Create Your First Order
Ready to ship your first package? The whole process — entering addresses, choosing a carrier, and printing a label — takes about 2 minutes once you know where everything is.
Here's the step-by-step walkthrough for creating your first order in Atoship.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure you have:
- An active atoship account with verified email
- Wallet balance or payment method configured
- Sender address saved in Settings > Addresses
Quick Start: Create a Label
Step 1: Open Create Label Page
- Log in to your atoship dashboard
- Click Create Label in the sidebar, or navigate to
/dashboard/create-label - You will see the streamlined label creation form
Step 2: Enter Sender Information (Ship From)
Your default address auto-populates if saved. To change:
- Click Edit next to Ship From
- Enter complete business or personal address
- Include phone number for carrier communication
Pro Tip: Save frequently used addresses in Settings > Addresses for quick selection.
Step 3: Enter Recipient Information (Ship To)
Fill in the recipient details:
| Field | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Yes | Full name of recipient |
| Street Address | Yes | Include apartment/suite number |
| City | Yes | Full city name |
| State | Yes | 2-letter code (e.g., CA, NY) |
| ZIP Code | Yes | 5-digit or ZIP+4 format |
| Phone | Recommended | Required for some carriers |
| Optional | For tracking notifications |
Address Validation: atoship automatically validates addresses. If corrections are suggested, review carefully before proceeding.
Step 4: Enter Package Details
Accurate measurements ensure correct pricing:
Weight
- Use a postal scale for accuracy
- Round UP to the nearest ounce
- Include packaging weight
- Dimensional weight may apply for large, light packages
Dimensions (Length x Width x Height)
- Measure the outer dimensions of the package
- Length = longest side
- Round UP to nearest inch
- Dimensional weight formula: (L x W x H) / 139
Important: Incorrect weight/dimensions may result in carrier adjustments and additional charges.
Step 5: Compare Rates and Select Service
After entering package details, click Get Rates to see available options:
| Column | Description |
|---|---|
| Carrier | USPS, FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc. |
| Service | Priority Mail, Ground, Express, etc. |
| Transit | Estimated delivery days |
| Cost | Total price including fees |
Rate Shopping Tips:
- Sort by price or transit time
- Consider Saturday/Sunday delivery needs
- Check guaranteed vs estimated delivery
- atoship automatically shows you the best rates from multiple carriers
Step 6: Add Optional Services
Before purchasing, configure additional options:
Insurance
- Carrier Insurance: Up to $100 included with some services
- Enhanced Insurance: Purchase additional coverage for valuable items (up to $5,000)
Signature Options
- No Signature: Standard delivery
- Signature Required: Someone must sign
- Adult Signature: Recipient must be 21+
Special Services
- Saturday Delivery: For urgent weekend needs
- Hold for Pickup: Recipient picks up at carrier location
- Return Label: Create a prepaid return shipping label
Step 7: Review and Purchase
- Verify all information is correct
- Check the total cost breakdown
- Click Purchase Label
- Label generates in seconds
- Cost is deducted from your wallet balance
After Purchase
Download Your Label
Labels are available in multiple formats:
- PDF: Best for standard printers (4x6 or 8.5x11)
- PNG: For thermal printers
- ZPL: Direct thermal printer language (Zebra printers)
Print Requirements
| Label Type | Printer | Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Inkjet/Laser | Plain white paper |
| Thermal | Dymo, Zebra, ROLLO | 4x6 thermal labels |
Important: Do not scale or resize the label. Print at 100% size.
Attach the Label
- Cut along the edges if using standard paper
- Fold along any indicated lines (for integrated forms)
- Use clear packing tape to secure on largest flat surface
- Ensure barcode is visible and not covered by tape seams
Schedule Pickup or Drop Off
USPS Pickup (Free for Priority Mail):
- Go to Dashboard > Pickups
- Schedule pickup from your location
- Place packages in designated spot by 8 AM
Drop Off Locations:
- Post Office
- FedEx Office / Ship Center
- UPS Store / Access Point
- Retail partners (Walgreens, CVS, etc.)
Track Your Shipment
Once shipped, track in real-time:
- Go to Dashboard > Labels or Shipments
- Click on the tracking number
- View scan history and estimated delivery
Automatic Updates: Recipients receive email notifications at each milestone if email was provided.
Common Issues
Address Not Found
- Verify ZIP code matches city/state
- Check for typos in street name
- Use standardized abbreviations (St, Ave, Blvd)
- Try without apartment/suite number first
Weight/Size Exceeds Limits
- Check carrier-specific limits:
- USPS: 70 lbs max
- FedEx Ground: 150 lbs max
- UPS: 150 lbs max
- Consider freight shipping for oversized items
Insufficient Balance
- Add funds at Settings > Billing > Add Funds
- Set up auto-reload to avoid interruptions
- Minimum reload: $10
Service-Specific Notes
USPS Media Mail
Restricted Content: Only for books, CDs, DVDs, vinyl records, and educational materials. Video games, computer software, and general merchandise are NOT allowed. Violations result in postage due charges.
Size Limits: Length + Girth must not exceed 108 inches.
Need Help?
- Live Chat: Click chat icon in bottom-right
- Email: [email protected]
- Support Ticket: Create Ticket at /dashboard/support
- More Guides: Help Center at /help