Shipping labels condense all of the information needed to ship a package into one neat page, such as the weight, size and destination of the package, and you can even insure a package against possible damage. Labels are then taped directly onto a package and are ready for shipping. Packages used to have to be taken to a post office or shipping center to be shipped, but now you can print off shipping labels online to ship packages easily from home.

Printing a USPS Shipping Label

Go to the USPS New User Sign Up web page (See Resources) and sign up for an account. Enter your desired user name and password, then choose an account security question and type in your answer. Choose whether you want a personal or business account, then enter in your contact information. Agree to the terms and conditions to finish registering your account.

Sign in to your account and go to the "Print Shipping Labels" page. Choose which destination you want to ship to, then click "Go."

Enter in your shipping label information, such as return address and delivery address. Enter package information including weight, size and shipping date. Choose an insurance option, if applicable.

Select a shipping option--prices vary according to delivery time and type of service. Your shipping label will appear in your shopping cart for you to purchase with a credit or debit card. Once you have purchased your shipping label, click "File" at the top of your browser window and select "Print" to print your USPS shipping label.

Printing a UPS Shipping Label

Go to the UPS Create a Shipment web page (see References) and register for an account. Enter your contact name, email address, desired user name and password, then click "Next."

Enter your contact information and payment information--this payment information will be used later to purchase your shipping label. Agree to the terms and conditions, then click "Next" to finish registering. You will be directed back to the Create a Shipment web page.

Enter the shipping address and return address, then enter package information. Select which shipping service you would like to use. Select your payment option--you can choose to either pay for the shipment using another UPS account, bill a third party, pay for the shipment with a credit or debit card, or bill the receiver. Click "Next" to purchase the shipping label if you have chosen to do so. Otherwise, click "Next" to print your shipping label.

Printing a FedEx Shipping Label

Go to the FedEx website (see Resources) and open an account by entering your contact and login information. Check your email for an email from FedEx asking you to confirm your new account.

Go to the FedEx Create a Shipment web page. Enter in the shipping address information and package details, such as size and weight.

Enter your credit card and cardholder information, then choose which service you want to use to ship your package. Click "Ship" to print off your shipping label and receipt.