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In a previous article, we described how to set the maximum weight that is applied to each box used for shipping your orders.
Using that method, during the shipping calculation request, the store would send the carrier (UPS, FedEx, USPS, etc) a rate calculation request based on the following:
- The origin of the order (where it's shipping from)
- The destination of the order (where it's shipping to)
- and the total combined weight of the order.
If the combined weight of the order exceeded the maximum box weight set in the store, then the shipping calculation would factor for multiple boxes.
Unfortunately, using this method, there’s no way of specifying the dimensional sizes of the boxes being used. Only that the maximum weight per box was a set number.
Rather than setting the maximum box weight as described in that article, merchants can instead create pre-defined box dimensions for use in shipping calculation. This means that - with box dimensions pre-defined - the store will now send the appropriate box size(s) to the carrier for a more accurate factoring of the shipping costs.
The following steps will describe how to set up your pre-defined shipping boxes.
After logging into your Shift4Shop Online Store Manager,
- Use the left hand navigation menu and go to Settings >Shipping
- Then, click on the "Enter Settings" button under Shipping Settings
- Next, click on the + icon next to "Shipping Settings"
- Click on the "Configure boxes" link to continue.
Tip
After setting up your boxes, you can select the "Use predefined boxes" button and save your shipping settings to have the function take effect.
To add your first box, click on the "+Add New" button (located at the top right) and fill out the supplied fields:
- Length, Width & Height
Here's where you'll enter the actual dimensions of the box.
- Max Weight
Here you will enter the maximum weight that this box will allow before factoring for a second box.
- Fill Box%
Finally, here you'll enter the percentage of the box's dimensions that will be considered "usable" items space. In other words, if you specify a 90%, the calculation will factor that 10% of the box's space will not be used for the items. (Maybe the 10% is packing peanuts, or simply air.)
Once you are done with your first box's dimensions, click add to save it. Then, repeat these steps for as many boxes as you need for your store.
Additional Information
If your store is integrated with USPS for real time shipping calculation, you will see a section labeled "Shipping Carrier Box Type" where you can select pre-defined box sizes compatible to USPS' flat rate options.
Selecting one from the drop down will automatically populate the length, width and height fields. You may also select to use your own packaging to make your own dimensions as needed.
How It All Works
With multiple box dimensions set up, the store will now select the appropriate box to use for the shipping calculation request that will be made to the carrier. This box selection will be based on the total weight and dimensions of the products being ordered - in comparison to the available weights and measures specified for your boxes.
If a particular order is heavier or larger than the largest box, the store will then add the next appropriate box size to the order for proper factoring of the shipping costs.
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