Glossary
What is a shipping label? Definition
June 4, 2026
The shipping label (carrier label) is the adhesive document pasted on the package that identifies the shipment for the carrier: sender and recipient addresses, chosen service, barcode, and tracking number. Without a valid label, the package will not be accepted. In e-commerce, it is generated from the order during fulfillment, just before handing it over to the Colissimo, Chronopost, DHL, or other carrier network.
Summary
Simple definition: shipping label
The shipping label is the logistics passport of the package for the carrier. It allows sorting, routing, and traceability until delivery.
Typical information:
Sender: merchant or warehouse name, return address.; Recipient: customer name, shipping address, sometimes phone number.; Service: Colissimo home delivery, pickup point, express...
Weight / dimensions of the package (pricing).; Barcode and tracking number.; Order reference (optional, internal use).
Useful distinctions:
Shipping label vs delivery slip: the label is on the package for the carrier; the delivery slip is often inside the package for the customer.; Shipping label vs order tracking: the label carries the number; tracking is the online follow-up of this number.; Shipping label vs shipment: the label is an artifact; shipping is the complete logistical act.
Outbound label vs return label: after-sales service return or prepaid for the customer.; Domestic vs international label: outside the EU, customs documents (CN22/CN23) in addition.; Label vs product label: retail SKU ≠ transport label.
The importance of shipping labels for an online store
An incorrect or missing label blocks the entire post-purchase chain.
Carrier acceptance: without a valid barcode, delivery is refused at the depot.; Delivery to the right recipient: legible and accurate address.; Customer tracking: number updated in Shopify and email (transactional email).
Controlled cost: rate based on actual weight and service (shipping fees).; Less customer support: parcel lost or returned to sender if the address is incorrect.; Compliance: mandatory mentions according to the carrier and country.
The label links the digital order to the physical package: this is the moment when the tracking number becomes real for the customer. A label generated but not entered in the admin leaves the order "unfulfilled" on the shop side.
Using with Shopify
Shopify allows you to buy and print labels from the admin when creating a fulfillment (Shopify Help Center).
Shopify Shipping: negotiated rates depending on the country (USA, Canada, certain EU markets).; Carrier apps: Sendcloud, Shippo, Boxtal, Colissimo Officiel (France).; Carrier accounts: pro Colissimo/Chronopost contract connected via app.
Multi-package: one label per package, a fulfillment can contain several.; Pick-up point: label with lock/pick-up point ID chosen at checkout.; 3PL: the provider generates the labels; tracking is sent back via API.
Points for the merchant to check:
Verify delivery address before generation (no typos).; Enter actual weight (otherwise overcharging or dispute).; Configure printer and PDF format (4×6 vs A4).
Test a shipment on a real or test order.; Ensure that tracking is properly sent to the customer.; Archive carrier invoices for accounting.
France: if native Shopify Shipping is limited, the Boxtal or Sendcloud apps centralize Colissimo, Mondial Relay, Chronopost with bulk label generation.
In brief
Shipping label = carrier identification on the package (addresses, barcode, tracking).; Distinct from delivery slip, shipment, product label.; Key issues: pickup, delivery, customer tracking, shipping cost.
How it works: weighing → generation → printing → pasting → scanning.; Shopify Shipping or apps (Sendcloud, Boxtal…); thermal printer recommended for high volumes.
Associated terms, FAQ, and going further
Associated Terms
Shipping: overall process after labeling.
Fulfillment: label creation + shipped status.
Order tracking: monitoring via label number.
Shipping address: data on the label.
Parcel packaging: label support.
FAQ
Can you ship without a shipping label?
In practice, no for professional e-commerce shipments: the carrier requires a barcode label. At a post office, manual entry is possible but slow and not scalable.
How to generate a label on Shopify?
Open the order > Fulfill (Create fulfillment) > enter weight and dimensions > choose carrier > Buy shipping label > print the PDF.
Shipping label and tracking number: link?
Yes. The tracking number is printed on the label (barcode). It is the same reference used for customer order tracking.
Which printer for e-commerce labels?
A 4×6 thermal printer (Zebra, Rollo, DYMO) is standard once you reach a few dozen packages par day. A4 is suitable for low volume using adhesive pouches.
Go Further
Sources: Shopify Help Center (Shipping labels), carrier documentation (La Poste Colissimo, Chronopost).
Enzo
13 May 2026
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