Software
5 Best Shipping Software for Enterprise Businesses
- Written by Jana Gentry Smith
When juggling the demands of a scaling ecommerce business, the last thing you need is to add "shipping software headache" to your list. You need the best shipping software for enterprise businesses. You want one that gives you a sigh of relief instead of another sleepless night.
After all, half of shoppers have abandoned their online shopping carts due to shipping and delivery options. They want it fast, and they want it free (or at least affordable). Streamlining your shipping workflow is one way to give them what they want.
To help you find the best shipping software for your business, let's cut through the noise and look into the top five shipping software solutions for enterprise businesses. By the end, you'll have the clarity to make a wise and strategic decision.
What is shipping software?
But first, let's get clear on what shipping software is. Shipping software helps you send orders efficiently and cost-effectively so your ecommerce logistics run smoothly. With shipping software, you can compare prices from different carriers and plot the fastest delivery routes.
Shipping software also prints shipping labels for you, and some tracking systems let you know where your packages are in real time. Some shipping software, such as Veeqo, also keeps tabs on your stock levels and offers more advanced inventory and warehouse management features.
How do you know if shipping software is right for your enterprise?
Shipping woes getting you down as your e-commerce business scales up? If so, it’s time to dissect your current setup. Decide if it can keep up with the pace or if it's time for some software reinforcement.
Here are some questions to ask while you’re examining your workflow:
How is your order volume looking, both domestically and internationally?
Are manual processes causing a bottleneck in your shipping?
Is shipping eating up more time and resources than it should?
Can your current setup handle future growth, or is it at its limit?
Will new shipping software integrate smoothly with your existing systems?
Once you get a read on your existing shipping situation, you'll be well on your way to sorting your shipping puzzle.
Why do enterprise businesses need shipping software?
A lot of businesses who sell via Amazon start out by managing their inventory via excel sheets, and shipping through Amazon's seller central. But as your ecommerce business scales, your shipping operations should scale with it—no headaches, no stress.
There are several reasons quality shipping software is pivotal for enterprise businesses, such as:
Streamlined workflows: automated labeling and tracking are time-savers as order volumes grow
Lower costs: save on transportation with rate shopping, route optimization, and package bundling
Smooth data flow: seamless integration with existing systems, like ecommerce platforms and (enterprise resource planning) ERPs, removes time-consuming manual steps
Data-driven decisions: robust analytics help you find opportunities for fine-tuning your logistics
Happier customers: accurate delivery estimates, transparent tracking, and simple returns keep your customers informed throughout the transaction
In a nutshell, shipping software helps enterprises manage the complexities of large-scale shipping by controlling costs and giving customers a pleasant experience.
5 top shipping software picks for enterprise businesses
Choosing shipping software is a lot like shopping for the perfect car—you're confronted with a ton of options. Each boasts unique features and specs. And it's enough to make your head spin.
To help you navigate this, we've compiled a shortlist of the top five best shipping software for enterprise businesses: Veeqo, Shiphero, Oracle Netsuite (an ERP), ShipStation, and Easyship. Let's pop the hood and take a closer look at each.
1. ShipHero: best shipping software for high-volume brands
Pros | Cons |
Plenty of integrations End-to-end visibility | Pricing isn’t transparent $500 monthly tech fee unless you’re invoiced $100,000+ per month |
ShipHero is a warehouse management tool that also helps manage the shipping process. Its cloud-based system offers solutions like order, inventory, and returns management. It has other features like:
50+ One-click integrations streamline connecting with major ecommerce platforms
Order tracking and shipment notifications help increase customer trust and retention
Automation capabilities simplify operations, reduce errors, and increase efficiency
In-built reporting for inventory and shipments gives insights for data-driven decision-making
Multi-carrier integration with real-time rate shopping and label creation make it easier to manage shipping costs and delivery times
While some praise ShipHero for increasing efficiency, users have reported drawbacks such as a less-than-intuitive interface and a ticket-based tech support system. Here's what ShipHero users are saying:
One ShipHero user said, "It's a simple and easy-to-use interface. The use of it with iPads was a game changer for us. We can run reports on our inventory and its locations quickly. The dashboard also shares performance stats or the current workload for the day, allowing us to pivot our staff into a high-output day or low-output day workflow."
Another user said, "Ship Hero support hasn't been as fast as we would like. We often will get issues with an order, and if we are unable to fix it ourselves, it can sometimes take days to get help on the order. Would be awesome if there was a way to get immediate chat support for issues like this."
ShipHero pricing
Contact their sales team for a quote*.
*Pricing last accessed April 2024
2. Oracle NetSuite: best shipping software for businesses with global reach
Pros | Cons |
Advanced analytics tools Integrates with various business systems | Requires NetSuite ERP Expensive option Complex setup Steep learning curve |
Oracle's NetSuite is the world’s first cloud-based unified business management software suite. It includes global shipping and logistics management tool ideal for scaling ecommerce businesses with an international reach.
But it’s also ERP software, customer relationship management (CRM), financial and accounting software, and it's loaded with other features, such as:
Warehouse management system simplifies warehouse operations
Order management allows seamless order processing across various sales channels
Real-time financial management provides up-to-date insights to improve decision-making
Integration with multiple shipping carriers makes logistics more cost-effective
Customizable platform can be tailored to suit specific business needs and workflows
Is it the MVP of shipping software? That’s up to you to decide. Some users find its setup complex, and pricing could be more straightforward.
With so many services, you might find it overkill—especially if you value simplicity, transparent pricing, and top-notch customer service. It might be worth checking out other options.
Here's what Oracle NetSuite users said:
This Oracle NetSuite user finds it challenging to implement: "Custom orders, light assembly, WIP, and shipping features don't seem to have a place in NetSuite. It's convoluted, with extra steps for simple tasks. Getting employees to learn its procedures makes implementation difficult. No training is included. Only customer support is offered."
But this user has found its tracking abilities helpful: "We have been able to connect with our e-commerce platform and shipping needs. We can keep track of our landed costs, and the ability to monitor and adjust our BOM for assemblies is going to be very helpful for us."
Oracle NetSuite pricing
Reach out to Netsuite’s sales team for a pricing rundown.
3. ShipStation: top pick for syncing with online stores and delivery services
Pros | Cons |
Ecommerce and fulfillment integrations | Extra fees for services beyond the basics |
ShipStation is a popular, web-based shipping software tailored to businesses of all sizes. It helps businesses manage their ecommerce shipments and other small parcels. Here are some of ShipStation’s features businesses can use to smooth out their ecommerce operations:
Order management streamlines order processing across multiple sales channels
50+ ecommerce and shipping tool integrations simplify operations and scalability
Branded labels allow businesses to customize shipping labels with their branding
Inventory management lets businesses track and manage inventory levels in real-time
Access to discounted shipping rates from major carriers helps businesses stay within budget
But ShipStation has its drawbacks.
Users experience intermittent login issues, and some find the software's pricing model unsuitable for businesses shipping fewer than 50 parcels per month.
You'll need third-party integrations to use its inventory management features—which often cost extra.
If a user-friendly interface, flexible pricing, and a robust inventory management system are top priorities, you might consider other options on this list.
Here's what ShipStation users are saying:
One user says finding workarounds wastes time: "There are occasional errors and glitches that can last hours, sometimes days. There are workarounds, but they're outside of routine and can be time-consuming."
Another user likes seeing data in one dashboard: "I love that everything is in one platform, which provides us with a quick, at-a-glance dashboard. We have all the information we need on transactions at hand. The fact that it seamlessly integrates with so many sales platforms is an added bonus. It was extremely easy to get the system up and running."
ShipStation pricing
ShipStation offers a free 30-day trial for new users. After that, you'll transition to one of ShipStation’s paid plans*. Here's how it breaks down:
Starter: $9.99 per month for 1 user for up to 50 shipments
Bronze: $29.99 per month for 1 user making up to 500 shipments
Silver: $59.99 per month for 1 user making up to 1,000 shipments
Gold: $99.99 per month for 3 users making up to 2,000 shipments
Platinum: $149.99 per month for 5 users making up to 5,000 shipments
Enterprise: $229.99 per month for 10 users making up to 7,500 shipments
Contact the ShipStation team to discuss a custom plan if your shipping volume exceeds these limits.
*Pricing last accessed April 2024
Further reading:
Ordoro vs ShipStation Comparison: Which Is Best For Your Business?
4. Easyship: best shipping software for flexible international shipping options
Pros | Cons |
Strong international shipping options | Less than stellar customer support Steep learning curve |
Easyship is a shipping tool that's a good fit for ecommerce stores aiming to sell internationally.
Its branded packing slips, tracking pages, customer emails, and a choice of delivery options at checkout are all designed with scalability in mind.
It has a range of other features to satisfy businesses and customers:
API access lets businesses customize and integrate with existing systems for an efficient workflow
Real-time shipping rates at checkout make for a more transparent experience for customers
Integrations with major ecommerce sites simplify order management across sales channels
International warehouse access results in faster and more cost-effective international shipping
Branded shipping communications and packing slips create a better unboxing experience for customers
But it's not all smooth sailing. If you think instant customer support and a beginner-friendly interface are important, you might continue shopping around.
Here's what Easyship users are saying:
One Easyship user said, "Terrible guidance every step of the way. Headache after headache. Customer service that never gets back to you. It's a shame because this platform has everything going for it, but the customer experience and sales side of things don't deliver what they offer."
Another user shared, "We’ve been using Easyship for over a year now, and it has been the best shipping program we’ve used. The program is easy to use and gives us access to unique services and rates in countries where our normal carriers may not. Easyship has allowed our global offices to all connect in one shipping platform, helping us create a more uniform experience program for our company. The rules allow for easy setup and quick changes when needed."
Easyship pricing
Free: At no cost, 1 user can send 50 shipments per month
Plus: $29 per month for 3 users and up to 500 shipments
Premier: $55 per month for 5 users and up to 2,500 shipments
Scale: Starting at $79 per month for 8 users to send up to 5,000 shipments
For enterprise pricing*, you must schedule a demo with EasyShip’s Enterprise experts.
*Pricing last accessed April 2024
5. Veeqo: best all-in-one shipping software for enterprise businesses
Pros | Cons |
Easy to use Cost-effective Owned by Amazon Integrated Shipping Discounted Shipping Rates Shipping, inventory, and warehouse management tools with automation | Digging into all Veeqo’s features takes an initial time investment |
Veeqo offers a powerful suite of shipping and order management tools ideal for enterprises looking to scale.
Its robust features include near real-time inventory and warehouse management, automated shipping, analytics, forecasting and reporting.
Tailor-made for businesses of all sizes, Veeqo offers a comprehensive order management and inventory control solution.
If you're looking to lower costs, automate processes, and optimize operations, Veeqo might just be your new best friend. Its features include:
Seamless multichannel management and bulk shipping so you'll never miss an order, thanks to real-time synchronization, customizable views, and streamlined order processing.
Amazon-level efficiency because, as part of the Amazon family, Veeqo's Amazon integration offers secure data handling and safeguards your Amazon account from delivery mishaps, protecting your reputation. You also get Buy Shipping protections if you ship your Amazon orders on time
Shipping is a cinch with instant access to discounted shipping rates from major carriers like USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL (and you can earn up to 5% back in Veeqo Credits)
Enterprise-grade tools like powerful inventory and warehouse management, Veeqo Scanners, and the ability to forecast stockouts and low inventory provide valuable business insights and planning opportunities
Hassle-free setup for automated shipping rules saves time, so you can enjoy its benefits sooner
Despite the learning curve due to Veeqo’s vast features, its affordable and intuitive shipping software is ideal for the dynamic online retail landscape.
Here's what Veeqo users are saying:
One Veeqo user raves about our customer service: "There is so much functionality, it's difficult to choose what I like the best about Veeqo."
And Greg Martisauski, the founder of EasyKeys says: “With Veeqo, our team at EasyKeys can easily compare negotiated shipping rates from different carriers and choose the most cost-effective option for each shipment. It also allows our team to easily generate professional-looking packing slips and shipping labels with just a few clicks. If you want to streamline your shipping process and save money, you should try Veeqo!“
But (drum roll, please) their Customer Service is like no other!
Spectacular Item 1) Hundreds of help files on their dedicated help site are already well-written to explain nearly any question about Veeqo that you might have.
Spectacular Item 2) Don't spend a lot of time searching for the help file that answers your question. Veeqo has Customer Service Specialists available at all hours from various Time Zones, ready and anxious to help answer your question or direct you to the pre-written help file.
Spectacular Item 3) Your Veeqo Customer Service person assigned to your reported problem will regularly keep in contact with you to assist in any way that they can to get your problem solved quickly. This conversation will continue until you are satisfied and agree to close the issue. However, if your problem is beyond Veeqo's current scope, they provide a link to make suggestions for improving Veeqo. If your suggestion is approved, then it is added to the roadmap for all to see when it is currently planned.
Ben Chappell, co-founder of toy store, eChapps, says: “As everybody knows, software very quickly adds up - the monthly cost, yearly cost - some even take a percentage of your sales nowadays, and that’s just profit gone. That is something nice about Veeqo, is there is no cost, it’s just a better product and it’s free.“ he goes on to say, "It’s just all consolidated in one easy page. Our previous software wasn’t able to do that, so it saves my team many hours.“
Veeqo pricing
Veeqo is entirely free for everyone.
Why?
Veeqo earns money from the shipping volume that goes through partner carriers. It's a win-win. Every shipping software company earns money this way, but other shipping software companies usually pass extra costs onto you through monthly fees to turn a higher profit.
What does that mean for you?
Unlimited users
Unlimited orders
No cap on shipping labels
No hidden costs lurking in the fine print
No cost access to inventory, warehouse, and shipping management tools
Plus, access the lowest commercially available rates, based on our pre-negotiated pricing from UPS, USPS, FedEx, and DHL, and up to 5% back with Veeqo Credits. AND you can connect your existing carrier account to Veeqo at no extra charge.
*Pricing last accessed April 2024
Further reading: Veeqo vs ShipStation: Which Shipping Solution is Right For You
How we selected the best shipping software for enterprise businesses
Selecting the right shipping software isn't just about ticking boxes. It's about finding a solution that integrates seamlessly with your existing tech stack. The last thing you need is software that throws a wrench in the works.
When we researched options, we considered these factors:
User-friendly interface: It should have a straightforward, easy-to-navigate interface
Scalability and flexibility: Shipping software should be able to grow with the business
Integration capabilities: It should play nice with existing systems for smooth operations
Business needs alignment: Shipping software should cater specifically to operational needs
Vendor reputation and support: Shipping software should have reliable support and a strong industry reputation
Keep in mind that the right software should solve your current challenges and equip you for future growth.
Reap the benefits of using the best shipping software for your enterprise
You need the right shipping software to streamline your enterprise shipping operations, manage costs, and wow your customers. The right choice can tackle your current challenges and pave the way for growth in the bustling ecommerce arena.
To choose the best option for you, take a beat to size up your business's needs, weigh the software options, and consider things like scalability and user feedback.
The perfect shipping software isn't about dodging stress—it's about finding a tool that's like a breath of fresh air. Whether you're after smooth workflows, cost savings, data insights, or top-notch customer service, there's software out there with your enterprise’s name on it.
Looking for a robust enterprise shipping software to save you time and stress? Give Veeqo a spin. Get started with Veeqo today.