# Configure recommended packaging at checkout
URL: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/12219449620111-configure-recommended-packaging-at-checkout
Canonical: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/12219449620111-configure-recommended-packaging-at-checkout
Markdown: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/12219449620111-configure-recommended-packaging-at-checkout.md
Updated: 2026-10-15

> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.starshipit.com/llms.txt).

> Use recommended packaging to calculate optimal box sizes for accurate live shipping rates at Shopify and WooCommerce checkout.

Use your saved cartons and item dimensions to calculate packages for checkout rates. Recommended Packaging chooses suitable cartons for items packed together; use [per-item checkout packaging](/articles/360000179036-set-up-rates-at-checkout#rate-each-shopify-item-separately) when each unit ships in its own package.

## Before you begin

- Use a subscription with Recommended Packaging available. It is included on Professional plans and above.
- Save your actual carton dimensions under **Settings > Packaging**.
- For Shopify checkout, enter complete dimensions against matching SKUs in [Product Catalogue](/articles/6817931777807-product-catalogue) and enable **Use on checkout** in **Settings > Product Catalogue**. Shopify product or variant dimension metafields supply imported orders, not checkout-rate lookups.

## How it works

At checkout, Starshipit uses the available item dimensions and saved packages to calculate packaging before requesting courier rates:

1. **Customer adds items to their cart and proceeds to checkout**  
   The checkout process sends the cart details, including SKUs and quantities, to Starshipit.
2. **Retrieving product dimensions**  
   If your platform sends dimensions on the checkout request, Starshipit can use those dimensions. For Shopify, Starshipit does not look up Product or Product Variant dimension metafields during checkout-rate requests.
   If no dimensions are available on the checkout request, Starshipit matches SKUs to the Product Catalogue (if enabled for checkout) and uses those dimensions.
   Items without dimensions are treated as loose items. If all items lack dimensions, the default package is used.
3. **Selecting package options**  
   Starshipit retrieves available packaging from your account settings.
4. **Determining the optimal packaging**  
   The algorithm prioritises the fewest number of packages while ensuring all items fit.  
   If multiple packages could work, it selects the one with the least empty space to reduce costs.
5. **Sending package details to the courier**  
   The final package dimensions are sent to your courier to calculate shipping rates.
6. **Returning the shipping rate to checkout**  
   The calculated shipping cost is returned to checkout and displayed to the customer.

## Enable Recommended Packaging at checkout

1. **Ensure products have dimensions**   
   For Shopify checkout, set accurate dimensions against the cart's SKUs in [Product Catalogue](/articles/6817931777807-product-catalogue).
2. **Enable Product Catalogue at checkout**
   Go to **Settings > Product Catalogue**, tick **Use on checkout**, and save.
3. **Set your packaging dimensions**   
   Go to **Settings > Packaging** and save the dimensions of the cartons you actually use.
4. **Enable Recommended Packaging for checkout**   
   Go to **Settings > Checkout Rates > Settings** and select **Automatically assign packages based on dimensions**.
5. **Save and check the method**
   Click **Save**, then reopen Checkout Rates to confirm the selection.

Selecting Recommended Packaging under **Settings > Packaging** configures imported orders. You must also select the checkout method under **Settings > Checkout Rates** for checkout calculations.

## Verify with a store checkout

Open a test cart containing known SKUs and quantities, request shipping rates, and find that request under **Settings > Checkout Rates > Logs**. Compare the available item and package details with the catalogue records and saved cartons. You do not need to complete a purchase.

An address-and-weight test in **Tools** alone does not check SKU matching or the cartons selected for an item-based cart. If the result uses an unexpected package, check the SKU match, complete dimensions and units, **Use on checkout**, saved cartons and the selected checkout method. Use [Troubleshoot live rates at checkout](/articles/360001872876-troubleshoot-live-rates-at-checkout) if the result is still unexpected.

## FAQs

<!-- faq:start -->

<!-- faq:question -->Will these packages be remembered when orders import?<!-- /faq:question -->

Not automatically. Configure your packaging settings to match your checkout preferences.

<!-- faq:question -->What happens if my items don't have dimensions?<!-- /faq:question -->

If dimensions are missing, your default package will be used.

<!-- faq:question -->What if one item in an order doesn't have dimensions?<!-- /faq:question -->

This item is treated as loose while items with usable dimensions are packed. Its weight is still included in the rate calculation; missing dimensions can still make the package estimate inaccurate.

<!-- faq:question -->What dimensions should I enter for small items?<!-- /faq:question -->

Enter the actual positive dimensions in the correct units for both the items and your cartons. After saving a carton under **Settings > Packaging**, reopen it and check all three saved dimensions, especially values with decimal places.

If a saved value is reduced or becomes zero, check the units and [contact Support](https://support.starshipit.com/ticket) before using that carton for checkout rates. A missing or zero dimension cannot be used for packing, and an undersized saved carton can give an inaccurate estimate.

Test a cart containing those SKUs and compare the package result with the parcel you will send. If it is unexpected, check the dimensions and units with Support before relying on the quote.

<!-- faq:question -->Which platforms currently support Recommended Packaging?<!-- /faq:question -->

Recommended Packaging is supported on:

* **Shopify** — requires Product Catalogue dimensions with **Use on checkout** enabled, or dimensions supplied directly on the checkout request
* **WooCommerce** — requires product dimensions set up in WooCommerce or the Product Catalogue

<!-- faq:end -->

## Additional resources

* [Automatically assign packages based on item dimensions (order import)](/articles/getting-started/how-to-guides/how-to-assign-packages-automatically-based-on-item-dimensions-recommended-packaging)
* [Import optional data from Shopify](/articles/integrations/shopify/shopify-import-optional-data#product-dimensions-metafields) for Shopify order import dimensions
* [How to set up Product Catalogue](/articles/integrations/product-catalogue/product-catalogue)
* [How to set up Checkout Rates](/articles/rates-at-checkout/set-up-guides/about-live-rates-at-checkout-supported-couriers)