Configure shipping methods in Magento

This tutorial will show you how to configure shipping methods in Magento

Configuring shipping methods in Magento is an essential task for eCommerce businesses to ensure smooth and accurate delivery of products to customers. Magento provides various built-in shipping options and allows for third-party integration for more customised shipping needs.

Steps to Configure Shipping Methods in Magento

Step 1: Access the Admin Panel

1. Log in to the Magento Admin panel.
2. In the Admin sidebar, go to Stores > Settings > Configuration.
3. Under the Sales section, click Shipping Methods. This page contains all the available shipping methods in Magento.

Step 2: Configure Built-in Shipping Methods

Magento offers several built-in shipping methods, such as Flat Rate, Free Shipping, Table Rates, and integration with popular carriers like UPS, USPS, FedEx, and DHL. Here’s how to configure each of them.

1. Flat Rate Shipping

Flat Rate allows you to charge a fixed shipping cost, regardless of the order weight or destination.

1. In the Shipping Methods section, expand the Flat Rate tab.
2. Set Enabled to “Yes.”
3. Configure the following fields:
   • Title: The name displayed to customers (e.g., “Standard Shipping”).
   • Method Name: The specific shipping method name (e.g., “Flat Rate”).
   • Type: Choose either Per Order (flat fee per order) or Per Item (flat fee per item in the cart).
   • Price: Enter the shipping price (e.g., $10.00).
   • Calculate Handling Fee: Choose whether you want to add a handling fee (optional).
   • Ship to Applicable Countries: Choose All Allowed Countries or Specific Countries to restrict shipping locations.
4. Click Save Config to apply the changes.

2. Free Shipping

Free Shipping is often offered when customers meet a certain purchase threshold.

1. Expand the Free Shipping tab.
2. Set Enabled to “Yes.”
3. Set the Title as “Free Shipping” or another name of your choice.
4. Set Minimum Order Amount to the value where free shipping becomes available (e.g., $50).
5. Configure other fields as needed, such as Ship to Applicable Countries and whether the amount includes tax.
6. Click Save Config.

3. Table Rates

Table Rates allow you to define shipping rates based on conditions like destination, weight, and subtotal.

1. Expand the Table Rates tab.
2. Set Enabled to “Yes.”
3. Set the Title to the desired shipping method name.
4. Choose the Condition based on which rates are calculated:
   • Weight vs. Destination
   • Price vs. Destination
   • Number of Items vs. Destination
5. To set specific rates, go to Stores > Settings > Configuration > Sales > Shipping Methods > Table Rates.
6. Click Export CSV, fill out the exported CSV with appropriate rates, and then import it back to Magento.
7. Save the configuration.

4. UPS Shipping

Magento integrates with UPS to offer real-time shipping rates.

1. Expand the UPS tab.
2. Set Enabled to “Yes.”
3. Configure the following options:
   • Title: Set the title (e.g., “UPS Shipping”).
   • Gateway URL: This should be pre-filled. No need to change unless advised.
   • Access License Number, User ID, Password: Enter your UPS credentials.
   • Shipment Origin: Select your location.
   • Allowed Methods: Choose the UPS shipping methods to offer, like Next Day Air, 2nd Day Air, etc.
4. Click Save Config.

5. USPS Shipping

Similar to UPS, USPS allows real-time shipping rates.

1. Expand the USPS tab.
2. Set Enabled to “Yes.”
3. Enter your User ID and other USPS account information.
4. Choose the Allowed Methods to offer (e.g., Priority Mail, First-Class, etc.).
5. Save the configuration.

6. FedEx Shipping

FedEx shipping is also available with real-time rate calculation.

1. Expand the FedEx tab.
2. Set Enabled to “Yes.”
3. Enter your FedEx Account Number, Meter Number, Key, and Password.
4. Set the Title and choose the Allowed Methods (e.g., Ground, Express Saver, etc.).
5. Save the configuration.

7. DHL Shipping

DHL allows for global shipping options with real-time rate calculation.

1. Expand the DHL tab.
2. Set Enabled to “Yes.”
3. Enter your Access ID, Password, and Account Number.
4. Choose the Allowed Methods and configure any other specific options.
5. Save the configuration.

Configure payment methods in Magento

Step 3: Test the Shipping Methods

Once you’ve configured your desired shipping methods:

1. Clear the cache by going to System > Tools > Cache Management and clicking Flush Magento Cache.
2. Test the shipping methods by placing test orders on your website to ensure the rates are displayed correctly.

Step 4: Additional Customisation (Optional)

If you need more flexibility, you can install third-party shipping extensions from the Magento Marketplace. These extensions allow for greater customisation and integration with various shipping carriers or services like advanced shipping rules or multi-vendor shipping.

Step 5: Enable Shipping Labels (Optional)

If you’re handling shipments yourself, you can enable shipping labels in Magento:

1. Go to Stores > Settings > Configuration > Sales > Shipping Settings > Shipping Labels.
2. Configure the necessary carrier and label printing options.
3. Save the changes.

Conclusion

Magento provides built-in shipping methods that are robust and flexible enough for many eCommerce businesses. You can configure Flat Rates, Free Shipping, and Table Rates for basic shipping needs, or use real-time carrier rates through UPS, USPS, FedEx, and DHL for more advanced shipping solutions. Depending on your business model, you can further enhance shipping functionality using third-party extensions and automation.

Make sure to test the configuration thoroughly to ensure smooth customer checkout experiences.