When running an online store, shipping is one of the biggest factors influencing conversions.
Customers want accurate, transparent delivery costs — not unpleasant surprises at checkout.
That’s why real-time shipping rates on Shopify are so valuable.
They automatically display the exact shipping cost from carriers like UPS, FedEx, USPS, or Canada Post, based on the customer’s location, package weight, and dimensions.
In this guide, you’ll learn what Shopify real-time shipping rates are, how to enable them, and how to integrate external carriers or apps for a seamless checkout experience.
What Are Real-Time Shipping Rates?
Real-time shipping rates (also known as carrier-calculated shipping) are rates calculated instantly during checkout based on live data from carriers.
Instead of using flat or manual rates, Shopify connects to shipping providers’ APIs and fetches:
-
Current shipping prices
-
Delivery options (standard, express, overnight)
-
Estimated delivery times
This ensures your customers always pay exactly what the carrier would charge — no guesswork or manual updates needed.
How to Enable Real-Time Shipping Rates in Shopify
Let’s go through the exact steps to turn on carrier-calculated rates.
Step 1: Check Your Shopify Plan
Real-time shipping rates are included with Shopify Advanced and Shopify Plus.
If you’re on the Basic or Standard Shopify plan, contact Shopify Support to purchase the Carrier Calculated Shipping add-on (about $20/month, or free if billed annually).
Step 2: Add Your Carrier Accounts
-
From your Shopify Admin, go to Settings → Shipping and Delivery.
-
Under Shipping carriers and apps, click Add carrier or app.
-
Select your carrier (e.g., UPS, USPS, Canada Post, or FedEx).
-
Enter your carrier account credentials (username, API key, or account number).
-
Save your settings.
Step 3: Create or Edit a Shipping Zone
-
Still under Shipping and Delivery, click Manage Rates next to your profile.
-
Under Shipping Zones, click Add Zone.
-
Choose the countries or regions where you ship.
-
Add carrier-calculated rates by selecting your carrier (e.g., “UPS Ground,” “FedEx Express Saver”).
Step 4: Test Your Checkout
After saving, go to your store and simulate a checkout.
Enter a shipping address and watch Shopify display live shipping rates instantly.
You should see something like:
-
UPS Ground – $8.50
-
FedEx 2-Day – $14.30
-
USPS Priority Mail – $11.20
Real-Time Shipping Rate Apps for Shopify
If your carrier isn’t natively supported or you want more flexibility, several apps can help.
🧠 Recommended Apps:
| App | Features | Free Plan |
|---|---|---|
| ShipStation | Connects 40+ carriers, automates label creation, real-time tracking | ✅ Yes |
| ShipEZ‑ Shipping Rates & Rules | Customizable shipping rates, AI Packaging, Flexible Rules, Global Shipping, Shipping Calculator by Postal Code | ✅ Yes |
| Shippo | Carrier rate comparison, batch shipping, discounted rates | ✅ Yes |
| Easyship | 250+ global couriers, full tax/duty calculation, branded tracking | ✅ Yes |
Most apps integrate seamlessly with Shopify’s checkout API and offer additional features like:
-
Rate comparison between carriers
-
Delivery estimates
-
Bulk label generation
Top 9 Best Shipping Rate Apps for Shopify
Setting up real-time shipping rates in Shopify gives your customers a transparent, professional checkout experience while saving you time and effort.
With just a few configurations — or a helpful app — you can:
-
Show accurate, live shipping costs
-
Improve customer trust and reduce cart abandonment
-
Automate rate updates from your favorite carriers
Whether you use Shopify’s built-in tools, APIs, or advanced apps, real-time shipping rates ensure your store always delivers accuracy, speed, and confidence.
Start today — connect your carrier, enable live rates, and make your checkout smarter with Shopify. 🚀