What Is a Void Label?
A void (or unused) label is a shipping label that was generated and charged but never scanned into the carrier network. This happens when:
- A label is printed but the order is cancelled
- A new label is created to correct an error, but the original isn’t voided
- A package never ships due to inventory issues
- Duplicate labels are generated accidentally
If not voided, these labels remain billable charges on your invoice.
Automatic vs. Manual Voiding
Automatic Void Window
Both carriers have an automatic void period:
| Carrier | Auto-Void Period | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| UPS | Labels not scanned within 10 days are auto-voided | Credit issued on next invoice |
| FedEx | Labels not scanned within 90 days are auto-voided | Credit issued (may take 1–2 billing cycles) |
Manual Void
You can void unused labels immediately through:
| Method | UPS | FedEx |
|---|---|---|
| Website | ups.com → Shipping → Void | fedex.com → Shipping → Void |
| Shipping software | Most platforms support void | Most platforms support void |
| API | UPS Void Shipment API | FedEx Cancel Shipment API |
| Phone | Call billing support | Call billing support |
How to Identify Unused Labels
In Your Shipping System
Most shipping platforms track label status:
- Printed / Created: Label generated
- Manifested: Label included in end-of-day manifest
- In Transit: Carrier has scanned the package
- No Scan: Label exists but was never scanned — void candidate
On Your Invoice
Look for charges with tracking numbers that show no delivery scan. These are likely unused labels that were billed but never shipped.
The Financial Impact
Unused labels are a silent cost center:
| Scenario | Monthly Unused Labels | Avg Label Cost | Monthly Waste |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small shipper (500/mo) | 10–25 (2–5%) | $12.00 | $120–$300 |
| Mid-market (5,000/mo) | 50–150 (1–3%) | $14.00 | $700–$2,100 |
| Large shipper (20,000/mo) | 100–400 (0.5–2%) | $15.00 | $1,500–$6,000 |
Best Practices for Label Management
1. Void Immediately
When an order is cancelled or a label needs to be reprinted, void the original label immediately through your shipping platform.
2. Reconcile Weekly
Compare labels created vs. labels scanned/delivered in your weekly shipping report. Any discrepancy represents unused labels that should be voided.
3. Automate Void Checks
Set up automated processes that flag labels older than 48 hours with no carrier scan.
4. Audit Your Invoice
Cross-reference your invoice charges against your shipping system’s delivery confirmations. Any charge without a corresponding delivery is a void candidate.
The Bottom Line
Void label recovery is one of the simplest audit wins — the approval rate is nearly 100% when the label was never scanned. Implement immediate voiding procedures and regular reconciliation to prevent this cost from accumulating month over month.
Upload one invoice to ShipMint’s Instant Analysis to identify void label credits — free.