Does ShipStation have automation rules?

ShipStation includes basic automation rules for simple actions. ShipExtension adds an advanced rule engine that runs conditional logic across whole batches of orders and reacts to conditions ShipStation can't see on its own.

What can ShipStation workflow automation do with ShipExtension?

You can match orders by customer, product, destination, tag, or even destination weather, then automatically tag them, add notes, set custom fields, adjust weight and dimensions, pick the right box, and rate-shop carriers — all in one pass.

How are ShipExtension automation rules different from ShipStation's?

They chain together so one rule builds on the last (for example, pick a box, then rate-shop that package), they respond to data ShipStation doesn't track like destination forecasts, and they can re-run on a schedule or in real time after import — while ShipStation's native rules fire once at import.

Can rules run automatically on new orders?

Yes. Rules can run on a schedule, across bulk batches, or in real time as orders arrive through a webhook, so new orders are processed without anyone pressing a button.

Will the rules change my orders in ShipStation?

Rules only modify the orders inside the groups you define, and only in the ways you configure. The rest of your ShipStation setup — stores, carriers, and untargeted orders — is left untouched.

Automation Rules

Advanced Automation Rules

Create sophisticated shipping rules that make complex decisions automatically. Set up conditional logic based on weight, dimensions, destination, customer type, and more to remove the repetitive manual decisions your team makes on every order. A single rule can right-size the box, rate-shop for the lowest-cost eligible service, generate a compliant packing slip, and sync the result to your other tools through integrations.

Start Free Trial View Pricing

Stop Making the Same Decisions Over and Over

This rule engine was built inside the founder's own operation — a 1,000–2,000-order-a-day ShipStation account where every decision below was somebody's manual job.

The right box, chosen by hand: Multi-item orders don't box themselves. Someone sized a package for each one so carriers weren't billed for shipping air.
The right carrier, shopped by hand: Each order compared against the right accounts for every dropshipper's setup — one order at a time, all day.
The right slip, edited by hand: Home Depot, Macy's, and Lowe's each dictate their own packing-slip spec, and a single miss is a scorecard ding or chargeback.

Rule Examples

Rules you can build

🏃‍♂️ Express Orders: IF order value > $200 AND customer tier = "VIP"
THEN use FedEx Overnight + signature required + branded packaging
📦 Fragile Items: IF product category = "Electronics" AND weight > 5lbs
THEN add bubble wrap + use reinforced box + UPS Ground with insurance
🌡️ Cold Weather Shipments: IF destination forecast < 40°F AND product = "live plants"
THEN add heat pack + use insulated box + upgrade to 2-day shipping
💰 Cost Optimization: IF order value < $50 AND not express delivery
THEN find the lowest-cost eligible service + use smallest possible box

Powerful Rule Engine Features

Conditional Logic: Complex IF/THEN statements with AND/OR operators for sophisticated decision trees
Multi-Factor Rules: Consider weight, dimensions, destination, customer type, product category, and more
Real-Time Processing: Rules typically execute in milliseconds as orders come in, no delays or batch processing
Rule Analytics: Track which rules fire most often and optimize your automation logic
Dry Run Testing: Preview what changes rules will make before applying them to live orders
Rule Priorities: Set rule execution order and fallbacks for complex scenarios

Automation Results

The figures below come from the operation ShipExtension was built inside — not projections.

1,000–2,000

Orders processed per day

3–4 hrs

Of daily in-ShipStation prep removed

$1–3

Average saved per order by rate shopping*

Big-box violations or chargebacks

Figures from PPC International, the founder's own operation — no extrapolation. *Rate-shopping savings measured against orders shipped without rate shopping; if you already pay for ShipStation's built-in rate-shopping tier, expect less.

How It Works

From connected account to automated orders in three steps

Connect ShipStation

ShipExtension links to ShipStation over its API and reads your orders, stores, tags, and products — no change to your setup.

Build a rule

Set conditions — customer, product, destination, tag, even destination weather — and the actions that follow. Chain as many as you need.

Run automatically

Rules run on a schedule, across bulk batches, or in real time via webhook, writing every change straight back to ShipStation.

Doing it in ShipStation vs ShipExtension

Automating a shipping decision

ShipStation

Static if-this-then-that rules, limited to the data ShipStation already stores

ShipExtension

Chained, conditional rules that react to weather and other external data and run on a schedule or webhook

Rules that actually decide

FAQ

ShipStation automation rules FAQ

Does ShipStation have automation rules?: ShipStation includes basic automation rules for simple actions. ShipExtension adds an advanced rule engine that runs conditional logic across whole batches of orders and reacts to conditions ShipStation can't see on its own.
What can ShipStation workflow automation do with ShipExtension?: You can match orders by customer, product, destination, tag, or even destination weather, then automatically tag them, add notes, set custom fields, adjust weight and dimensions, pick the right box, and rate-shop carriers — all in one pass.
How are ShipExtension automation rules different from ShipStation's?: They chain together so one rule builds on the last (for example, pick a box, then rate-shop that package), they respond to data ShipStation doesn't track like destination forecasts, and they can re-run on a schedule or in real time after import — while ShipStation's native rules fire once at import.
Can rules run automatically on new orders?: Yes. Rules can run on a schedule, across bulk batches, or in real time as orders arrive through a webhook, so new orders are processed without anyone pressing a button.
Will the rules change my orders in ShipStation?: Rules only modify the orders inside the groups you define, and only in the ways you configure. The rest of your ShipStation setup — stores, carriers, and untargeted orders — is left untouched.

Ready to automate your shipping decisions?

Start creating intelligent automation rules that handle complex shipping logic

Start Free Trial View pricing