Shipping Methods
Shipping Methods
Shipping methods are the delivery options that customers can choose from during the checkout process. For example, UPS Ground, USPS Priority Mail, FedEx 2Day, and local delivery would each be individual methods. UltraCart supports both real-time carrier-calculated rates and custom (flat-rate or fixed) methods.
Shipping methods are configured under:
Main Menu → Configuration → Checkout → Shipping → Methods
Adding Shipping Methods
To add a new shipping method:
Navigate to Main Menu → Configuration → Checkout → Shipping → Methods.
Click the New Method button.
Tip: Before adding shipping methods, first configure your Shipping Carriers. Only the carriers you enable will appear in the dropdown fields for “All shipping methods for...” and “A single built-in shipping method...” on the Add Method screen. See Shipping Configuration for details.
The Add Method screen provides three options for adding shipping methods:
All shipping methods for [Carrier]
Select a carrier (for example, UPS, FedEx, or USPS) from the first dropdown and click Continue. UltraCart adds every available method for that carrier. This approach is useful when you plan to use most or all of a carrier’s services. You can later delete or disable any methods you do not need.A single built-in shipping method
Choose an individual method from the second dropdown list and click Continue. UltraCart takes you directly to the method’s configuration screen. This is the recommended option for most merchants because it lets you configure one method at a time.A custom shipping method named [Name]
Type a descriptive name (for example, “Local Delivery” or “Freight Shipping”) into the text field and click Continue. Custom methods are typically used for non-carrier deliveries such as in-house shipping or pickup. Real-time carrier rate calculation is not available for custom methods.
Prerequisite: If you use multiple distribution centers, select the checkbox Only add shipping method(s) if they are compatible with my distribution center(s) to ensure compatibility.
After clicking Continue, UltraCart returns you to the Shipping Methods list (for bulk carrier additions) or opens the configuration screen (for single or custom methods).
Configuring Shipping Methods
Once a method has been added, click the Edit button next to it in the list to open its configuration screen.
Typical configuration options include display name, rate calculation settings (real-time carrier rates or fixed amounts), handling fees, free-shipping thresholds, delivery estimates, and packaging rules. For complete details on every field, see the Shipping Method Configuration documentation.
Shipping Method Restrictions
You can restrict when a shipping method is available. Common restriction types include:
Item-level restrictions Limit the method to specific items or item groups. When configuring the method, you can select which items (or item groups) qualify.
Important: UltraCart calculates and applies only one shipping method per order, even for single-package or multi-package shipments. If a customer’s cart contains a mix of restricted and non-restricted items, the method may not appear at checkout. Always test combinations of items that customers are likely to purchase together to ensure the expected behavior.
Backend Order Entry (BEOE) restrictions Make the method available only to orders entered by sales representatives or staff through the Back End Order Entry (BEOE) interface. This is useful for phone orders, internal sales, or special pricing scenarios that should not be visible to online customers.
You can combine multiple restriction types on the same method.
Default Method and Enabling/Disabling
On the Shipping Methods list, click Make Default to designate a method as the pre-selected option during checkout.
Click Disable to hide a method from customers without deleting it. Disabled methods remain in your configuration and can be re-enabled later.
Click Enable to restore a previously disabled method.
Deleting a Shipping Method
To permanently remove a shipping method from your store:
Navigate to the Shipping Methods list.
Click the Delete button next to the method you want to remove.
Warning: Deleting a method is permanent and cannot be undone. If you are unsure whether you will need the method again, disable it instead.
Related Documentation
Next Steps
Configure your carrier accounts to enable real-time rate calculation.
Set up destination-based or zone restrictions if needed.
Test the full checkout flow with sample orders that include restricted items and mixed carts.