ShipStation report identifies gap between parcel and freight shipping management

ShipStation’s 2026 Merchant Insights Report highlights a significant operational gap in retail shipping management. According to the survey of 868 U.S. merchants, 78% of businesses already ship freight, yet most manage freight and parcel shipping through disconnected platforms.

While parcel shipping is typically integrated with automation, rate shopping, and real-time tracking, freight often remains a manual process involving phone calls and separate broker portals. This lack of integration creates a structural divide in fulfillment workflows.

The report also notes that shipping and freight rates are a primary growth constraint for 62% of merchants. Furthermore, 75% of merchants reported an increase in shipping costs over the last 12 months, with 67% now spending more than 10% of their total revenue on shipping and fulfillment.