Shipping Software Evaluation Checklist: 40-Point Framework (2026)

TL/DR Summary Shipping software evaluation requires scoring vendors across seven weighted categories before shortlisting to avoid costly implementation failures. Carrier integration depth carries the highest default weight at 20%, requiring assessment of regional carriers like OnTrac, Veho, and Delhivery — not just total integration count. Bad-fit shipping software costs 6–12 months of migration overhead, carrier re-integration, and workflow rebuilds beyond the subscription fee. Returns processing costs US retailers over $800 billion annually, making the returns module a core evaluation criterion rather than an optional feature. Inaccurate estimated delivery dates drive the highest volume of WISMO support tickets, according to ClickPost, because unmet expectations trigger customer service escalations. A 40-point structured scoring framework using Pass/Partial/Fail across seven categories enables side-by-side vendor comparison for leadership sign-off.