How to Create Shipping Labels using Pulse Commerce (Legacy)

Create Individual Shipping Labels

1Navigate to Orders > Sales Orders > Search

2Filter for the specific order using the order number, or click Search to display all orders in the date range

3Click the Fulfill Order button at the top or bottom of the order screen

4Ensure the Integrated Shipping Label radio button is selected (this is the default option)

5Click Create Label & Mark Shipped

6The Integrated Shipping Label popup opens. Configure label details:

• Service Type: Select the carrier and service level (UPS Ground, FedEx 2Day, USPS Priority, etc.)
• Package Dimensions: Enter length, width, and height for accurate rate calculation
• Weight: Verify the calculated weight or adjust if needed
• Additional Options: Add signature confirmation, insurance, or other carrier services as needed

7Click Create Label & Mark Shipped

The order status changes to Shipped, and tracking information is recorded. The label is available for download and printing under the Shipments tab of the order.

Create Bulk Fulfillment (Batching)

1Navigate to Sales Orders > Create Bulk Fulfillment

2Filter orders using the top filters. 

3Click Search to display matching orders

4Select Fulfill to create the shipping labels from this page. Or select specific orders using the checkboxes to create pick lists and add orders to a batch.

5From the Action dropdown, select Create Picking List and Packing Slip. This will move these orders to a Batch. 

6Click the Go button

7The system directs you to the Confirmation screen showing all selected orders

8Under the Action column for each order, click Create Shipping Label

Integrated Shipping Labels

Integrated shipping labels connect directly to carrier APIs to generate official carrier labels with tracking numbers, postage, and barcodes. These labels are accepted by carriers for pickup and drop-off.

Key Features:

• Automatically generate tracking numbers from the carrier
• Include prepaid postage based on real-time rates
• Support carrier-specific services (signature, insurance, Saturday delivery)
• Automatically mark orders as shipped
• Trigger customer shipping confirmation emails with tracking links
• Available for UPS, FedEx, USPS

Manual Label Creation

Use manual label creation when you generate labels outside the Pulse system (third-party shipping software, carrier websites, or pre-paid labels).

When to Use Manual Labels:

• You print labels from a third-party shipping platform
• You use pre-paid or pre-printed labels
• Carrier integration is temporarily unavailable
• Special shipping arrangements require external label generation

To Create Manual Labels:

1During order fulfillment, select the Manual radio button

2Enter the required shipping information:

• Tracking Number: Enter the tracking number from your external label (required)
• Carrier: Select the shipping carrier
• Service Type: Choose the service level
• Shipping Cost: Optionally enter the actual shipping cost paid

3Click Create Label & Mark Shipped

This marks the order as shipped, records tracking information, and triggers customer notifications without generating a label through the Pulse system.

Download and Print Labels

After generating a shipping label:

1Navigate to the shipped order

2Click the Shipments tab

3Click View Label next to the shipment

4The label opens in a popup window

5Click Download to save the label file, or print directly from the popup

Label Formats

Labels generate in different formats depending on your printer and carrier:

• PDF Format: Standard 8.5" x 11" labels for regular printers
• Thermal Format (.epl/.zpl): 4" x 6" labels for thermal printers (Zebra, Dymo, Rollo)
• PNG/Image Format: Some carriers provide image-based labels

Thermal Printer Setup

For detailed instructions on configuring thermal printers for direct label printing:

How to Setup a Thermal Printer for UPS, USPS, and FedEx Labels

Reprinting Labels

To reprint an existing label without creating a new one:

1Open the shipped order

2Go to the Shipments tab

3Click View Label

4Download or print the existing label

Label Generation Fails

Issue: Error message when attempting to create shipping label

Common Causes and Solutions:

Carrier credentials not configured:

• Verify your carrier API credentials are properly configured
• Contact Pulse Support to confirm carrier integration is active
• See Configure Real-Time Carrier Shipping for setup instructions

Invalid shipping address:

• Verify the customer's shipping address is complete and valid
• Check for typos in street address, city, state, or zip code
• Ensure international addresses include proper country selection
• Some remote locations may not support certain carrier services

Missing package dimensions or weight:

• Enter package dimensions in the label creation popup
• Verify product weights are configured in your catalog
• Check that total package weight is within carrier limits

Service type not available:

• Selected service may not support the destination address
• Try an alternative carrier or service type
• International shipments require international-enabled services

Tracking Number Not Generated

If a label creates but tracking number is missing:

• Check the carrier integration status
• Verify the label includes a barcode (indicates valid tracking)
• Contact Pulse Support if tracking numbers consistently fail to generate

Wrong Shipping Cost on Label

If the shipping cost on the label differs from checkout:

• Carrier rates may have changed since checkout
• Package dimensions affect final cost (dimensional weight pricing)
• Address type (residential vs commercial) affects rates
• Verify product weights match actual package weight