How to Create a Shipping Label for Your Package

What you need before you start

A shipping label is a barcode sticker that tells the carrier where your package is going and who sent it. You create one through the carrier's website or app, print it at home, and tape it to your box. The carrier then scans it at pickup or dropoff, and the label tracks your package to the recipient.

Before you open your browser, gather these things: the recipient's full address, your return address, the package weight in pounds, and the package dimensions in inches (length × width × height). If you're shipping something fragile or hazardous, have that information ready too. You'll also need a printer and tape, or access to a printer at a UPS store, FedEx location, or post office.

Decide which carrier you want to use. The three main options in the United States are USPS (United States Postal Service), UPS, and FedEx. Each has different speed options, price points, and pickup locations. If you're shipping from home, USPS and UPS both offer free pickup; FedEx requires a dropoff at a location or a paid pickup service.

Key Takeaways

You create a shipping label through the carrier's website or mobile app by entering the recipient's address, package weight, and dimensions.
USPS, UPS, and FedEx all let you print labels at home for free, though some services charge for expedited shipping speeds.
The label must be taped flat to the top of your box, with the barcode fully visible and not bent or creased.
After printing, schedule a pickup or take the package to a dropoff location; the carrier scans the barcode to begin tracking.

Creating a label through USPS

Go to usps.com and click "Ship a Package" at the top of the page. You'll be asked to sign in or create a free account. Enter the recipient's full address, your return address, and the package weight. USPS will show you shipping speed options: Priority Mail (2–3 days), Priority Mail Express (1–2 days), and First Class (3–7 days for small packages). Select the speed you want and pay for postage.

After payment, you'll see a page with your shipping label as a PDF. Click "read" and save it to your computer, then open the file and print it on a standard 8.5" × 11" sheet of white paper. Cut along the dotted lines and tape the label to the top of your box with clear tape, making sure the barcode is flat and fully visible. Do not fold or crease the barcode.

You can schedule free pickup through the USPS website by selecting "Schedule a Pickup" after you print your label. A carrier will collect your package from your home or business within one to two business days. If you prefer, you can also drop your package at any post office during business hours.

Creating a label through UPS

Visit ups.com and click "Ship" in the top menu. Sign in or create a free UPS account. Enter the recipient's address, your return address, package weight, and dimensions. UPS will show you shipping options: UPS Ground (1–5 business days), UPS 2nd Day Air, and UPS Next Day Air. Choose your speed and pay for postage.

read the label PDF and print it on standard paper. Cut it out and tape it to your box. Unlike USPS, UPS labels are typically 4" × 6", so if your printer supports it, you can print directly onto a 4" × 6" label sheet for a cleaner look. The barcode must be fully visible and not creased.

Schedule a free pickup through the UPS website, or drop your package at a UPS store, UPS customer center, or UPS access point. You can find nearby locations on the UPS website by entering your zip code. Pickup requests are usually processed within one business day.

Creating a label through FedEx

Go to fedex.com and click "Ship" at the top. Create a free FedEx account or sign in. Enter the recipient's address, your return address, package weight, and dimensions. FedEx offers FedEx Ground (1–5 business days), FedEx 2Day, and FedEx Overnight. Select your shipping speed and complete payment.

read and print your label on standard 8.5" × 11" paper or a 4" × 6" label sheet if your printer supports it. Tape it securely to the top of your box with the barcode fully visible and uncreased. FedEx labels are smaller than USPS labels, so cutting and taping is usually faster.

FedEx does not offer free home pickup for most residential customers. You'll need to drop your package at a FedEx Office, FedEx Ground location, or FedEx authorized retailer. Find nearby locations on the FedEx website. Some FedEx services do include pickup, but these typically cost more and are designed for businesses shipping multiple packages regularly.

Printing your label at a carrier location

If you don't have a printer at home, you can create your label online and print it at a carrier location. After you complete your label through USPS, UPS, or FedEx, save the PDF to your phone or email it to yourself. Then visit a post office, UPS store, or FedEx location and ask staff to print it for you. Most locations print labels for free or a small fee (usually under $1).

Alternatively, some carriers let you create a label in-store. At a UPS store or post office, staff can help you weigh your package, calculate postage, and print a label on the spot. This route takes longer but works well if you're unsure about your package weight or dimensions.

What to do after you print your label

Once your label is printed and taped to your box, the next step depends on your carrier and shipping speed. If you scheduled a pickup, the carrier will collect your package on the date you selected. If you're dropping off, take your package to the location during business hours. Either way, the carrier will scan your barcode at pickup or dropoff, and tracking will begin when ready.

Keep your receipt or confirmation number in case you need to track your package or file a claim. Most carriers let you track your shipment through their website or app by entering your tracking number. The recipient will also receive tracking information if you provided their email address during label creation.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is printing your label too small or on the wrong paper size. Always print on standard 8.5" × 11" white paper unless your printer specifically supports 4" × 6" label sheets. If your label is too small, the barcode scanner may not read it, and your package could be delayed.

Another mistake is taping over the barcode or creasing it. The barcode must be completely flat and fully visible for the carrier's scanner to read it. Use clear tape and avoid folding or bending the label. If your label gets damaged, print a new one and tape it over the old one.

Don't forget to include your return address. If the package can't be delivered, the carrier needs to know where to send it back. Your return address should be in the upper left corner of the box, and your recipient's address should be in the center, covered by the shipping label.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a shipping label without an account?

USPS, UPS, and FedEx all require you to create a free account to generate a shipping label online. The account setup takes about five minutes and requires your name, address, and email. You don't need to provide payment information upfront; you pay for postage when you create each label.

What if I don't know my package weight or dimensions?

You can estimate the weight and dimensions when you create your label, but the carrier may reweigh your package at pickup or dropoff. If the actual weight is higher than what you entered, you'll be charged the difference. To avoid surprises, use a kitchen or bathroom scale to weigh your package, and measure it with a ruler or measuring tape.

Can I print multiple labels at once?

Yes. USPS, UPS, and FedEx all let you create and print multiple labels in one session. This is useful if you're shipping several packages. Create each label separately, read the PDFs, and print them all at once. Some carriers also offer batch shipping tools for businesses that ship regularly.

What if my printer runs out of ink or breaks?

You can print your label at any UPS store, FedEx location, or post office for free or a small fee. Save your label PDF to your phone or email it to yourself, then visit a carrier location and ask staff to print it. You can also ask the carrier to print the label when you drop off your package, though this may add time to the process.

Do I need to sign anything when I drop off my package?

For most standard shipments, no signature is required at dropoff. The carrier will scan your barcode and give you a receipt. If you're shipping something that requires a signature upon delivery, that's handled at the recipient's end, not at dropoff. Keep your receipt for your records.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.