How to Make ShipStation Automatically Apply the Correct Package Dimensions

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ShipStation is a great tool for shipping management, but ensuring the correct package dimensions are applied to every shipment can be a challenge. 

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Improper package dimensions can lead to increased shipping costs and unwanted carrier adjustments. 

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ShipStation offers a couple of ways to automate package dimensions, though there are limitations. 

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How ShipStation Applies Package Dimensions

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ShipStation provides two primary methods for automating package dimensions:

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Preset Product Dimensions for Single-Unit Orders  

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For products that always ship in the same box, ShipStation allows you to set up default package dimensions. This is helpful for consistent single-item orders. To do this:

   - Go to the product settings in ShipStation.

   - Navigate to the "Shipping" section.

   - Input the package dimensions.

   - Save the updated product data.

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This works well for single-item orders where the packaging is always the same. When it comes to multi-item orders with different sizes, this option falls short.

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Automation Rules Based on the Number of Items  

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ShipStation also lets you create automation rules that apply dimensions based on the number of items in a shipment. For example, you can set a rule that if an order contains one item, it ships in a smaller box, but if there are five items, it uses a larger box.

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While these two options offer some level of automation, they lack flexibility and accuracy for more complex orders, especially when multiple SKUs of varying sizes are involved.

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The Limitations of ShipStation’s Dimension Automation

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The problem with these approaches is that ShipStation doesn’t account for the variety of SKUs in an order. If a customer orders multiple items that vary in size, ShipStation won’t intelligently select the right box size. This leads to two issues:

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Inconsistent Packaging Choices by Order Packers

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When ShipStation doesn’t automatically provide the correct dimensions, your fulfillment team is left to decide which package to use. This often results in using boxes that are too big, which costs more and wastes packaging material. 

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Carrier Adjustments Due to Incorrect Package Sizes 

If you use ShipStation to buy labels with dimensions that are smaller than the actual box your team selects, carriers will issue adjustment fees. These "dimensional weight" surcharges can add up and affect your bottom line, sometimes weeks after you thought the order was shipped and done.

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Without a reliable way to assign the right package dimensions, shipping costs can be higher than expected, harder to plan for, and you'll frequently face unwanted upcharges.

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How String Automates Dimension Selection in ShipStation

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String offers a smarter solution to ShipStation’s package dimension limitations. String automatically applies the correct package dimensions for every order based on the actual items being shipped. Here’s how:

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Multi-SKU Precision 

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String knows the exact dimensions of each SKU in an order and calculates the best package size for multiple items. It handles complex orders with a variety of items, making sure that the shipping box fits everything snugly without excess space.

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Real-Time Calculation 

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Unlike ShipStation’s preset rules, String dynamically calculates the dimensions of every package, ensuring that it matches the contents of the order. Whether it’s a single-item or multi-item shipment, String applies the right dimensions every time.

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Prevent Overcharges from Carriers

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Since String uses the correct dimensions from the start, you won’t face those adjustments for shipments that used a larger box than initially predicted.

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Streamline Fulfillment Process

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By automating package dimension selection, String improves your fulfillment team’s efficiency. Order packers no longer need to guess which box to use, cutting down on fulfillment time. 

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Conclusion

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While ShipStation offers basic tools to automate package dimensions, they’re not enough for businesses with diverse product lines or multi-item orders. 

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Incorrect package dimensions can cost you time and money, and relying on fulfillment staff to manually select the right size box introduces inconsistencies. 

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String eliminates these problems by automating the process, ensuring accurate dimensions and reducing shipping costs. With String, you can know that the right packaging has been selected, protecting your margins and streamlining your fulfillment operations.

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On average, ShipStation users save $1.07 per shipment with String. Want to see if String’s automated package selection tool can benefit your business? Click here.

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