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: 09:10 PM -04, Sunday, June 15, 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 seamless 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: An optional field to describe the carrier in detail (e.g., "UPS").
• Custom Method: An optional field to specify the service level (e.g., "UPS Ground").

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, linked to a carrier, and enable best fit packaging to ensure correct processing.
• Optionally, enable rate shopping to compare costs across methods.

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Image (Left): This screenshot shows the basic information section for editing a shipping method, including fields for shipping code and packages. Image (Right): This screenshot displays the create shipping method form, allowing you to define a new method with a shipping code and carrier details.

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" (describes the shipping method).
   • 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 settings (accessible via the Advanced tab):
   • Shipping Label Code: Set if purchasing labels (e.g., via UPS).
   • Default Carrier Code: Specify the carrier (e.g., "UPS").
   • Custom Carrier Name: Add a custom carrier description.
   • Custom Method Name: Add a custom method description.
5. Click Save to apply the method.

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Image: This screenshot shows the create shipping method form, where you can input a name, shipping code, packages, and carrier/method details.

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. Click Save to update the changes.

C. How to Delete a Shipping Method

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

D. How to Get Shipping Codes

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

This guide ensures you configure methods with all necessary details.

🧪 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.

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

📚 Reference

Shipping Method Components

Example Shipping Methods

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.