How to set up combined shipping rates in WooCommerce

Combine (add up) all matching shipping methods into one charge at checkout. This is useful when you need to stack fees (e.g., Standard + Bulky + Signature) instead of making customers pick only one.

What is the feature?

Force all shipping methods — whenever multiple shipping methods match a cart, the store sums their prices and shows one combined line at checkout.

Why is it required?

• Stack mandatory surcharges (bulky, fragile, remote area).
• Keep pricing transparent with one total instead of several lines.
• Avoid under-charging when more than one rule should apply.

How to configure (quick steps)

Path: Settings → General settings

1. Open Settings → General settings in your shipping plugin/admin.

2. Find the Show type of shipping method and select Force all shipping methods.

   (If available) Choose a combination scope:

   • Combine both: Core WooCommerce + plugin methods
   • Plugin only: Combine only this plugin’s methods
   • Combine all: Combine everything that matches
3. Set a Custom label (e.g., “Combined Shipping & Handling”).
4. Save.

Front-end behavior

When a cart triggers several methods, checkout shows one line using your custom label, with the total = sum of all matched methods.

Examples

• Example A (US): Standard $12 + Bulky $18 → Combined = $30
• Example B (Core + Plugin): Local Pickup $2 + Country Rate $39 + Oversize $10 → Combined = $51
• Example C (Promo still stacks): Weekend Surcharge $4 + Express $19.99 → Combined = $23.99

Best practices

• Be intentional: Only enable “Force all” when stacked fees are expected; otherwise, you might double-charge.
• Name it clearly: Use a label like “Combined Shipping & Handling” and add a tooltip if your plugin supports it.
• Avoid overlaps: Review rules so the same fee doesn’t match twice for similar conditions.
• Taxes: Check whether each method is taxable and retest totals.

FAQs

1) How does this relate to Lowest/Highest or Allow Customer to Choose?

They’re alternative modes. If you select Force all, don’t use Lowest/Highest/Choose—those conflict with combining.

2) Can I restrict what gets combined?

Yes—use the scope option (plugin only / both / all) and refine each method with conditions (zone, state/ZIP, subtotal, weight, class).

3) What if Free Shipping matches too?

If Free Shipping should not be part of the sum, hide it with conditions (e.g., by country or subtotal) or exclude it by scope.

4) Will this work across zones?

A combination happens for all methods that match the cart within the active zone. Use clear zone/method conditions to control applicability.