Advanced Shipping Price Rules - Cost on Shipping class subtotal

The Shipping Cost on Shipping Class Subtotal option under Advanced Shipping Price Rules allows you to calculate shipping charges based on the subtotal value of products assigned to specific shipping classes.

For example:

• Standard products (shipping class) → $10 shipping if subtotal < $100.
• Fragile products (shipping class) → $20 shipping if subtotal < $200.

This gives store owners the flexibility to define different shipping fees for different product groups, based on order value.

Why use shipping cost on shipping class subtotal rules?

• Smarter control: Apply separate shipping rules for fragile, bulky, or premium products.
• Fair costs: Charge shipping based on the actual subtotal of a shipping class rather than the whole cart.
• Flexibility: Create multiple tiers per shipping class (e.g., free shipping over $300).
• Customer clarity: Show transparent charges tied to specific product categories.

Configuration steps

1. Access advanced shipping rules

• Go to Dashboard → Dotstore → Flat Rate Shipping.
• Add a new shipping method.
• Scroll down to the section Advanced Shipping Price Rules.

2. Add cost on shipping class subtotal rule

• Find the Cost on Shipping Class Subtotal section.
• Click Add New Rule.

3. Define rule conditions

Each rule can include:

• Shipping class → Choose the shipping class (e.g., Standard, Fragile, Heavy).
• Minimum subtotal → Lowest subtotal value for that shipping class.
• Maximum subtotal → Highest subtotal value for that shipping class.
• Shipping amount → Enter the fee to be applied.

4. Add multiple rules

• Example setup:
  • Fragile class subtotal $0–$200 → $20 shipping
  • Fragile class subtotal $201–$400 → $30 shipping

  • Fragile class subtotal $401+ → Free shipping

    

5. Save and test

• Click Save Changes.

• Add products from different shipping classes to your cart and check whether the correct rule applies.

  

Two real examples

Example 1: Fragile vs. standard products

• Rule 1: Fragile products subtotal $0–$200 → $20 shipping

  Rule 2: Standard products subtotal $0–$100 → $10 shipping

  Checkout result:

  • Cart with fragile products worth $150 → $20 shipping
  • Cart with standard products worth $80 → $10 shipping

Example 2: Free shipping for high-value class subtotal

• Rule 1: Heavy products subtotal $0–$300 → $25 shipping

  Rule 2: Heavy products subtotal $301+ → Free shipping

  Checkout result:

  • Customer buys heavy products worth $250 → $25 shipping
  • Customer buys heavy products worth $400 → Free shipping

Expected outcome

Once configured, WooCommerce will calculate shipping costs based on the subtotal of products within specific shipping classes. This ensures transparent pricing, protects your profit margins, and allows you to create targeted shipping incentives for certain product groups.