A Modular Software Solution for Auto Containerization

Discover how this simple module add-on can transform the way you fulfill orders to save money.

Managing warehouse fulfillment efficiently requires precise cartonization—ensuring the right products fit into the right packages, or cartons, while minimizing waste and shipping expenses. By calculating package sizes early in the fulfillment process, businesses can streamline order packing, reduce manual decisions, and uncover cost savings. Learn how Varsity Logistics ShipOptimizer can:

Predict Shipping Costs Upfront: Provide accurate rate quotes at order entry or checkout. 

Optimize Carrier Selection: Choose the best shipping option based on size, weight, and destination. 

Streamline Fulfillment Workflows: Improve picking, packing, and shipping efficiency. 

How do Containerization and Cartonization differ? 

Often times, “containerization” and “cartonization” are used interchangably. Overall, containerization is the process of optimizing how goods are packaged, reducing wasted space and eliminating inefficiencies like “paying for air.” 

While containerization can refer to optimizing individual cartons, or packages, on a small scale, this is more commonly referred to as cartonization. On a larger scale, containerization refers to building efficient pallets and trailers. Both have a goal of streamlining the distribution process and eliminating wasted space.

A Closer Look at Containerization

Cartonization ensures every individual package is packed as efficiently as possible so businesses can achieve significant cost savings, improve shipping speed, and enhance the secure transportation of goods. 

A key factor in shipping costs is dimensional (DIM) weight, which carriers use to calculate shipping fees based on both weight and volume. Even lightweight, bulky items can result in unexpected high shipping costs due to the space they occupy in delivery vehicles. Without proper packaging optimization, businesses face logistical challenges and inflated shipping expenses. 

Containerization software, like ShipOptimizer, analyzes multiple factors—including package dimensions, weight, and item compatibility—to determine the most efficient way to pack shipments. By eliminating excess packaging, reducing damage risks, and cutting unnecessary shipping costs, businesses can streamline their fulfillment process and improve customer satisfaction. 

Beyond cost savings, containerization enhances the entire shipping experience—from faster deliveries to better product protection. See how this innovative strategy transforms the way goods move from warehouse to doorstep, creating a more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective shipping process.  

Meet ShipOptimizer

ShipOptimizer takes automated containerization to the next level by accurately predicting shipping costs before an order is picked or packed. With real-time rate quoting, carrier selection, and packing optimization, businesses can control shipping expenses while improving order fulfillment speed and accuracy.

ShipOptimizer Features

ShipOptimizer is designed to streamline fulfillment, reduce shipping costs, and enhance warehouse efficiency with powerful automation. From predicting shipping costs upfront to intelligently selecting the best carrier, ShipOptimizer gives businesses the tools they need to optimize every step of the shipping process while improving customer experience. Explore the key features that make ShipOptimizer an essential solution for modern logistics.

Accurate Shipping Cost Predictions

  • Pre-Shipping Estimates – By predicting the actual shipping cost calculations early in the fulfillment process, you can provide accurate costs for your customer and avoid surprises at checkout. 
  • Improved Pricing Transparency - Offering clear, upfront shipping costs increases trust and customer satisfaction because customers can make more informed purchasing decisions.

Optimized Carrier Selection (Rate Shopping)

Compare rates between multiple carriers (FedEx, UPS, USPS, LTL, etc.) before fulfilling the order. Beyond comparing rates within a single mode, you can also determine the most cost-effective shipping method by comparing parcel and LTL options directly. Because rate shopping software is automated, you save time and reduce shipping costs because the system makes the most cost-effective decision based on shipment size, weight, and destination. You also have the flexibility to adjust carrier service level (for example, expedited vs. Standard) based on each customer’s preferences.

Streamlined Order Processing & Packing

Efficiency in order fulfillment starts with precision and automation. By determining the optimal container size early in the process, ShipOptimizer eliminates guesswork, enabling faster picking, packing, and shipping while reducing labor costs. This intelligent approach to automated fulfillment ensures smoother workflows, efficient packaging, improved warehouse operations, and a better customer experience.

Improved Warehouse Workflow

  • Predict shipping container sizes in advance to enable pick-to-carton and automated fulfillment.  
  • Reduce manual packing decisions, improving warehouse efficiency and supply chain management.  

Seamless E-Commerce Integration

  • Display real-time shipping rates and delivery times at checkout to help customers choose the best option.  
  • Improve order processing speed and reduce abandoned carts, exceeding customer expectations and giving them more shipping options.  

Predictive Shipping & Packing

  • Ensure fulfillment teams use the most efficient box size and packaging materials.  
  • Anticipate shipping bottlenecks by managing packing resources more effectively. 

Additional ShipOptimizer Features

Ability to Change Addresses in Order Profiles – ShipOptimizer has the flexibility to handle changes in the order profile for both full-case and split-case picking processes.

Automated Carton Selection - ShipOptimizer uses an items weight, dimensions, and compatibility to ensure each order is packed as efficiently as possible. The best part? Automated processes save time and resources while greatly reducing the risk of costly manual errors.

Automatically Meet Complex Shipping Process Requirements - Orders requiring customizations and special handling instructions often require manual intervention. With ShipOptimizer, these tasks are automated to improve efficiency, saving packing materials and container space.

Large Scale Efficient Carton and Pallet Building - ShipOptimizer allows shippers to develop an efficient plan for building cartons, pallets, and trailers to best streamline their distribution process and eliminate wasted space. 


Learn how Varsity Logistics can optimize your entire shipping process.

By predicting costs, optimizing carrier selection, and streamlining packing decisions, ShipOptimizer empowers businesses to reduce costs, improve customer experience, and enhance fulfillment operations.  

Ready to take control of your IBM i (AS/400) Power shipping process? Schedule a demo with a Varsity Logistics Multi-Carrier Shipping Software Expert to learn how!