How to Use Shippo

Shippo is a shipping platform that lets you compare rates and buy labels from major carriers—including USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL—through a web dashboard or API. You connect your store or enter shipments manually, purchase postage at competitive rates, and track packages from one place.

Key Features

• Multiple carriers and service levels in one account, so you can pick price, speed, or reliability per shipment
• Create labels by entering addresses manually, importing orders from eCommerce platforms (e.g. Shopify, Amazon, eBay), or building your own workflow with the Shippo API
• Centralized tracking, batch label creation, and return labels depending on your plan and setup
• Works in the browser; developers can also automate everything via API and webhooks

After you sign up for Shippo, you use the same credentials to access the dashboard where you create labels and manage shipments.

Logging In

1. Go to goshippo.com and choose to open the app or dashboard (or go directly to the Shippo web app URL you use for your region)
2. Click Sign in or Log in
3. Enter the email address associated with your account
4. Enter your password (or complete your identity provider flow if your company uses SSO)
5. Complete any two-factor authentication step if enabled

Stay Signed In

On a trusted personal device, staying signed in can save time. Avoid “remember me” on shared or public computers.

Forgot Your Password?

Use the Forgot password? link on the sign-in page, enter your email, and follow the reset link Shippo sends you. Choose a new password and sign in again.

Exact menu names can vary slightly as Shippo updates the product, but the flow is usually: enter shipment details, get rates, pay for the label, then print or download.

Video: How to Create a Label

Follow along with this screen recording for the full create-a-label flow.

Step-by-Step: Creating a Single Label

A. Start a New Shipment

1. Log in to the Shippo dashboard
2. Open the flow to create a label or new shipment (often from the main navigation or Orders)
3. If you are shipping a synced order, select that order; otherwise enter details manually

B. Ship To and Ship From

In Ship To, enter the recipient’s name and full address. Many flows let you validate or normalize the address to reduce delivery issues.

In Ship From, confirm your warehouse or return address. This affects rate quotes and what appears on the label.

C. Package Information

Choose packaging type, enter weight (use a scale), and enter dimensions when required. Carriers use weight and size for pricing and surcharges—accuracy matters.

• Common types: box, envelope, poly mailer, flat, tube
• Some services require exact dimensions; others use weight-only pricing

D. Extra Services (Optional)

Depending on carrier and service, you may add insurance, signature on delivery, Saturday delivery, and other options. Availability is shown when you get rates.

E. Get Rates

Run Get rates (or equivalent). Shippo lists eligible carriers and services with price and estimated delivery time.

F. Choose a Service and Purchase

1. Pick the service that fits your budget and delivery needs
2. Review addresses, package details, and price
3. Complete purchase so the label is generated and charged to your Shippo billing method

G. Print or Download

Open the label, print from the browser, or download PDF/ZPL for a thermal printer. Attach to the package and hand off to the carrier or schedule a pickup per that carrier’s process.

Other Ways to Create Labels

Orders from your store: With integrations enabled, orders appear in Shippo so you can buy labels in bulk or one at a time.

API: For custom stores or internal tools, you can create shipments and purchase labels programmatically using Shippo’s API.

You can print Shippo labels with a standard laser or inkjet printer or with a 4×6 thermal printer. The dashboard usually offers format options (for example 4×6 or letter-size) depending on the label.

Desktop Printer

Letter or A4 paper works for many label layouts; trim and tape securely, or use full-sheet label stock if your workflow supports it. Follow the print dialog settings Shippo recommends for your label format so barcodes scan reliably.

Thermal Label Printer

For higher volume, a 4×6 thermal printer avoids ink and speeds packing. Download or print ZPL/PDF as supported for your printer model.

Download or Share

After purchase, keep a copy of the PDF in your records. If someone else packs shipments, share the file or print from a shared queue according to your team process.

1. Weigh and measure accurately. Under-declaring weight or size can lead to carrier adjustments and surprise charges.
2. Compare rates every time. The cheapest option yesterday may not be the cheapest for a different zone or box size today.
3. Use address validation when offered to cut down on returns and delays.
4. Connect your sales channels so you spend less time retyping addresses and fewer mistakes slip through.
5. Review Shippo billing and carrier accounts so refunds, adjustments, and carrier settings match how you operate.

Helpful Links and Resources

Resource	URL
Shippo Website	goshippo.com
Help Center	help.goshippo.com
Developer / API Documentation	docs.goshippo.com
Integrations Overview	goshippo.com/integrations