Getting Started

Everything you need to get up and running

Setup Guide

Follow these steps to configure your account for the first time.

Welcome to Laddster! This guide will walk you through the initial setup to get your shipping workflow up and running.

Prerequisites

Laddster integrates with QuickBooks Online to streamline your shipping and order fulfillment. You'll need:

  • An active QuickBooks Online account
  • Admin access to connect the integration
  • Invoices, Estimates, or Purchase Orders that you want to ship
QuickBooks Connection
You can connect your QuickBooks account directly in Laddster or through the QuickBooks App Store.

Initial Setup Steps

1

Connect QuickBooks Online

Sign in with your QuickBooks account and authorize Laddster to access your invoices, estimates, and purchase orders.

2

Add Your First Shipping Location

Create a shipping location for your warehouse, office, or primary shipping address. Learn about shipping locations

3

Connect Carrier Accounts (Optional)

Link your USPS, UPS, FedEx, or other carrier accounts through Shippo to get rates and purchase labels. See carrier account setup

4

Configure Account Settings

Set your preferred units (imperial or metric), label format, and other preferences. Units and settings guide

5

Create Your First Shipment

Start shipping! Import an invoice or estimate from QuickBooks and create your first shipment. First shipment walkthrough

Need Help?
If you run into any issues during setup, contact our support team. We're here to help you get started!

Your First Shipment

Create your first shipment step by step.

Ready to ship? This walkthrough will guide you through creating your first shipment from a QuickBooks invoice or estimate.

Step-by-Step Process

1

Select Ship Method

Choose between Parcel (for carrier labels through Shippo) or Freight (for manual confirmation). Parcel shipments can purchase labels and get tracking. Freight shipments can be confirmed as shipped in-app or by scanning a QR code.

2

Add Shipping Location

Select or create a shipping location—this is where you're shipping from (or shipping to for purchase orders). Learn about shipping locations

3

Set Ship Date (Optional)

Add the date you plan to ship. This is optional but helpful for scheduling and planning.

4

Enter Package Details

Add package dimensions (length, width, height) and weight. Consider creating package templates to save time on frequently used box sizes.

5

Get Rates or Confirm Shipped

For parcel shipments: Click "Get Rates" to view available shipping options from your carriers, then select and purchase a label.

For freight shipments: Click "Confirm Shipped" once the shipment has left your facility.

Download Your Documents

  • Click "Download All" for a zip file with your shipping labels and packing list PDF(s)
  • Freight shipments generate a "shipping request spreadsheet" with lading information
  • Freight packing lists have an optional QR code that can be scanned to confirm the shipment as picked up
Multiple Packages?
You can add multiple packages to a single shipment, or split line items across packages for more control. Learn about line items

Next Steps

Your First International Shipment

International shipments require customs information on all line items.

International shipments require additional customs information for all line items. This guide will help you prepare your first international shipment.

Customs Requirements
All line items in an international shipment must have unit weights, country of origin, and customs item information. Missing this data will prevent you from getting rates or purchasing labels.

Required Information for Each Line Item

1

Add Unit Weight

Enter the weight per unit for each line item. This is used to calculate the total weight of your shipment and is required for customs declarations.

2

Set Country of Origin

Select where the item was manufactured or produced. This should be listed on the product itself or available from your vendor.

3

Assign Customs Item

Link each line item to a customs item template that includes the HS code, description, and other customs details. Learn about customs items and create them if none exist yet.

Save Time with Items
Add customs information (weight, origin country, customs item) to your QuickBooks items once. This data will automatically populate on future shipments using those items. Learn about items

International Documents

International shipments generate additional customs documentation:

  • Click "Download All" for a zip file with your shipping labels, packing lists, and commercial invoices
  • Commercial invoices include all customs item details required by customs authorities
  • These documents must accompany your shipment
Customs Delays
Accurate and complete customs information helps prevent delays at customs checkpoints. Double-check all HS codes, descriptions, and values before purchasing labels.

Additional Resources

Frequently asked questions and helpful links.

Helpful links and resources for common questions and next steps in your shipping workflow.

Common Tasks

Add a Shipping Location

Create saved addresses for warehouses, stores, or suppliers to streamline shipment creation.

Connect Additional Carrier Accounts

Link more carriers (USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc.) to get more rate options and shipping flexibility.

Add Package Templates

Save frequently used box dimensions for faster package setup.

Split Orders into Multiple Shipments

Ship items at different times or from different locations by splitting line items across shipments.

Split Line Items Across Packages

Distribute quantities of a single line item across multiple packages or shipments.

Still Have Questions?
Browse the complete documentation using the navigation on the left, or contact support for personalized help.