Shippo lets you set a default shipping option that's automatically selected whenever you generate shipping rates. It preselects the option that best matches your preferred delivery speed or price, so you don't have to choose it every time.
Your default shipping option can be either:
- A rate category, like Best or Cheapest
- A specific carrier service, like UPS Ground
Shippo automatically applies your selected option whenever rates are generated for a shipment.
What changed
Previously, Shippo let you configure a Default Service Level, which automatically selected a specific carrier service when you created labels.
That setting is now called Default Shipping Option. With this update, you can choose either a specific carrier service or a rate category that dynamically selects the most appropriate shipping service for each shipment.
Available rate categories include:
- Best
- Cheapest
This gives you more flexibility, letting Shippo evaluate available rates and select the most suitable option for each shipment.
Note: Default rate categories aren't available within Elements. |
Setting your default shipping option
To configure your default shipping option:
- In the Shippo web app, go to Settings.
- Select Carriers.
- Open the Defaults tab.
- Click Set default for either Default Shipping Option or Default Return Shipping Option.
- Choose your preferred rate category or carrier service.
- Click Save.
Your selected option is now automatically applied whenever rates are generated for shipments.
Choosing the right rate category
Rate categories automatically select a shipping option based on your preferred balance of cost and delivery speed.
Best
Recommended when you want Shippo to select the most balanced option between cost and delivery time. This is often the most efficient choice for general shipping workflows.
Cheapest
Recommended when minimizing shipping costs is the top priority. Shippo automatically selects the lowest available rate.
How default shipping options work
When you generate shipping rates for a shipment:
- Shippo retrieves available rates from your active, connected carriers.
- Your default shipping option is automatically selected if it's available.
- You can still choose a different shipping option before purchasing the label.
If your selected option isn't available for a shipment, Shippo displays the other available options so you can choose an alternative.
Default shipping options and automations
Shipping options can also be applied through automation rules. If an automation rule applies a shipping option, it overrides your default shipping option.
Learn more about setting up automation rules in Shippo.
Updated rate display
Rate categories now display differently when you view shipping rates. Instead of appearing as section headers, Best and Cheapest now appear as badges on individual rate cards, making it easier to spot recommended options while you compare rates.
When your default shipping option may not apply
In some cases, your default shipping option won't be automatically selected. This can happen if:
- The selected carrier service isn't available for the shipment.
- The shipment destination or package details don't support the selected service.
- The selected rate category can't determine a qualifying option.
- A shipping automation rule applies a different service.
When this happens, Shippo displays the available shipping options so you can manually select the right one.
If you selected Best as your default shipping option, your configured backup shipping option is used if a best option can't be determined.