Weight based Shipping Rules
Weight-based Flat Rate Shipping
Why use weight-based shipping
If you ship products by air, shipping cost often depends on how heavy the cart is. Use the weight rules to charge a simple flat fee for each weight range. This keeps pricing fair for light and heavy orders.
Tip: Set your store’s weight unit in WooCommerce → Settings → Products → Measurements. Use lb or kg to match your catalog.
Create a weight-based shipping method
Requirement
We want these example rates:
- 0–5 lb → $23
- 5.01–10 lb → $19
You can add more ranges for heavier carts if needed.
Steps
- Go to WooCommerce → Settings → Shipping → Shipping zones.
- Open your zone and add shipping method → Dotstore Flat Rate Shipping.
Edit the method. Add a clear Label that customers will see at checkout.
Open each Weight Rule and add rows:
- From 0 to 5 lb → $23
- From 5.01 to 10 lb → $19
- Save.
Example 1 — Show this method only for light carts (≤ 5 lb)
Enter the maximum cart weight at which this shipping method should be available.
If you set it to 5 lb, the method will be visible only when the total cart weight is 5 lb or less.
For any cart over 5 lb, the method is hidden.
Quick checks
- Cart weight 4.8 lb → method shown
- Cart weight 5.0 lb → method shown
- Cart weight 5.1 lb → method hidden
Example 2 — Show this method only for heavier carts (≥ 5 lb)
Set the Minimum Cart Weight at which this shipping method becomes available.
If you set it to 5 lb, the method appears only when the total cart weight is 5 lb or more.
For any cart under 5 lb, the method is hidden.
Quick checks
- Cart weight 4.9 lb → method hidden
- Cart weight 5.0 lb → method shown
- Cart weight 7.2 lb → method shown
When to use
Use this to skip the shipping charge for very light orders. Many stores pair this with another method for light carts, such as free shipping or local pickup.
You can view the front demo as per below:
Example 3 — Show this method only for a specific weight range (5–10 lb)
Set both Minimum Cart Weight and Maximum Cart Weight to create a range.
For example, set Min = 5 lb and Max = 10 lb, and set the Cost = $19.
The method appears only when the total cart weight is between 5 and 10 lb (inclusive).
Quick checks
- 4.9 lb → method hidden
- 5.0 lb → method shown ($19)
- 9.8 lb → method shown ($19)
- 10.0 lb → method shown ($19)
- 10.1 lb → method hidden
When to use
Use ranges to price light, medium, and heavy carts differently. Create separate methods for each range (e.g., 0–5 lb, 5–10 lb, 10+ lb) so fees stay predictable.
Tip: Avoid gaps or overlaps between ranges (e.g., use 0–5, 5–10, 10–20 or use decimals like 0–5, 5.01–10, 10.01–20). Confirm your weight unit (lb or kg) in WooCommerce → Settings → Products → Measurements.
You can view the front demo as per below:
