Shipping Label Template
A print-ready shipping label template for address labels, tracking codes, and return labels. Generate in bulk with barcode and QR code support. Whether you are a small business shipping 20 packages a day or a fulfillment center processing thousands of orders, this template produces accurate, scannable labels from your shipment data in a single batch operation.
When to Use This Template
This template is designed for any shipping or logistics workflow where you need to produce a large number of labels with variable recipient data and tracking information. Use it for:
- E-commerce order fulfillment — Generate shipping labels for daily orders from Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, or any online marketplace
- Warehouse batch processing — Produce hundreds of labels at once for outgoing shipments, with barcodes matched to your warehouse management system
- Return label generation — Create prepaid return labels with reversed sender/recipient addresses and new tracking numbers
- Internal mail and package routing — Label interoffice or interdepartmental packages with recipient names, building numbers, and internal tracking codes
- Subscription box shipping — Produce monthly shipping labels for all subscribers with individual addresses and package weights
- Trade show or event logistics — Generate labels for exhibit materials, sample boxes, or attendee kits being shipped to a venue
If you are handwriting labels, copying addresses one at a time, or paying per label through a shipping platform for simple domestic shipments, this template offers a cost-effective alternative.
Template Fields
| Field | Description | Example | Spreadsheet Column |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sender Name | Return address name | Your Company | sender_name |
| Sender Address | Return address | 100 Business Park, CA | sender_address |
| Recipient Name | Delivery name | John Smith | recipient_name |
| Recipient Address | Delivery address | 789 Elm St, Austin, TX | recipient_address |
| Tracking Number | Tracking code | 1Z999AA10123456784 | tracking_number |
| Weight | Package weight | 2.5 lbs | weight |
| Barcode | Scannable tracking barcode | Code 128 format | barcode |
Field Mapping Guide
Connecting your shipment data to the label template ensures accurate, scannable labels for every package. Here is how to set it up:
- Export your order data — Download your orders as CSV or Excel from your e-commerce platform or order management system. Most platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon Seller Central, BigCommerce) provide order exports with customer name, shipping address, order number, and weight.
- Prepare your spreadsheet — Each row represents one label. Ensure you have columns for sender name, sender address, recipient name, recipient address, tracking number, weight, and any barcode data. Add a tracking number column from your shipping carrier’s API or batch upload tool.
- Upload your label template — Design the label to match your label paper or thermal printer dimensions (4×6 inches is standard for thermal printers). Export as PDF and upload to Mergram.
- Place fields precisely — Position the recipient address prominently in the center, the sender address smaller in the upper-left, the barcode in the lower portion with clear space around it, and the tracking number in a human-readable format near the barcode.
- Configure barcode settings — Set the barcode field type to Code 128 (the standard for shipping) and map it to your tracking number column. Adjust the barcode size so it scans reliably at your intended print resolution.
Tip
If your tracking numbers come from multiple carriers (UPS, FedEx, USPS), add a “carrier” column to your spreadsheet and map it to a text field on the label. This helps sorting staff identify the carrier at a glance.
Supported Barcode Formats
- Code 128 — Most common for shipping and logistics. High-density barcode that encodes alphanumeric tracking numbers efficiently
- EAN-13 — International product codes. Useful if you ship products with existing EAN barcodes that need to appear on the label
- UPC-A — North American product codes. Common for consumer goods shipped from US warehouses
- Code 39 — Industrial and automotive. A good choice for internal warehouse tracking systems
- ITF-14 — Carton and pallet labeling. Used for outer shipping cartons in the supply chain
Customization Tips
- Match your label paper — Design the PDF template to match the exact dimensions of your label stock. Common sizes include 4×6 inches (thermal), 5.5×8.5 inches (half-page), and Avery 5160 (1×2.63 inches). Mergram preserves the exact dimensions
- Add carrier logos — Include a static carrier logo (UPS, FedEx, USPS, DHL) in the PDF template for visual identification during sorting
- Use QR codes for tracking links — Add a QR code field mapped to a column of tracking URLs. Recipients can scan the label to see their delivery status
- Color-code by shipping method — Use different template designs or a “shipping_method” text field for Expedited, Standard, and Ground so warehouse staff can sort packages quickly
- Include handling instructions — Add text fields for “FRAGILE”, “THIS SIDE UP”, or “PERISHABLE” that are conditionally populated from your spreadsheet
- Multi-label sheets — If using Avery-style label sheets, design the template with one label position per PDF page. Generate the merged PDF and print with labels aligned to the sheet layout
Common Use Cases
E-commerce daily fulfillment: An online store ships 150 orders per day. Orders are exported from Shopify each morning as a CSV with customer names, addresses, order weights, and tracking numbers from the USPS API. All 150 labels are generated in one batch, printed on a thermal printer, and applied to packages within an hour.
Subscription box service: A meal kit company ships 2,000 boxes weekly. The label includes the subscriber’s name and address, the carrier tracking number, and a QR code linking to the delivery tracking page. Labels are generated in bulk and printed on 4×6 thermal labels.
Return label generation: An apparel retailer provides return shipping labels with every order. The return label template swaps sender and recipient addresses and uses a prepaid tracking number. Customers find the return label in their package, ready to use.
Warehouse inter-facility transfers: A distribution company moves inventory between three warehouses. Transfer labels include the origin, destination, contents description, and an internal barcode linked to the transfer order in the WMS.
Best Practices
- Test barcode scanning before bulk printing — Print a single label and scan it with your actual barcode scanner or phone app to verify it reads correctly. Adjust barcode size or resolution if needed
- Leave clear space around barcodes — Barcodes need quiet zones (blank space) on all sides for reliable scanning. Keep at least 5mm of white space around each barcode
- Use high-contrast printing — Black barcodes on white backgrounds scan most reliably. Avoid colored barcodes unless your scanner specifically supports them
- Include human-readable text — Always display the tracking number in plain text below the barcode as a fallback for scanning failures
- Standardize address formatting — Use consistent capitalization and abbreviation in your spreadsheet (e.g., “ST” not “Street”, state abbreviations) for clean, professional labels
- Print at 300 DPI or higher — Barcodes require sufficient resolution for reliable scanning. Set your printer to at least 300 DPI when printing labels
- Batch by carrier — If using multiple carriers, filter your spreadsheet by carrier before generating labels. This lets you load the appropriate template for each carrier’s label format
Get Started
Upload your label template and shipping data to Mergram. Map your columns, configure your barcode settings, and generate your first batch of shipping labels in minutes.