Shipping Methods

Shipping methods define the delivery options available to customers, including service levels, transit times, and pricing structures. This guide covers method configuration and management.

Overview

Shipping methods enable you to:

• Define delivery options
• Set service levels
• Configure pricing
• Manage availability
• Control restrictions
• Track performance

Accessing Methods

Navigate to Settings → Shipping → Methods to configure shipping methods.

Understanding Methods

Method Types

Type	Description
Standard	Economy delivery
Express	Fast delivery
Overnight	Next-day delivery
Same Day	Same-day delivery
Freight	Large shipments
Pickup	Customer pickup

Service Levels

Level	Transit Time
Economy	5-7 days
Standard	3-5 days
Expedited	2-3 days
Express	1-2 days
Overnight	Next day
Same Day	Same day

Method Status

Status	Description
Active	Available
Inactive	Not available
Seasonal	Limited periods
Restricted	With conditions

How-To Guides

How to Create Shipping Methods

Adding New Method

1. Go to Settings → Shipping → Methods
2. Click New Method
3. Configure:
   • Method name
   • Service level
   • Carrier
   • Pricing
4. Set availability rules
5. Save method

Method Configuration

Shipping Method: Express Delivery

Name: Express Delivery
Code: EXPRESS
Carrier: FedEx
Service: FedEx Express Saver

Pricing:
├─ Base Rate: $12.99
├─ Weight Rate: $0.50/lb
├─ Dimensional Factor: 139
└─ Fuel Surcharge: 8%

Transit Time:
├─ Estimated: 1-2 business days
├─ Cutoff Time: 3:00 PM
└─ Processing: Same day

Status: Active

How to Configure Method Pricing

Pricing Models

Model	Description
Flat Rate	Fixed price
Weight-Based	Price per weight
Dimensional	By volume
Distance	By shipping zone
Tiered	By order value

Pricing Configuration

Pricing: Standard Ground

Model: Weight-Based with Zones

Base Rate: $5.99

Weight Tiers:
├─ 0-1 lb: +$0.00
├─ 1-5 lb: +$2.00
├─ 5-10 lb: +$4.00
├─ 10-20 lb: +$8.00
└─ 20+ lb: +$0.40/lb

Zone Adjustments:
├─ Zone 1-2: Base rate
├─ Zone 3-4: +$2.00
├─ Zone 5-6: +$4.00
└─ Zone 7-8: +$6.00

Surcharges:
├─ Residential: +$3.50
├─ Remote Area: +$5.00
└─ Fuel: 7.5%

Free Shipping Rules

Free Shipping Configuration

Threshold: $75.00

Conditions:
├─ Applies to: Standard Ground only
├─ Excludes: Oversized items
├─ Excludes: Remote areas
└─ Excludes: International

Display:
├─ Show progress: Yes
├─ Message: "Free shipping on orders over $75"
└─ Countdown: "$X more for free shipping"

How to Set Availability Rules

Geographic Availability

1. Open method settings
2. Go to Availability tab
3. Configure:
   • Countries
   • States/Regions
   • Postal codes
   • Exclusions

Availability Configuration

Availability: Express Delivery

Countries:
├─ United States: All 50 states
├─ Canada: Selected provinces
└─ Mexico: Metro areas only

Exclusions:
├─ Alaska
├─ Hawaii
├─ Puerto Rico
└─ Remote areas

Postal Code Rules:
├─ Include: All standard addresses
├─ Exclude: PO Boxes
└─ Exclude: Military APO/FPO

How to Configure Restrictions

Product Restrictions

Restriction	Description
Weight Limit	Max weight
Size Limit	Max dimensions
Product Type	Excluded items
Value Limit	Max order value

Restriction Rules

Method Restrictions: Same Day Delivery

Weight:
├─ Max Weight: 50 lbs
└─ Min Weight: None

Dimensions:
├─ Max Length: 48"
├─ Max Width: 30"
├─ Max Height: 30"
└─ Max Girth: 130"

Products:
├─ Exclude: Hazardous materials
├─ Exclude: Refrigerated items
├─ Exclude: Oversized
└─ Exclude: Custom orders

Order:
├─ Min Value: $0
├─ Max Value: $5,000
└─ Max Items: 20

How to Set Cutoff Times

Cutoff Configuration

1. Open method settings
2. Go to Scheduling tab
3. Set cutoff times:
   • Processing cutoff
   • Shipping cutoff
   • Pickup windows

Cutoff Times

Cutoff Times: Express Delivery

Processing:
├─ Same Day: Order by 3:00 PM
├─ Next Day: Order by 11:59 PM
└─ Time Zone: Local warehouse

Carrier Pickup:
├─ Weekdays: 4:00 PM
├─ Saturday: 12:00 PM
└─ Sunday: No pickup

Holiday Schedule:
├─ Christmas Eve: 12:00 PM cutoff
├─ Holidays: No processing
└─ Blackout: Dec 24-26

How to Display Methods at Checkout

Display Configuration

1. Go to Settings → Checkout → Shipping
2. Configure display:
   • Method order
   • Descriptions
   • Estimated dates
   • Pricing display

Checkout Display

Checkout Shipping Options

Display Order: By price (ascending)

Format:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ○ Standard Shipping - $5.99                     │
│   Estimated delivery: Jan 28 - Jan 30           │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ ○ Express Shipping - $12.99                     │
│   Estimated delivery: Jan 26 - Jan 27           │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ ● Overnight Shipping - $24.99                   │
│   Guaranteed by Jan 25                          │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Options:
├─ Show estimated dates: Yes
├─ Show carrier logo: Yes
├─ Highlight fastest: Yes
└─ Show free shipping threshold: Yes

How to Track Method Performance

Performance Metrics

Method Performance: Express Delivery
Period: January 2026

Usage:
├─ Orders: 2,456
├─ Revenue: $31,927.44
├─ Percentage: 28% of shipments
└─ Growth: +12% vs last month

Delivery Performance:
├─ On-Time: 97.2%
├─ Early: 8.4%
├─ Late: 2.8%
└─ Avg Transit: 1.4 days

Cost Analysis:
├─ Avg Cost: $13.01
├─ Margin: 18%
├─ Carrier Cost: $10.67
└─ Profit: $2.34/shipment

Method Comparison

Method	Orders	On-Time	Avg Cost
Standard	4,823	94%	$6.12
Express	2,456	97%	$13.01
Overnight	892	99%	$25.34
Same Day	234	98%	$34.89

Advanced Features

Dynamic Pricing

Real-time rates:

• Carrier API integration
• Volume discounts
• Promotional pricing
• Customer-specific rates

Zone Mapping

Delivery zones:

• Custom zone definitions
• Zone-based pricing
• Transit time mapping
• Coverage optimization

Method Rules Engine

Complex logic:

• Conditional availability
• Product-based routing
• Customer segmentation
• Time-based rules

A/B Testing

Optimize methods:

• Price testing
• Name testing
• Display order
• Conversion tracking

Best Practices

Method Design

• Clear naming
• Accurate descriptions
• Realistic estimates
• Competitive pricing

Pricing Strategy

• Cover costs
• Market competitive
• Volume incentives
• Free shipping threshold

Availability

• Match carrier capability
• Clear restrictions
• Regular updates
• Communication

Performance

• Monitor metrics
• Compare carriers
• Optimize costs
• Customer feedback

Configuration

Method Settings

Navigate to Settings → Shipping → Methods:

• Methods - Method list
• Pricing - Rate configuration
• Rules - Availability rules
• Display - Checkout display

Carrier Mapping

• Services - Carrier service mapping
• Rates - Rate integration
• Transit - Time calculations
• Tracking - Tracking setup

Business Rules

• Conditions - Rule logic
• Actions - Rule outcomes
• Priorities - Rule order
• Exceptions - Override rules

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Method not showing at checkout

• Check availability rules
• Verify product compatibility
• Review zone coverage
• Check cart requirements

Wrong pricing displayed

• Verify rate configuration
• Check weight/dimensions
• Review zone calculation
• Test with sample order

Delivery estimate incorrect

• Check transit time setup
• Verify cutoff times
• Review holiday calendar
• Test carrier API

Cannot add method

• Verify carrier integration
• Check required fields
• Review permissions
• Contact admin

Related Documentation

Learn about Dangerous Goods shipping for hazardous materials handling.