Every package that’s shipped needs a label. And with annual parcel volume in the US projected to hit 28 billion by 20281, labels (in addition to other packing and shipping essentials) are a top requirement.
Shipping labels have an often-overlooked impact on building customer trust and loyalty: accurate and on time package deliveries satisfy customers and build positive brand sentiment. Labels have several functions, but at their core, they identify the recipient and sender, and contain a bar code or QR code for tracking the package during transit. Labels may also include details on the contents, weight, and other important package information like hazard statements or handling specifications. Used correctly, they provide clear directions to package handlers and add a professional appearance that's critical to the recipient's perception of the sender's brand.
There are many pieces of information a label can convey that impacts how it’s handled and stored during the journey to its destination.
Universal communication—In addition to words, labels can relate information about the contents, hazards, and special instructions via pictograms that are understandable regardless of language. They also can convey information about how the package should be routed throughout its journey from shipper to recipient.
Special handling instructions— Labels can clarify instructions, making shipping safer and more predictable. For example, to make returns easier for customers, some businesses include the return instructions along with the return address on the label.
Help carriers decide on placement of packaging—Labels indicating hazardous materials or contents requiring heat or refrigeration help carriers determine stowage and segregation.
Safety and emergency response—Labels help emergency responders make urgent decisions in many situations, including accident clean-up and potential evacuation needs.
Compliance— Compliance with domestic and international regulations means shippers must always use the correct label. Incorrect labeling can result in costly delays, penalties, fines, and injuries.
Cost savings— Accurate labels help reduce the complications of deliveries to wrong addresses, resulting in unsatisfied customers and the need to re-ship products.
Warehouse tracking and inventory—As products and materials are received into a company’s warehouse, effective labeling is an important factor in managing logistics, reducing errors, and avoiding disputes.
Types of Labels
Every label serves a unique purpose, and understanding these distinctions is crucial for helping your customers select the best label for their needs. Some of the most widely used label materials include white laser, glossy, clear, weather-resistant, foil, and fluorescent. These materials offer versatility and can be paired with different adhesive types, including removable, tamper-evident, and permanent labels.
Thermal Labels
Thermal Labels come in two material types: Thermal Transfer and Direct Thermal. They are offered in white as well as various colors, and are available in a range of sizes in both rolls and fanfolds.
Laser Labels
Laser Labels are frequently used for printing barcodes, shipping labels, and receipts. They use a printer that applies heat directly to the thermal paper, resulting in text or images appearing on the material where heat is applied. These labels provide a cost-effective method for printing various types of labels.
Handling Labels
Preprinted Handling Labels are available to help shippers protect their products. These “handling” labels can convey instructions such as Fragile, Handle with Care, Do Not Stack, Do Not Tumble, Keep Dry, Do Not Break Stretch Wrap, Rush—Hot, Do Not Use Blades to Open, This Side Up or Perishable. They help expedite shipping and reduce the risk of damage.
Inventory Labels
Inventory Labels, while not used directly for shipping, serve as visual aids for warehouse personnel to identify products, quantities, and maintain organization. They play a crucial role in preserving precise inventory records, streamlining warehouse operations, and promoting efficient inventory management.
Integrated Labels
Integrated Labels have standard label information and one or more additional pieces, such as packing slips, invoices, bills of lading, and barcodes. This design can simplify the process by reducing the number of forms and papers required for that shipment.
Blockout Labels
Blockout Labels have the ability to completely conceal whatever they cover. These opaque labels, also known as blockout labels, effectively hide underlying content using an opaque coating, face material, and/or adhesive. They are commonly employed to relabel packages for reuse, conceal mistakes, safeguard confidential information, or cover obsolete data.
Hazardous Labels
Hazardous Materials and DOT Labels provide information about handling and potential risks, such as the materials' flammability, toxicity, or corrosiveness. These labels have specific rules and must have a contrasting background clearly displaying the hazard class through pictograms and color codes.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the shipper holds the responsibility to “apply the appropriate hazard communication to your package. This can include, but is not limited to: orientation arrows, shipper’s information, identification number and proper shipping name markings, and hazard class labels.”
Failing to adhere to hazardous material regulations can lead to significant fines, the shipment being rejected, or legal action against the sender. When shipping hazardous materials, it's critical for your customer to be aware of the latest regulations and label the packages correctly.
Tips for Label Placement
Compliance and Regulations
Whether shipping domestically or internationally, regulatory compliance in labeling is a necessity. Non-compliance can result in legal issues, rejections, fines, delays, and brand reputation damage. While regulations can significantly vary among jurisdictions, your customers must adhere to those that govern each shipment.
Navigate Shipping Excellence with the Right Shipping Labels
Although physically small, shipping labels play a crucial role in keeping your customers’ shipping and storage operations efficient to facilitate the safe, compliant, and timely delivery of packages.
We Are Trusted Partners
BOX Partners is committed to sourcing and stocking a variety of high-quality shipping labels. Every time you assist your customers with product decisions, you provide a valuable service, advance your reputation as a trusted partner, and build loyalty. Similarly, BOX is the trusted partner you can count on committed to Helping YOU Sell Packaging®.
If you need assistance choosing the right shipping labels and other supplies for your customer’s needs, we're here to help. Just contact your dedicated BOX account manager or call 800-806-2636.
1Pitney Bowes Inc.