How to customize my shipping label in WooCommerce?

If you have an e-commerce store, you are likely aware of the importance of shipping labels. Shipping label in WooCommerce are essential documents that provide details for shipping, such as sender and receiver addresses, shipping methods, and tracking information.

Now, what is customizing the shipping label? You can add your company’s logo, change the fonts to your liking, include custom fields, etc. In short, you can give your shipping label a personalized touch.

In this article, we will dive deep into understanding how you can customize shipping labels for your WooCommerce store by making use of plugins.

Table of Contents

Why Customize Shipping Label in WooCommerce?

Customizing Shipping Label in WooCommerce can have numerous benefits like,

Enhanced Branding and Professional Appearance

Customizing Shipping labels with your brand logo, colors, or taglines creates a sense of professionalism leading to trust and credibility with customers.

Cost Savings through Efficient Shipping Practices

Customizing Labels with clear labels having accurate weight, size, and product details reduces the possibility of any shipping errors such as incorrect postage leading to correct delivery.

Improved Customer Experience through Clarity

Customized Labels allow businesses to highlight important information such as tracking numbers, special handling instructions, and return instructions, making sure the customers have a smooth delivery experience.

Understanding WooCommerce Shipping Label Customization Options

Generally, there are basic options available to generate a shipping label in WooCommerce. However, customizing the labels can give you an upper hand as it can increase your brand recognition.

WooCommerce allows you to generate labels that contain information like the sender’s and receiver’s addresses along with the package weight. To add your brand’s logo, custom message, etc, you will need to install a plugin.

Small e-commerce stores often prioritize simple, low-cost solutions, they focus more on adding logos or custom messages in their shipping labels to enhance customer engagement. On the other hand, Large e-commerce stores concentrate more on including additional fields like tracking barcodes, batch numbers, or special handling instructions.

Customization Using Popular WooCommerce Shipping Plugins

Customizing Shipping label in WooCommerce enhances branding and customer experience. WooCommerce’s customization options are limited, so plugins are ideal for creating professional, branded shipping labels. Customization options vary between plugins. Here are some popular plugins that provide shipping label customization options.

1. ELEX EasyPost WooCommerce Shipping Plugin

The ELEX EasyPost plugin provides label customization for multiple carriers, including FedEx, USPS, UPS, and Canada Post.

The ELEX EasyPost offers WooCommerce store owners a wide range of options for fully customized shipping labels across multiple carriers. Here are the options it offers:

Label Formats: ELEX EasyPost supports various label formats to accommodate different printing needs, including PNG, PDF, ZPL, and EPL2. This flexibility ensures compatibility with a wide range of printers and simplifies label management.
Custom Label Sizes by Carrier: The plugin allows users to select specific label sizes that meet each carrier’s standards:
- USPS: 4×6 inches
- UPS: 4×8 inches
- FedEx: 4×8 inches
- Canada Post: 4×6 inches
Signature Option: For added security, the plugin includes an option for signature requirements. This assures customers that their shipments will only be handed over with a signature, helping to prevent lost or stolen packages.
Branding and Label Links: ELEX EasyPost allows you to add branding elements and links to your shipping labels, reinforcing your brand identity on each package.
Commercial Invoice: For international shipments, the plugin can generate commercial invoices with essential details, making it easier to handle customs and ensuring smooth cross-border transactions.
IOSS Number: For EU-bound shipments, the plugin supports the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) number. This ensures compliance with the EU’s VAT requirements, streamlining the import process and reducing delays.
HAZMAT USPS: For businesses shipping hazardous materials, ELEX EasyPost provides HAZMAT support for USPS. This allows you to include necessary details on your labels, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Shipment Service Options: The plugin offers a wide selection of shipment services, enabling users to choose the best option for each order based on delivery time, cost, and destination.
Origin Address Customization: For businesses operating from multiple locations or drop-shipping sites, ELEX EasyPost allows customization of the origin address on each label, helping ensure the correct return or sender information is visible.
Return Address Customization: The plugin allows you to set a customized return address for each label, which is particularly useful for businesses that need a different return location than the origin address. This feature helps ensure that any undelivered packages are returned to the correct address, simplifying returns management.
Third-Party Billing for UPS and FedEx: ELEX EasyPost supports third-party billing options for both UPS and FedEx. This allows you to bill shipping costs to a third party, such as a supplier or customer, rather than the sender or recipient. Third-party billing is a convenient feature for businesses involved in drop-shipping or those that need to manage complex shipping arrangements.

2. ELEX WooCommerce DHL Express / eCommerce / Paket / Parcel Shipping Plugin with Print Label

The ELEX WooCommerce DHL Express provides options to create DHL-specific shipping labels with customized details.

ELEX DHL Express provides numerous features to enhance label customization.

Paperless Trade (PLT): Enables Paperless Trade for smoother customs processing by transmitting shipping documents electronically, eliminating the need for physical paperwork.
Default Service for Label Generation: Allows you to set a preferred DHL service as the default for label generation, ensuring consistency and saving time on label creation.
Direct Download and Customer Label Printing: The plugin offers a direct download option for labels and allows customers to print their own labels—ideal for businesses that offer return services or wish to streamline label distribution.
Shipping Label Sizes: ELEX DHL supports a comprehensive range of label sizes, ensuring compatibility with various packaging types and regional shipping requirements:
- 8X4_A4_PDF.
- 8X4_thermal.
- 8X4_A4_TC_PDF.
- 8X4_CI_PDF.
- 8X4_CI_thermal.
- 8X4_RU_A4_PDF.
- 8X4_PDF.
- 8X4_CustBarCode_PDF.
- 8X4_CustBarCode_thermal.
- 6X4_A4_PDF.
- 6X4_thermal.
- 6X4_PDF.
Label Formats: Labels can be generated in PDF, ZPL 2, and EPL 2 formats, making them compatible with a wide range of printers and labeling systems.
Shipping Content Description and Comment: This feature enables you to add a description of the shipping contents and additional comments on labels, helping carriers understand package specifics and ensuring compliance with customs requirements.
Company Logo: You can add a company logo to labels, creating a professional appearance and reinforcing brand identity with each shipment.
Archive Airway Bill: ELEX DHL provides archive airway bill generation for record-keeping, making it easier to track and manage shipping documentation.
Bulk Shipment Support: The plugin supports bulk shipment processing, allowing you to generate multiple labels at once, which is invaluable for high-volume businesses.
Special Services and Return Labels: It offers options for special services (such as express shipping or special handling) and return labels, enabling you to provide flexible options for customers.
Commercial Invoice and Signature on Classic Invoice: For international shipping, the plugin generates commercial invoices and offers a signature option for classic invoices, ensuring thorough documentation for customs.
DHL Email Service: Enables automated DHL email notifications to customers, keeping them informed about shipment status and providing a better customer experience.
Shipper Registration Details: Store and manage shipper registration information within the plugin, simplifying the process of labeling shipments and ensuring that all necessary details are readily available.

3. ELEX WooCommerce USPS Shipping Plugin with Print Label & Shipment Tracking

The ELEX WooCommerce USPS Shipping Plugin provides options to create USPS-specific shipping labels with customized details.

ELEX USPS Shipping Plugin provides numerous features to enhance label customization.

Hide Postage and Mail Date on Labels: This option allows you to hide the postage cost and mail date from shipping labels, ensuring a cleaner appearance and enhancing privacy.
Importer Reference Details: You can include specific importer details on labels, such as VAT number, TAX code, importer code, reference, and phone number. These fields help streamline customs processing, particularly for international shipments.
Default Services: Choose a default domestic and international service for label generation, saving time by automating these selections.
Label Sizes: The plugin offers various label sizes to accommodate different packaging types:
- 4×5 Label
- 4×6 Label
- 3×5 FMB Label
  These sizes ensure compatibility with standard USPS requirements.
Label File Formats: ELEX USPS supports label generation in both PDF and TIF formats, offering flexibility based on printer compatibility and documentation needs.
Processing Category: Specify whether the shipment is machinable, non-machinable, or irregular, which helps USPS handle packages appropriately based on size, weight, and fragility.
Hold for Manifest: This feature allows you to mark shipments as “Hold for Manifest,” which is helpful for businesses processing large volumes that require batch shipping documentation.
Account Type Options: The plugin supports various USPS account types, including EPS (Electronic Payment System), Permit, Account Number, CRID, MID, and Manifest MID, simplifying USPS billing and reporting.
Sender and Customs Details: Customize sender information and include specific customs details, such as content type, AES ITN (Automated Export System International Transaction Number), Invoice Number, License Number, and Certificate Number—ensuring that your shipment meets all regulatory requirements.
Custom Shipment Messages: Add personalized messages on your USPS shipping labels, which is particularly useful for including handling instructions or notes to carriers.

4. ELEX WooCommerce Australia Post Shipping Plugin with Print Label & Tracking

The ELEX WooCommerce Australia Post plugin provides options to create Australia Post-specific shipping labels with customized details.

The ELEX Australia Post plugin provides numerous features to enhance label customization.

Label Customization

Direct Download: Quickly generate and download shipping labels directly for immediate use.
Save Shipping Labels: Store-generated labels for future reference and record-keeping.
Australia Post Logo: Display the Australia Post logo on labels for enhanced brand recognition and compliance.

Address Type Customization (AusPost eParcel)

Normal Delivery Address: Standard residential or business delivery.
Australia Post Parcel Locker: Labels can include Parcel Locker details for customer convenience.
Australia Post Parcel Collection Location: Customize labels to reflect specific collection points.

Default Shipment Services

StarTrack Services: Predefine default services like:
- Premium.
- 1, 3 & 5kg Fixed Price Premium.
- Express.
Domestic Services (AusPost):
- Parcel Post + Signature.
- Express Post + Signature.
International Services (AusPost): Simplify international shipments with default service settings for AusPost.

Document Output Types and Layouts

Document Types: Generate documents in PDF format for easy printing and sharing.
Layouts: Choose from multiple layouts tailored to various shipping needs:
- StarTrack: A4-1pp, A4-2pp, A4-1pp Landscape, A4-2pp Landscape, A6-1pp.
- Parcel Post: A4-1pp, A4-4pp, Thermal-Label-A6-1pp.
- Express Post: A4-1pp, A4-3pp, Thermal-Label-A6-1pp.
- International: A4-1pp, Thermal-Label-A6-1pp.

Label Types

CN22 and CN23: Generate customs-compliant labels for international shipments, ensuring smooth transit through customs.

Shipment Details

Weight/Dimension Units: Labels can include weight and dimensions in kg/cm, providing precise shipping information.
Shipment Content: Clearly outline the shipment’s content to comply with carrier and customs requirements.
Custom Shipment Message: Add custom messages, such as handling instructions, for better package management.

Advanced Features

Enable APGL Services: Seamlessly integrate with Australia Post Global Logistics (APGL) for international shipments.
Dangerous Goods Handling (StarTrack): Enable support for shipping dangerous goods using StarTrack services.

5. ELEX ShipEngine (FedEx and UPS) WooCommerce Multi-Carrier Shipping with Print Label & Tracking

The ELEX ShipEngine provides label customization for multiple carriers, including FedEx and UPS.

The ELEX ShipEngine plugin provides numerous features to enhance label customization.

Label Formats: ELEX EasyPost supports various label formats to accommodate different printing needs, including PNG, PDF, ZPL, and EPL2. This flexibility ensures compatibility with a wide range of printers and simplifies label management.
Label Size: Customize label sizes to ensure compatibility with specific carrier and printer requirements.
Insurance: Provides the option to add shipping insurance directly within the plugin, offering peace of mind for high-value shipments.
Enable Signature Option: Request a signature on delivery to enhance security for sensitive or high-value items.
Default Shipment Services: Set up predefined shipment services, allowing you to streamline label generation for different carrier requirements.
Sender Details: Customize sender information for each label, ensuring accuracy and consistency in shipping records.
Customs Description and Signer: Include a description of the goods and specify the customs signer, streamlining the customs process for international shipments.
IOSS Number: Add the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) number for EU-bound shipments, facilitating smooth customs clearance.
Issuing Country Code: Ensure compliance by including the issuing country code on labels for international shipping.
Third-Party Billing: Enable third-party billing for UPS shipments, making it convenient to charge shipping costs to another party (such as a client or partner), improving flexibility and payment management.

The Last Shot

Customizing shipping labels in WooCommerce is more than just a technical enhancement—it’s a strategic move that improves operational efficiency, strengthens brand identity, and ensures a seamless shipping experience for your customers.

By leveraging these advanced tools, businesses can tailor their shipping labels to meet specific needs, whether for domestic or international shipments, while also enhancing customer satisfaction with clear and professional labels. Whether you’re a small business or a large-scale operation, the ability to create precise, branded, and compliant labels directly impacts your shipping success and customer trust.

FAQs

How can I customize labels for specific product types?
You can customize labels for product-specific needs, such as including special handling instructions for fragile or perishable items. This is typically done by adding custom fields or predefined messages within the plugin settings.
Can I bill shipping charges to a third party?
Yes, plugins like ELEX ShipEngine and DHL support third-party billing options for carriers like UPS, making it easier to manage cost distribution.
Do these plugins support return labels?
Yes, plugins like ELEX DHL and ShipEngine provide options to generate return labels, simplifying the return process for customers.
How do I add branding to my shipping labels?
Most plugins allow you to upload your company logo and customize label designs with brand colors. Some also let you include branding links or messages to strengthen your brand presence.
Are there options for international shipping label compliance?
Absolutely. Plugins like ELEX DHL and USPS support features such as IOSS numbers, customs descriptions, and commercial invoices to ensure compliance with international shipping regulations.