Shipping & Logistics Accessibility

The shipping and logistics industry powers global commerce. Accessible tracking systems, booking platforms, and customer portals ensure all customers—including those with disabilities—can manage shipments and access services.

Industry Scope

From last-mile delivery to global freight, shipping companies increasingly rely on digital platforms. Package tracking, rate calculators, booking systems, and customer portals must be accessible to comply with ADA requirements.

Why Accessibility Matters for Shipping

E-Commerce Growth

Online shopping continues to grow, increasing demand for accessible shipping tools and tracking systems

B2B Requirements

Business customers may have accessibility requirements as part of their vendor selection criteria

Applicable Laws & Regulations

ADA Title III

Shipping companies offering services to the public are considered places of public accommodation. Customer-facing websites, tracking systems, and booking platforms must be accessible.

Learn About Title III
Air Carrier Access Act

For companies involved in air freight and cargo, the Air Carrier Access Act prohibits discrimination. Digital booking and tracking systems for air cargo must be accessible.

International Standards

Global shipping companies must consider accessibility laws in multiple jurisdictions including the European Accessibility Act, UK Equality Act, and accessibility requirements in Canada, Australia, and other markets.

Privacy Requirements

Shipping companies collect addresses, contact information, and payment data. Privacy policies must be accessible, and data handling must comply with applicable state and federal privacy laws.

View Privacy Laws

Key Digital Touchpoints

Tracking is a core customer interaction point that must be fully accessible:

  • Search fields with proper labels for tracking numbers
  • Clear status updates announced to screen readers
  • Maps and visual tracking with text alternatives
  • Delivery status notifications in accessible formats
  • Estimated delivery information clearly conveyed
  • History and timeline accessible via keyboard
Common Issues:
  • Interactive maps without text alternatives
  • Status updates conveyed only through color or icons
  • Auto-refreshing content that disrupts screen readers

Shipping rate tools must work for all users:

  • Form fields with clear labels and instructions
  • Weight and dimension inputs with format guidance
  • Address autocomplete accessible via keyboard
  • Service options presented in accessible comparison format
  • Rate results announced to assistive technologies
  • Error messages that identify specific issues

Shipment booking systems must accommodate all users:

  • Multi-step booking with clear progress indicators
  • Date and time pickers with keyboard access
  • Pickup scheduling with accessible calendars
  • Address entry with validation feedback
  • Package configuration options clearly labeled
  • Confirmation pages with complete shipment details

B2B shipping platforms serve diverse business users:

  • Dashboard analytics with text alternatives for charts
  • Bulk shipment uploads with accessible interfaces
  • Invoice and billing management
  • Reporting tools with accessible data tables
  • Account management features
  • API documentation in accessible formats

Mobile shipping apps must follow accessibility guidelines:

  • Compatible with screen readers (VoiceOver, TalkBack)
  • Touch targets meeting size requirements
  • Push notifications with readable content
  • Barcode scanning with text alternatives
  • Proof of delivery photos with descriptions
  • Delivery instructions input accessible

Privacy & Data Handling

Shipping companies collect significant personal data that requires careful handling:

Data Collected
  • Sender and recipient addresses
  • Contact information (phone, email)
  • Package contents declarations
  • Payment and billing information
  • Delivery preferences and instructions
  • Location data from tracking
Compliance Considerations
  • Clear, accessible privacy notices
  • Data minimization principles
  • Secure transmission and storage
  • Consumer rights to access and deletion
  • Third-party data sharing disclosures
  • Cross-border data transfer compliance

Common Accessibility Challenges

Real-Time Tracking Updates
  • Use ARIA live regions to announce status changes
  • Provide text alternatives to map-based tracking
  • Ensure auto-refresh doesn't disrupt user focus
Complex Forms
  • Break lengthy booking forms into clear steps
  • Provide format examples for dimensions and weights
  • Support address autocomplete via keyboard
Data Tables and Reports
  • Use proper table markup with headers
  • Provide sortable columns with accessible controls
  • Ensure pagination is keyboard accessible
International Content
  • Proper language declarations for multilingual content
  • Right-to-left language support where needed
  • Accessible language selection controls

Implementation Checklist

Shipping Quick Stats
Key Platforms
Tracking, booking, rate calculators, portals
Applicable Laws
ADA Title III, ACAA (air cargo), international
Standard
WCAG 2.1 Level AA
Key Issues
Real-time tracking, maps, complex forms
Privacy
State laws, GDPR for international
Resources
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