Package Labeling Tips

Every business can benefit from keeping labels on hand. One of the most common uses is for shipping labels. Package labels go well beyond address and postage — although those two are important — but sometimes it is necessary or helpful to label for extra care or package contents.

Address Labels

It goes without saying that you need to clearly label your packages with the address for the recipient and the sender. If you can use a printer to make your labels you leave less room for shipping errors. The carrier will be able to read the address and not have to decipher handwritten information.

Bonus points if you can include the plus-four digits on the Zip Code, and if you can create a barcode with the data contained in the address so the post office or other carrier can use their readers to obtain the information and route the package with accuracy and expedience.

Content Labels

Address labels may be sufficient for your average package. However, some contents are best called out with a label. In some cases this may be a “Fragile” or “Handle with Care” label that calls attention to contents that need special care and the shipper shouldn’t stack too much on top or throw the box around.

There are also some package contents that are required to be labeled such as lithium batteries, hazardous materials, magnetized materials or contents that need to be maintained at a certain temperature.

Supplies Shops offers labels for such requirements, as well as stickers that denote where a product was made, or “Rush” labels that suggest an expedient delivery.

Labels for hazardous materials and other regulated contents gives perspective on the full meaning of “Shipping and Handling.”