benefits include:
1. Convenience
Online merchants may be able to save time and significant effort by outsourcing to online shipping services. Companies like Print Bind Ship, manage and automate everything from shipping label generation, inventory management, tracking, and more. Access everything within a single dashboard and free up time to focus on more critical aspects of your business.
2. Cost-effective
Small business shipping is notoriously expensive. That said, you may be able to access certain discounts by outsourcing package delivery. Online shipping services may pass on volume discounts – ensuring small businesses get corporate-level rates offered by carriers like UPS, FedEx and USPS. The platforms also handle customer service inquiries related to deliveries.
3. Faster Delivery and Flexible Shipping Solutions
Small businesses can gain access to a wider range of domestic and international shipping options including discounted USPS rates. Instead of navigating the best shipping route, figuring out insurance, and negotiating flat rates with the United Parcel Service or other carriers one-on-one, outsourcing to the experts is a way to ensure you’re doing it right and that customer experience stays at the forefront.
4. Top Automation and Workflow Tools
Online shipping platforms collect data by integrating with your marketplace sales channels like Amazon, eBay, Etsy or online storefront. Features like real-time tracking and online shopping analytics can provide critical information and visibility into your customers’ habits. Gain insight into ideal amounts of inventory, best-selling items, where your top customers are located, and more when you use an online shipping service.
Tips to Find the Best Online Shipping Service
Once you have decided to use an online shipping service, it’s important to research and find the right one for your business. There are a few key factors that should be taken into consideration when doing so, such as:
Cost
The shipping cost is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an online shipping service. Different companies offer different rates, so compare the prices of services and ensure you are getting the best deal possible.
If you’re curious about how much your ecommerce business could save on shipping, get in touch with the experts at Print Bind Ship for a free price quote.
Delivery Times
Another important factor to consider when selecting a shipping service is the estimated delivery times. Companies offer different delivery times, so compare the various options and pick the service that best meets your needs.
Tracking Capabilities
Most online shipping services provide tracking capabilities to keep track of where your package is in transit and when it will arrive at its destination. This service can be especially helpful if you need to know when something will arrive or if you are expecting a package.
Shipping Options
Most online shipping services offer a variety of shipping options, from express to economy. Be sure to look at the different options available and select the one that best meets your needs.
Customer Service
The level of customer service a company provides is another important factor to consider when choosing an online shipping service. Make sure the company you select has a good reputation for providing excellent customer service.
Instructions
It’s important to choose an online shipping service that offers clear and easy-to-follow instructions. This way, you can avoid potential headaches or confusion when it is time to ship your package. Make sure the instructions are detailed and easy to understand so that you don’t run into problems when trying to send out your shipment.
Security
Make sure the online shipping service you choose is secure and reliable. Check for encryption technology and other security measures to ensure that your packages are safe during transit. Taking these steps will give you peace of mind and make sure that your packages arrive at the destination intact.
10 Best Online Shipping Services
By keeping these factors in mind, you should be able to find the best online shipping service for your needs. With so many great companies offering various features and services, it’s important to compare them all before making your final decision.
Here is a list of the 10 best online shipping service companies to choose from:
1. Print Bind Ship
Print Bind Ship is more than just a traditional printing company. It’s also a 3PL and eCommerce fulfillment company. But that doesn’t mean PBS skips on shipping services. Print Bind Ship specializes in fast delivery times, the highest caliber of customer service and integrates with your e-commerce storefront. Apart from worldwide shipping, we also offer order fulfillment services, custom product packaging and labeling solutions as well as on-demand product creation services. Book a call with our expert or get a quote here!
2. FedEx
FedEx is best known for its fast and reliable services for consumers and businesses. The company offers a wide range of integrated shipping, transportation and e-commerce solutions that connect people around the world quickly and efficiently.
3. UPS
UPS, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the leading logistics and transportation companies in the world. It is dedicated to providing shipping services to small businesses, with an aim to provide ingenious and cost-efficient delivery solutions.
4. USPS
Established in 1775, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has modernized its shipping options to keep up with customer demands such as Priority Mail Express, which guarantees next-day delivery in most cases. It accepts package sizes ranging from large envelopes to parcels.
5. DHL
Based in Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, DHL Express provides excellent services to small businesses throughout the world. For those who want to expand their business or send packages abroad, DHL Express offers solutions for international shipping that are affordable and efficient.
6. Sendle
Sendle is an Australia-based shipment company with services available in the U.S. The shipping setup at Sendle is great for personal use and businesses, small or large. It offers extra discounts on bulk shipping orders, and its customer service team is well-experienced and can help answer questions on any particular order or provide assistance on more technical issues depending upon your needs.
7. ShipBob
ShipBob is a Chicago-based logistics and fulfillment service provider that offers an easy-to-use, cost-effective shipping solution for businesses of all sizes. With a network of fulfillment centers across the U.S., it can provide fast and reliable delivery times to customers. ShipBob offers multiple shipping options including ground, expedited and express services.
8. Amazon Logistics
Amazon Logistics is the shipping arm of Amazon.com. It offers a wide variety of services including same-day delivery, two-day shipping and overseas shipping options. With an expansive network of warehouses and distribution centers located around the world, it’s able to provide fast and reliable services that are sure to please most customers.
9. Aramex
Aramex is a Middle East-based logistics company with an international presence. It is known for its excellent customer service, innovative shipping solutions and low rates. Aramex has 300 offices located in over 60 countries and offers express shipping as well as international services.
10. ShipStation
ShipStation provides online shipping tools to help streamline the process of packing and shipping orders for small businesses. It offers custom shipping solutions, flexible pricing plans and easy-to-use dashboard tools to make it easier for businesses to manage their shipments. ShipStation also offers discounts on bulk orders and allows customers to compare the pricing of different carriers.
Choosing the Best Online Shipping Service for Your Business
Finding the right shipping solution can greatly lift the fulfillment burden off small business owners. Online shipping services, like Print Bind Ship, ultimately enable retailers to scale while also delivering top customer shipping solutions.
For ecommerce shipping, inventory management, order processing, warehouse help, and more – Print Bind Ship offers all the customized solutions to manage package delivery and help you brand your ecommerce business. Get in touch to talk to our expert team about your project and for a customized quote.
FAQ
The best shipping carrier option for e-commerce depends on your needs and budget. Some popular carriers include USPS, FedEx, DHL and UPS. It’s important to compare the different services each carrier offers in terms of speed, cost and other features to determine which is right for you.
One way to easily ship products to customers is through an online shipping service provider. These platforms provide businesses with the tools and resources needed to manage orders, track shipments and handle returns efficiently. With a reliable online shipping service provider, you can streamline your entire shipping process and ensure customer satisfaction.
Third-party logistics providers (3PLs) can integrate with shipping carriers in a few different ways. 3PLs often partner with specific carriers to provide discounted rates for their customers and many offer tools that allow businesses to track shipments from start to finish.