How To Create A UPS Shipping Label: Step-by-Step Guide

Nick Leason

-Oct 4, 2025

How To Create A UPS Shipping Label: Step-by-Step Guide

Need to ship a package with UPS? Creating a shipping label is the first step. This guide explains how to easily create a UPS shipping label online, covering everything from account setup to printing your label, ensuring your package is ready for delivery.

Key Takeaways

You can create a UPS shipping label online through the UPS website or a third-party platform.
You'll need a UPS account (or guest access), package details (weight, dimensions), and recipient address.
Choosing the right shipping service and understanding costs are crucial for efficient shipping.
Printing options include using a standard printer or a thermal label printer for convenience.
Properly attaching the label to your package ensures smooth delivery.

Introduction

Shipping a package can seem daunting, but creating a UPS shipping label doesn't have to be. Whether you're a small business owner shipping products to customers or an individual sending a gift to family, a clear and correctly prepared shipping label is essential for ensuring your package reaches its destination on time and without issues. This comprehensive guide walks you through the process of creating a UPS shipping label, step-by-step, from setting up an account to understanding the various shipping options available.

What & Why Creating a UPS Shipping Label Matters

What is a UPS shipping label? It's a document containing vital information for shipping a package, including the sender's and recipient's addresses, tracking number, shipping service, and any special instructions.

Why is it important? A properly created label ensures your package is delivered to the correct address, allows for tracking its journey, and helps avoid delays or misdelivery. Using UPS, a trusted global carrier, provides a reliable shipping experience. Choosing the right shipping service impacts delivery time and cost, so understanding your options is key.

Creating a shipping label also offers several benefits:

Convenience: You can create and print labels from your home or office, saving time and trips to a UPS store.
Cost Savings: Online labels often come with discounts compared to in-store label creation.
Accuracy: Online forms reduce the risk of handwriting errors, ensuring accurate delivery information.

While the process is generally straightforward, there are potential risks to consider:

Incorrect Information: Mistakes in the address or package details can lead to delays or misdelivery.
Label Damage: A damaged or illegible label can prevent delivery.
Cost Miscalculations: Choosing the wrong shipping service can result in unexpected expenses.

How to Create a UPS Shipping Label: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here's a detailed walkthrough of creating a UPS shipping label online:

Step 1: Access the UPS Website or a Third-Party Shipping Platform

Go to the official UPS website (UPS.com) or use a third-party shipping platform like ShipStation, EasyPost, or Shippo (more on these later).

Step 2: Create a UPS Account (or Use Guest Checkout)

If you don't have a UPS account, you'll need to create one. This allows you to save addresses, track shipments, and access billing information. Click on "Sign Up" and follow the instructions.
Alternatively, UPS offers a guest checkout option for one-time shipments, but creating an account is recommended for frequent users.

Step 3: Start a New Shipment

Once logged in, click on "Create a Shipment" or a similar button to begin the label creation process.

Step 4: Enter Sender and Recipient Information

Fill in the "Ship From" section with your name, address, and phone number. Accuracy is crucial here.
Enter the recipient's name, address, and phone number in the "Ship To" section. Double-check for any errors.
For business shipments, you can save addresses to your address book for future use.

Step 5: Provide Package Details

Enter the package weight and dimensions (length, width, height). An accurate weight is essential for calculating the correct shipping cost.
Select the packaging type (e.g., your packaging, UPS box, etc.).
Specify any additional handling needs, such as fragile items or special instructions.

Step 6: Choose a Shipping Service

UPS offers various shipping services, each with different delivery times and prices. Options include:
- UPS Ground: Economical option with delivery within 1-5 business days.
- UPS 3 Day Select: Guaranteed delivery within three business days.
- UPS 2nd Day Air: Guaranteed delivery by the end of the second business day.
- UPS Next Day Air: Guaranteed delivery by the next business day.
- UPS Express Critical: For urgent shipments requiring immediate delivery.
Select the service that best meets your needs based on time sensitivity and budget.

Step 7: Select Additional Options (If Needed)

Consider adding options like:
- Insurance: Protects against loss or damage during shipping.
- Delivery Confirmation: Requires a signature upon delivery.
- Saturday Delivery: For shipments needing weekend delivery.

Step 8: Review and Pay

Carefully review all the information you've entered to ensure accuracy.
The system will calculate the shipping cost based on the details you've provided.
Choose your payment method (credit card, PayPal, or UPS account) and complete the payment.

Step 9: Print Your Label

After payment, you'll be able to generate and print your UPS shipping label.
You can print the label on standard paper using a regular printer or use a thermal label printer for a more professional look.
If printing on standard paper, carefully cut out the label and securely attach it to your package using clear packing tape.
Ensure the entire label is visible and the barcode is not obscured.

Step 10: Attach the Label to Your Package

Affix the label to the largest flat surface of your package.
Avoid placing the label over seams or edges.
If you're reusing a box, remove any old labels to prevent confusion.

Step 11: Drop Off Your Package

You can drop off your package at a UPS store, a UPS Access Point location, or schedule a pickup from your home or office.
To find the nearest drop-off location, use the UPS website or mobile app.

Examples & Use Cases

Let's look at some practical examples:

E-commerce Business: An online store needs to ship products to customers. They use the UPS website to create labels for each order, choosing the appropriate service based on the customer's preference (e.g., UPS Ground for standard delivery, UPS 2nd Day Air for expedited shipping).
Individual Sending a Gift: Someone wants to send a birthday present to a friend. They create a label using the guest checkout option, selecting UPS Ground for an affordable shipping option.
Company Shipping Documents: A law firm needs to send important legal documents overnight. They use UPS Next Day Air to ensure timely delivery.

Here are some specific use cases highlighting the importance of each step: — Ace Hardware Farmington, NM: Your Local Hardware Hub

Accurate Address Entry: A customer mistypes the recipient's address. The package is delayed and requires an address correction, incurring extra fees. By double-checking the address during the label creation process, this issue can be avoided.
Choosing the Right Service: A business selects UPS Ground for an urgent shipment. The package arrives late, causing customer dissatisfaction. Selecting a faster service like UPS 2nd Day Air would have ensured on-time delivery.
Proper Label Attachment: A label is partially covered by tape, making the barcode unscannable. The package is delayed as UPS needs to manually process the shipment. Attaching the label securely and ensuring the barcode is visible prevents this problem.

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

To ensure a smooth shipping experience, follow these best practices:

Double-check all information: Verify the sender and recipient addresses, package weight, and dimensions before finalizing the label.
Use clear and legible printing: Ensure the label is printed clearly, with no smudging or fading.
Securely attach the label: Use clear packing tape to affix the label to the package, covering the entire label and ensuring it's securely attached.
Remove old labels: If reusing a box, remove any old labels or markings to avoid confusion.
Keep a copy of the label: Save a digital or physical copy of the label for your records and tracking purposes.

Common mistakes to avoid:

Incorrect Address: Inputting the wrong address is a common error that can lead to misdelivery or delays.
Inaccurate Weight: Underestimating the package weight can result in additional charges or delivery issues.
Insufficient Packaging: Using inadequate packaging can lead to damage during transit.
Illegible Label: A smudged or faded label can make it difficult for UPS to scan the barcode, causing delays.
Ignoring Restrictions: Failing to check for restricted items or shipping regulations can result in penalties or shipment refusal.

FAQs

1. Can I create a UPS shipping label without an account?

Yes, UPS offers a guest checkout option for creating labels without an account. However, creating an account provides benefits like saved addresses and shipment tracking.

2. What if I don't have a printer?

If you don't have a printer, you can still create a label online and choose the option to have UPS print the label for you at a UPS store. You can also email the label to someone who can print it for you. — Rutherford, NJ Zip Code: What You Need To Know

3. How much does it cost to create a UPS shipping label?

The cost of a UPS shipping label varies depending on factors like package weight, dimensions, destination, and selected shipping service. You can get a quote on the UPS website by entering your package details.

4. What is a UPS Access Point?

A UPS Access Point is a local business, such as a grocery store or convenience store, that serves as a convenient drop-off and pickup location for UPS packages. It provides an alternative to home delivery or UPS stores.

5. Can I reuse a shipping box?

Yes, you can reuse a shipping box as long as it's in good condition. Remove any old labels or markings to avoid confusion. Ensure the box is sturdy enough to protect your items during shipping.

6. What if I made a mistake on my shipping label?

If you made a mistake on your shipping label, you'll need to void the incorrect label and create a new one. You can void a label online if it hasn't been used yet. If the package has already been shipped, contact UPS customer service for assistance. — Dublin, GA Zip Code: Find It Here!

Conclusion with CTA

Creating a UPS shipping label is a straightforward process that can save you time and ensure your packages are delivered efficiently. By following these steps and best practices, you can confidently ship your items with UPS. Ready to ship? Visit the UPS website today to create your shipping label and get your package on its way!

Last updated: October 26, 2023, 16:32 UTC