A basic computerized shipping system consists of a computer, interfaced to an electronic scale, label printer, and report printer.

Sometimes additional printers are used to print COD tags, bills of lading, or other documents. A modem is usually utilized for transmitting to and receiving data from the carrier. A bar code scanner can be utilized to input a work order number or package identification number.

Today, most computerized shipping systems are interfaced to an organization's host computer, sometimes with a protocol converter, where the order entry or accounting system resides.