Shopify International Shipping with UPS

As Shopify merchants look to expand their reach internationally, efficient shipping solutions are essential. UPS International Shipping offers a reliable way to handle global orders, with features that streamline the process.

In this article, we’ll see how integrating UPS with Shopify can streamline international shipping, enhance customer satisfaction, and optimize operations with live rate calculations and label printing.

Why Efficient International Shipping Matters in eCommerce

Efficient international shipping is crucial for e-commerce success, particularly for Shopify merchants expanding their global reach. Here’s why it’s so important:

1. Faster Delivery Times: Efficient shipping reduces transit times, meeting customer expectations for quick delivery and keeping pace with competitors.
2. Accurate Cost Estimation: Efficient shipping results in accurate Real-time rate calculations and ensures customers are charged correctly, reducing surprises and abandoned carts due to unexpected shipping costs.
3. Streamlined Customs Processing: Efficient shipping helps navigate customs requirements smoothly, avoiding delays and additional charges at borders.

UPS International Shipping Services

UPS International Shipping offers flexible delivery options and real-time rate calculations. Automated label printing further enhances efficiency and accuracy.

UPS offers a variety of international shipping solutions designed to meet different delivery needs and timelines:

• UPS Worldwide Saver: Next-day delivery by the end of the day, balancing speed and cost.
• UPS Worldwide Expedited: Fast and economical delivery within 2–5 business days.
• UPS Worldwide Express: Delivery by 10:30 AM or noon to major global cities, balancing speed and reliability.
• UPS Worldwide Express Plus: Early morning delivery to major global destinations.

Customs Clearance in UPS International Shipping

Customs clearance is the process of getting goods through international borders by complying with the regulations of the destination country. It involves submitting required documentation, paying duties and taxes, and meeting regulatory standards.

Note: Customs clearance is essential to avoid shipment delays, penalties, or seizure of goods. Proper clearance ensures that your shipment complies with local laws, thus facilitating smooth and timely delivery.

This is where Commercial invoice comes into play. The commercial invoice is crucial for customs clearance in all countries (though specific requirements may vary by destination).

UPS underscores its significance, as it is key to ensuring smooth customs processing and timely delivery. Here, we will explore its critical role in detail.

UPS Commercial Invoice in Detail

1. From (Shipper Details)

Include the shipper’s name (usually your company), address, contact details, and tax ID number.

2. Shipment Details

• Waybill Number: The tracking number on your shipping label.
• Shipment ID: The 11-digit version of the tracking number
• Date: The date of export.
• Invoice Number: Assigned by the shipper, if applicable.
• PO Number: Assigned by the shipper, if applicable.
• Terms of Sale (Incoterms): Specifies who pays for shipping, insurance, import taxes, and duties. Examples include CIF, FOB, DDU, DDP, and CIP.
• Reason for Export: Indicates whether the shipment is a sale, gift, repair, etc.

3. Ship-to details

Provide the ship-to party’s details like name, contact details, address, and tax ID number (if applicable).

4. Sold-to Details:

Provide the buyer’s details like name, address, contact information, and tax ID number (if applicable).

Note: The ship-to and sold-to details are usually the same.

5. Product Description:

• Units: Number of individual items being shipped.
• U/M (Units of Measure): Abbreviation for Units of Measure, How items are listed (e.g., piece, bundle).
• Description of Goods: This is where you give a detailed description of the items in the package.
• Harmonized Tariff Code: Include this to aid customs clearance. It speeds up exports, reduces delays, and avoids extra fees.
• Country of Origin (COO): Where the goods were made, not where they are shipped from.
• Unit Value: Price per item.
• Total Value: Overall value of all items combined.
• Taxes paid: If any

6. Additional Comments and Legal Information

• Required if you or the carrier filed EEI (required for items over $2,500 or needing an export license).
• Add any other necessary information based on destination country requirements.

7. Declaration Statement

Include a Declaration Statement if a license or exemption is needed.

8. Final Cost/Value Details

Include the total value of items, discounts, and the subtotal. Add freight and insurance costs, any extra charges, and the final invoice amount. Also, note the number of packages, total weight, and currency used.

Essential Pre-Setups Required for UPS International Shipping in Shopify

Carrier Calculated Shipping Rates (CCS):

Ensure your Shopify store is on the Shopify plan or higher to use Carrier Calculated Shipping Rates (CCS) for real-time shipping rates. To upgrade, go to Shopify Settings → Plan → Change Plan.

Follow the given guide for Setting Up Shopify Carrier Calculated Shipping Rates

Shopify Shipping App:

Install PluginHive’s Multi-Carrier Shipping Label app to display carrier-calculated rates at checkout. Follow the Setting up Shopify Multi Carrier Shipping Label App guide.

UPS Business Shipping Account:

Create a UPS account at www.ups.com. For exclusive discounts of up to 75% (available in Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, or the UK), follow the Open a Free UPS Account and Get Exclusive Shipping guide.

Label & Shipment Configuration:

Go to app settings → carriers → UPS → Other details.

Select the image type for printing labels and the commercial invoice as per your requirement.

Also, select the Reason For Export from the drop-down according to your business. (Note: This will be displayed in the commercial invoice)

Commercial Invoice Settings

• Go to App settings → general settings → Print settings.
• Enable Commercial Invoice and specify the number of copies needed and Save.

Configuring UPS International Shipping settings in Shopify

To display Real-Time UPS Shipping Rates on Shopify Checkout,

• Go to Shopify Settings → Shipping and delivery → General → Create/Add Zone
• Name the zone, select countries according to your business requirements and click on Done

• Click on Add rate → Use carrier or app calculated rates → MultiCarrier Shipping Label App

• A zone for International Shipment with carrier-calculated rates will be created as shown below

• To Integrate Your UPS account, Go to App Settings → Carrier (+) → UPS
• Enter your UPS account details and connect it to the application, as shown below

• Place an order with an address from your selected zone. Rates will be displayed at checkout as shown below.

[If you want to show live rates at checkout for domestic shipping as well, visit Display Real-Time UPS Shipping Rates on Shopify Checkout.]

Note: To display only specific UPS shipping services at checkout based on your business needs, follow the steps in the guide on displaying preferred UPS shipping services guide.

After placing the order, print UPS shipping label and commercial invoice on Shopify,

• Go to the Orders tab, select the orders, and click Generate Labels

• Select that order again and click on Print Documents to get the shipping label and commercial invoice

Here is the printed label and commercial invoice

For more information on requesting pickups, and fulfilling orders, visit Print UPS Shipping Labels & Fulfill Orders on Shopify.

Conclusion

Efficient international shipping is essential for Shopify merchants looking to expand globally. By integrating UPS with Shopify, you can streamline your shipping processes, ensure accurate rate calculations, and simplify customs clearance.

For more details on optimizing your Shopify shipping experience with UPS, including tracking and additional features, check out the article on Shopify Order Tracking with UPS.