Setting Up Shipping Automation Rules in Labl
Shipping automation rules are one of LABL's most powerful features for streamlining your order fulfillment process. By setting up intelligent rules, you can automatically assign shipping services, carriers, and handling procedures based on order characteristics like weight, destination, value, or custom fields.
What Are Shipping Automation Rules?
Shipping automation rules automatically apply shipping configurations to incoming orders based on criteria you define. Instead of manually selecting shipping options for each order, rules process orders in the background, saving time and ensuring consistency across your fulfillment operations.
Accessing Shipping Automation Rules
Log into your LABL account
Navigate to Settings in the main menu
Click Shipping in the settings sidebar
Select Automations from the shipping options
You'll see the automation rules management interface where you can create, edit, and organize your rules.
Understanding Rule Priority and Processing
Important: Rules process in sequential order from top to bottom. The first rule that matches an order's criteria will be applied, and subsequent rules will be skipped for that order.
Managing Rule Order
Drag and Drop: Click and drag rules to reorder them by priority
Active/Inactive Toggle: Use the toggle switch to activate or deactivate rules without deleting them
Rule Testing: Always test new rules with a small batch of orders before full deployment
Creating Your First Automation Rule
- Access Rule Creation
In the Automations interface, click Create New Rule (or similar button)
Choose your rule type from the available options
- Define Rule Conditions
Set the criteria that will trigger this rule
Weight-Based Rules
Minimum weight: Orders over X pounds
Maximum weight: Orders under X pounds
Weight range: Orders between X and Y pounds
Destination-Based Rules
Specific states, regions, or ZIP codes
ZIP code ranges or specific postal codes
Regional delivery zones
Order Value Rules
Minimum order value for free shipping
High-value orders requiring signature confirmation
Insurance requirements based on order total
- Configure Actions
Define what happens when the rule conditions are met
Carrier Selection
Assign specific carriers (USPS, UPS, FedEx)
Set carrier preferences for different scenarios
Service Level Assignment
Ground shipping for standard orders
Priority/Express for expedited orders
Overnight services for urgent deliveries
- Save and Activate
Review your rule configuration
Give your rule a descriptive name
Save the rule
Toggle the rule to "Active" status
Common Automation Rule Examples
Example 1: Weight-Based Carrier Selection
Rule Name: "Heavy Orders to UPS Ground"
Condition: Order weight > 5 pounds
Action: Assign UPS Ground service
Rationale: UPS often provides better rates for heavier packages
Example 2: Regional Order Routing
Rule Name: "West Coast Orders to USPS Priority"
Condition: Shipping address state in CA, OR, WA
Action: Assign USPS Priority Mail
Rationale: Consistent regional service with reliable tracking
Example 3: High-Value Order Protection
Rule Name: "Orders Over $100 Require Signature"
Condition: Order value > $100
Action: Add signature confirmation + insurance
Rationale: Protect high-value shipments from theft/loss
Best Practices for Shipping Automation
Rule Organization
Use clear, descriptive rule names
Group related rules together
Keep notes on rule purposes and changes
Review rules monthly for effectiveness
Performance Optimization
Place frequently-triggered rules at the top
Put specific rules before broad catch-all rules
Keep individual rules simple and focused
Always test rule changes before full deployment
Getting Help
If you need assistance with shipping automation rules
Contact LABL support through the help center
Use the in-platform chat for quick questions
Schedule a consultation for complex automation setups
Join the LABL community forums for peer advice
Shipping automation rules are a powerful tool for scaling your e-commerce operations efficiently. Start with simple rules and gradually build more sophisticated automation as you become comfortable with the system.