Shipping Label Printer

Identifying the Top Shipping Label Printers for Your Business

Shipping labels are an important part of any business. To make sure your shipping is as efficient and cost-effective as possible, you need the right printer for the job. The best shipping label printer for your needs depends on the types of shipping labels you'd like to print and the expected print volume.

For example, 4x6 inch labels are the most popular size for printing shipping labels, barcode labels, and logistics labels. Thus, we'll focus on 4x6 label printers. Similarly, if you only print a few shipping labels per day, an entry-level 4x6 label printer would be perfect whereas if you print dozens or hundreds of labels per day, you might want a fast 4-inch label printer that can print at a speed of 7 inches per second or higher.

Finding a Shipping Label Printer for Printing UPS, FedEx, Canada Post, DHL, and USPS Shipping Labels

4x6 shipping labels are the perfect size for printing UPS shipping labels, FedEx shipping labels, Canada Post shipping labels, DHL shipping labels, and United States Postal Service (USPS) shipping labels because they allow sufficient space for all the information you need. For example, these labels easily accommodate large barcodes as well as human-readable shipping information such as sender, recipient, ship date, weight, package dimensions, and even your company logo.

We recommend using a 4-inch direct thermal label printer such as the GoDex DT4x, Zebra GK420D, Zebra ZD421D, Zebra ZD620D, Zebra ZD621D, TSC TDP-247, TSC TE200, TSC TE300, TSC TE210, TSC TE310, or Printronix T800. Direct thermal technology uses a heated print head and special thermal labels that produce black text and barcodes when headed by the print head. Direct thermal technology does not require the use of a ribbon or inks, so it's easy to maintain and it's also one of the most economical types of printers. Direct thermal labels do not have the longevity of their thermal transfer counterparts, but they're fine for shipping labels that will only be in transit a few days.

All of these shipping label printers use 1-inch cores and can hold label rolls up to 5 inches in diameter (OD). They are compatible with all of the 4x6 desktop labels listed on this page. These label rolls have 250 labels per roll or 500 labels per roll. Purchase either 250 labels per roll or 500 labels per roll, depending on how many labels you need to print. These label printers can also use fan-folded labels, which sit behind the printer and are fed from the rear. Fan-folded labels, which have 5,000 labels per carton, are great if you do not want to change label rolls frequently.

Desktop printers are great for printing 500 labels per day or less. Some models to consider include:

• GoDex DT4x -- The GoDex DT4X is a 203 dpi 4x6 shipping label printer with a print speed of up to 7 ips. This is our top-selling shipping label printer with a 3-year warranty.
• Zebra GK420D -- The 203 dpi Zebra GK420D features a variety of connectivity options as well as has a print speed of 5 ips.
• Zebra ZD421D -- The ZD421D also offers a variety of connectivity options but is also available in both 203 dpi (6 ips) and 300 (4 ips) dpi models.
• Zebra ZD620D -- Offering the fastest print speeds (8 ips for the 203 dpi model and 6 ips for the 300 dpi model), the ZD620D is an excellent 4x6 label printer for busy shipping departments.
• Zebra ZD621D -- If you need a hassle-free shipping label printer with remote management capabilities, you can't go wrong with the reliable Zebra ZD621, which is available in 203 dpi (8 ips) and 300 dpi (6 ips) models.
• TSC TDP-247 -- The TSC TDP-247 is a fast, compact unit that prints 203 dpi shipping labels at 7 ips.
• TSC TE200 and TSC TE210 -- The TSC TE200 and TE210 are rugged, entry-level printers that print 203 dpi labels at 6 ips. The TE200 is USB only while the TE210 has additional connectivity options, more memory, and an optional cutter.
• TSC TE300 and TSC TE310 -- The TSC TE300 and TSC TE310 models are similar to the TSC200 and TSC210 shipping label makers. However, they print at 300 dpi at 5 ips. Again, the TE310 has more connectivity options, more memory, and an optional cutter.
• Printronix T800 -- The Printronix T800 is an enterprise 4 x 6 label printer with a fast print speed of 8 ips (203 dpi) and enterprise management utilities. The Printronix T800 shipping label maker series is ideal for warehouse and fulfillment and shipping and logistics labels.

If you need to print 1500 to 5000 shipping labels per day, then an industrial shipping label printer is the better choice. These printers will hold larger label rolls, print faster, and withstand heavy usage:

• GoDex ZX1200i 4” Industrial Shipping Label Printer, 203 dpi, 10 ips
• GoDex EZ2250i Industrial Shipping Label Printer, 203 dpi, 7 ips
• TSC MB240T Industrial Shipping Label Printer, 203 dpi, 10 ips
• Zebra ZT230 Industrial Shipping Label Printer, 203 dpi, 6 ips, USB

Finding 4x6 Shipping Labels for Your Shipping Label Printer

DuraFast Label Company has all of the direct thermal shipping label printers listed above as well as blank 4x6 direct thermal labels (and many other standard sizes for all of your direct thermal label and barcode printing needs). We also have FedEx and UPS labels for adding basic shipping and order information to the label.

Standard Direct Thermal Shipping Labels for Mobile, Desktop and Industrial Thermal Printers

Browse our selection of mobile, desktop and industrial shipping label printers and blank shipping labels. Let us know if you need any assistance.