In the world of packaging and logistics, shipping labels are just as important as the boxes themselves. Whether you're shipping delicate pastries in custom donut boxes or sending out bulk orders in custom boxes, using the right labels ensures your products arrive safely, on time, and in excellent condition.
At The Packaging World, we help businesses across all industries streamline their packaging processes—and that includes understanding the critical role of shipping labels. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common types of shipping labels and how to apply them properly.
Why Shipping Labels Matter
A well-applied, accurate shipping label can:
Prevent lost or misrouted packages
Ensure proper handling (e.g., fragile, perishable)
Speed up the shipping process
Comply with carrier regulations (e.g., UPS, FedEx, USPS)
Improve the customer experience
For food businesses using custom donut boxes, labeling is even more important—especially when dealing with perishables or fragile items.
1. Address Label
What It Is:
The address label is the core of any shipment. It includes the sender’s address, recipient’s address, barcode, and tracking number.
Use It When:
Shipping to individual customers or retailers
Working with third-party carriers
Automating order fulfillment
Best Practices:
Use a thermal printer for clarity and smudge resistance
Ensure it's legible and correctly aligned
Place it flat on the largest side of the custom box without any creases
2. Fragile Label
What It Is:
This label indicates that the contents are delicate and should be handled with care.
Use It When:
Shipping glass, ceramics, or electronics
Delivering food items like donuts that can shift or break easily
Best Practices:
Place on multiple sides of the box
Pair with internal cushioning like bubble wrap or molded inserts
Ideal for custom donut boxes that require careful handling
3. This Side Up Label
What It Is:
Instructs the carrier or handler to keep the package in a specific orientation.
Use It When:
Sending liquids, baked goods, or tiered food arrangements
Shipping items that may leak or get damaged if turned over
Best Practices:
Place one on each vertical side
Use in combination with “Fragile” labels for more visibility
4. Perishable Label
What It Is:
Indicates that the contents are time- or temperature-sensitive and should be delivered quickly.
Use It When:
Shipping baked goods, dairy, meat, or anything with a short shelf life
Using custom boxes with cooling inserts or thermal insulation
Best Practices:
Use alongside expedited shipping services
Add dry ice or gel packs as needed, and label accordingly
5. Handle with Care Label
What It Is:
A general label indicating the package should be moved gently.
Use It When:
You’re shipping anything fragile but not necessarily perishable
You want to reduce the risk of impact or compression damage
Best Practices:
Add to both top and sides of your custom box
Use bold colors for visibility (e.g., red or bright orange)
6. Barcode or Tracking Label
What It Is:
A machine-scannable code used for sorting and tracking during transit.
Use It When:
Working with any major courier service
Integrating with inventory or fulfillment systems
Best Practices:
Ensure the barcode is straight, clear, and not covered by tape
Avoid placing on seams or edges
Test scan it if possible before pickup
7. Return Label
What It Is:
A label included in or on the package in case the customer needs to return it.
Use It When:
Offering easy return services
Running e-commerce operations with high shipping volume
Best Practices:
Place inside the box with instructions
Or stick it discreetly to the outside with a removable adhesive
Final Tips on Using Shipping Labels
Always double-check label information before printing
Print at high resolution to ensure barcodes are scannable
Secure with clear label pouches if shipping in wet conditions
Combine multiple labels when shipping fragile, perishable items
No matter what you ship, from food products in custom donut boxes to general merchandise in custom boxes, proper labeling saves time, reduces damage, and improves customer satisfaction.
The Packaging World Can Help
At The Packaging World, we don’t just offer custom boxes—we help you optimize your entire packaging process. Need guidance on label placement or shipping best practices? Our team is here to support small businesses and growing brands every step of the way.
Get in touch today to create packaging and labeling solutions that work as hard as you do.
