Shipping stickers and shipping labels look alike, but they do different jobs. A shipping sticker shows a brand or message. A shipping label has important delivery information. Picking the right one helps shippers stop delays. It also makes sure packages get to the right place safely. People who ship things should know when to use each one.
Key Takeaways
Shipping labels have important delivery info like addresses and barcodes. They help packages get to the right place fast and safe.
Shipping stickers mostly show logos or messages. They are good for simple shipments or making packages feel special.
Use shipping labels if you need to track packages. Use them if you must follow carrier rules or ship far away. This helps stop delays or lost packages.
Pick shipping stickers for small, local, or gift packages. They make packages look nice and easy to remember.
Always check carrier rules before you print labels. This makes sure your package is the right size and has the barcode in the right spot.
Quick Comparison
Main Difference
The main thing that makes a shipping sticker different from a shipping label is what they are for. A shipping sticker is mostly for looks or to show off a brand. A shipping label has all the details needed to deliver a package, like addresses, barcodes, and tracking numbers.
Here’s a simple chart to show how they are different:
Feature | Stickers | Labels (Shipping Labels) |
|---|---|---|
Primary Use | For decoration or to promote something | Used for shipping and packaging |
Typical Material | Made on full sheets, usually no back slits | Made on strong or coated paper |
Shape | Cut in special shapes, made to look nice | Pre-cut shapes on sheets or rolls |
Adhesion | Usually not meant to stick forever | Can be permanent or easy to remove |
Surface Compatibility | Best on smooth surfaces | Sticks to cardboard, plastic, and other things |
Durability | Not made for rough use | Made for tough shipping places |
Tip: If your package will travel far or get tossed around, use a shipping label for safety.
Why It Matters
Picking the right one helps your package move faster and safer. Shipping labels help workers sort and track boxes. They use barcodes and special formats to make sure each package goes to the right spot. This means fewer mistakes and faster delivery.
Shipping labels:
Make sorting and handling quicker.
Let you track packages with barcodes.
Help stop lost or late packages.
Follow the rules for shipping.
Shipping stickers:
Make packages look cool or special.
Show off a brand or message.
Good for simple shipments that do not need tracking.
Packages with clear labels move faster in sorting centers.
Barcodes on labels help stop mistakes and make tracking easy.
Good labels keep packages from getting lost or sent to the wrong place.
A shipping sticker can make a box look cool, but only a shipping label makes sure it gets to the right house.
What Is a Shipping Sticker?
Definition
A shipping sticker is a sticky label for packages, boxes, or envelopes. People use it to show a logo or give information. It can help a package stand out from others. A shipping sticker is not the same as a shipping label. It does not always have delivery details. Most of the time, it shows a brand or gives a message. Many businesses use shipping stickers to make their packages look special. Some use them to share a quick note with the customer.
Materials and Finish
Companies use different materials to make a shipping sticker. Some use 100% recycled kraft paper to help the environment. This paper looks natural and works with most printers. Others pick synthetic materials like polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyester. These materials make the sticker strong and water-resistant. They also help the sticker last in tough shipping conditions. For easy jobs, matte paper or recycled matte paper is common and cheap. Most shipping stickers use a sticky glue that holds well to boxes. This keeps the sticker in place during shipping. Some stickers have a clear cover to protect them from dirt and water.
Note: A shipping sticker made with strong stuff can handle rough trips and bad weather.
Common Uses
People use shipping stickers in many ways. Businesses put them on packages for branding. A sticker with a logo or slogan makes a box look more professional. Some companies use shipping stickers to share messages like “Thank You” or “Fragile.” These stickers help customers feel special. They also give important tips to people who handle the package. In online shopping and stores, shipping stickers help packages stand out. They make opening a box more fun and easy to remember. Shipping stickers are good for simple shipments that do not need tracking or delivery details.
What Is a Shipping Label?
Definition
A shipping label is a sticker with important package details. It shows who is sending and getting the package. It also has tracking numbers and barcodes. These labels help workers know where to send each box. They let people check where their package is as it travels. Most shipping companies need shipping labels to deliver things safely and on time.
Shipping labels are like a passport for your package. They tell everyone where the package should go.
Materials and Finish
Shipping labels are made from different materials. Each material is good for certain jobs. Some are better for wet or cold places. Here is a table that shows the main types and what they do:
Material Type | Characteristics & Uses |
|---|---|
Paper | Most common and cheapest; best for inside use; not good with water. |
Polypropylene (BOPP) | Stronger than paper; bends easily; works in cold or wet places; resists some chemicals and sun. |
Polyester | Very strong; stands up to sun, chemicals, and heat; waterproof; used for tough shipping. |
Vinyl | Waterproof; soft; fits odd shapes; used for chemicals and dangerous goods. |
Foil & Foil-like | Shiny look; used for fancy boxes like electronics or makeup. |
Dissolvable | Breaks down in water; used for food or things that need easy cleaning. |
Most shipping labels use strong glue. This glue keeps the label on in hot or cold weather. Some labels can stay stuck from -60℉ to 200℉. This means they work well on long trips.
Common Uses
Shipping labels do more than show an address. They make shipping faster and easier. Here are some ways people use shipping labels:
Print and scan labels to find packages fast.
Print many labels at once for lots of boxes.
Use scales and printers to pack boxes quickly.
Help workers fill orders with fewer mistakes.
Make sure packages follow shipping rules.
Make return labels for easy returns.
Track packages and send updates to customers.
Use shipping software to pick the best carrier or fastest way.
Fix problems like lost packages or returns with special labels.
Shipping labels help the whole shipping process run smoothly. They show everyone what to do with each package from start to finish.
Key Differences
Durability
Durability is very important for packages. Shipping labels made for tough jobs use film-based materials like polyester or polypropylene. These labels have strong glue and a special cover. They stay easy to read and stick well, even if they get wet or hot. Some labels can handle sunlight and scratches, so the print stays clear. Regular paper labels are sticky but do not do well in bad weather. They can smudge, peel, or rip if they get wet or too warm.
A shipping sticker made from plain paper will not last as long as a weatherproof shipping label. Stickers may look nice at first, but they can fade, curl, or fall off if it rains or gets hot. Synthetic stickers last longer, but most are not as tough as a real shipping label.
Tip: For long trips or rough shipping, use weatherproof shipping labels to keep addresses and barcodes safe.
Compliance
Shipping labels must follow strict rules from carriers like UPS, FedEx, and USPS. These rules say how big the label should be, where to put it, and how the barcode looks. Carriers scan barcodes to track packages. If a label does not follow the rules, the carrier might not take the package or it could be late. Labels also need the right address and, for international shipping, must show what is inside and how much it is worth. Some places want labels in their own language.
Shipping stickers do not have these rules. They are good for branding or simple messages, but they cannot replace a shipping label. Carriers do not use stickers for proof of shipping or tracking. Only shipping labels meet the legal and carrier rules for moving packages.
Key compliance points for shipping labels:
Must match carrier size and placement rules.
Barcodes must scan easily.
Address must be correct and clear.
Needed for customs and international shipping.
Printability
Printability means how well a label or sticker takes ink and stays easy to read. Shipping labels use special materials for clear printing. Most labels work with thermal printers. Direct thermal printers use heat to make fast and cheap labels for short trips. Thermal transfer printers use a ribbon to make barcodes and text that last a long time. These labels stay easy to read even after days in trucks or warehouses.
Shipping stickers can use many ways to print, but they often focus on looks instead of barcode quality. Some stickers use thermal transfer for bright, sharp images that last. Others use inkjet or laser printers for colorful designs. But stickers may not always scan well if used for barcodes. Labels are better for printing clear, scannable codes for tracking.
Printing Technology | Shipping Labels Use | Shipping Stickers Use | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Direct Thermal | Fast, short-term labels | Rarely used | Quick shipping, low cost |
Thermal Transfer | Durable, long-lasting labels | High-quality, lasting images | Tough shipping, branding |
Inkjet/Laser | Less common | Colorful designs | Custom stickers, promotions |
Application
People use shipping labels and shipping stickers in different ways, especially in busy warehouses. Shipping labels are part of packing. Workers print them after picking and packing each box. Some labels print in groups for simple orders. Others print one at a time for tricky shipments. Labels must match the right box, so packing apps help workers keep things straight. If a label does not print, the system makes an error label so the order does not get lost.
Shipping stickers are easier to use. People stick them on boxes for branding or to share a message. They do not need to follow carrier rules or packing systems. Stickers work well for simple shipments or as an extra touch on a package.
Feature | Shipping Labels | Shipping Stickers |
|---|---|---|
When Printed | During or after packing | Before or after packing |
How Applied | Must match carrier and box | Anywhere on the package |
Role in Shipping | Required for tracking and delivery | Optional, for branding or notes |
System Integration | Needs packing app or shipping software | No special system needed |
Note: Shipping labels are needed for carrier rules and tracking. Shipping stickers add style or information but cannot replace a label for shipping.
When to Use a Shipping Sticker
Simple Shipments
A shipping sticker is best for easy shipments. These shipments do not need tracking or special delivery details. Many small businesses use stickers for thank-you cards, gifts, or local orders. Stickers go on envelopes, boxes, or bags with no trouble. People pick them for hand-delivered packages or local courier items. These stickers help packages look different, even if they do not have a barcode or address.
Tip: Use a shipping sticker for fast gifts or deliveries. It adds a personal touch and saves time.
Some companies use stickers to seal envelopes or as name tags. These stickers can show a short message, logo, or fun picture. They make the package look nice and help share the brand.
Branding and Promotion
Businesses like shipping stickers to help their brand stand out. They make custom stickers with logos, bright pictures, or cool messages. Stickers come in many types, like matte paper, shiny metallic, or eco-friendly ones. Companies use them as seals, address labels, or thank-you notes.
Stickers catch eyes and make packages look great.
They help brands share tips or product info.
Custom address and thank-you stickers make customers feel special.
QR code stickers link buyers to videos or deals.
Eco-friendly stickers show a brand cares about the earth.
A good shipping sticker can make a plain box feel like a gift. Customers get excited when they see a fun or kind sticker. This small thing makes opening a package more fun and personal. Many people post these moments online, so brands get noticed. A simple sticker can make customers want to buy again.
Note: Nice packaging with branded stickers makes customers happy and leads to more sharing online.
When to Use a Shipping Label
Carrier Requirements
Carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx have strict rules for shipping labels. They want every package to have the right information in the right place. If a shipper misses a step, the carrier might delay or even reject the package. Here’s what most carriers look for:
Every label must have a special barcode for tracking. This could be a USPS Intelligent Mail barcode, a UPS MaxiCode, or a FedEx FDX1D.
The label needs a tracking number that people can read. If the barcode gets damaged, workers can still find the package.
The destination address must be clear and easy to read. This helps the carrier know where to deliver the package.
A return address is important. If the package can’t be delivered, it goes back to the sender.
The label should show the package’s weight. This helps with shipping costs and safety.
The delivery class, like Priority Mail or First Class, must be on the label.
For international shipping, carriers want even more details. The label must list what’s inside, how much it’s worth, and how much it weighs. Shippers also need to attach customs forms and make sure the label sits flat on the biggest side of the box. Carriers want labels to stay clean and easy to scan during the whole trip.
Tip: Always double-check carrier rules before printing a shipping label. This helps packages move faster and avoids problems.
Trackable Shipments
Shipping labels make tracking possible. Carriers scan the barcode and tracking number at every stop. This updates the package’s status in real time. Both the shipper and the customer can see where the package is by checking the carrier’s website or app.
The label has a unique tracking number and barcode.
Carriers use machine-readable codes like QR or MaxiCode for fast sorting.
The label shows both the sender’s and recipient’s addresses.
Carrier and service details help workers handle the package the right way.
What It Does | |
|---|---|
Tracking Number | Lets everyone follow the package’s journey |
Barcode | Gets scanned at each stop for updates |
Addresses | Shows where the package starts and ends |
Carrier Info | Tells workers how to handle the shipment |
A shipping label is the key to safe, trackable delivery. Without it, packages can get lost or delayed. Shippers should always use a shipping label when they want to track a package or meet carrier rules.
Choosing the Right Option
Shipping Volume
How many packages you ship matters a lot. If a business sends out hundreds of packages each day, it needs a fast system. Shipping labels are best for busy shippers. They print many at once and stick on fast. Labels follow carrier rules and help workers scan barcodes. This makes tracking easy and helps stop mistakes.
If you only ship a few packages each week, stickers might be enough. Stickers make each package look special and personal. For small shops, stickers do not slow things down.
Tip: Use labels for lots of shipping. Use stickers for small amounts or special gifts.
Package Type
What you are shipping is important too. Fragile things or big boxes need strong, clear shipping labels. Labels stick well to many surfaces like cardboard or plastic. They stay on in hot, cold, or wet weather.
Stickers are good for small or hand-delivered packages. They work well for branding or sharing a message. Stickers do not last on heavy or rough shipments.
Package Type | Best Choice |
|---|---|
Large or heavy | Shipping label |
Fragile | Shipping label |
Gift bag or small | Sticker |
Local delivery | Sticker |
Regulatory Needs
Rules decide when you must use a shipping label. Carriers and governments have strict standards for labels. These rules keep packages safe and easy to track.
The U.S. Postal Service wants shipping labels to show the mail class and use the right format, barcode, and markings.
Labels must follow the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) for size and layout.
Service icons and banners help workers handle packages the right way.
International shipping needs labels with handling instructions, barcodes, and sometimes more than one language.
Hazardous materials need special labels with big, clear writing and safety symbols.
Printing labels with machines helps avoid mistakes and keeps up with rules.
Stickers do not meet these rules. They are for looks or branding, not for legal or safety needs.
Note: When rules or safety matter, always pick a shipping label. Stickers cannot replace labels for following rules or tracking.
Decision-Making Checklist:
Does the package need to be tracked or meet carrier rules?
Use a shipping label.
Is the shipment high volume or going far?
Use a shipping label.
Is the package a gift, local delivery, or for branding?
A sticker works well.
Are there any legal or safety requirements?
Always use a shipping label.
Picking the right choice makes shipping easy and worry-free.
Shippers know that shipping labels and stickers are not the same. Labels help with tracking and follow carrier rules. Stickers make packages look special or friendly. It is important to use the right one for each job. Many shippers use tools like shipping method mapping and automation rules. These tools help keep orders moving the right way. Trying new ways can help stop mistakes. Here is a simple checklist:
Does the package need tracking?
Are there carrier or legal rules?
Is branding or a special message the goal?
Picking the right choice makes shipping easy and keeps customers happy. 🚚
FAQ
What happens if someone uses a shipping sticker instead of a shipping label?
A shipping sticker cannot do the job of a shipping label. Carriers need shipping labels to track and deliver packages. If you use only a sticker, your package could get lost or sent back.
Can shipping labels and stickers go on the same package?
Yes, you can use both on one package. Many companies do this. They put a shipping label for tracking and delivery. They also add a sticker for branding or to say thank you. This makes the package look more special.
Do shipping labels work on all types of packaging?
Shipping labels stick to most things like cardboard, plastic, or poly mailers. For best results, make sure the surface is clean and dry. Some labels work better on rough or cold surfaces.
Are shipping stickers waterproof?
Some shipping stickers are made with waterproof materials like vinyl or polyester. Others are made from paper and can get ruined by water. Always check what the sticker is made of before using it outside or for long trips.