Smart Packaging
TimberCloud's intelligent packaging system analyzes your products and automatically determines the optimal way to package them for shipping, often resulting in significant cost savings.
How It Works
When you request shipping rates, the system automatically:
- Analyzes product dimensions, weights, and shipping configurations
- Groups similar items for efficient packing
- Determines optimal package types (boxes or pallets)
- Applies your consolidation preferences
- Separates hazardous materials as required by law
The result is fewer packages, lower shipping costs, and less manual work.
Assembled vs Unassembled Products
Products can ship in two modes:
Assembled (Default)
- Product ships as a single unit
- Dimensions from line item or product defaults
- Weight from product configuration
Unassembled (Parts)
- Product ships as separate components
- Each part is packaged individually
- Parts can be consolidated or packaged separately based on configuration
Ships Assembled Toggle
This setting on your products determines how they ship:
| Setting | Behavior |
|---|---|
| ON (Default) | Product ships as single unit using overall dimensions |
| OFF | Each part extracted and packaged separately |
Box Sizes
Custom Box Sizes
For best results, define boxes that match your actual packaging inventory. This allows the system to optimize packing based on what you actually have on hand.
See Configuration for setup instructions.
Default Boxes
When custom boxes are not configured, the system uses a library of standard shipping box sizes ranging from small flat boxes for hardware to oversized boxes for larger products.
Pallet Configuration
For shipments that exceed parcel carrier limits, the system automatically routes to pallet/freight shipping.
Common Pallet Sizes
| Type | Dimensions | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| GMA (Standard) | 48" × 40" | Most common, fits standard trucks |
| Half Pallet | 24" × 40" | Smaller shipments, retail |
| Euro Pallet | 47.2" × 31.5" | European shipping |
| Square | 48" × 48" | Square loads, drums |
You can customize pallet dimensions in Configuration.
Package Preview & Editing
Before fetching rates, you'll see automatically calculated packages:
- Type: Box or Pallet
- Dimensions: Width × Length × Height
- Weight: Calculated from products
- Freight Class: For LTL shipments
- Quantity: Number of identical packages
Edit Packages Manually
Click "Edit Packages" to:
- Adjust dimensions
- Change weights
- Add or remove packages
- Convert boxes to pallets
- Consolidate multiple boxes
Best Practices
- Set Accurate Dimensions - Measure real products including packaging
- Configure Freight Classes - Essential for LTL rate accuracy
- Use Custom Box Sizes - Match your actual packaging inventory
- Enable Consolidation - Automatically convert to pallets for bulk orders
- Test With Real Orders - Verify calculations match actual shipments
Troubleshooting
Incorrect Package Calculation
- Verify product dimensions are set
- Check parts configuration if using unassembled shipping
- Review freight class settings
- Test with manual package editing
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
Too Many Boxes Generated
- Enable "Prefer Fewer Packages" in settings
- Adjust consolidation threshold
- Add larger custom box sizes
Next Steps
- Rate Shopping - Compare carrier rates
- Configuration - Customize packaging settings
- Shipping Options - Product-level shipping settings
- Parts - Configure product components