Automation rules let Shippo make shipping selections for you automatically. Once a rule is set, every new order that comes into Shippo gets processed and adjusted according to the conditions you've defined. They're built for the repeatable, predictable parts of your fulfillment workflow.
For example, you could create a rule that says: if an order of three or fewer t-shirts is purchased from your store, then Shippo automatically assigns a poly mailer as the packaging.
Note: Shippo may also recommend a rule for you. When you apply a package template during label purchase and Shippo finds other unfulfilled orders with the same item, you'll have the option to apply the template in bulk, then save that selection as an automation rule. Rules created this way work exactly like manually created ones and can be managed from this page. |
With automation rules, you can use any combination of the following order properties to automatically assign:
- Package template
- Carrier service level
- Sender address
- Tag
Based on any of these conditions:
- Item name
- Item SKU
- Order quantity
- Order weight
- Shipping destination: domestic or international
- Shipping destination: state or province (U.S. and Canada)
- Shipping destination: ZIP code (U.S. and Canada)
- All countries, where you can choose the individual countries the rule applies to
Setting up your automations
Automation rules run on an if/then system: if your order has a specific property, then a specific action follows.
To create an automation rule:
- From the Orders page, click the Settings icon.
- Select Automations under Shipping, then click Create new rule.
- In the If section, choose the order property (weight, item name, and so on) your rule should apply to.
- Choose the action to take on those orders, like applying a specific package template.
- Name your rule and add a description.
- Click Save.
Once you save, the rule applies to all new orders imported into Shippo, whether they come from a connected store or a CSV import.
You can add as many rules as you'd like, but keep in mind that the order of your rules affects how they apply to your orders.
Managing automation rules
Automation rules run in a specific order so you keep full control over how your orders are processed. Rules run top to bottom in the sequence you set on the Automations page. Order matters.
To reorder your rules, drag and drop them into the sequence you want. Click anywhere on a rule in your list to select and drag it.
For example, say you have two weight-based rules: under 2 lbs. and under 5 lbs. If they're arranged like this:
- Under 5 lbs. = package B
- Under 2 lbs. = package A
Every order under 2 lbs. is also under 5 lbs., so the second rule never runs. Reorder them instead:
- Under 2 lbs. = package A
- Under 5 lbs. = package B
Tips to successfully manage automation rules
- More than one rule can apply to an order. For example, one rule might assign a package while another assigns a carrier service.
- Only one of the same action can apply to an order. If an order meets the conditions for two different packages, whichever rule is listed first in your Automations list wins.
- Rules process top to bottom. Reorder them anytime by clicking and dragging.
Want to learn more? Check out our Automation Rules FAQs.