How to integrate with eCommerce delivery and shipment carriers

There’s no better purchase than a quickly delivered one — the recent FedEx reports confirm it: 55% of shoppers will gladly pay for the same-day delivery. Moreover, studies show that 90% publicly complain after a late delivery. The demands on your business are rising, and there’s no better time to answer them by adopting the right eCommerce delivery services than now.

In this guide, we will discuss how your business can integrate with delivery carriers, break down the main options, and provide a guide on how to choose the most suitable shipment provider.

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Main delivery and shipment carriers

Delivery and shipment carriers are logistics providers that have the role of transporting goods from sellers to buyers. Most logistics operations in today's eCommerce environment are built around eCommerce delivery management solutions. According to Maravić et al. in their research, delivery carriers have to meet customer expectations for superior service quality.

Last-mile delivery services, which deal with the last stage of getting packages to customers' doorsteps effectively and economically, are becoming more and more available from modern carriers.

Now, with the basics defined, let’s break down the best eCommerce delivery and shipping providers for you to choose from.

DHL: Best eCommerce delivery services overall

With three main service categories — cross-border delivery solutions, domestic shipping with flexible payment and green delivery options, and end-to-end fulfillment services — DHL runs a comprehensive global eCommerce ecosystem of logistics and retail delivery solutions that serves 220 countries.  In order to serve companies of different sizes and technical capacities, the company offers many integration pathways.

Web

The core of DHL's web-based solutions is a number of specialized portals designed for various service categories and geographical areas. While the global fulfillment portal functions within the DHL eCommerce distribution centers in practically every large city, the Americas and Asia-Pacific regions each have their own interfaces that require user registration.

• MyGTS (Global Trade Services) offers support for trade documentation and customs clearance, offering landed costs calculators for merchants.
• DHL Express Commerce provides end-to-end eCommerce integration with major platforms and marketplaces with workflow optimization, quick dispatch, and automation.
• For Express customers, MyDHL+ is the main platform that facilitates import/export activities, scheduling of pickups, and DHL SmartMail tracking for companies of all sizes.  
• For freight operations, myDHLi provides access to the Global Forwarding Portal with 360-degree shipment visibility, combining quote generation, bookings, tracking, managing documents, and analytics within a single interface.

Web platforms eliminate the need for internal IT resources and provide advanced functionality like order processing, label creation, returns processing, real-time tracking, and reporting.

APIs

With little coding knowledge, DHL's API ecosystem offers RESTful web services for direct system integration. For live operations across the Express, eCommerce, and Freight divisions, the API infrastructure offers both production access and sandbox testing environments.

The creation of shipping labels, rating computations, tracking status retrieval, manifest generation, webhook notifications, and estimated delivery dates (EDD) are all included in the core API services. Additionally, you can find complete documentation, authentication instructions, and technical guidelines about data interchange standards in the developer portal. 

Among the specialized API endpoints are:

• All DHL shipment types (e-commerce, express, freight, letter, and parcel) are supported by the Shipment Tracking Unified API, which offers worldwide coverage and push notification features.
• INTERNETMARKE API for European business clients shipping international mail labels and shipping lightweight merchandise.
• DHL Express APIs, which include rating, shipping, tracking information, and other options for time-definite international shipments.
• DHL eCommerce Americas API featured a complete array of shipping products, duty/taxes calculations, labels creation/manifests, and return labels.
• Global Forwarding Push APIs provided proactive monitoring updates: timestamp notifications and sales invoices for air and ocean freight.

Regional Specifications contained dedicated APIs for markets, e.g., Germany Post & Parcel and Blue Dart services in South Asia, covering location finder, registering a pickup, and downloading master data. Security features of DHL’s API eCommerce delivery management solution include added protection for data transmission, Authentication of the API through access tokens, and compliance with international shipping security standards.

EDI

Let’s start with the basics of what EDI is, so we can easily refer to it for this and further digital delivery services providers. By using standardized formatting protocols, EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) makes automated document exchange possible. Businesses upload shipping documents in designated formats to secure FTP servers at the end of each business day, and DHL handles these automatically.

The workflow for DHL’s EDI includes creating documents in standardized formats, uploading them securely to DHL's FTP infrastructure, creating labels automatically based on predetermined standards, and coordinating pickup times. Service components include booking for courier pickup scheduling, manifesting with shipment processing information, tracking from pickup to delivery, and invoicing, which includes waybill information and charge details.

What do you get with these capabilities? Up to 18 status updates per day, the removal of manual data entry procedures, and a significant reduction in paper usage are among the operational benefits. DHL reports that by doing away with printed invoices, waybills, and manifests, businesses are saving about 25,000 reams of paper.

Third-party solutions

DHL has a Shipping Partner Directory that includes plugins, extensions, and out-of-the-box integrations, which provide retail delivery solutions support for the following common IT solutions for logistics:

• Order Management Systems (OMS)
• Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
• Transportation Management Systems (TMS)
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems
• Web shops
• Marketplace solutions.

Strategic Partnerships include working relationships with ConnectShip, DesktopShipper, EasyPost, ShipStation, ProShip, and many more shipping software vendors. With such a diverse integration variety, you get multi-carrier shipping capabilities, marketplace connectivity, configurable integration options, and automated shipping workflows that minimize implementation complexity.

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FedEx: Best shipping solution for eCommerce fast deliveries

FedEx functions as a full overnight shipping service provider, including international shipping services to 220 countries through FedEx Business accounts. The company has multiple shipping service choices, including FedEx Ground, SameDay, Express Saver, International Priority, and International Economy services, along with tailored solutions for any business.

Web

FedEx provides an eCommerce delivery management solution through the Ship Manager suite with several ways to deploy the service based on the business needs and technical ability.

The Ship Manager is the main web-based application that enables you to make online label prep, schedule the courier pick up, manage any notifications with automation, manage cancellation of shipment, and also view shipment tracking.

With its streamlined features that cut registration requirements, FedEx Ship Manager Lite presents a suite of the best small business shipping software solutions. For these tools, there’s no need for complicated setup processes or account management overhead. The desktop version of the FedEx Ship Manager Server provides comprehensive shipment capabilities to medium-sized and large businesses. Businesses with high shipment volumes that need control over hardware resources and system integration benefit from server-based deployment.

APIs

FedEx Web Services provides white-labeled API solutions that allow businesses to integrate shipping management capability into their workflow and connect to the most trending shipping sites. These RESTful web services provide cloud hosting on FedEx's infrastructure, meaning they enable application-to-application communication, allowing you to create powerful, customized shipping solutions.

The core API features of this provider include:

• Ship API to create shipping labels and ship through Express, Ground, and Freight services; 
• Rate and transit time API allows you to compare rates and check service availability with time-sensitive shipments in real-time between locations.
• Tracking API provides updates on the status of shipments and delivery confirmations embedded within customer applications.
• Address validation API allows customers to help determine and resolve incomplete address information.
• Pickup and document management API to schedule a courier as well as upload documents for international trade.
• Advanced integrated visibility offers push updates for US-based accounts in near real time through the webhooks. 

Push notifications include customer delivery updates with estimated delivery dates and time frames, and picture proof of delivery (POD). This advanced service's pricing operates on a monthly subscription basis according to the volume of tracking numbers. The FedEx Developer Portal offers developer resources, such as thorough API documentation, sandbox testing environments that don't require account setup, guidance on quotas and rate limits, integration best practices, and detailed implementation instructions.

EDI

For FedEx eCom shipping, EDI enables a standardized computer-to-computer document transfer for invoices, remittance information, and shipping details across FedEx Express, Ground, and Freight services. By using standardized formats for automated document processing, the Electronic Trade Documents ensures accuracy and consistency in business communications while doing away with manual data entry.

Multiple FedEx service divisions are covered by service coverage, which accommodates different shipment types, billing setups, and operational needs across various business units. System integration creates a smooth data flow between FedEx services and internal processes.

Third-party solutions

A carefully selected list of approved third-party solutions covering eCommerce platforms, transportation management, shipping integrations, warehouse operations, and specialized business applications is kept up to date by the FedEx Compatible program.

Among the Certified Partners are well-known suppliers like:

• Order management and checkout integration are provided by EasyPost, EasyShip, Shippo, and ShippyPro.
• Complete shipping solutions through ShipRush, nShift Ship, and Shiptheory.
• Inventory management and fulfillment operations are supported by Floship, NETVERSYS, and Linnworks.
• Multi-channel solutions that facilitate cross-platform shipping management include MetaPack, Sendcloud, and Scurri.
• Specialized tools like InterSoft for medium-sized businesses, and Plugin Hive for WordPress/WooCommerce.

Business categories serve a range of operational scales and clients, from small to large. For instance, order management, checkout integration, and basic transportation functionality are the main areas of focus for small business solutions. Meanwhile, comprehensive fulfillment, returns management, and sophisticated integration options will compoundly create end-to-end ecommerce delivery solutions for large enterprise systems.

The Compatible program is a continuously growing program offering new eCommerce platforms and business tools, affording businesses certified integrations with FedEx service quality and simplified implementation.

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Royal Mail: UK-native next-day delivery provider

Royal Mail is the national postal service for the UK and specializes in next-day delivery throughout the UK. This provider offers delivery solutions for eCommerce businesses with the Royal Mail Business suite, with scalable integration options based on size and technical needs.

There’s an additional benefit offered by Royal Mail — the bespoke end-to-end service delivery solutions by Royal Mail's Bespoke Shipping that help meet particular eCommerce needs. This service, which combines internal ordering and warehousing systems with Royal Mail's shipping infrastructure, is accessible through Royal Mail Business Accounts.

Companies that need specifications, documentation, and custom development planning for complicated system integrations, special labeling requirements, or unique shipping workflows can get in touch with Royal Mail directly.

Web

Royal Mail provides a web-based solution with 3 levels of service based on scale and operational need.

• Click & Drop (with up to 20 parcels per week) is for small businesses with basic eCommerce needs. Also, the owner can use the solution at a guest checkout level. This basic online solution also includes order tracking, order upload from the marketplace, drop-off via postbox or Royal Mail delivery office, or post office branch.
• Drop Off Parselshops (for over 20 parcels per week) have heightened features and volume discounts for scaling business, only limited by the price. It scales up to 18 workstations, uses a range of automation, such as printed shipping labels, configurable shipping rules when parceling items, billing system integration, and creation of direct connections to seller accounts.
• For large-scale eCommerce businesses dealing with intricate delivery needs, Royal Mail Pro Shipping is the enterprise-level web solution. This all-inclusive platform is designed to improve, expedite, and grow shipping-related operations. It includes sophisticated data and report processing, high-volume label creation, multiple location management, and a wide range of daily automation features.

While scaling features and automation capabilities according to business volume requirements, all web solutions offer essential functionality such as shipment creation, eCom shipping solutions tracking management, billing integration, and marketplace connectivity.

APIs

Royal Mail APIs facilitate integration with current business systems and eCommerce platforms by offering programmatic access to shipping services via both REST and SOAP protocols.

Core API services offered by Royal Mail include the following:

• The Delivery Office Finder API is used to retrieve delivery office addresses for any UK postcode, along with the current opening times, parking availability, and accessibility facilities.
• API Shipping is the complete shipment management solution that allows changing shipment details (where relevant and available), cancelling shipments, managing billing, CN23 documentation for international shipments, and label downloads in multiple formats for various pack items.
• Local Collect API collects parcels using flexible customer collection via over 10,000 UK post network offices in support of click and collect.
• Tracking API tracks up to five live shipments, accesses tracking history, provides proof of delivery (without signature), and allows to integrate directly into retail sites.

The implementation process should start with registration on the Royal Mail API portal, they set up applications with API subscriptions are usually approved within one week, and then develop integration.

Third-party solutions

Royal Mail keeps up alliances with carefully chosen eCommerce logistics companies and other businesses that offer a range of services to companies of all sizes. In addition to shipping management, these partners provide automated label printing, picking and packing, direct order processing, and full delivery management. Advanced tracking, reporting tools, integrated billing systems, and warehouse management systems are all included in partner solutions. 

Notable subsidiaries include: 

• Intersoft's Intelligent Shipper which offers API-based shipping solutions with worldwide delivery management capabilities.
• StoreFeeder, which manages multichannel eCommerce with warehouse operations.
• ChannelShipper, which automates dispatch and shipping with Smart Pack.

Both independent software developers and Royal Mail's fully-owned subsidiaries that provide specialized eCommerce solutions are part of the partner network. 

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UPS: Best for eCommerce worldwide shipping

UPS is a global package delivery company that links order entry systems with extensive shipping networks. Through a variety of integration techniques, the business offers tracking, billing, logistics, and fulfillment services in addition to integrated solutions for order picking, packing, and shipping.

Web

The UPS web solutions include platforms and tools that interface with current business systems to automate order fulfillment, shipping, and tracking for online retailers.

UPS Marketplace Shipping integrates with popular platforms like Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Walmart, and Yahoo Shopping to process orders from individual stores or from multiple channels. Using the UPS infrastructure, the service manages billing, returns processing, and the availability of the UPS Access Point network for a variety of delivery choices.

To enable seamless and connected eCommerce international shipping solutions, UPS offers an array of web options:

• The UPS Ready program offers native apps and integrations with batch label creation, automated order importing, and configurable automation features for eCommerce platforms like Shopify, eBay, and Magento.
• With the help of the UPS Developer Kit’s web services, developers can incorporate tracking, address validation, and shipment processing straight into websites or apps.
• With its extensive batch management features, WorldShip desktop software streamlines bulk domestic and international shipping for high-volume shippers.
• Hundreds of packages are managed concurrently by the Quantum View centralized tracking tool, which also offers comprehensive shipment data and analytics.

APIs

Through the Developer Resource Center, UPS APIs offer extensive functionality for tech-focused eCommerce companies, making it one of the best eCommerce delivery options for businesses that have complex shipping and logistics needs.

With the great overall number and diversity of APIs available, the most notable ones are the following:

• Shipping and Rating APIs, including address validation for city/state/ZIP and street validation, dangerous goods validation, global location searches, pickup requests, rating comparison, shipping label creation, and time in transit calculations.
• Visibility APIs, including Quantum View data streaming via XML, full package tracking, and UPS Signature Tracking for automated proof of delivery,
• International trade APIs, including Paperless Documents upload, UPS TradeAbility to estimate duties and taxes, and Landed Cost Booking for cross-border shipments with brokerage fee estimates.

The Developer Resource Center offers complete documentation, integration guides, and technical support to integrate UPS functionality into existing systems of our customers' businesses or eCommerce sites.

EDI

The EDI capabilities enable the automated processing of documents through a standard data set designed to match the requirements of the UPS customer. 

Common EDI datasets include:

• Motor Carrier Freight Details and Invoice Transaction Set (Reference Number 210) for invoices.
• Motor Carrier Package Status Transaction Set (Reference Number 240) for package status.
• Motor Carrier Pick-up Manifest Transaction Set (Reference Number 215) for shipping manifests.

With UPS, EDI enables automated processing of shipping documentation, status updates, and billing information.

Third-party solutions

Your business can utilize UPS functionality without requiring significant custom development thanks to UPS Ready Partners' integrated solutions for popular eCommerce platforms, payment processors, and business management systems. Among many other business platforms, the program offers solutions for Amazon, eBay, PayPal, Shopify, and SAP Anywhere. UPS network also provides warehousing and distribution through its global facilities, eCommerce fulfillment, including pick/pack/ship and returns processing, transportation, and logistics management.

If these aren’t enough for you to pick the connected service delivery solutions by UPS, the provider also offers third-party solutions for comprehensive returns processing with product disposition management, and technology analytics platforms that offer end-to-end shipment visibility with integrated data analytics capabilities. 

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USPS: Best shipping company for online stores

USPS gives you everything you need if you run a growing eCommerce business in The US: speed, flexibility, and lightweight solutions. Generally, the USPS is the postal and parcel service for the United States. 

USPS Shipping for Business is their collection of tools that connects eCommerce business owners to the world's largest delivery network. The tools offered by USPS include postage calculators, free delivery, and discounts based on the number of shipping packages. It only provides this service to US users while providing various management tools.

Web

The web and desktop service features provided by USPS Business Shipping are built to scale for different-sized companies and shipment volumes. They include:

• Click-N-Ship is the best small business shipping software option for companies that send up to 50 packages a month. It has free accounts for shipping up to 50 packages a month — and as a web-based platform, it provides label printing, scheduling pickups, ordering boxes for free, tracking updates, and manually managing notifications, even without the need to install any plugins or apps.
• Click-N-Ship Business Pro is for medium-sized businesses that already ship over 50 parcels monthly, or who ship 50 combined pounds. This option has downloadable software and the user is required to register using the Business Customer Gateway and payment account. It has barcode label features and has options for integrating with an existing database.
• USPS also has developed tools for tracking parcels, reporting parcel data, and access to more specialized modes of delivery such as First-Class Package Service, Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express and Parcel Select Non-presort options.

These diverse web solutions cover the majority of the needs of the eCommerce SMEs.

APIs

Through a developer portal that offers access to address validation, tracking, delivery details, pricing computation, label printing, package pickup, and service standards, USPS APIs offer complete shipping solutions.

Among the core API services are:

• Location APIs that offer city/state lookup, ZIP code validation, address standardization, and drop-off location identification for a range of USPS eCommerce delivery services.
• Label and Pricing APIs facilitate the creation of shipping labels domestically and internationally, including barcode generation, postage computation, and compliance with Shipping Services Files. 
• Service and Tracking APIs offer carrier pickup scheduling, container management, SCAN form generation, information on service standards, and secure authentication via OAuth 2.0.

While secure features like creating shipping labels require extra customer care approval, technical implementation requires registration through the API portal with free access to basic tools. Every API offers thorough documentation via the platform for developer resources.

EDI

USPS is another eCommerce delivery management solution that offers EDI capabilities. It’s provided in the three main pathways: 

• Mail.dat offers industry-standard relational file structure transmission for complex mailings with pre- and post-acceptance data updates.
• Mail.XML offers real-time interaction capabilities for electronic postage statement submission and appointment creation with FAST systems.
• Postal Wizard allows users to submit postage statements securely online through PostalOne! accounts with guided completion assistance.

Additional specialized services include the Product Tracking System (PTS) file format options for services like Parcel Return Service, which enable workshare discount programs with designated Returns Delivery Unit collection points, and the Electronic Verification System (e-VS) for high-volume package mailers, which documents postage through electronic manifest files.

Third-party solutions

In addition to basic retail delivery solutions, USPS maintains partnerships with certified third-party providers that offer specialized software. Technology Partners include providers that offer shipping management systems, rate comparison tools, and label printing capabilities, such as Stamps.com, Endicia, Pitney Bowes, and EasyPost. 

USPS Connect and other specialized services include logistics and fulfillment companies that manage international shipping requirements through 3PL services with worldwide warehouse and distribution capabilities. Additionally, the address quality services, such as NCOALink, enable secure change-of-address data access for mailing list accuracy improvement.

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Canada Post: Best eCommerce shipping solutions for scaling companies

As the country's top postal service, Canada Post offers delivery options that help Canadian online retailers run and grow their companies. With incredibly flexible integration options, the service offers complete solutions for checkout, delivery, returns, pickup, and tracking operations.

Web

The Canada Post Solutions for Small Business program offers shipping discounts, tools, resources, and insights tailored to small business operations. Also, this web-based platform provides REST-style architecture-based APIs and services that can be easily integrated into custom applications and eCommerce websites.

Companies can connect with other developers and access free APIs and extensive technical documentation by enrolling in the Developer Program. While preserving operational effectiveness and cost-effectiveness for expanding enterprises, the web services allow for the direct integration of postal functionalities into current business platforms.

APIs

With the help of Canada Post's extensive API toolkit, eCommerce companies can incorporate postal services straight into their apps and websites. Among the core API services are:

• Rating Service calculates shipping costs according to weight, dimensions, origin, destination, and chosen service options.
• Shipping service makes it possible to create shipments, create shipping labels, and manage different shipping options, including coordinating parcel pickup.
• Tracking service offers comprehensive tracking information retrieval and real-time shipment status monitoring.
• To increase address accuracy and expedite data entry procedures, the AddressComplete API provides address validation and auto-completion features.

Finally, the customers can choose pickup locations during checkout thanks to the Deliver to Post Office API, which makes it easier to integrate post office delivery options. Such a functionality makes Canada Post a flexible and easiest to expand retail delivery solution.

EDI

While it does not directly offer traditional EDI solutions, Canada Post offers the partner ecosystem and technological foundation for businesses to implement EDI functionalities using Canada Post's web services and APIs for automated data exchange. These implementations facilitate automated business document exchange between trading partners and Canada Post, reducing manual data entry and improving operational efficiency. Common applications include exchanging bills, account statements, and shipment data in structured formats like XML.

Third-party solutions

Canada Post partners with third-party solution providers to deliver integrated technology that businesses can access through a standard business platform and support either basic or more advanced operational needs, making it one of the best eCommerce delivery providers.

Platform partnerships include the popular eСommerce API integrations such as Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, and other leading online commerce solution providers. These integrations deliver direct access to Canada Post services through existing business management system interfaces. Through specialized distribution services across Canada for the general goods, pharmaceutical, and eCommerce sectors, these partnerships assist in lowering costs, increasing flexibility, customer satisfaction, and optimizing supply chains.

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Amazon: Best eCommerce shipping for companies with/without fulfillment

Because Amazon is already executing the orders placed in your Amazon store, we wanted to explain two other options: fulfillment (available only to participants in Amazon) and multi-channel fulfillment, when you have a few sales channels (and this works for them, regardless of Amazon participation). 

Both options have per-unit fees and storage fees. Providing eCommerce logistics services for Australia and the US — here's what Amazon offers as an end-to-end ecommerce delivery solution option.

Fulfillment by Amazon

This is a ground-up eCommerce service solution that provides an eCommerce service from Amazon's fulfillment centers, where your orders are stored, by having Amazon pick, pack, ship, and manage customer service on those products. 

You must first set up an account and then add products to the Amazon catalog, either manually or by using the API provided for your Inventory Management Software. Then, package your products using Amazon packing supplies and ship them to the Amazon fulfillment center, and then your products will become automatically eligible for Prime shipping.

Multiple channels of fulfillment

To incorporate appropriate retail delivery solutions into various eCommerce channels, the service provides access to Amazon's fulfillment network.

In this case, you ship your goods straight from a supplier to Amazon's fulfillment centers, where they are then distributed to Amazon, your own website, other marketplaces, and other locations. All returns are also handled by Amazon.  

APIs

Apart from the well-known Amazon Web Services (AWS) that powers the cloud solutions of numerous today’s architectures, there are also varied Amazon APIs for integrating eCommerce. They are all available through the Selling Partner developer platform:

• The Shipping API gives sellers the ability to control outbound shipping, including tracking, creating, and canceling shipments, and requesting shipping rates. It allows FBM (fulfilled by merchant) sellers to purchase shipping labels for Amazon Shipping and/or third-party carriers like UPS, USPS, FedEx, and DHL.
• Fulfillment Outbound API means that orders placed on other sales channels can be fulfilled by sellers using Amazon's fulfillment centers thanks to the way it handles Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) orders. This API unlocks managing returns for MCF orders, listing fulfillment orders, tracking delivery information, canceling orders, and retrieving proof of delivery.
• Shipment Tracking API offers up-to-date tracking details for packages shipped by Amazon, including the most recent status and package history.
• Ordering API provides customers with order details, such as the estimated range of delivery dates, shipment tracking ID, and carrier name, and provides an optional Amazon Simple Notification Service (SNS) subscription for real-time order updates.

There’s only one conclusion — Amazon is one of the companies that knows its integrations well. 

EDI

Through standardized message flows such as ORDERS (850) for purchase orders, ORDRSP (855) for order confirmations, DESADV (856) for advance shipping notices with package details and delivery dates, and INVOIC (810) for electronic invoicing, Amazon EDI integration supports automated electronic data interchange for retail vendors.

For vendors managing high-volume retail operations across Amazon's fulfillment network, this EDI automation is crucial because it removes manual processing bottlenecks, guarantees real-time inventory synchronization, lowers labeling errors, and maintains compliance with Amazon's service metrics and delivery requirements.

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How to choose the best provider

With the great diversity of the existing digital delivery services, it’s not easy to make the right choice. The perfect solution depends on many factors, including your location, business size, budget, and goals. Apart from these, you should pay attention to some important features to look for in these providers.

• Seek suppliers with tiers of pricing that correspond to the weight ranges of your products, and offer volumetric pricing for large items or flat-rate options for lightweight items. Check to see if they offer insurance coverage options and dimensional weight calculations.
• Select shipping companies that offer shipping calculators that show all costs, including base rates, fuel surcharges, and extra services like insurance or tracking.
• Choose suppliers that offer international eCommerce shipping software and global partner networks that automatically manage duty computations, customs paperwork, and international compliance.
• Look into companies that provide a range of delivery options, from regular ground shipping to same-day expedited services with assured delivery windows. Seek out features with flexible scheduling that handle seasonal capacity scaling and mixed orders.
•  Give preference to suppliers who have native integrations for the main eCommerce platforms that produce shipping labels and sync orders automatically.  Make sure they provide reliable APIs, automated customer notification systems, and real-time tracking.
• Examine companies that offer automated return processing workflows, doorstep collection services, and prepaid return label creation. Features like condition reporting, return tracking, and integration with your inventory management system are also things to look for.

However, it’s not always possible to find everything you need in off-the-shelf eCommerce logistics solutions. In this case, eCommerce solutions development frees you up and gives you all the perks. COAX specializes in creating tailored solutions that perfectly match your particular business needs and do away with vendor dependency. 

Through adaptable, API-first architectures, we also create custom software integrations that link your current systems with numerous delivery providers, payment gateways, and marketplace APIs instead of imposing you onto inflexible third-party platforms. By using COAX's modular development methodology, you quickly adjust to market demands, scale components, and switch providers without having to completely rebuild your system. You can also maintain data ownership and avoid the expensive migrations that come with proprietary vendor solutions.

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FAQ

What is eCommerce shipping?

eCommerce shipping refers to the physical shipping and delivery of goods ordered online. Hesse describes eCommerce shipping as freight transport, logistics, and physical distribution with regard to both business-to-business and business-to-consumer commerce, but ultimately refers to the transportation from warehouse to end-user consumers by operating a tailored logistics operation.

Why do the best eCommerce shipping companies apply a third-party supply chain?

3PL delivery services often allow for cost flexibility — "entering at higher levels of service in activty one has lower sorting cost, but as a second activity, higher delivery costs", as described by Ponce et al. The use of third-party providers resolves uncertainties, and may give potential higher performance and contribute with specialized expertise while freeing up retailers to focus on their core business, rather than logistics infrastructure.

What are the main obstacles and challenges for delivery solutions for eCommerce?

There are several aspects to consider:

• GPS malfunctions lead to misunderstandings and discontent. This is the biggest risk, according to Raj et al.
• Road closures, traffic accidents, extreme weather, and disasters raise operating costs.
• Ineffective route optimization results in underutilized delivery capacity, longer delivery times, higher fuel consumption, and increased vehicle wear.
• Poor customer service, damaged packages, and delayed deliveries raise the likelihood that customers will switch.

How does COAX ensure the security of custom eCommerce delivery management solutions?

COAX uses OAuth 2.0/JWT authentication mechanisms and end-to-end encryption to protect delivery data. Recognizing the fundamental importance of security management, COAX is also ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certified, and it is ISO 9001 certified for quality processes. These practices govern the handling of customer shipping addresses, tracking information, and payment information throughout the safety and security of the delivery process.