Abstract: A shipping transaction system comprises a plurality of ordering stations, each ordering station having a user interface with a display device and at least one input device. The system further comprises a data processing system in communication with the display device and the at least one input device. The data processing system is adapted for selective connection to a first network, for displaying information using the graphical display device, for receiving information from the input device, and for selective communication with at least one shipper ordering and tracking system via the first network. A first portion of the data processing system is adapted for processing shipping preference information and item information received from a customer during a shipping transaction.