Shiphero Blog

How to Automate Shipping: Automatic Shipping Explained

In this article
The end of seller shipping
The Solution: Integrated TikTok Shop logistics
Critical action for Shopify users
Join us before the deadline and save

One person's capacity to fulfill orders is limited. As you bring more employees on board to handle packaging and delivery tasks, the complexity of e-commerce, order and inventory management increases. The demands of eCommerce shipping can quickly consume all your time, especially with the intricacies of shipping labels and slips.

What Is Automated Shipping?

Automated shipping leverages software solutions to streamline fulfillment services. It encompasses tracking products ordered by customers throughout the shipping journey. As businesses aim to expand, shipping automation becomes crucial. The choice of automation systems varies based on your business size. For instance, if you're operating with an external warehouse, it's imperative to automate your shipping operations.

Why Should You Automate Shipping?

Automating shipping processes can significantly cut down costs associated with picking, packing, and delivering products. It not only saves time but also enhances efficiency. Many eCommerce platforms offer features that allow businesses to automate shipping across multiple warehouses. With the right automated shipping solutions and technology, your team can operate more efficiently, boosting the number of orders processed daily and improving order accuracy.

What Are The Advantages of Automated Shipping?

Time equates to money. As an eCommerce business owner, your time is invaluable. Spending it on tasks like packing and tracking, which can be handled by entry-level employees or even AI, isn't cost-effective. Focus on value-added activities like content creation or market research. If a task doesn't demand strategic planning, consider automating it. Automation not only saves time and money but also alleviates stress, ultimately driving sales growth and customer satisfaction.

Improve Efficiency

Automated shipping harnesses software capable of instant data analysis. Such software keeps track of product locations, shipping times and reorder points, ensuring optimal inventory levels. It provides real-time insights into order statuses. Through the online portal of your shipping software, you can monitor operations and rectify errors promptly.

Optimize Your Supply Chain

Shipping automation offers dual benefits: managing both incoming and outgoing facets of shipping rules and your supply chain. Software excels in analyzing vast data sets, determining delivery durations via carriers like USPS, and ensuring packages adhere to weight guidelines.

Provides Real-Time Analytics

Automated shipping software doesn't just analyze existing data; it generates and evaluates new data. This information aids in decision-making regarding reorder points or selecting transportation and freight carriers. Instead of the shipping cost or incurring additional costs for analytics, opt for a shipping software that integrates these features.

Spend Less Money

Shipping automation software comes in various packages. Opt for one that meets your needs without overburdening you with unnecessary features. The right, automated shipping solution software can perform tasks in moments that would otherwise take a team a full day.

Reduces Human Error

While machines aren't infallible, software tends to make fewer errors than humans and can rectify them faster. If an issue arises, your automated shipping software can help identify and resolve it swiftly and save money.

Repurpose Resources

Automation's goal isn't to replace humans but to optimize their roles. By automating mundane tasks, you can save time and assign more engaging and valuable tasks to your team, maximizing productivity without downsizing.

How to Successfully Start Automating eCommerce

Begin by automating your shipping processes. Opt for a software suite with integrated automated shipping features. As your business grows, enhance your software to have shipping automation rules encompass advanced inventory management features.

Ways to Automate Your eCommerce Shipping

Consider partnering with a warehouse management company to handle your shipping operations. Such companies offer comprehensive services, from full automated shipping systems to supply chain logistics. If you have an in-house warehouse, select software compatible with your warehousing system.

What Are Automation Rules?

Automation rules are predefined tasks for automated programs. They can range from adding prospects to lists to tracking information and assigning them to specific users. Each automation task comprises triggers, conditions, and actions, guiding the software's responses.

Challenges of The eCommerce Shipping Process

In the absence of automation, eCommerce shipping is labor-intensive. This can lead to delays, hindering your business growth. Automation streamlines the process, enhancing efficiency and improving customer satisfaction.

Best Practices For Utilizing Automated Shipping

To maximize the benefits of shipping automation technology, have a clear vision of your long-term objectives and inventory management process. These goals should guide your software choices and configurations.

Key Takeaways

  • Automated shipping is essential for growing eCommerce businesses.
  • It minimizes errors and disruptions in the supply chain.
  • Automation enhances customer and employee experiences, optimizes costs, and boosts efficiency.

Automatic Shipping FAQs

Before diving into shipping automation, it's natural to have questions. Here are some common queries:

What Is Automated Order Fulfillment?

Automated order fulfillment leverages technology and data to oversee most aspects of the fulfillment process. AI can manage manual tasks, like warehouse picking, packing, labeling, stock reordering, and package tracking.

How Do I Start Automated Shipping?

To embark on automated shipping, reach out to ShipHero and discuss your options. The right shipping automation package ensures optimal customer experience and returns on investment.

Can Shipping Be Fully Automated?

While a completely automated warehouse is a future prospect, many automated shipping processes can be automated today.

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January 22, 2026

Is Your 3PL Prepared For Tiktok’s New Shipping Requirements?

Executive Summary: Secure your revenue and protect your clients

TikTok Shop is discontinuing "seller shipping" on February 25, 2026, a move that will halt fulfillment for any 3PL using non-integrated legacy technology. ShipHero's WMS is fully integrated and approved to support TikTok Shop’s new logistics requirements, allowing you to generate compliant labels and avoid a total operational lockout. By migrating to ShipHero before the deadline, 3PLs can eliminate onboarding fees and ensure their clients’ businesses remain active and profitable.

What changed for your clients?

Starting February 25, 2026, TikTok Shop is officially discontinuing "seller shipping" (also known as "bring your own label") for all U.S. local sellers.

This means your clients can no longer use their own carrier accounts for TikTok orders. 

As their 3PL, you will be unable to generate labels unless your WMS is directly integrated with TikTok’s new ecosystem. To keep your clients' businesses running, you must transition them to TikTok Shop Logistics Services through a verified partner.

Your current WMS is a bottleneck

ShipHero can keep your 3PL orders flowing from February 25 onwards. 

If you are running your warehouse on legacy systems like Extensiv, Deposco, or Logiwa, you are at risk of a complete TikTok Shop lockout. Your fulfillment—and your revenue—will simply stop that day.

Don’t leave your operations at risk

TikTok's latest policy creates a massive bottleneck for 3PLs using legacy technology.

  • Client Churn: If your WMS is not integrated, your clients will be forced to move to a 3PL that can support their growth.

  • Account Health Stakes: Failure to adapt risks shipping delays that kill customer loyalty and lead to client account suspensions.

  • Critical Action: If you currently funnel your clients' TikTok orders into Shopify and then to your WMS, that workflow will break.

Join us before the deadline and save

To help 3PLs transition quickly and stay compliant, we are waiving all onboarding fees for new customers who join ShipHero before February 25.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am a 3PL owner. How do I know if my WMS is compliant?

There are only 6 approved ERP/WMS providers globally that meet TikTok’s new integration standards. ShipHero WMS is on that list. Legacy providers like Extensiv, Deposco, or Logiwa are not currently approved. To avoid a total operational blackout for your clients, you must move to a verified partner like ShipHero.

Can my clients still use their own carrier accounts?

No. Starting February 25, TikTok will discontinue seller shipping. All shipping must go through TikTok Shop Logistics Services.

Do I have to send my clients' inventory to TikTok warehouses?

No. You can still manage fulfillment from your own 3PL warehouse using ShipHero’s direct integration, which pulls the required TikTok labels and logic directly into your existing workflow.

What happens if we don't switch by February 25?

You will lose the ability to generate shipping labels for any TikTok Shop order. This will result in immediate fulfillment backlogs, client dissatisfaction, and potential loss of contracts.

Is ShipHero ready for this change right now?

Yes. ShipHero is the only U.S. based WMS currently supporting these requirements, allowing 3PLs to continue shipping without interruption.

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January 22, 2026

How Brands Can Avoid a TikTok Shop Blackout: Stay Shipping After February 25

Executive Summary

TikTok Shop is introducing mandatory logistics changes that will stop fulfillment for unprepared sellers on February 25, 2026.

ShipHero's WMS is fully integrated and approved to support TikTok Shop’s new logistics requirements, ensuring your orders keep moving without interruption. By switching to ShipHero before the deadline, brands can maintain compliance and eliminate onboarding fees during this transition. Here’s everything brands need to know to continue fulfilling orders.

The end of seller shipping

Starting February 25, 2026, TikTok Shop will discontinue "seller shipping" for all U.S. local sellers. This means you can no longer use your own carrier accounts to generate labels for TikTok orders. To stay compliant and keep selling, brands must transition to TikTok Shop Logistics Services. 

Relying on legacy systems like Extensiv, Deposco, or Logiwa puts your business at risk of account suspension and shipping delays that kill customer loyalty.

If your current WMS or 3PL is not integrated with TikTok Shop Logistics Services, you will face a total fulfillment blackout on that date. Failure to adapt to these changes risks shipping delays that kill customer loyalty and can lead to account suspension on the platform.

For brands onboarding on or after February 9, 2026, these restrictions are already in effect. 

The Solution: Integrated TikTok Shop logistics

ShipHero has done the due diligence and has built a direct integration to ensure that merchants can fulfill TikTok Shop orders themselves while remaining fully compliant with TikTok’s new label requirements.

  • Integrated label generation: ShipHero is one of only two WMS platforms globally and the only one in the U.S. integrated to handle the new TikTok logistics flow.
  • Direct store connections: Our software provides a direct TikTok Shop connection to automate the transition and remove manual workarounds.
  • Automated Rate Shopping: We compare carrier rates for every package to find the optimal route, protecting your profit margins even under the new policy.

Join us before the deadline and save

To help brands and 3PLs transition quickly and stay compliant, we are waiving all onboarding fees for new customers who join ShipHero before February 25.

Frequently Asked Questions

I use a WMS, how do I know if I can continue to fulfill TikTok orders? 

Currently, there are only 6 approved ERP/WMS providers globally that meet TikTok’s new integration standards. ShipHero WMS is on that list. If you are using legacy providers like Extensiv, Deposco, or Logiwa, they are not currently approved to support these specific TikTok Shop requirements. To avoid a total operational blackout, you must move to a verified partner like ShipHero before the deadline.

Can I still use my own carrier accounts for TikTok Shop?

No. Starting February 25, TikTok will discontinue seller shipping. You must use TikTok Shop Logistics Services.

What are my main options for TikTok Shop fulfillment? 

You can use Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT) to store and ship items through their network, switch to one of the six approved ERP/WMS systems, or use ShipHero's direct integration.

Do I have to use Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT)?

You must use TikTok Shop Logistics Services, but with ShipHero, you can still manage the fulfillment from your own warehouse using TikTok’s required labels and logic.

What happens if I keep using my Shopify-to-TikTok connection?

This connection type will not support the new label requirements. You must switch to a direct TikTok Shop connection within ShipHero to avoid fulfillment interruptions.

Is ShipHero ready for this change right now?

Yes. ShipHero is currently the only U.S. based WMS that supports these requirements, allowing our customers to continue shipping without interruption.

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September 9, 2025

How AI is Transforming Warehouse Management: Impact, Benefits, and Use Cases

Imagine running a warehouse where orders are picked quickly, inventory is accurate, and all operations run smoothly without any errors or delays. Thanks to Artificial Intelligence, this can now become a reality with ease.

AI is transforming warehouse management by enhancing efficiency, intelligence, and the ability to meet the rapid demands of today’s eCommerce-driven market.

ShipHero is pioneering this revolution with its AI-powered warehouse solutions, setting new industry benchmarks. This article explores ShipHero’s AI Picking feature, highlighting how it’s transforming warehouse management and enhancing operational efficiency.

Benefits of AI in Warehouse Management

The integration of AI technologies, including machine learning, robotics, and predictive analytics, is revolutionizing warehouse operations, driving significant improvements in efficiency, accuracy, and overall performance. These innovations are optimizing processes across various areas, from inventory management to order fulfillment. Below are the key benefits of AI in warehouse management.

  • Improves efficiency: By automating routine tasks, AI speeds up warehouse operations and streamlines workflows.
  • Reduces operational costs: With AI automating repetitive tasks, businesses can save on labor costs and minimize errors.
  • Enhances inventory management: AI ensures that inventory is always accurate, with real-time updates and better control over stock levels.
  • Predicts demand: AI accurately predicts demand, enabling businesses to manage inventory effectively and avoid stockouts or excess stock.

Key Components of AI-Driven Warehouse Systems

A combination of AI technologies is shaping smarter warehouse systems to help revolutionize warehouse management.

  • Inventory Management Systems – AI-powered inventory management systems ensure that stock levels are continuously updated and accurately tracked to improve operational efficiency and minimize errors in inventory counts.
  • Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) – Automated vehicles (AGVs) optimize routing by quickly transporting goods, speeding up processing times, and improving throughput.
  • Robotic Process Automation (RPA) – RPA automates repetitive tasks like picking, sorting, and shipping to allow 24/7 warehouse operations with minimal human intervention.
  • Predictive Analytics and Demand Forecasting – AI tools predict demand accurately, ensuring optimal inventory levels and reducing stockouts or overstocking.

ShipHero’s AI Picking: A Game Changer in Warehouse Efficiency

ShipHero has taken AI integration to the next level with its AI Picking feature, designed to significantly improve warehouse efficiency. This feature automates the picking process, reducing the reliance on manual labor and enhancing productivity in ways that were once thought impossible.

Let’s dive deeper into how ShipHero’s AI Picking works and the advantages it offers.

How AI Picking Works

AI Picking optimizes warehouse operations in two key ways:

  • AI Path Optimization: By calculating the most efficient routes, walking time is reduced by up to 30%, allowing pickers to spend more time fulfilling orders.
  • Smart Batching: Orders are intelligently grouped to maximize pick density, minimizing trips while speeding up processing times.

Benefits of AI Picking

The AI Picking feature delivers a wide range of benefits:

    Increased Productivity: With optimized paths and smart batching, pickers can fulfill more orders in less time, dramatically increasing throughput.Lower Labor Costs: AI Picking reduces the need for human labor, cutting operational costs.Improved Warehouse Efficiency: Path optimization and smart batching maximize space and resources, streamlining operations.

Broader Impacts of AI in Warehouse Management

The transformative power of AI extends far beyond just picking. AI is also revolutionizing other aspects of warehouse management, driving improvements in operational efficiency, inventory management, and safety.

Operational Efficiency

AI automates tasks, reducing errors and increasing speed. Automated sorting and real-time inventory tracking ensure accuracy, while real-time monitoring helps managers adapt and ensure timely deliveries.

Inventory Management

AI plays a vital role in maintaining accurate inventory levels. By leveraging predictive analytics, AI can forecast demand and optimize stock levels, helping warehouses avoid both stockouts and overstock situations. This leads to better inventory management and fewer disruptions in supply chains.

Safety and Compliance

AI-driven systems can monitor warehouse conditions to ensure safety and compliance with industry regulations. These systems can analyze warehouse data and predict potential hazards before they occur, proactively reducing risks and ensuring a safer working environment.

Applications of AI in Supply Chain and Logistics

AI technologies are playing a transformative role in the supply chain and logistics sectors by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing decision-making.

These intelligent systems effortlessly manage supply chain processes by using data to optimize operations, predict trends, and automate routine tasks. This ultimately reshapes everything, from how goods are moved to stored and delivered.

  • Inventory Optimization: AI analyzes sales data, trends, and external factors to optimize stock levels. This reduces stockouts, overstocking, and excess inventory, ensuring more accurate and cost-effective inventory management.
  • Demand Forecasting: AI helps predict future demand by analyzing historical data and market conditions. This allows businesses to plan inventory, production, and procurement more efficiently, reducing waste and ensuring product availability.
  • Route Planning and Optimization: AI also optimizes delivery routes by considering real-time factors, including traffic and weather conditions. This helps businesses reduce fuel costs, improve delivery times, and enhance overall logistics efficiency.
  • Warehouse Automation: AI-powered robots can automate picking, sorting, and packing in warehouses. This increases accuracy, reduces labor costs, and enhances order fulfillment speed, eventually improving overall warehouse efficiency.

The Future of AI in Warehouse Management

The future of warehouse management looks promising with greater automation and efficiency, but future warehouse digitization brings challenges, such as high upfront costs and the need for skilled personnel.

Emerging Trends and Innovations

AI-powered drones, autonomous robots, and IoT integration are smart warehouse technologies that are revolutionizing warehouse operations. Drones will deliver goods quickly, while robots automate sorting and transportation, thereby reducing the need for manual labor.

IoT and AI integration will enable real-time monitoring and optimization of operations. Smart technology in warehouses is leading to fully automated systems that are faster, scalable, and need minimal human input.

Challenges and Considerations

While AI offers immense benefits, businesses must also consider certain challenges. High initial investments in AI technology, data security concerns, and the need for skilled personnel are just a few of the hurdles that must be addressed.

However, with a strategic approach, companies can eliminate the challenges and embrace AI’s full potential to boost accuracy in picking and improve overall warehouse operations.

Key Takeaways

  • AI is transforming warehouse management by making operations faster, more accurate, and cost-effective.
  • ShipHero’s AI Picking system demonstrates how AI can help warehouses handle more orders, cut down on labor costs, and streamline their processes.
  • AI improves routing, aids decision-making, and ensures timely stock replenishment, helping businesses stay competitive in eCommerce.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can AI help in reducing warehouse errors?

AI minimizes error by automating tasks like inventory tracking, order picking, and sorting, ensuring greater accuracy and efficiency.

Can AI be used for predictive analytics in warehouse management?

Yes, AI-driven predictive analytics can predict demand, track inventory levels, and improve supply chain efficiency by forecasting needs with greater accuracy to help businesses stay ahead of trends and market fluctuations.

Is AI in warehouse management affordable for small businesses?

AI solutions are becoming more cost-effective thanks to cloud-based services and subscription pricing models. These options make AI technology more accessible to small businesses, allowing them to take advantage of its benefits without large upfront costs.

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