Shipping isn’t just an afterthought anymore— it’s a cornerstone of eCommerce success. Customers today demand speed, accuracy, and visibility for every order. Therefore, gone are the days of vague promises like “3 to 5 business days.” To stay competitive, merchants must embrace technology and choose the best shipping app to meet modern expectations.
But with so many shipping apps available, how can you decide which one is the right fit for your business? Let’s explore the trends shaping shipping and also uncover what makes the best shipping apps stand out.
Why Shipping Apps Matter
eCommerce sales have been growing at a record pace. However, with this growth comes multiple challenges. Firstly, if your shipping options aren’t up to par, you risk losing sales to competitors who can deliver a better experience. A few other challenges eCommerce merchants face are:
- High Customer Expectations: Shoppers want clear delivery timelines and affordable shipping rates.
- Managing Multiple Orders: Handling orders from multiple channels can get overwhelming without the right tools.
- Balancing Speed and Cost: Fast shipping is expensive, but customers don’t want to pay a premium for it.
This is where shipping apps come in. The best shipping apps help you overcome these hurdles, streamlining your process and delighting your customers.
Key Trends in Shipping Apps Seen In 2024
To keep up with changing customer demands and market trends, shipping apps have evolved significantly. Here are the most important trends shaping the best shipping app in 2024:
1. AI and Automation
- Automates tasks like rate comparison, fulfillment center, and carrier assignment.
- Saves time and reduces human errors, enabling faster and more accurate deliveries.
2. Sustainable Shipping
- Offers carbon-neutral shipping and optimized delivery locations to reduce fuel consumption.
- Appeals to eco-conscious customers by choosing the best packaging and enhancing your brand image.
3. Seamless Integrations
- Connects easily with popular eCommerce platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, and Magento.
- Simplifies shipping management by centralizing order details and reducing errors.
4. Delivery Accuracy
- Provides accurate delivery estimates using real-time carrier data.
- Improves customer satisfaction by keeping them informed of delivery timelines.
5. Multi-Carrier Support
- Integrates seamlessly with parcel and LTL carriers like FedEx, UPS, USPS, and DHL for flexibility.
- Enables rate and delivery time comparisons to offer customers better shipping options.
6. Advanced Shipping Tools
- Provides branded tracking pages, proactive delivery notifications, and advanced analytics.
- Enhances the post-purchase experience with easy-to-use return tools.
What Makes the Best Shipping App?
When it comes to selecting the perfect shipping app for your eCommerce store, there are a few must-have features to consider.
1. Scalability
Your shipping app should grow with your business, not hold you back. Whether you’re a small boutique or a massive online retailer, the app must handle increasing order volumes, expanding product lines, and multiple warehouses with ease.
2. Ease of Use
Time is money, and a confusing interface can waste both. Look for an app with an intuitive setup and user-friendly navigation so you and your team can get started quickly.
An easy-to-use app ensures that even non-technical team members can configure shipping rules, integrate carriers, and manage fulfillment effortlessly.
3. Customizable Options
One size does not fit all, especially when it comes to shipping. The ideal app allows you to create tailored shipping rules, such as offering free shipping over a certain threshold or setting specific rates for different customer groups.
4. Real-Time Insights
Knowledge is power, and a shipping app with robust analytics gives you the edge. Track shipping costs, carrier performance, and delivery times to uncover trends and also identify areas for improvement.
ShipperHQ: Leading the Way as the Best Shipping App
When it comes to meeting the demands of modern eCommerce retailers, ShipperHQ is setting the standard for what the best shipping app should offer.
1. Advanced Automation
Automation is a cornerstone of effective shipping management. By simplifying complex decisions, such as selecting carriers and calculating delivery timelines, retailers can save valuable time and ensure a seamless customer experience.
2. Estimated Delivery Dates
Accurate delivery estimates have become critical for reducing cart abandonment and meeting customer expectations. Hence, predictable timelines ensure buyers stay informed, leading to improved satisfaction and repeat business.
3. Multi-Carrier Shipping Flexibility
Flexibility in shipping options is key to success. Support for major carriers enables merchants to offer tailored delivery solutions while optimizing costs and delivery times.
4. Sustainable Shipping
Optimizing shipping through multi-origin capabilities reduces transit distances and emissions.
On the other hand, dimensional (DIM) packing minimizes wasted space and packaging materials. Together, these features improve operational efficiency and support sustainability goals.
5. Returns Management
Take your returns process to the next level with advanced features like Return Shipping. Display return shipping rates with added surcharges for selected shipping methods and customer segments.
6. International Shipping
Cross-border shipping support with real-time carrier rates and duties calculations. Duties and taxes are seamlessly integrated into the checkout shipping methods.
By adopting cutting-edge shipping features, eCommerce retailers can not only stay ahead of the competition but also turn shipping into a strategic advantage.
Your customers demand the best— shouldn’t your shipping solution deliver the same?
Start your 15-day free trial of ShipeprHQ and discover how our tools will elevate your eCommerce success.
