Package Presets
Stop re-entering box dimensions for every shipment. Save your most-used packaging as presets and select them with one click when creating labels.
50%
Faster Labels
Skip manual dimension entry
0
Dimension Errors
Presets eliminate typos
Unlimited
Presets
No limit per account
1-Click
Application
Select from dropdown
Benefits
Why Businesses Choose This Feature
- Ship Faster
Select a saved preset instead of typing length, width, height, and weight every time. Cut label creation time by half or more.
- Reduce Errors
No more typos in dimensions that lead to dimensional weight surcharges. Presets ensure accurate dimensions every time.
- Standardize Packaging
Define your standard box lineup once. Team members all use the same presets, ensuring consistency across your operation.
How Package Presets Work
Create Presets
Define presets with a name (e.g., "Small Box", "Large Flat Rate"), dimensions (L x W x H), and default weight.
Select When Shipping
When creating a shipment, choose a preset from a dropdown instead of entering dimensions manually.
Get Accurate Rates
Preset dimensions ensure your rate quotes are accurate — no surprises from dimensional weight adjustments after the fact.
Why Packaging Consistency Matters More Than You Think
The Dimensional Weight Problem
Carriers charge by whichever is greater: actual weight or dimensional weight. Dimensional weight is calculated from the package dimensions (length x width x height divided by a dimensional factor, usually 139 for domestic shipments). If you type the wrong dimensions when creating a label, you might pay based on actual weight — but the carrier measures the package on arrival and bills you the dimensional weight surcharge later. A single typo in a height field can result in a $3-5 surcharge per package. Across hundreds of shipments, those surcharges add up to thousands in unexpected costs. Package presets eliminate this risk entirely by using verified, consistent dimensions for every shipment.
Standardizing Your Box Lineup
Most e-commerce businesses ship in 3-6 standard box sizes. Maybe you have a small box for accessories, a medium box for single products, a large box for multi-item orders, and a flat rate option for heavy items. Defining these as presets creates a shared language for your team. Instead of "the medium-ish box, about 12 by 10 by 8," it becomes "Medium Box" — one click, exact dimensions, every time. This standardization also helps with purchasing. When you know exactly which boxes you use and how often, you can negotiate better rates with packaging suppliers and reduce the number of box SKUs you keep in stock.
Presets and Quick Ship Working Together
Package presets become even more powerful when combined with Quick Ship and automation rules. You can set rules like "for orders under 1 lb, use the Small Padded Envelope preset" or "for orders with 3+ items, use the Large Box preset." When Quick Ship runs, it automatically applies the correct preset based on your rules, selects the best carrier and service, and creates the label — all in a single click. This combination of presets plus rules plus Quick Ship is what turns a 2-minute-per-order process into a 5-second-per-order process. For high-volume shippers, that difference is transformative.
Package Presets vs. Manual Dimension Entry
| Feature | ShipWave | Manual Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Time per shipment | Instant — select from dropdown | 30-60 seconds typing dimensions |
| Dimension accuracy | 100% — verified preset values | Prone to typos and transpositions |
| DIM weight surcharges | Eliminated with correct dimensions | Common from data entry errors |
| Team consistency | Everyone uses same presets | Varies by employee |
| Training time | Select from list — no training needed | Must learn box sizes and dim factors |
| Works with Quick Ship | Auto-applied by automation rules | Must enter manually every time |
Preset Details
Each package preset stores everything needed for accurate rate quotes.
- Custom preset name for easy identification
- Length, width, and height in inches or centimeters
- Default weight in pounds or kilograms
- Unlimited presets per account
- Quick-select dropdown during shipment creation
- Works with Quick Ship and automation rules
- Shared across your team — all users see the same presets
- Edit or delete presets at any time from settings
Who Uses Package Presets
E-commerce Stores
Online sellers who ship the same products in the same 3-6 box sizes every day. Presets eliminate repetitive dimension entry and reduce DIM weight surcharges from typos.
Subscription Box Companies
Brands shipping identical boxes every month save presets for each box tier. Combined with batch shipping, the entire monthly run processes in minutes.
Fulfillment Teams
Warehouse staff processing high volumes use presets to skip manual measurement. New hires select from a dropdown instead of learning box dimensions on day one.
Multi-Product Sellers
Businesses with diverse product lines create presets for each product category — small accessories, mid-size electronics, large appliances — so every item ships in the right box.
Flat Rate Shippers
Sellers who use USPS Flat Rate, UPS Express, or FedEx One Rate boxes create presets for each carrier-specific packaging option with exact dimensions for accurate quotes.
High-Volume Batch Shippers
Businesses processing 50+ orders per batch use presets with automation rules to auto-assign the correct box size based on order weight or item count — zero manual input.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many presets can I create?
There is no limit. Create as many presets as you need for your box lineup. Most businesses use 3-8 presets covering their standard packaging options.
Can I set a default weight for each preset?
Yes. Each preset includes a default weight that is applied automatically. You can override the weight for individual shipments when the actual weight differs.
Do presets work with Quick Ship and batch shipping?
Yes. Presets integrate directly with Quick Ship and automation rules. Set a default preset for common orders, and Quick Ship applies it automatically.
Can I use carrier-specific box sizes (like USPS Flat Rate)?
Yes. You can create presets for carrier-specific packaging like USPS Flat Rate boxes, UPS Express boxes, or FedEx One Rate packaging. Enter the exact dimensions for accurate rate quotes.
What if I ship items that vary in size?
Create presets for your most common sizes and use the "closest fit" approach. For truly custom sizes, you can always enter dimensions manually. Presets are about eliminating repetition for your most common shipments.
Are presets shared across my team?
Yes. All presets are shared across your ShipWave account. Every team member sees and can use the same preset library.
Explore More
Related Features
Quick Ship
Combine presets with Quick Ship for one-click label creation on every order.
Learn more →
Shipping Labels
Accurate presets mean accurate rates — compare carriers with the right dimensions every time.
Learn more →
Automation Rules
Set rules that auto-apply the right preset based on order contents.
Learn more →
Speed Up Your Shipping Workflow
Create package presets once, use them every day.