What are allocation rules?

Allocation rules define the logic Ship uses to determine which carrier service should allocate to a shipment.

These rules let you apply specific criteria to your carrier services, ensuring that shipments are automatically allocated to the most suitable carrier based on your business logic.

Why use allocation rules?

Allocation rules automate the selection of the most appropriate carrier service for each shipment. This helps optimise delivery performance, reduce costs, and improve operational consistency.

For example:

  • Allocate lightweight parcels to an economy service to lower shipping costs.
  • Send high-value orders using a premium, tracked service for greater security.
  • Restrict hazardous or regulated goods to approved carriers only.

Once defined, allocation rules form the foundation of your automated allocation workflows. When used with the Consignments API, Ship can automatically applies these rules whenever a shipment is created, removing the need for manual carrier selection.

How to create / edit an allocation rule

Allocation rules are defined in the Ship user-interface on each carrier service:

  1. Go to Settings > Services.

  2. Select the carrier service you want to apply an allocation rule to.

  3. Select the Allocation rules button on the carrier service. You will be navigated to a page to manage the allocation rules of that carrier service.

  4. Add/edit any of the following values to create an allocation rule:

    • Package Dimensions

    • Value amounts

    • Allocation filter tags

    • Countries

  5. Hit Save when you’re happy with the rule(s) you’ve set.