How to choose the right shipping label?

Q: Why is my label peeling off the parcel?

There are several reasons why this can happen, and it’s not always due to the quality of the label. Here are the main causes, along with some solutions: Unsuitable labels: Some labels, such as those intended for temporary use (repositionable or removable labels), are not suitable for shipping. Their adhesive may not be strong enough to withstand friction or changes in temperature. Our advice: Use labels specifically designed for shipping, with permanent adhesive. Choose labels suitable for the surface and type of package (cardboard, plastic, etc.). Dirty or damaged packaging: If the cardboard is dusty or dirty, the label’s adhesive may stick to the dirt rather than the packaging. Damaged or very rough cardboard can also make it difficult for the label to adhere properly. Our advice: Store packaging in a clean, dry place, away from moisture. Before applying the label, clean the cardboard surface with a soft cloth (e.g., microfibre). Attach the label to the smoothest part of the cardboard.

Q: Why won’t the ink stick to my shipment label?

This can happen if the label is not compatible with your printer or if it lacks weather resistance. Printer/label incompatibility: Inkjet printer with laser labels: The liquid ink does not dry properly, causing smudging or blurred printing. Laser printer with inkjet labels: The heat can cause dark marks or even melt the label. Thermal printer with non-thermal labels: These labels do not react to heat, so printing fails. Thermal labels on a conventional printer: Printing is not possible without the correct printer technology. Our advice: Choose labels that are compatible with your printer. Weather conditions: Even high-quality standard paper labels are not suitable if the parcel is exposed to rain, snow, or high humidity, as this can affect their legibility. Our advice: Use polyester or polyethylene labels, which are ideal for shipments in harsh weather conditions. With the right labels, your printing will remain clear and reliable, even in challenging environments.

Q: How can you make sure barcodes on your labels are easy to read?

Barcodes are essential for tracking parcels, but errors during application can make them difficult for scanners to read. If a label is poorly attached or positioned on a corner: the barcode may become unreadable. Our advice: Attach the label to a clean, flat surface on the parcel. Smooth the label from one edge, pressing down with your fingers to avoid creases. When reusing cardboard boxes: previous information may show through the label and interfere with barcode scanning. Our advice: Use non-transparent labels to cover any existing markings and ensure the barcode can be read easily.

Q: Why is my shipping information being cut off?

Using the wrong label format can result in important information being cut off or omitted. Each carrier sets specific label dimensions to ensure they are easy to read. Our advice: Check the carrier’s website for format recommendations, or contact their customer service. Use the 105 × 148 mm (A6) format, which is widely used and meets the requirements of most carriers.

Shipment labels are essential for ensuring efficient and secure logistics. Whether they are address labels or identification labels, they enable you to identify, track, and protect your parcels throughout the delivery process.

Choosing the right shipment labels allows you to:

Ensure accurate parcel identification: thanks to address labels, information such as the recipient's address, order references, or barcodes is clearly legible for error-free delivery.

Ensure safe handling of parcels: labelling prevents handling errors by indicating the fragility of the parcel, its orientation, or the presence of hazardous materials.

Improve shipment traceability: logistics labels ensure effective tracking at every stage of transport, from dispatch to final delivery.

The materials used for our shipment labels:

White and extra-white vellum paper

White vellum is ideal for everyday, cost-effective printing, while extra-white vellum provides a brighter, smoother finish for higher-quality print and improved readability.
Suitable for both laser and inkjet printers.

Thermal paper

Paper designed to print using heat, with no ink required.
Quick to use and low cost.
Works with direct thermal printers commonly used by carriers.

Our expert advice

When choosing the right shipment label, you need to consider the following factors:

What the label is for (address or identification)
How it will be printed and on what material
Where and how it will be used
Its dimensions

Which label is right for me?

To choose the right label, start by identifying your needs. Do you need to send a parcel with accurate shipping information, and/or include a visual message on the package, such as handling instructions, warnings or urgency?

Address label
Identification label

If you need to identify the recipient of your parcel, use address labels designed to ensure the delivery information is clear and easy to read.

Document enclosed wallets

Quick and secure identification

Ideal for enclosing shipping documents such as delivery notes or invoices, these labels allow for fast identification of the parcel while keeping documents protected from the elements and tampering during transit.

Features:

Made from paper or 50% recycled polyethylene

Benefits:

Clear and quick visibility.
Protects documents from moisture, dirt and tearing.

View the range

Thermal printer labels

High-volume printing

Ideal for fast, efficient shipping, these labels use direct thermal technology, allowing printing without ink. The printer’s print head heats the heat-sensitive label to create clear, durable text, making it easy to identify and track parcels during transit.

Features:

Compatible with our ZEBRA, and DYMO printer models.
Available in white.

Benefits:

Suitable for high shipping volumes.
Ideal for temporary labels and short-term marking (up to 6 months).
Fast and efficient printing.

View the range

Printer labels

Small to medium quantity printing

Ideal for laser and inkjet printing, these labels provide clear, long-lasting identification to support professional and efficient parcel tracking.

Features:

Suitable for laser and inkjet printers.
Available in white or extra-white vellum.

Benefits:

Ideal for low to medium shipping volumes.
Allows customised printing with logos and colours.
Versatile format.

View the range

Tag labels

Practical identification for packaging & products

Made from durable paper and plastic, these tags make it simple to add visible identification to items, boxes, or inventory, helping you stay organised and offering a practical alternative to adhesive-style labels for shipping. Ideal for ecommerce, retail, or warehousing.

Features:

Options in white or coloured paper with reinforced holes.
Plastic tags are suitable for damp or cold environments.

Benefits:

Ideal for tagging products, parcels, and stock without sticky backing.
Helps colour-code and categorise inventory at a glance.
No printing equipment required.

View the range

If you want to display a message on your parcel, choose signage labels, perfect for highlighting precautions or drawing attention.

Document enclosed wallets

Quick and secure identification

Features:

Made from paper or 50% recycled polyethylene

Benefits:

Clear and quick visibility.
Protects documents from moisture, dirt and tearing.

View the range

Handling labels

Shipment protection

Designed to indicate necessary precautions and ensure optimal handling during transport. Ideal for protecting your fragile shipments, they reduce the risk of damage and increase the reliability of your shipments.

Features:

Uses a semi gloss permanent adhesive.

Advantages:

Reduce the risk of damage.
Secure fragile shipments.
Quick identification.

View the range

Hazard warning labels

Compliance assured

Essential for clearly identifying the risks associated with transported products. By law, these labels must display the product’s UN code and, in some cases, the official transport designation.

Features:

Pre-printed with industry standard hazard warning messaging.

Benefits:

Ensures regulatory compliance.
Improves safety.
Provides clear, visible information.

View the range

Quality control labels

Clear product status marking

Designed to help you identify and track product quality throughout your inspection and production process. Pre-printed with standard messages and colour-coded for instant status recognition, these labels enable quick and reliable quality control checks.

Features:

Pre-printed with industry standard messages (e.g., PASS, HOLD, REJECT) for quick identification.
Traffic-light colour coding for at-a-glance status checks.

Benefits:

Streamlines quality checks during production and warehousing.
Helps support quality systems and compliance processes.

View the range

Key information for choosing your shipment labels

Postage label size :

Common Inkjet and laser printer label sizes include: 99.1 x 38.1 mm (14 labels per A4 sheet) 99.1 x 67.7 mm (8 labels per A4 sheet)
Common thermal printer label sizes include: Labels are typically around 101.6 × 152.4 mm, with smaller formats generally measuring approximately 76 × 51 mm.
However, label size can vary depending on carrier requirements and the amount of address information needed, particularly for certain parcels or international shipments.

Adhesive type :

Permanent adhesive: Ensures reliable, long-lasting adhesion on all types of parcel.

What information appears on the label :

Parcel tracking number: Essential for tracking your parcel in real time.
Dispatch date: Shows the date the parcel was collected.
Number of parcels in the order: Helps manage multiple shipments clearly.
Parcel weight (including volumetric weight, where relevant): Essential for calculating shipping costs.
Recipient’s full address: Ensures the parcel is delivered to the correct location.
Shipping method: Indicates the shipping method selected, such as Express, Standard, International, or Collection Point.

Important to note

RAJAPACK’s shipping labels for hazardous materials comply with major international regulations, including IATA for air transport, ADR for road transport, and IMDG for sea transport. Designed for clear and reliable identification, they adhere securely to all types of surfaces and meet the safety and visibility requirements for transporting hazardous materials.

FAQ (frequently asked questions)

Why is my label peeling off the parcel?

Why won’t the ink stick to my shipment label?

How can you make sure barcodes on your labels are easy to read?

Why is my shipping information being cut off?

Choosing your cardboard box

Find out how to choose the perfect cardboard box for your shipments, depending on the weight, size and level of protection required.

Learn more

Choose the right packaging tape

Discover the key factors when choosing the right adhesive, from parcel weight and type of cardboard to storage duration. RAJAPACK helps you seal and secure your packages with confidence.

Learn more