Overview
This guide details how to enable an in-built Shopify feature to display carrier-calculated shipping rates in real-time at Shopify checkout. Shopify currently supports FedEx, UPS, USPS, and Canada Post, and this feature can only support users enabling Shopify Shipping or Advanced Shopify users.
What are carrier-calculated shipping rates at checkout?
When customers checkout at your Shopify store, the shipping rate is calculated based on the weight, size, and destination address of the order. Customers will be displayed with the available service types and corresponding shipping rates.
By offering real-time carrier-calculated shipping rates, it transfers the shipping costs to customers to avoid losses on shipping heavy or international items. At the same time, customers can have flexibility to choose a shipping method that fits their needs (e.g. pay more for faster shipping).
If you've negotiated a reduced shipping rate with FedEx or UPS, then you can display your reduced rates at checkout.
Can I enable this in-built Shopify feature?
If your store's eligible for Shopify Shipping, then carrier-calculated shipping using USPS or Canada Post is set up by default in your Shopify admin.
If your store's on the Advanced Shopify plan or higher, then you can offer carrier-calculated shipping rates from FedEx and UPS.
Supported carriers
FedEx (You must have your own shipper account)
UPS (You must have your own shipper account)
USPS
Canada Post
Enable carrier-calculated shipping rates
Register for and set up an account with your preferred carrier.
Obtain your carrier account credentials.
Connect and activate the carrier service in Shopify admin.
Go to Settings in your Shopify admin.
Navigate to Shipping and Delivery > Carrier accounts > +Connect account.
The carrier you wish to connect, click the arrow to access the {Update {carrier} details} configuration page.
Enter your carrier credentials and shipping information.
4. Make sure your shipping origin address is correct and valid.
5. Make sure your store products have accurate weights added to them to calculate shipping rates accurately.
6. Add shipping rates for this carrier to each of your applicable shipping zones.
7. Click Save
Key takeaways
Shopify's built-in carrier-calculated shipping rates feature displays real-time shipping rates at checkout based on the order's weight, size, and destination, letting customers choose from available service types and their corresponding costs.
The feature is limited by plan and carrier: USPS and Canada Post rates are set up by default for stores eligible for Shopify Shipping, while FedEx and UPS rates require the Advanced Shopify plan or higher plus your own shipper account.
Offering real-time rates transfers shipping costs to customers, avoiding losses on heavy or international orders, and negotiated FedEx or UPS discounts can be displayed directly at checkout.
To enable it, connect your carrier account in Shopify admin under Settings > Shipping and Delivery > Carrier accounts, then enter your carrier credentials and shipping information.
Accurate rate calculation depends on setup hygiene: a valid shipping origin address, correct product weights, and carrier shipping rates added to each applicable shipping zone before saving.