Shipments

Create and manage freight and parcel shipments

Overview

Understanding shipment types and workflow.

Shipments are the core of your shipping workflow. Each shipment represents packages being sent from one location to another, either as parcel (with carrier labels) or freight (manual confirmation).

Shipment Types

Field Format Description
Parcel Type Shipments that use carrier services (USPS, FedEx, UPS, etc.) through Shippo. Get rates, purchase labels, and track packages.
Freight Type Large or heavy shipments handled outside of parcel carriers. Manually confirm when shipped, optionally with QR code scanning.
Choosing the Right Type
Use Parcel for standard packages that can be shipped via USPS, FedEx, UPS, or other carriers integrated with Shippo. Use Freight for pallets, large equipment, or shipments handled by freight forwarders.

Key Shipment Fields

Field Format Description
Ship Method Select Choose between Parcel (carrier shipping) or Freight (manual shipping).
Shipping Location Select Ship from address (Invoices/Estimates) or ship to address (Purchase Orders).
Ship Date Date When you plan to ship. Optional for parcel, helpful for scheduling.
Packages Section Package dimensions, weight, and quantity.
Line Items Section Items being shipped in the order.

Advanced Options

Additional options available when creating parcel shipments:

Carrier Selection

Choose which carrier accounts to use for rate quotes. By default, all active carriers are queried. Learn more

Shippo Extra Options

Add reference numbers, delivery instructions, signature requirements, and other carrier-specific options. See all options

Customs Declaration

For international shipments, override account defaults or add additional customs information. Required fields are automatically populated from line items with customs data. Customs Items guide

Working with Multiple Shipments

Splitting Shipments

You can split an order into multiple shipments if items ship at different times or from different locations. Each shipment can have its own ship date, packages, and shipping method.

Multiple Packages in One Shipment

Add multiple packages to a single shipment when items ship together but in separate boxes. You can split line items across packages or set quantity to ship identical packages.

Line Item Flexibility
Line items can be moved between shipments and split across packages at any time. This gives you complete control over how orders are fulfilled. Learn about Line Items

Shipment Workflow

1

Create Shipment

Add ship method, location, packages, and line items

2

Get Rates (Parcel only)

Compare shipping costs from different carriers and service levels

3

Purchase Label / Confirm Shipped

For parcel: buy the shipping label. For freight: mark as shipped

4

Download Documents

Get shipping labels, packing lists, commercial invoices, and other documents