Source Shipping Methods

This guide provides an in-depth look at configuring source shipping methods in Flxpoint to optimize order fulfillment. Learn what they are, how to set them up, follow a hands-on tutorial, and refer to detailed examples and tools, designed for all users, especially newcomers. (Last updated: 05:00 PM -04, Wednesday, September 3, 2025)

 

🔍 What Are Source Shipping Methods?

Source shipping methods in Flxpoint define the various ways a source can physically ship an order, such as specific carriers (e.g., UPS, FedEx) and service levels (e.g., Ground, Next Day Air). These methods are critical during integration, enabling you to specify shipping codes that a source requires to fulfill orders accurately. They ensure reliable communication between Flxpoint and your suppliers by aligning order details with their systems.

Key components include:

  • Shipping Code: A custom code (e.g., "UPSNDA") that the source needs to recognize a specific shipping method.
  • Packages: Defines packaging options, including whether to use best fit for predefined sizes.
  • Carrier/Method: Links to a Flxpoint carrier and method for features like rate shopping.
  • Custom Carrier Name (Advanced in Pro): Optional custom label for the carrier (e.g., "UPS").
  • Custom Method Name (Advanced): Optional custom label for the service level (e.g., "UPS Ground").
FR field order: On Fulfillment Requests the fields are shown in this order: Carrier → Method → Shipping Code.

Example Scenario:

  • A customer orders overnight shipping, which flows into Flxpoint.
  • Flxpoint generates a fulfillment request/order (FR/FO) for a source.
  • The source must identify this as an overnight shipment using a shipping code.
  • You create a method with a "UPSNDA" code, link a carrier/method, and enable best fit packaging to ensure correct processing.
  • Optionally, enable rate shopping to compare costs across methods.
Edit Shipping Method - Basic fields
Create Shipping Method - Form

Image (Left): Basic information section for editing a shipping method (Shipping Code, Packages, and linked Carrier/Method). Image (Right): Create Shipping Method form to define a new method with shipping code and carrier/method details.

Learn: Configure a Shipping Method

Enter details to preview how a source shipping method is set up.

This tool helps you understand and test shipping method configurations for your source.

 

🛠️ How-to Guides

A. How to Add a New Shipping Method

  1. Navigate to Connections → Fulfillment Sources → [Your Source] → Shipping Methods.
  2. Click Add Method to open the creation form.
  3. Enter the required details:
    • Name: e.g., "UPS Next Day Air".
    • Shipping Code: e.g., "UPSNDA" (must match the supplier’s code).
    • Packages: Choose "Best Fit" for predefined sizes or "Custom" for manual packaging.
    • Carrier/Method: e.g., "UPS Ground" (links to a Flxpoint carrier).
  4. Optionally, configure Advanced:
    • Shipping Label Code: Set if purchasing labels (e.g., via UPS).
    • Default Carrier Code: Carrier identifier (e.g., "UPS").
    • Custom Carrier Name: Custom label for the carrier.
    • Custom Method Name: Custom label for the service level.
  5. Click Save to apply the method.
Create Shipping Method - Required fields

Image: Create Shipping Method form with basic and advanced options.

B. How to Edit an Existing Shipping Method

  1. Go to Shipping Methods under your fulfillment source.
  2. Select the method to edit (e.g., "UPS Next Day Air").
  3. Modify fields like Name, Shipping Code, Packages, or Carrier/Method as needed.
  4. Adjust Advanced fields if applicable: Default Carrier Code, Custom Carrier Name, Custom Method Name.
  5. Click Save.

C. How to Delete a Shipping Method

  1. Select the method from the Shipping Methods list.
  2. Click Delete and confirm.
  3. Verify no active orders depend on it to avoid disruptions.

D. How to Get Shipping Codes

  1. Contact your supplier to request accepted shipping methods.
  2. Ask for the carrier name (e.g., UPS, FedEx) and service code (e.g., "UPSNDA").
  3. Check supplier docs for pre-listed codes.
  4. If unsure, reach out to the supplier’s support team.

Learn: Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Click to view a detailed guide for adding a shipping method.

Step 1: Connections → Fulfillment Sources → [Your Source] → Shipping Methods.

Step 2: Click Add Method to open the form.

Step 3: Fill basic fields: Name, Shipping Code, Packages, and Carrier/Method.

Step 4: Expand Advanced (Pro) for Shipping Label Code, Default Carrier Code, Custom Carrier Name, and Custom Method Name if needed.

Step 5: Click Save.

Tip: Validate codes with your supplier before saving.

This guide ensures you configure methods with all necessary details.

 

đź§Ş Tutorial

Apply a Shipping Method to a Real Order

Goal: Apply a shipping method to a sample order and verify the process.

Scenario: You have an order with the code UPSNDA for the D&H source.

Steps:

  1. Navigate to Connections → Fulfillment Sources → D&H → Shipping Methods.
  2. Ensure a method exists with Name: "UPS Next Day Air", Shipping Code: UPSNDA, Packages: "Best Fit", and Carrier/Method: "UPS Ground".
  3. Import the order and confirm the method is applied correctly in the FR/FO details.
  4. If an error occurs (e.g., "No Shipping Method Found"), update the method with the correct code and reprocess the order.

Learn: Analyze Method Impact

Enter an order code to evaluate its compatibility with the current method.

🧪 You’ve analyzed the impact! Adjust your method based on the results.

 

📚 Reference

Shipping Method Components

Field Description
Name Descriptive label (e.g., "UPS Next Day Air").
Shipping Code Custom code for supplier recognition (e.g., "UPSNDA").
Packages Packaging option (e.g., "Best Fit" or "Custom").
Carrier/Method Linked carrier and method (e.g., "UPS Ground").
Shipping Label Code Code for purchasing labels (optional).
Default Carrier Code Advanced. Carrier identifier (e.g., "UPS").
Custom Carrier Name Advanced. Optional custom carrier label.
Custom Method Name Advanced. Optional custom method label.
Reminder: On FR, field order is Carrier → Method → Shipping Code. Filters map Carrier to Carrier.

Example Shipping Methods

Name Shipping Code Packages Carrier/Method
UPS Next Day Air UPSNDA Best Fit UPS Ground
FedEx 2-Day FED2DAY Custom FedEx 2-Day
USPS Priority USPSPRI Best Fit USPS Priority Mail

Context Images: The changes to the Shipping Method modal, page layout, FR in-app, FR filters, and FR in Vendor Portal reflect updated field names and structures for clarity and functionality.

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