Shipping
Configuration

Shipping Configuration

Customize how TimberCloud's shipping system works for your company. Define packaging rules, carrier preferences, markup settings, and more.

Accessing Shipping Settings

Navigate to Settings → Orders → Shipping or Settings → Orders → Packaging

Packaging Mode

Control how the algorithm packages your products:

ModeDescriptionBest For
Auto (Recommended)Algorithm determines optimal packaging based on item dimensions and weightMost companies
Boxes OnlyAll items packaged in boxes onlyCompanies without freight capability
Pallets OnlyAll items on palletsBulk/industrial shipping

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 by default:

ModeIconDescription
Auto🔄Boxes route to parcel carriers (FedEx, UPS), Pallets to freight carriers (LTL)
Small Parcel Only📦Always use parcel carriers regardless of package type
LTL Freight Only🚚Always use freight carriers (often cheaper for heavy shipments)

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:

SettingBehavior
0 (Disabled)No automatic conversion
1-10Convert to pallet if order exceeds this many boxes

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

NameWidthLengthHeightMax Weight
Door Box Small2620640 lbs
Door Box Large3826860 lbs
Panel Box4824450 lbs
Hardware Box128615 lbs

Tips for Custom Boxes

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

Pallet Configuration

Customize your default pallet specifications:

SettingDefaultDescription
Width48"Standard GMA pallet width
Length40"Standard GMA pallet length
Max Height96"Maximum stack height (including pallet)
Max Weight2000 lbsMaximum loaded pallet weight
Pallet Weight40 lbsWeight of empty pallet (added to shipment)

Best Practices

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

Shipping Markup

Add your markup to shipping costs:

TypeDescriptionExample
PercentageAdd X% to carrier rates10% markup
Fixed AmountAdd flat fee to all shipments$10 handling

Setting Markup

  1. Go to Settings → Orders → Shipping
  2. Enter markup percentage or fixed amount
  3. Save changes
  4. Markup applied to all future rate quotes

Carrier Accounts

Configuring Carriers

Set up your carrier accounts for rating and booking:

  1. Go to Settings → Integrations → Shipping
  2. Select carrier to configure
  3. Enter account credentials
  4. Test connection
  5. Save

Account Types

CarrierCredentials Needed
FedExAccount number, meter number, API keys
UPSAccount number, API credentials
USPSUSPS.com credentials
LTL CarriersAccount numbers, API keys

Fulfillment Locations

Configure multiple shipping locations:

Adding a Location

  1. Go to Settings → Locations
  2. Click "Add Location"
  3. Enter:
    • Location name
    • Address
    • Contact information
    • Default carrier accounts

Location Settings

SettingDescription
PrimaryDefault shipping location
ActiveAvailable for shipping
AddressFull shipping address
Carrier AccountsLocation-specific accounts

LTL Location Services

Each location can have default LTL services:

ServiceDescription
Has DockLoading dock available
Liftgate AvailableLiftgate at origin
Limited AccessSpecial access requirements
Operating HoursPickup availability

Address Validation

Settings

SettingOptions
Require ValidationAll addresses must validate
Auto-correctApply suggested corrections
Residential DetectionAutomatically flag residential

Validation Sources

  • USPS Address Matching System
  • Carrier address validation
  • Google Maps API

Notification Settings

Configure shipping notifications:

Customer Notifications

EventDefaultCustomizable
ShippedOn✓
Out for DeliveryOff✓
DeliveredOn✓
ExceptionOn✓

Internal Notifications

EventRecipients
Booking FailedShipping team
Exception AlertOrder owner
Delivery ConfirmedCustomer service

Rate Staleness

Configure how long rates remain valid:

SettingDefaultOptions
Rate Expiration24 hours12h, 24h, 48h, 72h
Show Warning6 hours beforeCustomizable
Auto-refreshOffOn/Off

Product Shipping Defaults

Set default shipping configuration for new products:

FieldDefaultDescription
Included in ShippingOnInclude in shipping calculations
Package TypeAutoBox, Pallet, or Auto
StackableYesCan be stacked
Freight ClassNoneDefault freight class

Troubleshooting Configuration

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

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

Carrier Not Showing Rates

  • Verify carrier account is configured
  • Check account credentials
  • Ensure carrier services your shipping lanes
  • Test with carrier's rate calculator

Related Settings

Next Steps

Package TrackingCreating Customers