Shipping Methods & Carriers
Purpose
This guide explains how shipping methods and carrier options work within your eFulfillment Service (EFS) account, including rate shopping, SaverShip options, and mapping methods from your online store to internal EFS shipping codes.
1. Standard Shipping Options
EFS provides multiple carrier services that balance cost and delivery speed. The most common domestic carriers include:
- USPS Ground Advantage
- USPS Priority Mail
- FedEx Ground
- FedEx Ground Economy
- FedEx Home Delivery
2. Rate Shopping
When using Best Rate codes, the system automatically compares live carrier rates across USPS, FedEx, and SaverShip services.
Example carrier rates for 1 lb packages (Zone 5)*:
- USPS Ground Advantage: $8.53
- FedEx Ground Economy: $8.20
- UniUni Standard: $6.46
When you select the Best Rate Economy Lightweight Post code for U.S. orders, the system automatically rate shops between these carriers to find the lowest available cost while maintaining consistent delivery timeframes. These rates vary by zone and weight but demonstrate how rate shopping ensures the best available option per shipment.
*note these estimations are used for illustration purposes only
3. Mapping Ship Methods
When EFS retrieves orders from your online store, each shipping method is passed through as text (e.g., “Free Shipping,” “Standard,” or “FedEx 2Day.
This text must be mapped to internal EFS codes within your Fulfillment Control Panel (FCP).
To create or edit mappings:
- In the IS2 Portal, go to Ship Maps → +Add.
- Enter the Cart Method as it appears within your store.
- Under WMS Shipping Code, choose the corresponding EFS method (e.g., Best Rate Economy Lightweight Post, SaverShip Standard, FedEx 2-Day).
- Click Add Mapping, then refresh the list before adding another
Repeat this process for all store shipping methods to prevent import errors or incorrect carrier selections.
5. Common Internal Shipping Codes
| Code | Description | Typical Use |
| BEST_RATE_ECONOMY_LW_POST | Rate shops between USPS, FedEx, and SaverShip Standard options | Default for small parcels |
| FEDEX_GROUND | Direct FedEx Ground service | Standard domestic orders |
| USPS_PRIORITY | USPS Priority Mail | Time-sensitive small parcels |
| FEDEX_2DAY | Expedited two-day service | Urgent shipments |
| FEDEX_OVERNIGHT | Next-day service | Express deliveries |
6. Insurance Options
All standard carrier services include up to $100 of insurance coverage at no additional cost.
If your product’s value exceeds this amount, you can purchase additional insurance during manual order creation or when importing via CSV.
Integrated orders currently do not support automatic insurance selection.
7. Adding or Updating Shipping Options
If you change your store’s shipping structure or add new carrier options, update mappings in your integration immediately.
Failure to update mappings can cause orders to import with “Unrecognized Ship Method” status.
Best Practices:
- Always copy and paste method names exactly as they appear in your store.
- Use Global Ship Maps if you operate multiple integrations with the same methods.
- Contact your Client Care Specialist for assistance with advanced mappings or SaverShip enrollment.
8. International Shipping
International orders use distinct codes and carrier setups.
During setup, map international methods such as “International Express” or “Worldwide Shipping” to appropriate EFS codes “FedEx International Connect Plus” (e.g., FDX_FICP).
Brokerage and customs clearance remain the responsibility of the shipper unless otherwise arranged.
Next Steps
Proceed to the next guide: Tracking & Status Updates.
It explains how to monitor order movement, delivery updates, and customer notifications within your Fulfillment Control Panel.