Bulk Create Shipping Labels

Scale your shipping operations with atoship's powerful batch processing tools.

Overview

Bulk label creation allows you to:

• Process up to 1,000 orders per batch
• Import from CSV or connected platforms
• Apply consistent shipping rules
• Generate all labels in one click
• Export for batch printing

Method 1: CSV Import

Step 1: Download Template

1. Go to Orders > Import
2. Click Download CSV Template
3. Choose your template type:
   • Basic: Address + weight only
   • Full: All fields including options

Step 2: Prepare Your Data

Required columns:

Optional columns:

Step 3: Upload and Map

1. Click Upload CSV
2. Select your file (max 10MB, 5000 rows)
3. Map columns to atoship fields
4. Preview first 10 rows
5. Click Validate

Step 4: Review Validation Results

Example output:

• 487 orders valid
• 12 orders need attention
• 1 order failed

Common issues:

• Invalid ZIP code: 5 orders
• Missing weight: 3 orders
• Address not found: 4 orders

Fix issues in the UI or re-upload corrected CSV.

Step 5: Get Rates

1. Click Get Rates for All
2. Wait for rate shopping (30-60 seconds for 500 orders)
3. Review rate summary:
   • Total estimated cost
   • Carrier distribution
   • Service level breakdown

Step 6: Purchase Labels

1. Review final summary
2. Confirm wallet balance covers total
3. Click Purchase All Labels
4. Progress bar shows completion

Method 2: Order Selection

From Orders Page

1. Go to Orders > All Orders
2. Filter to orders needing labels:
   • Status: Awaiting Shipment
   • Date range
   • Platform source
3. Select orders (checkbox)
4. Click Actions > Create Labels

Batch Settings

Apply settings to all selected:

• Carrier: Same for all or best rate each
• Service: Specific service or rate shop
• Package: Default or per-order
• Insurance: Add to all or skip

Method 3: Platform Auto-Import

Connected Platforms

When connected to Shopify, eBay, etc.:

1. Orders import automatically
2. Go to Orders > Ready to Ship
3. Select orders and batch process
4. Tracking syncs back to platform

Automation Rules

Set up rules for hands-free shipping:

Rule: "Auto-ship standard orders"

• Trigger: New order imported
• Conditions: Order value < $100, Domestic shipping, No custom items
• Actions: Select cheapest USPS service, Create label, Send tracking email, Mark as shipped

Method 4: API Integration

Batch Endpoint

POST /api/v1/labels/batch Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY Content-Type: application/json

Request body includes array of orders with to_address, from_address, and parcel details.

Response

Returns batch_id, status, total_orders, and estimated_completion time.

Batch Printing

Consolidated PDF

1. After batch completes, click Download All Labels
2. Choose format:
   • Single PDF (all labels)
   • Separate PDFs (one per label)
   • ZPL file (thermal printers)
3. Print settings:
   • 4x6 labels: Select "Actual Size"
   • Letter paper: Select "2 per page"

Thermal Printer Batch

For Zebra, ROLLO, Dymo printers:

1. Download ZPL file
2. Send directly to printer
3. Labels print in sequence

Print Queue Integration

Connect printer for auto-print:

1. Go to Settings > Printers
2. Add network printer
3. Enable "Auto-print new labels"
4. Labels print as created

Error Handling

Partial Success

If some labels fail:

• Successful labels are saved
• Failed orders stay in queue
• Error report downloadable

Common Batch Errors

Retry Failed Orders

1. Go to Orders > Failed Labels
2. Fix issues individually or bulk edit
3. Click Retry Selected

Best Practices

Before Batch Processing

1. Validate addresses - Run address validation first
2. Check inventory - Ensure all items in stock
3. Verify weights - Weigh sample packages
4. Test small batch - Try 10 orders first

Optimize Performance

1. Off-peak processing - Batch during low-traffic hours
2. Reasonable batch size - 500 orders optimal
3. Stable connection - Ensure good internet
4. Sufficient balance - Pre-fund 110% estimated cost

After Batch Processing

1. Verify all labels - Spot check several
2. Generate manifest - For carrier pickup
3. Update inventory - Sync stock levels
4. Notify customers - Send tracking emails

Limits by Plan

Need Help?

• CSV Issues: Download our validated template
• Live Support: Chat for batch processing help
• Email: [email protected]
• Priority Support: Enterprise customers