Thermal Shipping Labels & Stock Labels
The labels and ribbons your shipping printers run onAugust Packaging supplies direct thermal and thermal transfer labels, 4×6 shipping labels, ribbons and stock warehouse labels sized for your printers. Local supply in every major U.S. market means you don’t run out mid-shift.
Direct thermal or thermal transfer?
| Direct thermal | Thermal transfer | |
|---|---|---|
| How it prints | Heat darkens the label itself. No ribbon. | Heat transfers ink from a ribbon onto the label. |
| Best for | Shipping labels and anything used within months | Inventory, pallet, product and outdoor labels that need to last |
| Durability | Fades with heat, sunlight and time | Resists fading, heat, abrasion and moisture |
| Cost | Lower, with no ribbons to buy | Higher, but lasts years |
Stock labels we supply
4x6 shipping labels
The standard for UPS, FedEx, USPS and marketplace labels, on rolls or fanfold stacks.
Warehouse and inventory labels
Common sizes such as 4x4, 4x2, 3x2 and 2.25x1.25 for bins, cartons, SKUs and barcodes.
Pallet labels
Larger labels for pallet IDs, receiving and 3PL inbound requirements.
Packing list envelopes
Clear and printed "packing list enclosed" envelopes for paperwork that travels with the box.
Handling labels
Fragile, This Side Up, Do Not Stack and other stock warning labels.
Thermal transfer ribbons
Wax, wax-resin and resin ribbons matched to your labels and printer.
Getting the right fit for your printer
- Core size: desktop printers usually take a 1" core; industrial printers usually take a 3" core.
- Roll diameter: must fit your printer's media compartment. Larger rolls mean fewer changes.
- Rolls or fanfold: fanfold stacks feed from behind the printer and hold more labels.
- Perforations: perforated between labels for easy tear-off, or not, for printers with cutters or peelers.
- Adhesive: permanent for most shipping, freezer-grade for cold storage, removable for temporary use.
Send us your printer make and model and a sample label, and we'll match it.
Need something printed?
For labels with your logo, product information or a custom shape, see our custom printed labels.
Local supply in every major U.S. market
Headquartered in St. Louis since 1987, August Packaging has 3PL partner facilities supporting every major market in the U.S., including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Kansas City, Louisville, the Lehigh Valley, St. Louis and Northern and Southern California. Put your labels on a stocking program and they're there when you need them. See our locations.
Why buy labels from August Packaging
- One supplier for the packing station: labels, ribbons, tape, boxes, mailers and void fill.
- Stocking programs and VMI so labels never hold up shipping.
- Matched to your printers, so labels feed and print right the first time.
- Built for fulfillment. We supply 3PLs and fulfillment centers across the country.
Shipping label FAQs
What size are standard shipping labels?
4x6 inches is the standard for UPS, FedEx, USPS and most marketplace and shipping software labels.
Do I need a ribbon for my labels?
Only for thermal transfer labels. Direct thermal labels print without a ribbon and are the usual choice for shipping labels.
Why are my thermal labels fading?
Direct thermal labels darken with heat and fade with sunlight and time. For labels that need to last, such as inventory or outdoor labels, switch to thermal transfer labels with a ribbon.
Will your labels work with my printer?
Yes, when we match the core size, roll diameter and label type to your printer. Tell us the make and model and we'll spec the right labels.
Keep your printers running
Tell us your printers, label sizes and monthly usage. We'll match the labels and set up supply.