Packaging Settings

Configure how TimberCloud's smart packaging algorithm works for your company. Define custom box sizes, pallet dimensions, and consolidation rules to optimize shipping costs.

Accessing Packaging Settings

Navigate to Settings → Orders → Packaging

Packaging Mode

Control how the algorithm packages your products:

Auto Mode Behavior

In Auto mode, the algorithm:

1. Analyzes each product's dimensions and weight
2. Checks against parcel shipping limits (108" max dimension, 165" length+girth, 150 lbs)
3. Assigns items to Box or Pallet as appropriate
4. Groups similar items for efficient packing
5. Applies consolidation rules

Default Shipping Mode

Determines which carrier type to use when shipping:

When to Use Each Mode

Auto (Recommended)

• Mixed orders with boxes and pallets
• Let algorithm optimize carrier selection
• Best overall cost efficiency

Small Parcel Only

• Lightweight products only
• No freight accounts configured
• Customers expect parcel delivery speeds

LTL Freight Only

• Heavy products across the board
• Lower freight rates negotiated
• Commercial/industrial customers with docks

Consolidation Rules

Max Boxes Before Pallet

Set a threshold where box shipments convert to pallets:

Example:

Setting: 6 boxes

Order generates 8 boxes → Reconsolidated onto 1-2 pallets
Benefit: Single freight shipment often cheaper than 8 parcel packages

Prefer Fewer Packages

When enabled (default):

• Algorithm prioritizes fitting items into fewer, larger packages
• Reduces package count even if boxes aren't optimally sized
• Generally lowers shipping costs

When disabled:

• Each item goes in the smallest suitable box
• May result in more packages
• Useful when consolidation creates handling issues

Custom Box Sizes

Define boxes that match your actual packaging inventory.

Enabling Custom Boxes

1. Toggle "Use Custom Box Sizes" ON
2. Add your boxes with:
   • Name: Descriptive identifier
   • Width: Interior width in inches
   • Length: Interior length in inches
   • Height: Interior height in inches
   • Max Weight: Maximum weight capacity in pounds

Example Custom Box Setup

Default Box Sizes

When custom boxes are not configured, the system uses standard sizes:

Pallet Configuration

Customize your default pallet specifications:

Common Pallet Sizes

How Packaging Works

The Algorithm Flow

1. EXTRACT PRODUCTS
   ↓
   Read dimensions and weight from each order item
   If products have pieces config, extract each piece
   ↓
2. VALIDATE DIMENSIONS
   ↓
   Ensure all products have valid measurements
   ↓
3. GROUP BY DIMENSIONS
   ↓
   Similar items grouped for efficient packing
   ↓
4. DETERMINE PACKAGE TYPE
   ↓
   Check parcel limits:
   - Max dimension: 108"
   - Length + girth: 165"
   - Max weight: 150 lbs
   ↓
   Assign: Box or Pallet
   ↓
5. SEPARATE HAZMAT
   ↓
   Hazardous items in separate packages (required)
   ↓
6. BIN PACKING
   ↓
   Boxes: Fit items into optimal box sizes
   Pallets: Calculate stacking and layer placement
   ↓
7. APPLY CONSOLIDATION
   ↓
   If boxes > max_boxes_before_pallet:
   Reconsolidate everything to pallets
   ↓
8. RETURN PACKAGES
   ↓
   Optimized package list for rate shopping

Real-World Example

Order: 12 cabinet doors (24" × 36" × 1.5", 15 lbs each)

Step 1: Extract → 12 door items
Step 2: Validate → All dimensions valid
Step 3: Group → All same size, single group
Step 4: Package Type → Parcel-shippable (under limits)
Step 5: Hazmat → None
Step 6: Bin Pack → Fit 4 doors per "Long Large 48" box × 3 boxes
Step 7: Consolidation → max_boxes_before_pallet = 6, so keep as boxes

RESULT: 3 boxes, 4 doors each

Same order with consolidation = 2:

Step 7: Consolidation → 3 boxes > 2 threshold
        → Reconsolidate to 1 pallet (48×40", stack height 24")

RESULT: 1 pallet

Best Practices

Box Size Configuration

1. Measure actual boxes - Use interior dimensions
2. Include common sizes - Cover your product range
3. Consider weight limits - Match to your packaging materials
4. Add specialty boxes - Long boxes for stiles, rails, trim

Pallet Configuration

1. Match your inventory - Use pallets you actually stock
2. Account for wrap - Max height includes stretch wrap
3. Consider truck limits - Standard trucks fit 48" × 40" pallets

Consolidation Settings

1. Start conservative - Set threshold based on typical order sizes
2. Monitor shipping costs - Compare box vs pallet rates
3. Consider handling - Some customers prefer boxes over pallets

Troubleshooting

Products Not Packaging Correctly

• Verify products have dimensions and weight configured
• Check parts configuration if using unassembled shipping
• Review freight class settings for LTL items

Too Many Boxes Generated

• Enable "Prefer Fewer Packages"
• Lower the max_boxes_before_pallet threshold
• Add larger custom box sizes

Everything Going to Pallets

• Check product dimensions aren't exceeding parcel limits
• Verify packaging_mode isn't set to "Pallets Only"
• Review individual product package_type settings

Custom Boxes Not Being Used

• Ensure "Use Custom Box Sizes" is enabled
• Verify box dimensions are valid (positive numbers)
• Check that at least one custom box is defined

Related Settings

• Order Settings - Lead times, PDF settings
• Shipping & Logistics - Rate shopping, booking
• Parts - Product components for shipping and production