Custom package types let you define the containers your team uses when shipping orders.
Retailers may choose to ship using official package types required by a specific carrier. But in some cases, it is necessary to use your own general-purpose boxes for everyday shipping. By setting these up in advance, you can give shippers a consistent list of package options to choose from during order shipment processing. Also, package dimensions defined are automatically applied, speeding up the label creation process.
Once custom package types are defined, they appear in the dropdown menu used during shipping. Shippers can then select the container used for each order shipment, which helps keep package details consistent and supports accurate shipping data.
Package Type Details
Each custom package type includes the basic information needed to identify the package and describe its physical characteristics. This information helps distinguish one package from another and supports shipping workflows that depend on accurate package measurements.
The following metadata is defined for each custom package type:
Name: The label that appears in the package type list. Use a clear name that helps shippers quickly recognize the correct container.
Physical Dimensions: The package length, width and height.
Empty Weight (Tare): The weight of the package when it is empty, before any items are packed inside.
Weight Unit of Measure: The unit used for the tare weight, such as pounds or kilograms.
Size Unit of Measure: The unit used for the package dimensions, such as inches or centimeters.
Use consistent units of measure across your package types when possible. That makes the list easier to maintain and reduces confusion when shippers compare package options.
Example
The example below can be used to show how a custom package type is configured in the user interface. Add your screenshot in this section to illustrate the package name, dimensions, tare weight and units of measure.
Further Readings
For more information about shipping in Descartes Finale, see the following articles