CALCURATES BLOG
Top 5 Shipping Solutions for eCommerce Sellers In 2025
Vladimir Derachits
Vladimir Derachits is a versatile professional with extensive expertise in Magento, customer success, content creation, social media management, SEO, and email marketing. With a strong background in crafting compelling content for blogs, video scripts, and technical documentation, Vladimir also excels in planning and executing social media strategies and SEO tasks. His comprehensive skill set and commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences make him a standout expert in digital marketing and e-commerce.
Quality delivery can make or break conversions. Transparent rates, predictable delivery dates, and smooth post-purchase comms all add up to a better checkout and a healthier margin.
Below is an up-to-date guide to the best ecommerce shipping solutions for different sizes and stages, plus the critical 2025 regulatory changes you should account for at checkout and in fulfillment.
Below is an up-to-date guide to the best ecommerce shipping solutions for different sizes and stages, plus the critical 2025 regulatory changes you should account for at checkout and in fulfillment.
What is an e-commerce shipping solution?
A shipping app, plugin, or platform that connects your store to carriers and rules, calculates and shows the right options at checkout, and often handles labels, manifests, and tracking. Think of it as shipping management software that sits between your storefront and carriers so you can control cost, speed, and customer experience.
Why this matters: extra costs and unclear delivery timelines are still the top reasons shoppers abandon a cart. Recent studies show “extra costs” like shipping, taxes, and fees lead abandonment, and slow or unclear delivery dates also rank high. Updating checkout to be transparent and predictable materially improves conversion.
Why this matters: extra costs and unclear delivery timelines are still the top reasons shoppers abandon a cart. Recent studies show “extra costs” like shipping, taxes, and fees lead abandonment, and slow or unclear delivery dates also rank high. Updating checkout to be transparent and predictable materially improves conversion.
Why use a dedicated solution in 2025?
- Control at checkout, fewer surprisesShow accurate options and dates based on your rules and real carrier constraints.
- Lower shipping overagesDimensional packing, origin rules, and rate shopping reduce the gap between what the customer pays and your actual carrier bill.
- Compliance built inICS2 in the EU, the UK’s BTOM safety and security filings, and new U.S. de minimis rules all raise the bar on data quality for cross-border shipments.
Top 5 Shipping Solutions in 2025
#1 Calcurates
Bratislava, Slovakia
Launched in 2019 by Amasty, a Magento extension builder since 2009.
Launched in 2019 by Amasty, a Magento extension builder since 2009.
Calcurates helps e-commerce brands calculate and display accurate shipping methods and rates at checkout with zero coding. The focus is on cost-effective, conversion-friendly shipping logic and clear timelines.
Top Standout Features
- Live rates from major small-parcel carriers
- Multi-origin, multi-vendor shipping
- Volumetric or dimensional weight
- Smart Packaging and packaging rules
- Rate shopping
- International shipping with landed cost
- Delivery dates with cut-offs and handling times
- Table rates
- Shipping rules and restrictions
Shipping Labels and Order Tracking
Label generation and order tracking are currently available for all major carriers on Magento 2 and Adobe Commerce. Other platforms are planned.
Inventory Management
Calcurates focuses on shipping logic rather than OMS-style features, so it does not provide low-stock alerts, inventory management, or pick-pack-ship.
Pricing Plans
Usage-based credits with monthly or annual tiers, all features included.
Typical annual pricing:
- Small$69 per month billed yearly for 10,000 credits
- Medium$139 for 25,000
- Large$229 for 50,000
- Extra Large$419 for 100,000
Monthly billing is also available, and there is a Pay-As-You-Go option at $0.02 per credit. 15-day free trial.
Free Trial
15 days, full features.
Calcurates Pros and Cons
- Pros
- Robust rules, dates, and multi-origin logic
- Landed cost estimates at checkout
- Clear usage-based pricing and free onboarding on annual plans
- Backed by Amasty’s Magento expertise
- Cons
- Labeling and tracking are Magento-first today
- LTL carriers are not supported yet
Turn on cost-effective shipping
Let's check if Calcurates meets your shipping needs!
#2 ShipperHQ
Austin, Texas, United States
A powerful rates manager and checkout experience layer that excels at complex rules, dimensional packing, and accurate delivery dates across many platforms.
Top Standout Features
- Advanced shipping rules, surcharges, and promotional logic
- Dimensional packing and best-fit box selection
- Multi-origin and multi-warehouse setup
- Accurate delivery dates and calendar picker
- Live rates from 50+ small-parcel and LTL carriers, plus custom/table rates
Shipping Labels and Order Tracking
ShipperHQ historically focuses on checkout, while labels are handled post-order. In 2025, a Labels API is in early access for UPS, FedEx, and USPS to generate labels programmatically, with per-label fees and limited out-of-the-box support on some storefronts like Shopify. Many merchants still pair ShipperHQ with ShipStation or a WMS for labels and tracking.
Inventory Management
No inventory or fulfillment workflows.
Pricing Plans
Plan tiers vary by platform and features, with public references indicating entry pricing from around $75 per month and a 15-day free trial.
ShipperHQ Pros and Cons
- Pros
- Market-leading checkout rules and date accuracy
- Solid dimensional packing and LTL scenarios
- Broad platform coverage, including Adobe Commerce, Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Salesforce Commerce Cloud
- Cons
- Labels require the new API or an external tool
- Pricing depends on platform and add-ons
#3 ShipStation
Austin, Texas, United States
A mature post-purchase operations platform under Auctane, ShipStation brings multi-channel order aggregation, automation rules, discounted carrier rates, labels, and branded tracking in one console.
Top Standout Features
- Centralized orders from 70+ carts and marketplaces
- Automation rules, presets, and batch processing
- Rate shopping across carriers
- Branded labels, packing slips, and tracking pages
- Returns workflows and portals
Shipping Labels and Order Tracking
Built-in label creation, manifests, and branded tracking. Access deep discounts via ShipStation Carrier Services.
Inventory Management
Basic inventory visibility and order handling are available, but it is not a full OMS or WMS.
Pricing Plans
Public pages show Free, Starter, Standard, and higher tiers up to Premium, with shipment-based thresholds. There is a separate “Your Carriers” add-on fee by plan if you use your own negotiated accounts. A free trial is available. Exact pricing varies by region and plan edition.
ShipStation Pros and Cons
- Pros
- Fast label generation at scale with strong automations
- Wide set of integrations and discounted rates
- Branded post-purchase experience out of the box
- Cons
- Most checkout-time logic still needs a rates manager
- Add-on fees apply for connecting some own-carrier accounts
#4 Shippo
San Francisco, United States
Shippo offers a clean app and a developer-friendly API for labels, tracking, and multi-carrier rate comparison. It’s popular with startups and platforms embedding shipping.
Top Standout Features
- 40+ carriers with instant discounted rates
- Labels via app or API, batch, and webhooks
- Real-time tracking and branded pages
- Returns, insurance, and address validation
Shipping Labels and Order Tracking
Full label lifecycle, tracking API, and webhook events for status updates and notifications.
Inventory Management
Not an OMS, no stock control.
Pricing Plans
Pay-as-you-go model with first 30 labels free each month, then per-label fees for API usage. Subscription options are available for higher volume. Starter plan has no monthly subscription fee.
Shippo Pros and Cons
- Pros
- Simple, transparent per-label pricing and quick start
- Strong developer docs and webhooks
- Good fit for platforms or lightweight ops
- Cons
- Checkout-time rules and dates are limited compared to dedicated rates managers
- Sophisticated multi-origin logic requires custom work
#5 Sendcloud
Eindhoven, Netherlands
A European all-in-one shipping and returns platform, ideal if you sell in the EU and UK. It combines checkout widgets, labels, tracking, and a strong returns portal with 160+ carrier options.
Top Standout Features
- Connect to 160+ carriers or bring your own contracts
- Dynamic Checkout for delivery methods and pickup points
- Branded tracking emails and page, multi-language
- Robust self-service returns portal and analytics
Shipping Labels and Order Tracking
Bulk labels, manifests, branded tracking, and multi-language notifications.
Inventory Management
Not a full inventory tool, but integrates with major carts and ERPs.
Pricing Plans
Free plan available with limits, 14-day full-feature trial, and paid tiers starting around €40 per month in many markets. Availability and inclusions vary by country.
Sendcloud Pros and Cons
- Pros
- EU-first carrier coverage and pickup networks
- Strong returns and branded tracking
- Flexible mix of Sendcloud rates and your own contracts
- Cons
- Some Dynamic Checkout implementations have shifted to API-first for WooCommerce and Magento, which may require developer support
2025 quick checks for rates, dates, and compliance
When you compare the best shipping software for e-commerce businesses, don’t forget that regulations and carrier rules have changed in 2025. Here’s what they mean for you in practice:
- United States: de minimis exemption ended (Aug 29, 2025)All imports, no matter how low the value, are now subject to duties and taxes.
What to look for in software: A tool that can calculate landed cost and show duties/taxes at checkout (Calcurates, ShipperHQ), plus support for prepaid DDP flows so customers aren’t surprised on delivery. - EU: ICS2 Release 3 now liveRoad and rail shipments to and within the EU require additional customs data (HS codes, consignee info).
What to look for in software: Accurate product classification and the ability to pass compliant data to carriers, reducing the risk of delays or holds. - UK: BTOM final stage (Jan 31, 2025)Safety and security (S&S) declarations and SPS checks are mandatory for imports.
What to look for in software: Easy integration with carriers or customs brokers who can file these automatically, and tools that can include the right product data fields. - USPS: July 2025 price changesNew pricing and service adjustments affect many e-commerce delivery options.
What to look for in software: Live carrier rate integrations or automatic updates, so you don’t undercharge customers or erode margins when rates change.
How to Choose the Right Shipping Solution in 2025
With so many options, the best way to pick is to match your business model to the right type of tool. Here’s a framework to make the decision easier:
- Size and stage of your store
- New or small store: Start with something lightweight like Shippo or Sendcloud (EU) to get discounted labels and basic tracking without heavy setup.
- Scaling merchant: If you’re processing hundreds or thousands of orders, you’ll need rate accuracy and automations. Calcurates (for checkout logic) plus ShipStation (for labels/ops) is a common pairing.
- Enterprise or multi-country brand: Look for advanced multi-origin, LTL, landed cost, and compliance support. Calcurates and ShipperHQ are strong fits here.
- Where you sell
- North America: USPS changes and de minimis removal make landed cost a must. Calcurates and ShipStation cover this well.
- European Union & UK: ICS2 and BTOM rules mean your software must handle HS codes, duties, and customs-ready data. Sendcloud stands out with its 160+ EU carriers and customs-friendly checkout.
- Global cross-border: Prioritize a solution that offers DDP flows, duties/taxes calculation, and transparent delivery dates (Calcurates, ShipperHQ).
- Features that drive conversion
- At checkout: Customers want delivery dates, upfront duties/taxes, and reliable shipping options. Calcurates and ShipperHQ are best here.
- After checkout: Smooth labels, branded tracking, and easy returns keep customers happy. ShipStation, Shippo, and Sendcloud shine on the post-purchase side.
- Budget and pricing model
- Pay-as-you-go flexibility: Shippo or Calcurates’ usage-based credits.
- Flat monthly plans: ShipperHQ and ShipStation.
- Free starter tiers: Sendcloud and Shippo offer entry-level plans with basic features.
Choosing the best shipping solution for ecommerce in 2025 comes down to clarity and control. Customers expect accurate delivery dates, transparent costs, and hassle-free returns, while merchants need automation, compliance, and margin protection.
No single tool covers every scenario, but matching your business needs to the right platform makes the difference. Calcurates leads the way in checkout accuracy and international readiness, while ShipperHQ, ShipStation, Shippo, and Sendcloud each excel in their own focus areas.
Investing in the right shipping and logistics software doesn’t just save money – it builds trust, lifts conversions, and keeps your store future-proof as regulations and carrier rules continue to evolve.
No single tool covers every scenario, but matching your business needs to the right platform makes the difference. Calcurates leads the way in checkout accuracy and international readiness, while ShipperHQ, ShipStation, Shippo, and Sendcloud each excel in their own focus areas.
Investing in the right shipping and logistics software doesn’t just save money – it builds trust, lifts conversions, and keeps your store future-proof as regulations and carrier rules continue to evolve.
Did you like this article?
Ready to set up cost-effective shipping for your store?
