Setting Default Values for Shipments
Default values for Shipments can be defined for Carriers. Examples of Shipment default options include a telephone number, the package weight, the payment zip code, and setting the Shipment as COD, among others.
Note: Default Shipment values can also be defined for web stores.
Default Shipment values should be defined when they apply to all or most of your Shipments. If certain Shipment settings are used frequently, but not always, consider creating a Shipment template.
The default values for Shipments are applied automatically when New Shipment is selected. To define default values for new Shipments, display the Shipment Defaults page for the Carrier account (SETTINGS > select the Carrier or web store account > Shipment Defaults). For example:
The Shipment Defaults page is displayed for the selected account.
The Shipment default values you specify are applied to new Shipments automatically for the Carrier account. Because settings (e.g., Weight, Service, Declared Value, etc.) can be changed by the shipper, these settings are applied once. Changing the shipping account will not change these values once they are set.
Note: The settings in a Shipment imported from the e-commerce system are not replaced by the Shipment default values. For example, if the item in a Shipment from the e-commerce system has a Weight of 3, the Weight will not be changed to the default Weight setting, such as 5.
Tip: Use Presets or Automation Rules for the quick application of standard weights, dimensions, Services, etc.
Available Shipment Defaults
There are many default options for Shipment settings. Most of the fields for setting the default values include an information icon: . Hover on the icon to display details about the field or checkbox.
A few of the default Shipment settings options include:
Phone number: Printed on the label for many shipping services
Shipping Service
Packaging
Weight
Declared Value
Set Shipment as COD
Signature Confirmation
Reference Field Merge Codes
If the reference comes through blank, the following merge codes can be used:
%OrderNum% |
Order Number |
%OrderDateTime% |
Order placed at Date and Time |
%OrderDate% |
Order Date |
%Total% |
|
%ExternalNum% |
|
%AlternativeOrderNum% |
Varies by e-commerce system. For QuickBooks Desktop, this is the plain invoice or sales order number. |
%BuyerId% |
|
%ItemID% |
|
%ItemQuantity% |
|
%ItemSKU% |
The SKU value from eBay. If eBay Selling Manager Pro, Blackthorne, or a similar tool is used that populates the eBay SKU field. If not using Selling Manager Pro, it is the Custom Label field. |
%ItemSKUS% |
All SKUs in order. Up to 28 characters of SKUs will flow (e.g., if there is data that does not fit, the text will say: AND MORE), separated by a semicolon. For example:
or, if there is more than 28 characters of data, this prints:
|
%ItemSKUSNQTY% |
All SKUs in order with quantities. Up to 28 characters total (e.g. if there is data that does not fit, the text will say: AND MORE). For example:
if there is more data that will not fit:
|
%ItemTitle% |
Item Title/Description |
%ItemTitleLast15% |
Last 15 characters of the item Title/Description |
%ItemTitleLast1Word% |
Last word of the item Title/Description |
%ItemTitleLast2Word% |
Last 2 words of the item Title/Description |
%ItemTitleLast3Word% |
Last 3 words of the item Title/Description |
%Notes% |
Contents of the Order Notes field. |
Setting Default Values for International Shipments
Default values for International shipments can be defined for each Carrier, such as the Service, Description of Goods, Terms of Shipment, Reason for Export, and IOSS Number. The specified default values are entered automatically when you add a new Shipment. For example, if your reason for export is almost always repair, set Reason for Export to "REPAIR", so it is entered automatically.
To set default International shipment values:
Display the Shipment Defaults page for the Carrier account (SETTINGS > select the Carrier account > Shipment Defaults). For example:
The Shipment Defaults page is displayed for the selected Carrier account.Scroll to International Defaults. The available options vary, depending on the selected shipping Carrier.
-
Enter or select any of the value options for International defaults. A few of the fields are explained below:
Service: The shipping Service you use most often for export shipping. The selected Service will be the default for International shipments.
Description of Goods: The description of goods for customs. Typically, the description is simple, such as "printer parts" or "consumer electronics".
FTR Exemption: Foreign Trade Regulations exemption.
Tax ID (EIN): Some shipments require your Employer ID Number.
International Defaults for U.S. Postal Export Shipping
Shipping Service
Customs Signer (pre-fills the signature on the label)
Customs Form (nearly all shipments automatically print on the correct form)
Postal-Related Customs Settings
If you have questions about International shipping, call the Postal Service Customer Service, and ask for the international shipping/export team.
Note: The information in this section is for informational purposes only and is subject to change. Authoritative information can be found at the Census Department and related web sites.
When shipping USPS, these items must be completed:
Content Type
Quantity
Weight
Value
Optional information:
HS Tariff / Schedule B Number (aka Harmonized System Codes)
License Number
Certificate Number
Invoice Number
EEL/FPC
Tip: Questions on completing the paperwork should be directed to the Postal Service. Descartes ShipRush Web support is not able to answer detailed export questions. Information on customs forms can be found online. See this USPS page for important information.
Looking Up Schedule B (AKA HS Tariff) Numbers
When looking up Schedule B numbers, use the:
Big list at census.gov
"Friendly search" feature at 3ceonline.com
FTR (FTSR) Exception Code
An FTR (FTSR) Exception code should be used when EEI is not required. The FTR code clarifies why EEI is not required. The codes refer to specific sections in the FTSR (Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations) and are listed in the FTR Code Table. If the International shipment has commercial value, either an FTR exception code or a transaction number for filing EEI directly with AESDirect.gov, should be included.
See Advanced Export Information for more information on EEI and related information.
If you have questions about FTSR/FTR or another aspect of International shipping, contact FedEx at 1-800-GO-FEDEX or UPS at 1-800-PICK-UPS. Ask for the International shipping/export team.
FTR Code Table
FedEx FTR Codes Effective September 2008: This chart for comparison purposes only. Please refer to Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 15, Part 30, Subpart D for the official list of FTR Exemption codes and definitions.
Note: A Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) exemption does not apply to:
(1) Shipments requiring an export license or permit;
(2) Shipments of rough diamonds;
(3) Commodities subject to ITAR (including ITAR exemptions);
(4) Shipments to proscribed countries listed in Country Group E (EAR 15 CFR 740). As of 7-25-08, these countries include Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria. FedEx does not service any of these countries from the U.S. An Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing is required, regardless of the value, under these circumstances.
Exemption |
Exemption Explanation |
NO EEI 30.2 (d) (2) |
Exclusion for shipments outbound from U.S. or U.S. Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico, to the following U.S. territories: American Samoa/AS, Guam/GU, and Northern Mariana Islands/MP. Also applies to shipments from U.S. Virgin Islands to Puerto Rico or U.S. |
NO EEI 30.36 |
Exemption for shipments originating in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico when country code is US) destined to Canada.
Note: Exemption does not apply to shipments sent for storage in Canada that are ultimately destined for third countries (the third country edits apply). |
NO EEI 30.37 (a) |
Exemption for shipments valued at USD $2,500 or less per Schedule B/HTSUSA classification for commodities shipped from one USPPI to one consignee on a single export carrier. |
NO EEI 30.37 (e) |
Exemption for shipments transported inbond through the U.S. for export to a third country and exported from another U.S. port or transshipped and exported directly from the port of arrival never having made entry into the U.S.
Note: If entry for consumption or warehousing in the U.S. is made, then an EEI is required if goods are then exported to a third country from the U.S. This exemption is generally used only by FedEx. |
NO EEI 30.37 (f) |
Exemption for export of technology and software as defined in EAR 15 CFR 772 that does not require an export license.
Note: EEI is required for mass-market software, which is defined as software that is generally available to the public by being sold at retail selling points, or directly from the software developer or supplier, by various means (i.e., over-the-counter, mail-order, telephone, electronic) and designed for installation by the user without further substantial technical support by the developer or supplier. |
NO EEI 30.37 (g) |
Exemption for shipments to foreign libraries, government establishments, or similar institutions, as provided in FTR Subpart D 30.40(d). |
NO EEI 30.37 (h) |
Exemption for shipments authorized under License Exception GFT for gift parcels and humanitarian donations (EAR 15 CFR 740.12). |
NO EEI 30.37 (i) |
Exemption for diplomatic pouches and their contents. |
NO EEI 30.37 (j) |
Exemption for human remains and accompanying receptacles and flowers. |
NO EEI 30.37 (k) |
Exemption for shipments of interplant correspondence, executed invoices and other documents of company business records from a U.S. firm to its subsidiary or affiliate. (This excludes highly technical plans, correspondence, etc. that could be licensed.) |
2008 FINAL FTR Exemptions
Exemption |
Exemption Explanation |
NO EEI 30.37 (o) |
Exemption of shipments of aircraft parts, equipment, provisions and supplies for use on aircraft by a U.S. airline to its own installation and aircraft. [EAR license exception (AVS) for aircraft and vessels 15 CFR 740.15(c).] |
NO EEI 30.37 (q) |
Exemption of temporary exports, whether shipped or hand carried that are exported from and returned to the U.S. within one year (12 months) from date of export. |
NO EEI 30.37 (r) |
Exemption of goods previously imported under Temporary Import Bond for return in the same condition as when imported, including:
Note: Goods that were imported under bond for processing and re-exportation are not covered by this exemption. |
NO EEI 30.37 (s) |
Exemption for banknotes and securities, and coins in circulation exported as evidence of financial claims.
Note: EEI must be filed for unissued bank notes and securities and coins not in circulation. |
NO EEI 30.37 (t) |
Exemption of documents used in international transactions, documents moving out of the U.S. to facilitate international transactions including airline tickets, internal revenue stamps, liquor stamps, and advertising literature. |
NO EEI 30.39 |
Special exemptions for shipments consigned to the U.S. Armed Services for their exclusive use, including shipments to armed services exchange systems.
Note: Exemption does not apply to shipments not consigned to the U.S. Armed Services, regardless of whether they may be for their ultimate use. |
NO EEI 30.40 (a) |
Special exemption for office furniture, office equipment, and office supplies shipped to and for the exclusive use of U.S. government offices. |
NO EEI 30.40 (b) |
Special exemption for household goods and personal property shipped to and for the exclusive and personal use of U.S. government employees. |
NO EEI 30.40 (c) |
Special exemption for food, medicines, and related items and other commissary supplies shipped to U.S. government offices or employees for the exclusive use of such employees, or to U.S. government employee cooperatives or other associates for subsequent sale or other distribution to such employees. |
NO EEI 30.40 (d) |
Special exemption for books, maps, charts, pamphlets and similar articles shipped by U.S. government offices to U.S. or foreign libraries, government establishment, or similar institutions. |
Setting Default Values for Commodity
Default values for Commodity can be defined for Carriers. Examples of Commodity default options include Description, Commodity Code, Quantity, Weight, and Country of Origin. The default values you specify are entered automatically when you add a new Commodity to a Shipment. For example, if your company mostly ships items made in Mexico, set Country of Origin to "Mexico", so it is entered automatically.
To set default Commodity values:
Display the Shipment Defaults page for the Carrier account (SETTINGS > select the Carrier account > Shipment Defaults). For example:
The Shipment Defaults page is displayed for the selected Carrier account.Scroll to Commodity Defaults.
Enter or select any of the value options for Commodity default.