One of the key elements of any eCommerce business is efficient and cost-effective shipping. A significant portion of online orders rely on carriers like UPS, making understanding their requirements crucial for Shopify store owners.
By connecting your UPS carrier requirements for Shopify and connecting the two effectively, you can provide customers with accurate shipping costs at checkout. You can also offer various shipping options and streamline eCommerce order fulfillment.
Whether you’re shipping domestically or internationally, check out how the Shopify experts set up UPS carrier accounts and navigate the terms and conditions.
What is UPS Carrier Integration in Shopify?
UPS Carrier Integration in Shopify enables shipping capabilities directly through the UPS network. This integration lets you access UPS’s reliable shipping services, offering a wide range of delivery options for domestic and international shipments.
By connecting UPS as a carrier to your Shopify store, you can automate several key shipping tasks, such as:
- Live Shipping Rates: With UPS integration, Shopify can display live, real-time shipping rates during checkout. This means that customers will see the most accurate shipping costs based on their location and the shipping method they select.
- Shipping Label Generation: Once an order is placed, Shopify allows you to generate UPS shipping labels directly from your admin panel. This eliminates the need for third-party shipping tools and streamlines the order fulfillment process.
- Automated Fulfillment: With UPS integrated, you can automate the creation of tracking numbers, email notifications to customers, and shipment processing—all directly from Shopify. This reduces manual intervention, improves operational efficiency, and enhances customer satisfaction.
- Access to UPS Services: Shopify users can access various UPS shipping services, including:
- UPS Ground: Cost-effective domestic delivery.
- UPS Next Day Air: Expedited delivery for urgent shipments.
- UPS Worldwide Expedited: Reliable international shipping.
- UPS SurePost: A hybrid service combining UPS Ground and USPS for cost-effective delivery, especially for smaller items.
- Shipping Management: Once the integration is set up, Shopify enables you to manage all your UPS shipments from a centralized location. You can track packages, view shipping history, and schedule pickups, all within the Shopify admin interface.
- Discounted Shipping Rates: By integrating UPS into Shopify, store owners often gain access to discounted shipping rates. Shopify and UPS have partnered to offer competitive shipping prices, which can result in savings, especially for stores with a high volume of orders.
In essence, UPS carrier integration in Shopify simplifies and automates your shipping workflow. So you can manage orders and fulfillments more efficiently while providing a better experience for your customers.
Benefit of Using UPS for Your Shopify Store
From accessing discounted rates to offering diverse shipping options, using UPS can improve both your efficiency and your ability to meet customer expectations. Let’s dive into the key benefits of using UPS integration for your Shopify store.
- Improved Customer Experience: By offering real-time, accurate shipping rates, your customers can choose the best delivery method for their needs, helping to enhance their overall shopping experience.
- Efficiency in Fulfillment: Direct access to UPS services means that you can streamline your order fulfillment process. That saves time on manual steps like label creation, tracking updates, and customer notifications.
- Global Shipping Access: UPS is a leading global carrier, which means Shopify merchants can ship to over 190 countries and territories. This opens up international shipping options, making it easier to reach customers worldwide.
- Cost-Effective Shipping: With access to UPS’s discounted rates, Shopify merchants can lower their shipping costs. That improves profit margins while maintaining fast and reliable delivery times.
By integrating UPS with Shopify, store owners gain more control over their shipping process, improve efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction-all while accessing some of the best shipping options available.
Want help with ensuring these benefits for your Shopify shipping with UPS? Then consult with our professional Shopify development company.
Shopify Plan Options for Accessing UPS Features
To access UPS shipping options directly in Shopify, your store needs to meet specific plan requirements. These include:
- Advanced Shopify Plan: This plan includes access to third-party carrier-calculated rates, allowing you to integrate UPS.
- Shopify Plus Plan: For larger businesses, this plan provides additional features and customization options for carrier-calculated shipping.
- Third-Party Carrier-Calculated Shipping Feature: If you’re on the Basic or Shopify plans, you can still access UPS rates by purchasing this feature for an additional monthly fee of $20.
How to Check If Your Shopify Plan Supports UPS
Log in to your Shopify Admin dashboard. Then navigate to Settings > Plan. After that, just check your current plan or upgrade to the required plan if necessary.
Setting Up UPS Carrier Accounts in Shopify
Once you’ve confirmed that your plan supports UPS integration, the next step is to connect your UPS account to Shopify.
Step-by-step process for setting up UPS:
- Login to Shopify Admin: Access your Shopify store’s admin dashboard.
- Go to Shipping Settings: Navigate to Settings > Shipping and delivery.
- Add UPS as a Carrier: Under the “Carrier accounts” section, click Add carrier and choose UPS from the available list.
- Enter UPS Credentials: You will need your UPS account number, which you can obtain by signing up for a UPS account if you don’t already have one. Enter these details to authenticate your account and connect UPS to your store.
Once connected, you can start offering UPS shipping options directly to your customers during checkout and purchase UPS shipping labels.
Choosing the right Shopify plan is essential for unlocking the full potential of UPS integration. By selecting a plan that suits your business needs, you’ll have access to UPS’s reliable shipping services, real-time rates, and time-saving features.
Whether you’re on the Advanced Shopify Plan or Shopify Plus, or opting for the additional feature on a lower-tier plan, you’ll be equipped to enhance your shipping process and provide a seamless experience for your customers.
UPS Delivery Services Available for Shopify Merchants
With UPS carriers integrated into your Shopify store, you can offer customers a wide range of shipping options. Some of the most popular UPS services available for Shopify users include:
- UPS Ground: A cost-effective solution for domestic shipping, typically within 1-5 business days.
- UPS Next Day Air: For expedited delivery, offering next-day shipping to most U.S. locations.
- UPS 2nd Day Air: A two-day delivery service, perfect for customers who need faster shipping at a reasonable price.
- UPS Worldwide Expedited: A fast international shipping option, typically delivering within 2-5 business days to over 190 countries.
- UPS SurePost: A hybrid shipping service that combines UPS’s reliable ground service with the final delivery made by USPS, typically used for lower-weight packages.
You can select from these services based on your business needs, customer demands, and geographic locations.
UPS Carrier Requirements for Shopify – Packages
To ensure your packages meet UPS’s shipping standards, it’s crucial to adhere to their size and weight specifications.
- Maximum Package Weight: 150 lbs per package.
- Maximum Package Size
- Length: Up to 108 inches.
- Girth (distance around the thickest part of the package): Up to 165 inches.
Packages that exceed these limits may incur additional charges, or UPS may refuse to ship them. It’s essential to measure and weigh your packages accurately before shipping.
Packaging Guidelines
- Make sure packages are securely packed to prevent damage during transit.
- Use sturdy boxes and sealing materials to ensure the integrity of the contents.
Ensuring your packages meet UPS’s size and weight requirements is crucial for smooth shipping and avoiding additional charges.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your shipments are processed efficiently and reach their destination without any hiccups. Properly packaging your products not only protects your items but also helps maintain a reliable and cost-effective shipping process for your business.
UPS Carrier Requirements for Shopify – Prohibited and Restricted Items
UPS has a list of items that cannot be shipped, either due to safety regulations or restrictions imposed by law. Some common prohibited items include:
- Currency, bank notes, or negotiable instruments.
- Hazardous materials, including chemicals and flammable items.
- Live animals (except for specific exceptions).
- Firearms, explosives, and certain types of weapons.
- Prescription drugs and controlled substances.
Before you ship any item with UPS, make sure to check their Prohibited and Restricted Items List to avoid potential issues. For a full list of restricted and prohibited items, visit UPS’s official documentation.
UPS Insurance and Shipping Coverage
When purchasing a UPS shipping label through Shopify, each package is covered up to a certain value:
- Included Coverage: UPS provides $100 of coverage for loss or damage for shipments valued under $100.
- Additional Coverage: If the value of your shipment exceeds $100, you can purchase additional shipping insurance through Shopify or UPS.
It’s a good idea to insure high-value items to protect your business and customers in case of damage or loss during transit.
How to Schedule UPS Pickups in Shopify?
If you need to schedule a pickup for UPS to collect your packages, Shopify allows you to arrange for a pickup directly from your admin dashboard.
Here’s how to schedule a UPS pickup:
- After purchasing a UPS shipping label, go to the order in Shopify.
- Click on the Shipping section and then Schedule UPS Pickup.
- Provide details such as the pickup address, date, and time.
UPS will pick up your packages from the designated location, saving you time and effort.
International Shipping with UPS on Shopify
UPS offers various international shipping services, but there are specific requirements for shipping abroad:
- Documentation: International shipments often require customs forms to be filled out. Shopify generates these forms automatically when you create a shipping label.
- Customs Duties and Taxes: Depending on the destination country, customs duties and taxes may apply. You can choose to include these costs in your shipping rate or have the customer pay them on delivery.
- Shipping Restrictions: Some countries may have restrictions on certain products or limits on the value of goods that can be imported.
Tracking UPS Shipments
Once your packages are shipped, Shopify allows you to track shipments through UPS. After you purchase a shipping label, Shopify automatically sends tracking details to your customers. Additionally, you can monitor the progress of your shipments directly within Shopify’s admin panel.
FAQ on UPS Carrier Requirements for Shopify
What Shopify plans support UPS integration?
To use UPS for shipping on Shopify, you’ll need the Advanced Shopify or Shopify Plus plans, which include third-party carrier-calculated shipping rates. If you’re on a lower-tier plan like Basic Shopify, you can still use UPS by adding the carrier-calculated shipping feature for an additional fee.
How do I set up UPS on my Shopify store?
To set up UPS, go to your Shopify Admin panel, navigate to Settings > Shipping and Delivery, and select Add Carrier. Then, choose UPS and enter your UPS account details to connect it with your store. Once connected, you can offer UPS shipping rates and generate shipping labels directly from Shopify.
What are the prohibited items for UPS shipping on Shopify?
UPS has a list of prohibited items, including hazardous materials, live animals, firearms, and prescription drugs. It’s essential to check UPS’s restricted items list to ensure your products comply with their regulations before shipping.
Is there any insurance coverage for UPS shipments through Shopify?
UPS includes standard insurance for shipments valued up to $100. For higher-value items, you can purchase additional insurance either through UPS or via the Shopify shipping options at checkout.
Let’s Summarize
Successfully navigating UPS carrier requirements within your Shopify store is key to a smooth and profitable eCommerce operation. From accurate shipping rate calculations to efficient tracking, mastering the requirements can help you create a seamless shipping experience.
Remember to regularly review UPS carrier requirements for Shopify. So you are updated with evolving policies and update your Shopify settings accordingly to maintain compliance and maximize efficiency.
If you need more help with shipping on Shopify, get a consultation with us today!
