> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://beacon.shiptoall.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Carrier service methods

#### How Carrier Service Methods Work

Carrier service methods allow you to integrate with external shipping carriers like **Canada Post, USPS, UPS, FedEx, Fedex freight, Purolator, Australia Post, Australia letter,** and **Australia eParcel** to provide real-time shipping rates and services.

The setup process for these carriers follows the same general steps. Each may include optional settings, which are preconfigured by default and only need to be adjusted if your specific setup requires it.

#### Create Carrier Service Method

<Warning>To use carrier service methods, you must have an account with the respective carrier like UPS, Fedex and obtain API credentials for discounted or negotiated rates.</Warning>

<Card title="Shiptoall -> Shipping Events -> 'USA' -> Create Service Method -> 'UPS'">
  <Info>Carrier service methods can be created under any shipping event. Each event can have multiple service methods, including multiple Carrier service setups for different zones or subzones</Info>

  <Steps>
    <Step title="Add Service details">
      * Enter a name for your service method (for example, "USA UPS Shipping").
      * Add a custom description to shown at checkout (for example, "Standard Shipping").
      * Select the shipping zone this method applies to (e.g., "USA").
    </Step>

    <Step title="Choose Origin location">
      * By default, the shopify store address is used as the origin location. You can change this to any saved location in your Shiptoall settings.
    </Step>

    <Step title="Choose Carrier account">
      * Select the carrier account you want to use for this service method (e.g., "UPS").

      <Warning>If no carrier account appears in the card and no **retail option** is available, this service method cannot be used until carrier account details are added in Shiptoall settings.</Warning>
      <Tip>Check out the carrier account page for more details on setting up carrier accounts credentials.</Tip>
    </Step>

    <Step title="Choose Packing method">
      * Select the packing method you want to use for this service method

      <Accordion title="Packing methods">
        <ResponseField name="Smart Packing" type="default">
          Smart Packing optimizes how products are grouped into packages based on their dimensions and weight to minimize shipping costs.
        </ResponseField>

        <ResponseField name="Quantity">
          Shiptoall chooses best packages based on product quantity in the cart.
        </ResponseField>

        <ResponseField name="Weight">
          Shiptoall chooses best packages based on cart weight.
        </ResponseField>

        <ResponseField name="Volume">
          Shiptoall chooses best packages based on cart volume.
        </ResponseField>
      </Accordion>

      <Warning>Smart Packing and Volume packing require that all products have their dimensions entered and up to date.</Warning>
    </Step>

    <Step title="Choose Packages">
      * Select the packages to be used for the packing when this service method is applied, so accurate rates are displayed at checkout.
    </Step>

    <Step title="Choose Services">
      * Choose Services offered by the carrier to be displayed at checkout. You can select multiple services.

      <Note>Ensure you select the appropriate services (e.g., domestic or international) based on the service method assigned to the zone.</Note>
    </Step>

    <Step title="Save Service method" />
  </Steps>

  <Info>Additional carrier settings are preconfigured by default and only need to be adjusted if your specific setup requires it.For most cases it can be left as is.</Info>
</Card>

### Properties

<ResponseField name="Smart Blend" type="Optional settings">
  <Note>Smart Blending only works when at least two service methods are set up. Detailed guidance is available in the Blending documentation.</Note>

  <Accordion title="Properties">
    <ResponseField name="Blend rates">
      Multiple Blending Groups can be created to combine different service methods. Each group can include one or more service methods, allowing for complex shipping strategies.
    </ResponseField>
  </Accordion>
</ResponseField>

<ResponseField name="Cost adjustments" type="Optional settings">
  <Note>Cost Adjustments apply after the shipping cost is calculated</Note>

  <Accordion title="Properties">
    <ResponseField name="Cost limits">
      Set minimum and maximum shipping costs that can be applied, regardless of calculated rates.

      If shipping cost is less than the minimum limit, the minimum amount is charged. If it exceeds the maximum limit, the maximum amount is charged.
    </ResponseField>

    <ResponseField name="Mark up">
      Add a fixed or percentage-based markup to the calculated shipping cost.
    </ResponseField>

    <ResponseField name="Handling fee">
      Add an additional handling fee to the shipping cost, either as a fixed amount or a percentage.
    </ResponseField>

    <ResponseField name="Insurance">
      Include an insurance charge as part of the shipping cost calculation.
    </ResponseField>

    <ResponseField name="Discounts">
      Apply discounts to the shipping cost, either as a fixed amount or a percentage.
    </ResponseField>
  </Accordion>
</ResponseField>