Package Templates

Create and manage package templates

Overview

Creating and managing package templates.

Package templates let you save frequently used package dimensions and weights, making it faster to create shipments. You can create custom templates or import standard templates from major carriers through Shippo.

Package Template Fields

All fields are optional except the template name. You can leave dimensions blank if you want to enter them when creating a shipment.

Field	Format	Description
Name	`Text`	A descriptive name for the template (e.g., 'Small Box', 'Pallet 48x40').
Length	`Number`	Package length in your configured units.
Width	`Number`	Package width in your configured units.
Height	`Number`	Package height in your configured units.
Container Weight	`Number`	Weight of the empty container (tare weight). Automatically added to total shipment weight.
Stackable	`Checkbox`	Indicates if this package can be stacked with others.
Note	`Text`	Internal notes about this template.

Flexible Dimensions

You can leave any dimension blank if it varies. For example, create a pallet template with just length and width, then enter the height when creating each shipment based on how high you stack the pallet.

Creating Package Templates

You can create package templates in two ways:

Custom Templates

Create your own templates for packages you use regularly. Navigate to Settings → Package Templates and click "New Package Template".

When to Use

Custom templates are perfect for proprietary packaging, custom boxes, or non-standard containers unique to your business.

Import from Shippo

Import standard carrier package types (USPS Flat Rate boxes, FedEx envelopes, etc.) directly from Shippo. These templates come with pre-configured dimensions based on carrier specifications.

Benefits

Imported templates ensure your package dimensions match carrier standards exactly, which can help avoid dimensional weight surcharges and rate discrepancies.

Using Package Templates

In Shipment Forms

Select a template from the package section when creating a shipment. The dimensions and container weight will automatically populate. You can still override any values if needed.

Weight Calculations

When you add line items to a shipment with a package template that has a container weight:

The container weight is automatically added to the total package weight
Item weights (from line items) are added on top
Final weight = Container weight + Sum of all item weights

Variable Heights Example

For pallets or containers with variable height:

Create a template with length and width only (leave height blank)
When creating a shipment, the form will show the length and width from the template
Enter the actual height based on how high you stacked the pallet

Managing Templates

Editing: Any changes to a template only affect future shipments. Existing shipments keep their original dimensions.

Archiving: Archive templates you no longer use instead of deleting them. Archived templates won't show in the dropdown but are still associated with historical shipments.

Imported Templates: Templates imported from Shippo cannot be edited (dimensions are carrier-defined). You can archive them if you don't need them.

Best Practice

Create templates for your most common packages first. You can always add more later. Start with 3-5 templates that cover 80% of your shipping needs.