Cloud-Based Ship Management: Best Software, Systems and Solutions (2025 Comparison)

Choosing the right cloud-based shipping software can be tricky with so many services and solutions available.

If you need a platform for logistics, tracking deliveries, or order fulfillment, the right cloud system can elevate your business. From distribution and supply chain management to forwarding technology, there are numerous options for shippers, carriers, and retailers.

Are you using Shopify or integrating with a courier service? This guide will help you find the best cloud shipping apps, tracking systems, and shipment management tools for your company.

What is cloud shipping?

Cloud shipping involves importing a business's order information into online software for automatic, centralized processing. This type of strategy relies on technology to streamline logistics operations, improve business productivity and reduce the shipping costs.

What is cloud-based shipping software?

Cloud shipping software, also known as shipping platforms for eCommerce, is an online system for logistics automation. This solution connects the company with all its carriers, improving information flows and storing customer data.

A web-based shipping platform transforms how you manage your business. With automation handling routine tasks, you save time, reduce costs, and streamline your operations. The platform grows with your business, adapting to new needs and integrating cutting-edge technology.

How to choose a cloud shipping solution depending on your needs

There are many types of cloud-based transportation management solutions. Some focus on customer experience, others on parcel management or shipping automation, and others take an end-to-end approach.

When selecting a cloud shipping solution, it’s essential to consider your business needs and pain points. Different solutions cater to varying goals, whether it’s scaling, improving returns, or reducing costs. Below are some scenarios to help you identify the right fit for your business

If you want to ensure your business's succes

Consider an all-in-one cloud shipping solution. It combines shipping, returns, customer notifications, and tracking management in one platform.

This reduces the need for multiple tools, streamlines operations, and offers better insights through centralized data, helping you make informed decisions. An integrated solution will help you scale efficiently, reduce complexity, and improve customer experience while cutting costs.

If you have too many returns

Choose a platform that automates returns. It should generate prepaid return labels, track returned items, and manage inventory by restocking products automatically. Integration with customer service tools will help your team handle returns more efficiently.

If you are just starting

Pick a simple platform that’s easy to set up and use. It should support basic features like shipping label creation and order tracking while integrating with eCommerce platforms. Many solutions offer affordable entry-level plans that grow with your business.

If you want to ship internationally

Select a platform that manages cross-border logistics, automates customs paperwork, handles multiple currencies, and provides global carrier access. It should also offer international tracking and support for different languages.

If you want to increase sales

Use a solution that improves the post-purchase experience, like branded tracking pages and personalized delivery updates. Clear returns and integration with customer service will boost customer satisfaction and encourage repeat purchases.

If you want to reduce support and logistics costs

Automate tasks like shipping label creation, tracking, and delivery notifications to reduce manual work. Offer self-service return options and use analytics to optimize logistics and reduce costs.

If you are a 3PL and have to handle many customers

Choose B2B shipping or sofware for 3PL with bulk management, logistics analytics, and customizable workflows. Look for features like multi-location support, API integrations, and multi-carrier management to streamline operations and manage clients efficiently.

Top 11 shipping software and companies for carriers and retailers

1. Outvio

• Ideal for: eCommerce businesses seeking an all-in-one platform to streamline shipping, returns, fulfillment, tracking customer support
• Pricing: Outvio offers the "Grow" plan starting at $125/month, the "Conquer" plan at $250/month, and custom pricing for the "Enterprise" plan

Outvio is the ultimate all-in-one solution for eCommerce businesses, transforming order management and customer service with its end-to-end cloud-based platform. By automating every aspect of the post-sales process—including shipping, logistics, returns, customer service, and marketing—Outvio ensures smooth and efficient operations.

çhis platform helps businesses not only manage shipments accurately but also provides the tools needed to stay competitive and focused on the customer experience. With Outvio, you can enhance customer satisfaction, reduce management time, and optimize resources, making it the perfect solution to fuel your business’s growth and efficiency.

Key features:

• Automate logistics, label printing, and goods verification to streamline operations
• Use AI-driven algorithms to allocate shipments efficiently and reduce costs
• Send automatic order notifications, complete with cross-sell product promotions, to drive sales
• Offer a returns and exchange portal with built-in revenue retention tools and in-store credit options
• Customize your tracking portal with shopper management features to improve the customer experience
• Monitor shipments and automatically resolve incidents to ensure timely deliveries
• Automate freight invoice matching to ensure accurate billing and reduce manual checks
• Integrate customer service software with live chat to streamline communication within your shop
• Gain advanced business analytics to make data-driven decisions and optimize performance

2. Shipbob

• Ideal for: businesses that need a reliable fulfillment solution with a strong focus on scalable and fast shipping
• Pricing: is personalized based on specific business needs, including storage, picking, packing, and shipping costs

ShipBob is a modern logistics solution tailored for eCommerce businesses seeking to streamline their shipping operations. By combining its own distribution centers with cloud-based software, ShipBob simplifies inventory management and order fulfillment. It's an efficient choice for companies prioritizing logistics excellence, offering fast shipping and integrations with popular platforms.

Key features:

• ShipBob manages warehousing, packing, shipping and tracking
• Real-time inventory tracking helps maintain stock levels and simplify restocking
• With 50+ fulfillment centers in six countries
• 2-day shipping across the U.S.
• Businesses can use branded packaging for a better unboxing experience
• Integrates with platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and TikTok
• Provides insights on order accuracy, shipping times, and costs for better decisions

3. Easyship

• Ideal for: retailers looking for a straightforward and cost-effective cloud shipping solution with access to a wide range of carriers
• Pricing: EasyShip offers a plan starting at $29/month, an advanced plan starting at $79/month, and custom pricing for the enterprise plan.

Easyship is a user-friendly shipping solution built for small eCommerce businesses aiming to simplify logistics and reduce costs. By integrating multiple carriers and offering competitive rates, it helps businesses handle shipping efficiently. Ideal for those prioritizing affordability and convenience in their operations.

Key features:

• Integrates with a wide range of carriers, offering flexibility in shipping options
• Pre-negotiated rates help businesses save up to 91% on shipping costs
• Supports bulk label printing to streamline the shipping process
• Includes automated fulfillment and packaging to reduce manual effort

4. Shippo

• Ideal for: Ideal for merchants who need an intuitive platform to manage multi-carrier shipping and tracking in one place.
• Pricing: Shippo offers a plan starting at $19/month, a pro plan at $199/month, and custom pricing for the premier plan.

Shippo is a straightforward shipping platform designed to make eCommerce logistics more efficient and affordable. By connecting with over 40 carriers, it helps businesses access discounted rates, manage shipments, and streamline returns. Ideal for those seeking a user-friendly solution to simplify post-purchase processes.

Key features:

• Connects with multiple carriers
• Offers up to 90% discounts on shipping with carriers like USPS, UPS, and DHL
• Enables printing of shipping labels, including bulk printing for high-volume businesses
• Integrates with Shopify, Amazon, eBay, and more for smooth order management
• Provides real-time shipment tracking and notifications
• Simplifies the returns process with tools for return label generation and management
• Validates shipping addresses to reduce failed deliveries

5. Aftership

• Ideal for: businesses operating in Asia, looking to enhance their post-purchase experience with proactive tracking notifications.
• Pricing: scales with shipment volume and added modules, starting at $9/month for 1,200 shipment (only tracking) and increasing with additional features.

Aftership is a flexible shipping and tracking platform, particularly well-suited for businesses operating in or shipping to Asia. With strong carrier support in the region, it ensures seamless delivery processes and keeps customers informed with automated updates. Its modular design allows you to tailor functionalities like branded tracking pages, return management, and analytics to your specific needs. Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses aiming to enhance their post-purchase experience without the complexity of larger logistics solutions.

Key features:

• Customize tracking pages to match your brand’s identity
• Send automated updates to customers about their order status
• Manage returns with a self-service portal for customers
• Use analytics to gain insights into delivery performance and customer satisfaction

6. Shipstation

• Ideal for: companies looking for a versatile shipping platform that integrates well with various sales channels and marketplaces.
• Pricing: starts at $9.99/month for up to 50 shipments, with plans going up to $399.99/month for higher volumes.

Shipstation is a cloud-based platform designed to simplify shipping for eCommerce businesses. It enables effortless order imports, rate comparisons, and label printing, all while automating repetitive tasks. With integration to major carriers and sales channels, it’s a reliable choice for streamlining logistics, though its customization and return management features are limited.

Key features:

• Integrate seamlessly with various sales channels and marketplaces
• Access discounted shipping rates from major carriers
• Automate key processes with custom automation rules
• Sync inventory across channels to prevent overselling

7. Sendcloud

• Ideal for: medium or small businesses primarily operating in Europe, seeking to streamline their shipping processes with multiple carrier options
• Pricing: starts at €29/month for the Lite plan, with higher plans for more features, going up to €175/month for the Premium plan

Sendcloud is a beginner-friendly platform designed to simplify shipping and returns for eCommerce businesses. It centralizes key operations like carrier integration, label printing, and tracking, making it an accessible tool for managing deliveries. While it offers a free plan for smaller businesses, its return options are limited, and it lacks features for handling delivery-related issues or exchanges.

Key features:

• Connect to over 100 carriers and offer customers diverse delivery options
• Automate the creation of labels, tracking emails, and returns
• Integrate shipping options directly into the checkout experience
• Provide customers with a self-service returns portal

8. Metapack

• Ideal for: enterprises that need advanced delivery and logistics management with powerful analytics and carrier options
• Pricing: custom quotes based on shipping volume and requirements

Metapack is a robust shipping platform designed for large enterprises managing high volumes of eCommerce orders. It connects businesses to an extensive global network of carriers, offering flexible delivery options and branded tracking to enhance the customer experience. While powerful and feature-rich, its complexity and cost make it better suited for larger organizations than smaller businesses.

Key features:

• Connect to over 350 carriers worldwide for global shipping
• Offer dynamic delivery options to suit customer preferences
• Provide branded tracking pages to enhance the delivery experience
• Automate returns and exchanges with self-service tools

9. Parcelhub

• Ideal for: businesses seeking personalized delivery solutions combined with tracking features.
• Pricing: interested users are encouraged to contact Parcelhub directly for a customized quote

Parcelhub is a practical shipping platform tailored for small and medium-sized businesses looking to simplify their logistics. It centralizes carrier management, offers discounted rates, and provides hands-on customer support to address shipment issues quickly. Ideal for growing businesses, it’s a cost-effective solution, though it lacks advanced analytics and integration options for more specialized platforms.

Key features:

• Manage multiple carriers from a single platform for streamlined shipping
• Use discounted rates to lower shipping costs
• Resolve shipping issues quickly with proactive customer support
• Scale your operations with flexible solutions designed for growth

10. ClickPost

• Ideal for: businesses that want to improve delivery management with real-time tracking and easy returns handling.
• Pricing: customized pricing based on shipment volume and specific business needs

ClickPost is a logistics platform designed to streamline last-mile delivery and returns for eCommerce businesses. With real-time tracking, carrier integration, and automated returns management, it helps optimize delivery operations. While rich in logistics features, it lacks tools for CRM or inventory management, making it best suited for businesses focused solely on improving shipping efficiency.

Key features:

• Leverage data-driven insights to optimize your shipping operations
• Monitor carrier performance and ensure reliable deliveries
• Manage returns efficiently with streamlined tool
• Integrate with various eCommerce platforms and carriers to enhance efficiency

11. Shipengine

• Ideal for: developers seeking a shipping API solution
• Pricing: EasyShip offers a plan starting at $29/month, an advanced plan starting at $79/month, and custom pricing for the enterprise plan

ShipEngine is a powerful shipping API built for developers and businesses needing custom logistics solutions. It enables seamless integration of shipping tools like rate comparisons, label generation, and real-time tracking into existing systems. While highly customizable, it’s best suited for tech-savvy teams and high-volume shippers rather than those looking for a plug-and-play solution.

Key features:

• Use a comprehensive API to manage label creation, rate calculation, and tracking
• Validate shipping addresses to reduce errors and improve delivery success
• Compare rates from multiple carriers and choose the best option
• Integrate real-time tracking updates into your website or app with the tracking API

When should you upgrade to a better cloud shipping management system if you are already using one?

The short answer: as soon as you can.

For eCommerce and D2C businesses, upgrading shipping systems is a natural part of scaling up. As your business grows, switching to premium shipping software can help improve the customer experience, lower logistics costs, and increase profit margins.

Take a look at this Reddit discussion about finding a premium alternative to tools like ShipStation or Shippo (Outvio is one option).

Premium platforms don’t just streamline shipping; they also allow you to personalize customer communication and implement revenue retention strategies that automatically boost profits.

And what about the price?

Yes, premium software does come with a higher monthly fee, but the return on investment is clear.

You’ll see happier customers, fewer shipping issues, and reduced logistics costs. For businesses that handle high volumes, even small improvements in efficiency or customer satisfaction can make a huge difference in your bottom line.

Even companies like Amazon have lost customers due to poor shipping experiences. A recent news article reported that customers are switching to Walmart because of Amazon's delivery delays, with some waiting up to a week for their orders.

This highlights just how crucial it is to invest in better shipping software before these issues affect your business and reputation.

How to improve your shipment management in the cloud: strategies and functionalities

Increases the variety of shipping options at checkout

93% of online shoppers say that delivery methods affect their final purchase decision. By integrating a cloud-based shipping platform, you can expand your shipping methods, such as standard, economic, overnight, or in-store pick-up. This provides more flexibility to the customer and will increase your conversion rate.

Automate carrier selection

Set up rules so that the system automatically chooses the most suitable carrier based on criteria such as weight, destination, or cost. With this, you can ensure you always choose the most economical option and minimize shipping costs. 

Customize delivery notifications

According to Statista, shipping traceability and the software that provides it are critical to the customer's shopping experience. With a cloud-based shipping solution, you can automate personalized shipping notifications. You can add your own designs to create a unified aesthetic and increase brand recall. You can also promote products, upsell related products, and increase your revenue.

Monitor shipments and troubleshoot problems

95% of customers expect shipping problems to be addressed throughout the order's delivery process. With Outvio, you can set up alerts to detect shipping issues and quickly communicate with carriers to resolve them immediately.

Automating Returns

On average, online shoppers return 20-30% of products. Some cloud-based shipping software provides portals to make it easier for shoppers to return their items. Not only does this improve the customer experience, but it will also minimize the time it takes your staff to manage returns.

In addition, the most advanced portals allow you to promote in-store credit to avoid having to refund your customer, drastically reducing the cost of your returns.

Analyze data and optimize strategies

Utilize analytical tools to collect data about your shipments and analyze it to identify areas for improvement, such as delivery times, costs, and customer satisfaction. Adjust your shipping strategies based on this data to become more efficient and reduce costs.In this article, you will find a list of the best shipping analytics software.

Shipping software pricing and comparison for 2025

Conclusion

As a logistics professional, it is your responsibility to find solutions to optimize your operational processes. In that sense, implementing cloud-based shipping software represents a significant improvement for your business. This cloud-based shipping solution streamlines your shipping operations and enhances efficiency throughout your supply chain.

Not only does this technology simplify supply chain management, but it also transforms the way customers interact with your brand during the ordering phase, which is essential for customer retention. With a cloud-based shipping management system, you can provide real-time tracking updates, offer multiple shipping options, and ensure timely delivery, thereby enhancing the overall customer experience.