Understanding the Different Types of Shipping Labels and How to Choose the Right One

Shipping labels are essential in eCommerce fulfillment, providing vital information for the correct delivery of products. However, choosing the right shipping label type and size is just as important for ensuring the smooth movement of goods. Different products and shipping methods require specific label sizes. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used shipping labels, their sizes, and when to use them.

1. Standard Shipping Labels

Size: 4″ x 6″
Use Case: This is the most commonly used shipping label size, compatible with most carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx. It’s ideal for standard packages that don’t require special handling or international documentation.

When to Use:

• For regular-sized parcels, from books and clothing to electronics.
• Domestic shipments.
• Products that are standard in size and weight.

Why It Works: The 4″ x 6″ label is the perfect size for all major carriers. It fits neatly on most packages and provides enough space for all necessary information, including the sender and recipient’s address, tracking number, and barcodes.

2. International Shipping Labels

Size: 4″ x 6″ or larger, with additional customs forms
Use Case: Shipping internationally requires not just a shipping label but also customs documentation, such as a commercial invoice or a declaration of goods. The size of the label is typically the same (4″ x 6″), but with extra space for additional forms that need to be attached to the package.

When to Use:

• For all shipments going outside your home country.
• When shipping regulated goods like food, electronics, or pharmaceuticals.
• For items that require specific customs declarations, such as the value and description of the goods.

Why It Works: International labels often need additional space to accommodate customs forms. Many carriers allow for a larger label or provide a pouch for customs paperwork to ensure smooth international transit.

3. Shipping Labels with Tracking

Size: 4″ x 6″ (most common) or 2″ x 4″ for smaller items
Use Case: Tracking labels are a standard feature for shipments requiring tracking numbers. These labels typically include a scannable barcode or QR code that links to tracking information.

When to Use:

• For shipments where transparency and tracking are important, such as high-value or time-sensitive goods.
• Any order placed with express or expedited shipping options.
• Products that are in high demand or need to be monitored throughout the delivery process.

Why It Works: The 4″ x 6″ size accommodates the barcode and shipping information easily. For smaller items, a 2″ x 4″ label is often used, but it may limit the amount of tracking or address information that can fit on the label.

4. Return Shipping Labels

Size: 4″ x 6″
Use Case: A return shipping label is provided by businesses that accept returns or exchanges. The label allows the customer to send items back to the seller with prepaid postage.

When to Use:

• For businesses with a return policy or that sell high-variation products, like clothing.
• If your business model allows returns and you want to streamline the process.
• When you want to improve the customer experience by offering easy return options.

Why It Works: The 4″ x 6″ size is used for return labels as it provides the necessary space for return address details and is widely accepted by all shipping carriers.

5. Fragile Shipping Labels

Size: 3″ x 5″ (or smaller)
Use Case: Fragile shipping labels alert handlers to treat the package with care. These labels are typically used for items like glassware, electronics, or delicate machinery.

When to Use:

• For shipments containing fragile items.
• When shipping items that could easily be damaged by rough handling or temperature fluctuations.
• For eCommerce businesses dealing with fragile products like art or home décor.

Why It Works: A 3″ x 5″ label is large enough to clearly indicate “Fragile” or provide other handling instructions while being small enough to not obscure the rest of the shipping information.

6. Heavy or Oversized Shipping Labels

Size: 6″ x 6″ or larger, depending on the shipment size
Use Case: For oversized packages, the label size often needs to increase to accommodate the extra handling instructions and to ensure it’s clearly visible.

When to Use:

• For heavy shipments exceeding standard weight limits.
• When shipping large, bulky items like furniture or machinery.
• For shipments that may require special handling, such as those that need to be moved with a forklift.

Why It Works: Larger labels are used on oversized packages to ensure the delivery team can easily spot key information like the weight, dimensions, and special handling instructions.

7. Prepaid Shipping Labels

Size: 4″ x 6″
Use Case: Prepaid labels are purchased in advance, typically for a flat-rate shipping model. These labels are used for eCommerce businesses offering free shipping, flat-rate delivery, or subscription-based services.

When to Use:

• For businesses that offer subscription boxes or flat-rate shipping options.
• When selling products that are shipped frequently, like food deliveries or repeat orders.
• When offering promotions like free shipping for specific products or customers.

Why It Works: Prepaid labels typically come in the 4″ x 6″ format, as it works universally with all major carriers and allows you to print them in bulk.

How to Choose the Right Shipping Label

Choosing the right shipping label size depends on several factors:

• Shipment Type: Determine the type of product you’re shipping—fragile goods, oversized items, or time-sensitive packages might need specialized labels.
• Destination: International shipments require additional customs documentation, and large or bulky items may need oversized labels.
• Carrier Requirements: Different carriers have specific label size requirements. Be sure to check the specifications of USPS, UPS, FedEx, or other services you use.
• Business Needs: If you offer returns or prepaid shipping, you’ll need the correct size and format for those purposes.

By using the correct label size for your shipments, you ensure smooth logistics, better package tracking, and, ultimately, improved customer satisfaction. At ShipCarte we remove the guess work for your orders and apply the correct shipping labels.