Set up Default Shipping Settings

Overview

Shipping costs are calculated based on various factors like the selected shipping service type, package weight, package dimensions, and customs information. AfterShip Shipping allows you to set up default measurement units and customs parameters under the Shipping settings, ensuring that any order missing this vital information gets filled in automatically based on predefined fallback settings.

Default shipping settings are applicable to the entire organization.

Set up default shipping settings

Go to Shipping settings in your AfterShip Shipping admin.
Under the Default measurement units section, select the package Dimension and Weight unit from the dropdown list.
Under the Default weight & dimensions section, enter the value in the Shipment weight and Dimensions field.
Save changes.

Important considerations

When you change the weight and dimensions units, it will affect all current shipping measurements. For example, if you switch from kilograms (kg) to pounds (lbs), the system will automatically convert the existing weight measurements.
The conversion could cause slight discrepancies due to rounding-off. For example, converting 1.5 kg to pounds may round to 3.3 lbs instead of 3.307 lbs.

Measurement units and values

The major benefit of using AfterShip Shipping’s Measurement Units and Values is you will have complete clarity regarding the size and weight of the parcel. In case nothing is mentioned on the product, the default package weight/dimension will be used. It will help you create labels promptly.

Default Measurement Units



Weight unit

It defines how heavy a package is. Weight in AfterShip Shipping can be defined in:

Pound (lb)
Ounce (oz)
Kilogram (kg)
Gram (g)

By default, weight is displayed in “lb”.

Dimension unit

Dimensions refer to the package size defined in terms of its length, width, and height. Dimensions in AfterShip Shipping can be defined in:

Inch (in)
Centimeter (cm)

By default, dimensions are displayed in inches.

Your settings for measurement units will be applied to all the orders, irrespective of their status.

Default Weight & Dimensions

In case new orders don’t carry clear information about the weight and dimensions, simply add the value in the given fields. These fallback values will be applied to the new orders missing this information automatically.

Your settings for measurement values will be applied only to the new orders.

Default customs information

You can set default customs information for orders that are missing such details. Customs information is necessary for international shipping and can include duties, taxes, and product origin details.

Customs Purpose: A dropdown where you can select the purpose for customs declaration (e.g., "Sale," "Gift," etc.).
Duty and Tax: Select how duties and taxes should be handled from the dropdown.

Default item declarations

This option will automatically fill in fallback customs item details for orders that are missing this information.

Product name: The name of the product being shipped.
Origin: The country where the product was made (e.g., United States).
HS code: The harmonized system code, used for international shipping to classify products.
Unit price: The price of the item. Select the currency and add in the value.
Tax ID, IOSS, EORI number: These are identifiers needed for cross-border transactions and international customs.
IOSS: Import One-Stop Shop (EU).
EORI: Economic Operators Registration and Identification (for EU customs).

Updated on: 30/01/2025