Explains how to create labels independent of an order by using the Rate Browser, as well as the limitation of labels created in this way.
If you’d like to create a label for a single shipment that doesn’t have or need an order record, you can do so with the Rate Browser. You can use this process for both outgoing and return labels.
Labels vs. Orders
Creating a label through the Rate Browser is not the same as manually creating a new order in ShipStation. Review the Create Manual Orders article to learn how to create an order in ShipStation.
To create a label without an order:
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Click Rates in the toolbar.
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Enter the necessary information for the rates you'd like to see.
Minimum required information: Ship-From Location, Ship-To Postal Code, Country, and Weight.
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Click Browse Rates.
ShipStation will display the carriers, service types, estimated delivery times from the carrier (if available), and rates.
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Click the carrier name to see the available services options and rates for that carrier.
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Select the Carrier and Service you want to use.
The Configure Label option becomes active after you select a service.
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Click Configure Label.
The Rate Calculator will then ask you to fill in the remaining Ship To Address information. The Postal Code will carry over from your initial entry.
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Complete the Ship To Address in one of the following ways:
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Manually enter the address information in each field.
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Use the Paste Entire US Address function to copy/paste the Ship To information. ShipStation will attempt to parse the information into the correct fields.
If you need to create a return label, select Create a Return Label, above the address entry fields, then fill out the Ship From Address instead.
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(Optional) Click Validate Address if you are not confident the address is exactly correct. ShipStation will validate and standardize the address for you.
If you want to use the correction, click Use this Address.
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Make any other adjustments you need to the shipment (weight, dimensions, insurance, customs declarations, etc.).
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Click the Create + Print Label button (or use the drop-down to only Create Label without printing).
If you're creating a return label, select Email or Download instead.
If ShipStation is not able to create the label, we'll display any relevant errors so you can correct the shipping details and attempt to create the label again.
You can print the label immediately or from the Shipments tab later. Review our Print Labels article for more details on available print options.
Notes About the Rate Browser
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Creating a label through the Rate Browser will not generate an order or customer record. A shipment record will be available in the Shipments tab.
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Notification e-mails are not available for shipments created through the Rate Browser.
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Shipments created through the Rate Browser do not allow you to define the shipment's line items. Packing Slips and Pick Lists printed from the shipment will not contain any product information.
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Even if you have enabled the option to place your logo on the label, any labels you create with the Rate Browser will not print with your store logo.
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Rates between the Toolbar Rate Browser and the Configure Shipment Widget Rate Browser may differ as the Configure Shipment Widget Rate Browser provides more details about the carrier's rate API (address type, package type, confirmation type).
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Labels created through the Rate Browser will not be identified as an order input in User Activity Logs.
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You cannot create a multi-package order with the Rate Browser.