How to Configure Shipping Methods in Magento 2

Configure Shipping Method is considered to be an amazing option for Magento 2 ecommerce stores. It is a free shipping method that can be applied on the minimum purchase amount or even the conditions set by the admin users. Configure Shipping method can be set for a variety of products depending on the existing ecommerce store shipping strategy.

Default Magento 2 supports five types of shipping methods, and we have tried to tailor a detailed tutorial on how to configure Magento 2 Shipping Method.

Related – How to Create a Shipping Method in Magento 2

The Magento 2 Shipping Methods are:

  • Free Shipping
  • Flat Rate
  • Table Rates
  • Magento Shipping
  • Dimensional Weight

Configure Magento 2 Shipping Methods

Magento 2 platform is equipped with 5 built-in shipping methods for your store. To begin selling and shipping, all you need is to enable and configure shipping method.

From the Admin Panel, you need to set up the store data.

magento configuration

Move to Sales-> Shipping Settings where you need to update the information of the store and save the configuration.

magento 2 configurations

Detailed understanding of each Magento 2 shipping method

#1 Free Shipping

free shipping method

Free shipping can be set on a minimum buy or set up as a cart price rule when a set of conditions is fulfilled. Go to Store -> Configuration -> Sale -> Shipping Methods -> Free Shipping.

  • Set Yes at Enabled box to enable free shipping method.
  • Into Title box enter the name of the shipping method that can be visible to customers.
  • In Method name box specify the name of the free shipping method.
  • Set minimum order amount in the Minimum order amount box to avail free shipping.
  • Set Displayed error message that will be displayed when the free shipping method is not available.
  • Select the appropriate option for Ship to Applicable Countries box. If you choose All Allowed Countries, then free shipping will be available for the all countries specified in store configuration. If you choose Specific Countries select countries from the given list where customers can get free shipping.
  • In Show Method if Not Applicable box select No to hide the shipping method if it’s not applicable.
  • Set Sort Order for the display order of shipping method on the checkout page.
  • Save Configuration.
free shipping

#2 Flat Rate

flat rate shipping magento

 

Flat rate shipping is the standard shipping charges that are applied without taking account other product attributes like weight, height, size, etc. Go to Store -> Configuration -> Sale -> Shipping Methods -> Flat rate.

  • Set Yes at Enabled box to enable Flat Rate shipping method.
  • Into Title box enter the name of the shipping method which is visible to customers.
  • In Method name box specify the name of the Flat rate shipping method.
  • In Type box select the type of multiple flat rate shipping you prefer either per order or per item.
  • Enter the price in Price box that customers will have to pay for shipping.
  • In Calculate Handling Fee define a fixed amount or percentage amount of the shipping fee will calculate.
  • Input the Handling Fee value if applicable.
  • Set Displayed error message that will display when the flat rate shipping method is not available.
  • Set flat rate shipping for specific countries or for all allowed countries of your store in Ship to Applicable Countries.
  • In Show Method if Not Applicable box select No to hide the shipping method if it’s not applicable.
  • Set Sort Order for the display order of shipping method on the checkout page.
  • Save Configuration.
flat rate

#3 Table Rates

configure table rates in magento 2

Table Rates shipping method includes rules based on the combination of conditions such as weight vs. destination, price vs. destination and many others. Magento 2 store will automate the process to calculate shipping charges when a customer selects an option. Go to Store -> Configuration -> Sale -> Shipping Methods -> Table Rates.

  • Set Yes at Enabled box to enable Table Rates shipping method.
  • Into Title box enter the name of the shipping method that is visible to customers.
  • In the Method Name label the calculated rate in the shopping cart.
  • To calculate the table rate shipping charge set the Condition.
  • Set yes to the Include Virtual Products in Price Calculation to include the virtual product(s) in the calculation.
  • In Calculate Handling Fee define a fixed amount or percentage amount of the shipping fee will calculate.
  • Input the Handling Fee value if applicable.
  • Set Displayed error message that will display when the table rates shipping method is not available.
  • Set table rates shipping for all allowed countries of your store or for specific countries in Ship to Applicable Countries.
  • In Show Method if Not Applicable box select No to hide the shipping method if it’s not applicable.
  • Set Sort Order for the display order of shipping method on the frontend.
  • Save Configuration.
table export

Build Table Rates Data:

  • In the top-left corner, set Store View to Main Website or to any other website where the configuration will apply.
main website configuration
  • See the Export and Import options display in the Table Rates section.
  • You must first clear the Use Default checkbox next to the field to modify any of the current configurations.
  • Click Export CSV.
  • Open the file in a spreadsheet and complete the shipping calculation condition table with the required values.
  • Save the tablerates.csv file on your system.

Import Table Rates Data:

  • Set Store View to the website that uses the method.
  • Go to Table Rates section.
  • On Import field and click on Choose File. Select a prepared tablerates.csv file and import the rates.
  • Save Configuration.
shipping table

#4 Magento Shipping

magento 2 shipping

Magento Shipping requires shipping account in order to use it. Go to Store -> Configuration -> Sale -> Shipping Methods -> Magento Shipping.

  • Set Yes at Enabled box to enable Table Rates shipping method.
  • Into Title box enter the name of the shipping method which is visible to customers.
  • Set Enabled API Logging field yes to define which API events are logged.
  • Set the API Endpoint from your Magento Shipping account.
  • Add the Account ID of your Magento Shipping Account.
  • Add the API Token generated by your Magento Shipping Account.
  • Select the appropriate option for Ship to Applicable Countries box. If you choose All Allowed Countries then Magento shipping will be available to the all countries specified in store configuration. If you choose Specific Countries select countries from the given list where customers can use Magento shipping.
  • In Show Method if Not Applicable box select No to hide the shipping method if it’s not applicable.
  • Set Displayed error message that will display when the Magento shipping method is not available.
  • Set Sort Order for the display order of shipping method on the frontend.
  • From Checkout View Settings configure Address Type, Authority to Leave, and Signature required checkboxes.
  • In Advanced Settings configures synchronization with other systems.
  • Save Configuration.
magento shipping

Activate Magento Shipping so that you can configure Locations, Carriers, Packaging and Shipping Experiences sections.

#5 Dimensional Weight

 

shipping method

 

The dimensional weight shipping method includes calculating shipping charges based on the package volume and weight. The amount of space occupied by the package in the carrier determines the shipping rate.

Magento 2 supports the following carriers which apply the Dimensional Weight Shipping Method in their shipments:

  • UPS (United Parcel Service) provides both domestic and international shipping service in almost all major countries by land and air.
  • USPS (The United States Postal Service) is a postal service of U.S. government that offers shipping service for domestic and international by land and air.
  • FedEx (Federal Express) provides both domestic and international shipping service in almost all major countries by land and air.
  • DHL (DHL Express) allows international shipping service specialized in managing and transporting letters, goods, and information.

DHL Shipping Method:

Go to Store -> Configuration -> Sale -> Shipping Methods -> DHL.

1. Set Yes at Enabled for Checkout box to enable DHL shipping method.

2. In Gateway URL set the URL provided by DHL.

3. Into Title box specify the name of the shipping method which is visible to customers.

4. For Access ID add the DHL access ID of the shipper account.

5. In Password enter the DHL password of the shipper account.

6. Add DHL shipper account number in the Account Number field.

7. Choose Content Type whether it is Documents or Non documents.

8. In Calculate Handling Fee define a fixed amount or percentage amount of the shipping fee will calculate.

9. Set Handling Applied to either Per Order or Per Package. Per Order allows a single handling fee for the entire order. Per Package allows an individual handling fee for each package.

10. Enter the Handling Fee value if applicable.

11. Set Divide Order Weight yes to allow dividing weights of an order exceeding 70 kg.

12. Set Weight Unit to Kilograms or Pounds as per used by your store.

13. Choose Size of your package whether it is Regular or Specific. If Specific than define its Height, Depth and Width.

14. Select the Allowed methods of shipment from the given options in your store.

15. Configure the packaging Ready Time (in hours) after the order is placed.

16. Set Displayed error message that will display when the DHL shipping method is not available.

17. Choose the Free method from the given options which will use for free shipping.

18. Set Enable Free Shipping Threshold to enable when you want to offer DHL shipping method after a specific amount of money is spent on an order.

19. Set table rates shipping for all allowed countries of your store or for specific countries in Ship to Applicable Countries.

20. In Show Method if Not Applicable box select No to hide the shipping method if it’s not applicable.

21. Set Debug option yes to create a log file with the information of error.

22. Set Sort Order for the display order of shipping method on the checkout page.

23. Save Configuration.

enabled checkout

Helpful reading – How to save money with Magento ecommerce development

You can Hire Magento Experts from a leading Magento Development Services provider company to help you configure the best suitable shipping methods for your eCommerce store. Magento 2 shipping methods configuration requires a lot of research and understanding your target audience. For more details Get in touch with us.