How to choose shipping method for default selected on cart or checkout page

By default, WooCommerce automatically selects the first available shipping method in a zone during checkout. But in many cases, you may want to control which method is pre-selected (e.g., set Flat Rate instead of Free Shipping).

With WooCommerce core settings and the Flat Rate Shipping Plugin, you can set a preferred default shipping method for better checkout control.

Why choose a default shipping method?

• Better conversions: Customers don’t abandon checkout due to confusing options.
• Upsell shipping services: Highlight express or premium shipping by default.
• Customer convenience: Saves time by auto-selecting the most used or cost-effective option.
• Transparency: Ensures the right method appears without requiring manual selection.

Configuration steps

1. Select the default shipping method

• Go to Dashboard → Dotstore → Flat Rate Shipping
• Add shipping methods (Flat Rate, Free Shipping, Local Pickup).

• Edit any shipping method and select the "Default Selected Shipping?" option radio button to Yes.

  

2. Save changes

• Click Save Changes.

• Go to checkout and test.

  

Two real examples

Example 1: Flat Rate as default

• Shipping methods: Free Shipping, Flat Rate ($10), Local Pickup.
• You reorder, so Flat Rate is at the top.
• Checkout result: Flat Rate $10 is selected by default; the customer can switch to Free Shipping if desired.

Example 2: Default based on user role

• Rule: If User Role = Subscriber, default = Free Shipping.
• Rule: If User Role = Guest, default = Flat Rate ($8).
• Checkout result: Logged-in subscribers see Free Shipping pre-selected, while guests see Flat Rate.

Expected outcome

By setting a default shipping method, WooCommerce will automatically highlight your preferred option at checkout. Customers save time, checkout flow is smoother, and you can strategically promote certain shipping methods.