A Comprehensive Guide Of BigCommerce Shipping 2025

Shipping is a critical component of running a successful BigCommerce store, and having a well-structured shipping strategy ensures smooth order fulfillment, cost optimization, and enhanced customer satisfaction. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about BigCommerce shipping, from available shipping methods and setup instructions to top-rated shipping apps that streamline your logistics. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the best shipping solutions to scale your eCommerce business efficiently.

Here’s what we’ll explore:

• BigCommerce shipping options and methods to choose from
• Step-by-step guide to setting up shipping on your BigCommerce store
• Top BigCommerce shipping apps to enhance efficiency
• Key features to consider when selecting a shipping integration

Right now, let’s get in!

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A Glance at BigCommerce Shipping

BigCommerce shipping is a core functionality that helps store owners manage order fulfillment, carrier selection, and shipping rates efficiently. A well-optimized shipping setup ensures smooth logistics, minimizes shipping costs, and enhances the customer experience.

BigCommerce provides a structured and flexible shipping system, allowing merchants to:

• Automate shipping operations with built-in tools and third-party apps.
• Offer multiple shipping options based on customer locations and order sizes.
• Optimize costs by integrating real-time carrier rates from USPS, FedEx, UPS, and more.
• Improve customer satisfaction with accurate shipping estimates and tracking.

What's more, BigCommerce shipping API directly supports you in managing shipping methods, shipping zones, and shipping origins in all situations. Besides that, you can also connect your store with real-time shipping carriers to bring a flexible experience for your customers.

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What Are the BigCommerce Shipping Options?

Before going for the BigCommerce shipping methods set up, you must first identify your fulfillment strategy. This refers to the process of how your business will handle and ship orders to the customers. Currently, here are the most 3 common BigCommerce shipping options that you can take into consideration:

1. Self-shipping

If you're a small business or just starting out, you might choose to fulfill and ship orders yourself. This means you will package and ship orders directly from your own inventory. In this case, using flat-rate shipping or weight-based shipping through BigCommerce shipping manager can be suitable for a more straightforward pricing structure.

Managing your own shipping allows for complete control over the process, but keeping up with orders efficiently can become difficult as your business expands. Additionally, handling your own shipping requires careful inventory management to prevent stockouts.

2. Third-party integration

Third-party fulfillment service (3PL) providers store your inventory, pack and ship your orders, and even handle returns for you. This frees you up to focus on marketing, sales, and other strategic initiatives. With 3PLs, you can leverage real-time carrier quotes to offer competitive shipping rates based on the 3PL's location and your customer's destination.

BigCommerce supports integration with various 3PL providers, such as ShipBob and ShipStation. These providers, among a wide range of others, are available in the BigCommerce Apps Market.

3. Hybrid model

You can also adopt a hybrid model, where you fulfill smaller orders yourself and outsource larger or bulkier items to a 3PL. If you are experiencing seasonal fluctuations in your order volume, we highly recommend this BigCommerce shipping option.

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How Many Shipping Methods On Bigcommerce?

After identifying the BigCommerce shipping options, you can now choose the proper shipment methods for your store. You can make your own decisions based on the chosen shipping option and business models. Indeed, BigCommerce offers 2 main shipping methods, including:

• Static shipping quotes
• Real-time shipping quotes

1. Static shipping quotes

A static shipping quote is a cost established manually by merchants for a specific shipping zone. On BigCommerce, you have 4 static shipping options: free shipping, flat rate, ship by, and pickup.

1.1. Free shipping

Free shipping is one of the most powerful incentives you can offer your customers. Indeed, this method can help you increase your store’s conversion rate and sales and effectively reduce your cart abandonment rate.

There are multiple ways to start the free shipping setup to your online shoppers, including:

• Create free Bigcommerce shipping zones for specific regions;
• Set a minimum order amount to qualify for free shipping;
• Add free shipping to other shipping methods.

1.2. Flat rate

Being one of the simplest ways to charge shipping, a flat rate is highly recommended by a lot of online sellers. With this method, the shipment price is estimated based on the number of items in the order or the order as a whole.

In BigCommerce shipping, you can simply duplicate any existing flat rate method and customize it to create a new quote. Additionally, you can combine this method with real-time quotes to bring various options for your customers.

1.3. Ship by weight or order volume

With Ship By weight/order quantity, you can use an available table to calculate how much to charge for each order. Although you can find it not necessary to build a preformatted table, it’s really useful in many situations, such as:

• Determine shipping charges as a proportion of the order;
• Support serious heavy shipments;
• Take full control over how much to charge for each zone.

1.4. Pickup in store

Instead of having shipments to a specific location, the pickup method allows your customers to pick up their orders at your physical store. Of course, there will be no shipping charge in this situation. From our experience, this method is great for welcoming local buyers.

2. Real-time shipping quotes

A real-time shipping quote (RTS) is one of the most common shipping methods, offering the most accurate shipping rates for each order. This is especially beneficial for both sellers and buyers because it restricts under- and over-charging for shipment, respectively.

With BigCommerce shipping, you can connect with several reliable real-time quote providers, such as USPS, FedEx, UPS, Australia Post, Royal Mail, etc. Basically, be noted that the shipping page only displays supported services through your shipping origin.

For example, if you don’t have an origin address in Australia, you can not set up shipping policies with Australia Post.

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How To Set Up BigCommerce Shipping

If you don’t know how to set up BigCommerce shipping fields, don’t miss our detailed guide below. Only with the 4 simple steps can you easily activate the shipping feature for your BigCommerce store.

Step 1: Open BigCommerce shipping window

In the BigCommerce admin dashboard, click Settings to open the Settings window.

Then, click the Shipping box in the Setup tab to navigate the Shipping window.

Step 2: Establish shipping origin

Shipping origin is the location where you ship orders to their customers. It is especially important to determine the shipping rates within your customers’ checkout.

To begin with, click the Add shipping address button in the Shipping origin tab to open the Configure shipping address window.

After that, enter the required information and click the Submit button to finish.

*Note: Your shipping origin address will only displayed on the shipping labels, not on your BigCommerce storefront.

Step 3: Set up shipping zones

BigCommerce shipping zones are the areas where you deliver shipping services. Normally, you can configure these zones as a group of nations, a single country, ZIP/postcodes, or multiple states. After setting up a proper shipping zone, you need to follow the shipping rules in that region or nation.

In the Checkout shipping options tab, click the Add shipping zone button to open a drop-down menu. Then, select one of the 3 options: Add a country zone, Add a custom zone, or Add the rest of the world.

In this case, we tested with “Add a country zone.” In the Add country zone window, select the proper country for your order and click the Submit button to finish.

Step 4: Select how to ship your order

First, click the Configure button in the Basic shipping rules box (e.g. United States rule).

Then, you need to enable any option you want for both methods, including:

• Static shipping quotes: Free shipping, flat rate, ship by, and pick up.
• Real-time shipping quotes: FedEx, UPS, and USPS.

Finally, click the Done button to finish.

With these simple steps, we believe you can complete BigCommerce shipping setups successfully.

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Why Use BigCommerce Shipping Apps & Key Features to Look For

BigCommerce shipping apps are software integrations that connect to your BigCommerce store and enhance your shipping operations. They integrate with your store to offer features like real-time shipping quotes, discounted rates from multiple carriers, and automated label generation, streamlining the shipping process for you and your customers. These apps essentially supercharge the basic features built into BigCommerce shipping.

As your business expanded, manual label printing and order fulfillment became impractical, leading to late deliveries and missed shipments. This inefficiency drives customers to competitors who offer prompt and reliable service.

Fortunately, implementing a shipping solution could significantly transform your operations. Such a system would support you in tasks like generating and printing labels, managing your stock, securing lower shipping costs, and syncing orders from your online platform. This ensures that your customers get their purchases on time without breaking the bank, making your business more appealing and likely to draw in a larger clientele.

When choosing the best BigCommerce shipping app, look for these essential features:

1. In-cart checkout

Providing diverse, cost-effective shipping choices at checkout is key to finalizing sales. Customers favor options beyond just flat-rate or free but slow shipping, especially for time-sensitive buys.

Offering only free, slow shipping may result in lost sales. Tools that show live shipping rates, whether through a single carrier’s API or multi-carrier software, offer customers flexibility and can enhance sales.

2. Label printing

Efficient delivery to the customer’s doorstep is vital when fulfilling orders. Label printing solutions streamline this process by eliminating manual copying and pasting. Merchants can link their store to multiple carriers, automatically transferring order details to a user-friendly shipping dashboard for label printing.

Bulk label printing saves time, and top label printing companies secure significant shipping rate discounts. For example, the Bigcommerce shipping integration ShipStation collaborates with carriers like UPS, USPS, FedEx, and DHL, offering cost savings.

3. Tracking and returns

Customers want real-time updates on their orders, especially since they’ve paid for the product. Providing tracking information keeps them satisfied.

You can use various methods, including label printing programs. Customers may then check their order status on the carrier’s website using tracking numbers or subscribe to email/SMS alerts. This feature has several benefits: it reassures customers that the retailer is in control and encourages repeat visits to the merchant’s website.

4. Warehouse

Using a third-party logistics (3PL) provider is ideal for businesses looking to expand rapidly, dealing with mounting orders, or wanting to avoid fulfillment tasks. When transitioning from home or garage-based shipping, you face decisions like running your warehouse, hiring staff, or investing in warehouse management solutions (WMS).

Fast delivery has become crucial, with Amazon setting the 2-day standard. However, achieving this can be expensive, leading to customer reluctance or retailer cost burdens. To address the challenge, 3PL providers such as ShipBob offer a solution. When a customer places an order, ShipBob automatically processes it, considering inventory levels and the customer’s location. They select the right warehouse, handle packing, print labels, and ensure prompt delivery.

5. Dropshipping

Dropshipping can be an ideal choice if you collaborate with vendors and handle some or all of your catalog through dropshipping. However, interpretations of this term can vary.

For merchants who don’t fulfill their products, ShipperHQ is an excellent solution. It lets you identify vendor locations and allocate goods accordingly. When customers complete checkout, accurate shipping costs and delivery times are provided. For more advanced order routing, consider supplementing with an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) or OMS (Order Management System).

Now that you know the basics of BigCommerce shipping apps, let’s check out the top options for your business!

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Best BigCommerce Shipping Apps to Unlock Efficiency

1. ShipStation

ShipStation simplifies order management and shipping for online sellers. It integrates with various popular sales channels, including Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Walmart, and NetSuite, enabling you to manage orders from a single dashboard.

Key features:

• Order syncing and edits: Gain full control over all orders across multiple sales channels. Automatically sync refunds, cancellations, and item changes to prevent unnecessary shipments.
• Returns made easy: Create a self-service Branded Returns Portal with your custom logo, colors, and social links. Available for merchants in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia.
• Custom fields & automation: Map fields like Fraud Risk and Customer Loyalty (total spent, orders placed) to automate workflows and improve fulfillment decisions.
• Simplified global shipping: Automatically transmit Harmonized System (HS) Codes for seamless international shipping and customs clearance.
• Discounted shipping rates: Save up to 89% on shipping with discounted rates from USPS, UPS, DHL Express, Sendle, CouriersPlease, and Aramex.

2. ShipperHQ

ShipperHQ BigCommerce empowers you to tailor the checkout experience, offering precise shipping rates and delivery choices to meet various business goals. It simplifies complex rate setups and adjustments, consolidating logistics management in one place for optimal customer options at checkout. Adding to that, its automation reduces friction and boosts margins.

Key features:

• Shipping rules & customization: Set custom rules for surcharges, discounts, and promotions based on geographic zones, price, quantity, and more.
• Delivery date & time estimates: Display precise delivery dates at checkout based on the selected shipping method to improve transparency.
• Multi-origin shipping: Manage multiple warehouses and fulfillment centers, ensuring accurate split shipments and optimized shipping routes.
• Shipping insights: Connect checkout with post-order fulfillment data to gain deeper insights into shipment tracking and logistics performance.
• Dimensional packing: Calculate shipping costs based on dimensional weight, providing more accurate quotes and avoiding unnecessary overcharges.

3. ShippingEasy

As one of the best BigCommerce shipping apps, ShippingEasy is crafted to effortlessly streamline your shipping operations. It integrates with a plethora of eCommerce platforms and serves as your centralized hub for order management, label printing, and shipment tracking. Say goodbye to the hassle of juggling between platforms—ShippingEasy brings everything together in one intuitive dashboard, simplifying your workflow and saving you precious time.

Key features:

• Automatic order import & tracking: Seamlessly sync orders from BigCommerce, with tracking updates automatically sent to customers.
• Shipping automation: Save time with automated label printing, batch processing, and return labels, so you can focus on growing your business.
• Easy international shipping: Automate customs forms and international documentation to ensure smooth global deliveries.
• Customization & branding: Personalize labels, packing slips, and confirmation emails with your logo and brand identity.
• Discounted USPS & UPS rates: Access the lowest available rates on USPS (Flat Rate Green), UPS, and FedEx within an easy-to-use interface.

4. Shippo

Shippo is a comprehensive BigCommerce shipping software offering real-time rate comparisons from over 55 carriers. You can compare and select the best options for your business while being able to manage label printing and order tracking seamlessly.

Key features:

• Seamless order & label management: Connect your BigCommerce store to automatically import orders, generate bulk shipping labels, and streamline fulfillment.
• Discounted shipping rates: Save up to 90% off retail rates from UPS, FedEx, USPS, and more, ensuring cost-effective shipping solutions.
• Automated rate comparison & shipping rules: Compare real-time carrier rates within a single dashboard, set up custom shipping rules, and automate shipping tasks.
• Easy returns & branded tracking: Generate pre-paid return labels (only charged when used) and offer branded tracking pages, notification emails, and packing slips for a seamless customer experience.

5. AfterShip & Returns Center

Known as one of the highest-rated BigCommerce shipping apps, AfterShip offers online retailers an automated solution for tracking shipments and updating customers on order status. It integrates with shopping carts and provides a seamless update system.

Key features:

• End-to-end shipment tracking: Gain full order visibility with real-time tracking updates from 980+ carriers like UPS, USPS, DHL, FedEx, and China Post within a centralized dashboard.
• Proactive customer notifications: Keep customers informed with automated delivery updates via SMS, Email, and Facebook Messenger, covering 7 key delivery checkpoints from In Transit to Delivered.
• Branded tracking & engagement: Enhance customer experience by redirecting users to a branded tracking page with AI-driven product recommendations and custom promotions.
• Data insights & delivery analytics: Optimize your shipping strategy with advanced reports on delivery rates, carrier transit times, and tracking page visits, while utilizing an ROI calculator to estimate loss recovery.

6. ShipWorks

ShipWorks is a versatile and efficient BigCommerce shipping integration solution. It streamlines import, management, shipping, and tracking processes.

Key features:

• Seamless order import & marketplace integration: Connect directly with BigCommerce and 90+ online marketplaces, automatically syncing orders and updating shipment details in real time.
• Lowest USPS rates with free postage account: Get a free USPS Postage account and access discounted shipping rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL—all in one dashboard.
• Carrier rate comparison & delivery optimization: View and compare real-time carrier rates and delivery times across multiple carriers to select the best shipping option at the lowest cost.
• Simplified international shipping: Automatically generate all required customs forms and international shipping documentation, ensuring a hassle-free global shipping process.

7. ShipBlink

ShipBlink is one of the best shipping for BigCommerce. It offers hassle-free, cost-effective shipping options.

Key features:

• Live checkout rates with AI-powered ETA: Display real-time, multi-carrier shipping rates directly in the shopping cart, ensuring accurate cost estimates and faster delivery options for customers.
• Comprehensive labeling & automation: Automate tracking, packing slips, and bulk label printing with seamless integration across 100+ carriers, including USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL.
• Free contactless pickups: Schedule doorstep pickups at no extra cost, streamlining the shipping process for merchants.
• Cheapest shipping insurance: Protect shipments across multiple carriers and destinations with premiums as low as 1% of the insured package value.
• Automatic BigCommerce order sync & multi-carrier support: Easily track and manage all orders from the ShipBlink dashboard, accessing the lowest available rates (up to 83% off) from leading carriers.

8. ShipBob

ShipBob is one of the comprehensive BigCommerce shipping apps. It combines streamlined shipping, distribution, order and inventory management, predictive analytics, and customer engagement.

Key features:

• Ecommerce integrations: Link all your stores to ShipBob, whether you have one or sell across multiple channels. Easily sync your online store with it.
• Inventory management: Handle inventory across various eCommerce stores and fulfillment centers using ShipBob’s tools and guidance. Real-time synchronization between your dashboard and eCommerce stores.
• Distributed inventory: Strategically distribute inventory across fulfillment centers for efficient and cost-effective item movement. Offer same-day and two-day delivery to stay competitive.
• Order management: Track orders from start to finish. Filter by status, search, and monitor order progress with time-stamped history.
• Return management: Simplify returns for customers while efficiently processing and replenishing usable inventory through ShipBob’s end-to-end fulfillment services.

9. PluginHive

PluginHive excels in BigCommerce shipping apps, boasting a strong user base. Its BigCommerce Multi-Carrier Shipping Label app is a standout, offering real-time rates, bulk label printing, and seamless carrier integration.

Key features:

• Shipping automation: Real-time rate display, one-click label printing, and order tracking.
• Global carrier network: Connect with major carriers for both domestic and international shipping.
• Cost-effective options: Shop for the cheapest shipping services to reduce expenses.
• Delivery date estimation: Provide estimated delivery dates at checkout for customer awareness.
• Versatile packing: Offer various packing methods to suit different shipping needs.

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BigCommerce Shipping: FAQs

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Final Words

Our blog has just reviewed BigCommerce shipping, as well as instructed how to set up specific shipping fields on BigCommerce. Besides that, let’s consider using additional shipping apps to make your store performance more impressive in the public sight.

LitExtension, the #1 eCommerce Migration, hopes you have a deeper understanding of BigCommerce shipping. Check out our LitExtension Blog or join our Facebook Community Group for more valuable insights.