Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What are Cloud Shipping Companies?
- Top 10 Cloud Shipping Companies for Ecommerce Enterprises
- 6 Key Considerations When Choosing a Cloud Shipping Company
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Introduction
In today's era of e-commerce, shipping has become a streamlined process thanks to cloud shipping companies. These companies utilize cloud-based software and intelligent tools to automate and optimize shipping operations for online businesses. In this article, we will explore the top 10 cloud shipping companies and provide insights on selecting the ideal one for your eCommerce store.
What are Cloud Shipping Companies?
Cloud shipping companies leverage cloud computing to facilitate efficient manifestation, shipping, and delivery activities. By automating processes such as label printing, stock counting, and return processing, these companies reduce manual inefficiencies and improve overall productivity. Cloud shipping companies offer benefits like enhanced shipping workflows, reduced errors in package delivery, increased customer satisfaction, and lower order fulfillment costs.
Top 10 Cloud Shipping Companies for Ecommerce Enterprises
Here are the leading cloud shipping companies that cater to e-commerce sellers worldwide:
- ClickPost: An AI-driven multi-carrier shipping solution that automates shipping processes and provides comprehensive order tracking and customer notifications. It also offers a specialized returns/exchanges solution for Shopify merchants.
- ShipStation: A cloud shipping software integrated with numerous global shipping carriers, offering order management, shipping, branding, and tracking services for online store owners.
- Shippo: Connects e-commerce stores with online marketplaces, shipping partners, and fulfillment providers, offering flexible pricing plans and easy API integration.
- EasyPost: Provides a range of APIs for address verification, tracking, and shipping, along with multi-carrier shipping options and sustainable packaging solutions.
- Narvar: A well-known post-purchase customer experience software that covers order fulfillment, tracking, notifications, returns, and exchanges, including a unique "Concierge" feature.
- ShippingEasy: Offers cloud-based shipping software with marketing features, smart shipping workflows, real-time order tracking, and a complete Shopify Seller suite.
- SendCloud: A parcel shipping software with automated shipping processes, pre-negotiated rates, and features like Pack & Go for label printing and SKU scanning.
- ShipRocket: A shipping management platform available in over 220 countries, providing global shipping services, marketplace integration, and B2B fulfillment options.
- AfterShip: A logistics platform with order tracking, shipping workflows, live rate calculation, and new features like AfterShip Green for environmentally conscious shipping.
- MetaPack: Offers exceptional shipping, fulfillment, and management services, partnered with a wide range of shipping carriers, and provides customized branded tracking pages.
6 Key Considerations When Choosing a Cloud Shipping Company
When selecting a cloud shipping company, consider the following criteria:
- Multi-Carrier Support: Ensure the company provides access to multiple shipping carriers for global reach and flexibility.
- Real-Time Shipment Tracking: Look for live order tracking capabilities to provide accurate updates to customers via SMS, email, and other channels.
- Return & Exchange Management: Choose a company that offers automated and efficient processes for handling returns and exchanges.
- Shipping Capacity: Consider the scalability of the cloud shipping software to accommodate your business's growth and handle increasing order volumes.
- Easy Onboarding: Opt for a company that seamlessly integrates with your existing tech stack and ensures smooth onboarding processes.
- Customer Care Unit: Look for a cloud shipping company that offers reliable customer support to address inquiries and concerns promptly.
Conclusion
The best cloud shipping companies prioritize customer preferences, provide tailored services, and support business growth. By exploring the top 10 companies and considering key factors like multi-carrier support, real-time tracking, and customer care,
FAQs
1) Do Cloud Shipping Companies Use Cloud Computing? Yes, cloud shipping companies use cloud computing for all their operations because it allows businesses to install their software on their server. Cloud shipping companies, also called SaaS (Software as a Service) companies provide all their products to customers on the cloud, which is only possible through cloud computing. With cloud shipping, there is little to no physical data to be handled.
2) Is Cloud Shipping Best For E-commerce Companies? Yes, cloud shipping is a more efficient and low-cost option compared to physical shipping operations. It’s also speedier in terms of delivery times and increases customers’ loyalty and retention rates through continuous engagement and a better shipping experience.
- Can I Integrate Cloud Shipping Software with My Existing Business Platform? Yes, most cloud shipping companies offer integration options with popular e-commerce platforms, marketplaces, and other tech products. This allows for seamless integration of the cloud shipping software into your existing business platform, making it easier to manage shipping operations alongside other aspects of your business.
- How Does Cloud Shipping Improve Order Fulfillment? Cloud shipping companies automate and streamline shipping processes, resulting in faster order fulfillment. Tasks such as label printing, stock counting, and return processing are efficiently handled by the cloud shipping software, reducing manual errors and saving time. This leads to improved order fulfillment rates and customer satisfaction.
- Can Cloud Shipping Companies Handle International Shipments? Yes, many cloud shipping companies have partnerships with global shipping carriers, enabling them to handle international shipments. These companies provide cross-border shipping options and offer access to a wide range of carriers, ensuring efficient and cost-effective delivery of packages worldwide.
- What Are the Costs Associated with Cloud Shipping Services? The costs of cloud shipping services vary depending on the company and the specific features and services required. Some companies offer tiered pricing plans based on factors such as order volume or specific functionalities needed. It's important to carefully review the pricing plans of different cloud shipping companies to choose the one that aligns with your business needs and budget.
- Can Cloud Shipping Companies Assist with Returns and Exchanges? Yes, many cloud shipping companies offer features and tools to simplify the management of returns and exchanges. They provide return portals, automated return workflows, and tracking capabilities to ensure a smooth and efficient process for handling returns and exchanges. This helps improve customer satisfaction and streamlines the overall post-purchase experience.
- How Does Cloud Shipping Software Help Reduce Shipping Errors? Cloud shipping software utilizes automation and intelligent tools to minimize shipping errors. By automating tasks like label printing, order tracking, and notification triggers, the software reduces the reliance on manual processes that are prone to errors. This results in more accurate shipping information, improved package delivery, and reduced shipping errors overall.
- What Support Options Are Available from Cloud Shipping Companies? Cloud shipping companies typically provide customer support through various channels such as email, live chat, or phone. Some companies offer 24/7 customer support to address any inquiries, technical issues, or concerns that may arise during the shipping process. It's important to review the support options provided by a cloud shipping company to ensure that they align with your business's needs.
- Can I Customize the Shipping and Branding Experience with Cloud Shipping Companies? Yes, many cloud shipping companies offer customization options for shipping labels, tracking pages, and branding. This allows businesses to create a consistent brand experience throughout the shipping process. Customization features may include adding company logos, colors, and personalized messages to enhance the overall branding and customer experience.