MyOrderDesk has the ability to suggest a packing layout which is used with shipping integrations to receive live shipping rates not only based on weight but dimensions as well.

To accomplish this you will need to set up a Shipping Method that relies on information in the section Real-time 3rd Party Shipping and configure your Shipping Containers. (Admin > Shopping Cart > Shipping Rates).

Shipping Containers

Editing and Adding Shipping Containers

To be able to pack the items you need to have shipping containers configured. These will be the containers the items ordered get packed into. Our system will suggest the most logical packing method that receives the best rate from the shipping provider.

To add new shipping containers go to the setting for your Real-time 3rd Party Shipping, select a provider, and then locate the Edit Shipping Container button. From here you can click Add New Container. This will allow you to enter the dimensions of your packing container and the Max Weight supported.

Box Packing

There are three methods available to pack jobs based on what it is you are shipping. When using Box Packing, you will want to create four QwikPrice fields for Length, Width, Height, and Weight on your order form to describe the item. Refer to the examples and the screenshot explaining how to map the field below:

Box Packing - Single Item

This is used when the dimensions of the item do not change based on the Quantity being ordered or dimensions aren’t being used (only weight). Example: Let's say you sell pens, and you ship those pens in a particular container. It does not matter how many pens are ordered. Note: This example assumes you know the maximum number of pens that can fit in the container and you do not allow your customer to order more than what will fit. 

Box packing - Quantity Each

This is used when the Quantity being ordered causes multiple items, as defined by Length, Width, Height, Weight to be packed. Quantity should be a smaller number that can easily be packed into a box, something like promotional items (ie: Cups). The system will pack the number of items specified by quantity. If you find that your shipping method is reporting an error and can't pack after a certain quantity, the Quantity Bundled Box Packing option would be suggested.

Box Packing - Quantity Bundled

This is used when the Quantity ordered is a large number of small items that would be tedious to pack individually, for example, sheets of paper (flyers). To use this you will want to set your dimensions to a bundle size and define a number of Items per Bundle. This is a QwikPrice variable field that you can create, similar to the dimensions of the item. A bundle might be something like the amount of paper in a ream (8.5 x 11 x 2.5 @4lbs). The system will add an additional item for each quantity divided by the bundle and round-up for partial bundles. For example, with a bundle of 500 and an item quantity of 1,250, this will add two full size items and a 3rd partial item. Partial items can also have a partial dimension, this will typically be weight as having less product makes the bundles lighter.