Overview

Standard Freight charges can be configured by postcode, order value, consignment size or a combination of these. The freight matrix can be as simple or complex as required, and with different parameters specifiable for different regions. Depending on the method, data may be required to calculate freight charges. 


For a guide on how to set up standard freight, see: Configure Standard Freight

On this page:

Charge Methods

MethodExplanationExamplesData Requirements
Flat Rate by Order ValueCharge a flat rate based on the order value.
  • Charge $25 for orders below $100, charge $0 (free) for orders over $100.
N/A
By Order WeightCharge a fee based on the total weight of the order.
  • Charge $10 + $0.50 per kg.

    Note: $10 is the consignment charge.
Weight (kg) must be stored against the product.
By LocationCharge a fee based on the order destination postcode.
  • Charge $15 flat fee for Sydney Metro, charge $25 for all other locations.

    Note: This method is typically used for customers with a central warehouse, so any local areas relative to the central warehouse (defined by postcode) are cheaper.
Postcode Matrix to determine which is Sydney Metro (refer to the example)
By Order Weight and LocationCharge a fee based on the total weight of the order and the destination postcode.
  • Charge $15 flat fee for Sydney Metro (as this might be via a local courier). 
    Charge $25 fee + $0.50 per kg for all other locations.
Weight and Postcode Matrix

Customer-based freight

(Region Freight)

In addition to standard freight, there are occasions where you might have Free-In-Store (FIS) or other agreements with your customers.

For customer-based freight, you can use a customer flat rate (or percentage of order value) rule based on Order Value.

  • Customer A is a casual customer and does not qualify for any special freight discounts. In this case, Customer A's delivery charges will use the standard freight method (i.e., one of the previous methods). 

    Customer B is a regular and places 3 orders per week with an average of $500 per order. Set up to charge freight based on the order value for this customer. This can encourage Customer B to buy more and less regularly. 

    Example: Charge $10 for order value between $0 to $500, charge $0 (free freight) for order value between $500.01 to $999999.
Individual Customer Code and a freight flag

Basic Freight Setting Components

Regardless of method, three basic components need to be configured on your website: 

  1. Freight Countries
  2. Carriers
  3. Charging Zones



1. Freight Countries

If only one country is added, this must be flagged as the default country. For instance, if you only ship within Australia, only Australia needs to be added, then flagged as the 'Default Country'. For international shipping, the other countries need to be added, with the local country flagged as the default.

For each country, freight options such as default freight carrier, consignment charge, default charge rate ($/kg) and overriding the carrier code with one from the ERP/PRONTO can be selected.  

2. Carriers

After a freight country is added, freight carriers for the country can be entered. Each can be configured with a range of standard freight carrier value options. 


FieldValue
Minimum Freight ChargeThe minimum charge for this freight option. The Base Charge + $/KG charge in the Charging Zone screen is calculated and compared to this Minimum Freight Charge. The system will apply the greater of the two charges.
Packaging ChargeAn additional charge applied to this carrier, per KG.
Minimum Carrier WeightMinimum order weight in KG. This value is used to filter carrier options based on weight ranges.
Maximum Carrier WeightMaximum order weight in KG. This value is used to filter carrier options based on weight ranges.
Maximum Volume (cubic metres)Maximum order size in cubic meters. Value is derived from the 'Pack Cubic Size' for each product. 
Order Limit for No ChargeThe value the order must reach in order to qualify for Free Freight. Value is inclusive of GST.
Order Value Start RangeMinimum order value (inc-GST). This value is used to filter carrier options based on total spend.
Order Value End RangeMaximum order value (inc-GST). This value is used to filter carrier options based on total spend.
Do Not Override Customer Carrier CodeWhen set to 'Yes', the system uses the carrier code from Customer 'Delivery 
Code' (dr-delivery-route-code) in PRONTO, but will still calculate the charges based on this freight option. 
Maximum Carrier Item LengthMaximum length for ANY product on the order, expressed in metres. This field is mapped to 'ItemLength' in the Product table, but the value is not maintained in the ERP/PRONTO. (Contact Commerce Vision for information on how to use this field.)
Volume to Weight Conversion Factor

System multiplies the total order volume (using 'Pack Cubic Size' for each product) by this Volume to Weight Conversion Factor. If this value is greater than the current total order weight (using 'Pack Weight' for each product), it will be used as the order weight. 

This field is not used if left blank.

Track and Trace URL

The Carrier's order tracking URL with the consignment note expressed as a parameter.

For a list of common URLs, see: https://help.commercevision.com.au/hc/en-us/articles/201395495

Delivery Instructions

This text is inserted into the first line of Delivery Instructions for this carrier. Cannot be edited by the end user. 

30 character limit (as per PRONTO field).

For PRONTO users. For per kilogram charges, it is essential to have weight data populated in the PRONTO Stock Master. This is also important for carriers with physical restrictions on consignment sizes or dimensions.  


3. Charging Zones

Each Carrier will be configured with its own Charging Zones, where postcode ranges can be split up to attract different charge rates. NOTE - Carrier Codes with no charging zone entered will never be displayed as a freight option to the end user. (But they might still exist in the freight table for Track & Trace functions).


Below is the Charging Zones table, with an explanation of each value.  Fields marked with * are mandatory.  

Charging Zones

FieldValue
Starting Postcode for this Zone*The starting postcode (e.g. 4000 if this zone is all of Queensland).
Ending Postcode for this ZoneThe ending postcode (e.g. 4999 if this zone is all of Queensland).
Delivery Lead TimeThe number of days required for delivery from the warehouse to the destination. This value overrides the system setting default and does not include the Shipping Lead Time (also in system settings).
Freight Option MethodThe method by which charges are calculated for this zone. Either $/KG or as a % of Order Total.
Basic Freight Calculations OnlyIf set to 'Yes', the system only charges the value entered in the 'Basic Consignment 
Charge ($/Consignment)' field. The $/KG rate will not be added. 
Basic Consignment Charge ($/Consignment)The base charge amount which applies to this zone. 
Basic KG Rate ($/KG)

The dollar per KG rate which applies to the order. This may be used on its own or added to the 'Basic Consignment Charge'. 

NOTE - This value must be blank if '% of Order Total' is in use. 

% of Order Total

The percentage of the total order value that applies to the order as a freight charge. This may be used on its own or added to the 'Basic Consignment Charge'.

NOTE - This value must be blank if 'Basic KG Rate ($/KG)' is in use. 

Requires Quote If No Charge

(Versions 3.82+)  When no freight options are found, the order is integrated to the ERP as normal to commit stock, but no payment is taken (as freight charges will generally be added manually later).

NOTE - Requires the System flag 'Enable Freight Quotes For Bulky Item Orders' to be turned on in order to work.


Examples

Flat Rate by Value

In the screenshot below, a freight charge of $11.50 has been configured for orders up to $100.00 in value. Note that values are entered as exclusive of GST amounts.

Below is the charging zone for the 'POST' carrier code shown above. As this carrier code is applicable Australia-wide, the start and end postcodes have been entered as 0 - 9999.

No charges have been entered on this screen, as the flat rate was entered as the 'Minimum Freight Charge' against the carrier, but a $/kg charge and a base charge could also be added here. In this case, the greater of the two charges would apply. 


Weight and Location Matrix

In the screenshot below, a minimum freight charge of $20.00 (inc-GST) has been configured for orders between 10 and 50kg via StarTrack Express.

  • If the total order value exceeds $2,000 (inc-GST), there is no charge for this freight option. 
  • If the order's total weight does not fall between 10 and 50kg, this freight option will not be presented. 

Once we examine the Charging Zones for the above carrier (STAR2), we see that different base charges and $/kg rates have been configured for various geographic locations. These will override the Minimum Freight Charge configured against the carrier, as long as these charges are greater.


NSW has a Basic Consignment Charge of $20.00 (inc-GST), and $0.50/kg rate. There is a Delivery Lead Time of 2 days.



QLD has a Basic Consignment Charge of $22.00 (inc-GST), and a $0.50/kg rate. There is a Delivery Lead Time of 3 days.



Products with Special Freight

Your business may have some items that need special freight charges, e.g., bulky items. You can configure fixed charges for particular products. These products are added to the list of Special Freight Products with a fixed charge entered, and will be excluded from normal freight calculations.

Example: Product CV100 incurs a $45.45 (inc-GST) freight charge.

 


Additional Information



Minimum Version Requirements


**.**.**

Prerequisites


--

Self Configurable


Yes

Business Function


Freight & Delivery

BPD Only?


No

B2B/B2C/Both


Both

Third Party Costs


n/a

Related help

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