Shipping is one of the most critical elements of running a successful business on Shopify. It’s more than just getting a product from point A to point B; it directly impacts customer satisfaction and conversion rates. Shopify offers built-in shipping options through Shopify Shipping, giving store owners access to accurate rates with carriers like UPS. But for merchants with higher shipping volumes or unique logistics needs, having a UPS carrier account that can be integrated with shipping apps may offer more flexibility and control.
In this Article:
- What is Shopify shipping
- Using a UPS account for Shipping
- Features and Services Available with a UPS Account
- Shopify Shipping vs UPS Account
- Understanding UPS Shipping Rates and Services
- When to Use Shopify Shipping and When to Use a UPS Account
- Conclusion
- FAQ’s
What is Shopify Shipping?
Shopify Shipping is Shopify’s built-in solution that allows merchants to buy and print shipping labels directly from their admin dashboard. It integrates with major carriers, including UPS, USPS, DHL Express, and FedEx, offering pre-negotiated rates and a simplified fulfillment process through Shopify.
How It Works
Head over to your Shopify Admin dashboard > Settings> Shipping and Delivery > Manage preferred carriers.
In this tab, you will see a list of all the carriers directly supported by Shopify.
After enabling this head over to Shipping and Delivery for your fulfillment location, click on Add rate.
In this tab, you can select which carrier services you want to make available for your shipping labels.
Key Features
- Discounted Shipping Rates: Access to Shopify negotiated rates with carriers like UPS, USPS, DHL Express, and more.
- Label Printing: Buy and print labels from your Shopify dashboard.
- Real Time Rate Calculation: Display accurate shipping rates at checkout (on eligible plans).
- Package Tracking: Automated emails about order tracking info to customers once fulfilled.
- Pickup Scheduling: Available with some carriers (e.g., USPS and UPS in the U.S.).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No need for separate carrier accounts. Shopify directly has UPS integrated. | Limited customization and control over carrier settings |
| Access to discounted rates from major carriers (e.g., UPS, USPS) | Not all carrier services are available in every region |
| Easy label printing from within the Shopify dashboard | Larger merchants may get better rates through direct carrier accounts |
Using a UPS Account for Shipping
- For merchants with higher shipping volumes, specialized shipping needs, or existing logistics partnerships, using your own UPS carrier account can offer more flexibility, accurate UPS rates, and full control over your shipping operations. This UPS carrier account can be integrated with PluginHive MCSL app to provide all the necessary UPS shipping services.
- The first thing you’ll need is a UPS carrier account.
- You can refer to the article How to Set Up a UPS Account? to learn how to create and configure your account step by step.
- Now use this comprehensive guide to install and set up the PluginHive MCSL app
- The next thing you need to do is add the UPS carrier account details to the PluginHive MCSL app
- You can do this by going to the app’s landing page, locating the ☰ icon (hamburger menu) at the top left corner. then go to Settings>Carriers>”+” search for UPS and add account.
- After this, add all your account details as prompted as soon as you are done with that, the carrier will be added to the app.
- Once your UPS carrier account is connected, your customers will see live UPS shipping rates at Shopify checkout, based on how your rates were negotiated with UPS.
Features and Services Available with a UPS Account
- Custom-Negotiated UPS Shipping Rates: Tailored pricing based on your shipping volume and business agreement with UPS.
- Wide Range of Shipping Services: Access all the UPS shipping services, including Ground, 2nd Day Air, Next Day Air, Worldwide Express, and more.
- Scheduled Pickups: Set pickup times and frequencies that fit your business schedule.
- Accessorial Services: Add insurance, delivery confirmations, Saturday delivery, and other optional services.
Shopify Shipping vs UPS Account
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide which option fits your shipping strategy best:
| Criteria | Shopify Shipping | Using a UPS Account |
|---|---|---|
| Shipping Rate Accuracy | Standard discounted UPS rates pre-negotiated by Shopify | Custom-negotiated UPS rates based on your shipping volume and preferences |
| Access to UPS Services | Limited to selected services and carrier supported by Shopify | Full access to the entire UPS service portfolio |
| Control Over Shipping Options | Minimal, controlled via Shopify admin settings | Full control over services, pickup options, and return rules |
| Integration & Tracking | Built-in with label printing and customer notifications | Requires apps like PluginHive for Shopify integration and full tracking features |
| Best For | Small businesses looking for simplicity and a quick setup | High-volume shippers needing flexibility, control, and optimized shipping costs |
Understanding UPS Shipping Rates and Services
Shipping with UPS offers a variety of service levels and pricing options, but understanding those services to optimize your shipping strategy is key to providing transparent and cost-effective delivery to your customers.
Here is the list of UPS services operating domestically within the U.S. and internationally:
Domestic UPS Services
- UPS Ground – Reliable, day-definite delivery within 1–5 business days across the U.S.
- UPS 3 Day Select – Delivery within three business days.
- UPS 2nd Day Air – Delivery by the end of the second business day.
- UPS Next Day Air Next-business-day delivery by morning, noon, or end-of-day, depending on the service level (Early, Saver, etc.).
Note: To learn more about available domestic UPS shipping services, please visit the official UPS website.
International UPS Services
- UPS Worldwide Express – Delivery in 1–3 business days by 10:30 a.m. or noon
- UPS Worldwide Expedited – Cost-effective international service delivered in 2-5 business days, typically by end of day
- UPS Worldwide Saver – Delivery in 1–3 business days, typically by end of day.
Note: To learn more about available international UPS shipping services, please visit the official UPS website
All of these international UPS services can be configured through the PluginHive MCSL app, allowing you to tailor your shipping strategy based on your business needs.
When to Use Shopify Shipping and When to Use a UPS Account
Choosing between Shopify Shipping and your own UPS account depends on your business size, shipping volume, and the level of customization you need. Here’s when each option makes the most sense:
When to Use Shopify Shipping:
- If you are a New or small business and you don’t have high-volume shipping yet, and prefer to avoid negotiating with carriers.
- You are a merchant looking for easy setup and automation, you want to start shipping quickly with built-in label printing and discounts.
- You’re shipping mostly within your own country and don’t need full control over surcharges or pickup options.
- You’re okay with limited service access.
When to Use Your Own UPS Account:
- You are a Medium to large business. You’ve negotiated custom rates with UPS and want to pass on savings to customers.
- You have a store with consistent or high shipping volumes. You need access to the full range of UPS services and value-added options.
- You need granular control over shipping settings. You want to schedule pickups, control return labels, and manage additional services like insurance or Saturday delivery.
- You work with a large warehouse and require an advanced shipping setup.
Conclusion
Both Shopify Shipping and a dedicated UPS account offer valuable benefits, but the right choice depends on your business needs.
- If you’re just starting out or shipping a small number of packages, Shopify Shipping offers a quick and easy setup with built-in discounts and automation.
- However, if you’re scaling, ship in high volumes, or want full control over rates, services, and delivery experience, then using your own UPS account is the smarter move.
By connecting your UPS account through the PluginHive MCSL app, you can unlock real-time UPS shipping rates, access the full range of services, automate shipping labels, and build a flexible, efficient shipping strategy tailored to your business growth.
FAQ’s
- Does UPS offer flat rate shipping?
Yes. UPS does offer a flat rate shipping option called UPS Simple Rate for domestic packages within the US, which charges a fixed price based on box size, not weight or distance.
- Does Shopify support UPS shipping by default?
Yes. Shopify Shipping includes UPS integration, but using your own UPS account gives you more control and better rates for this integration. PluginHive MCSL can be used.
- Can I use UPS live rates on my Shopify store?
Yes. You can do this by either enabling UPS in shopify shipping or by connecting your UPS account through apps like PH Multi Carrier Shipping Label, you can display UPS real time rates at checkout.
- Does Shopify and UPS integration support all UPS shipping services?
No. Shopify and UPS integration via Shopify Shipping offers limited services. For full access, connect your own UPS account through a shipping app like PluginHive MCSL.
