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How to Set a Route Mode Metafield in Shopify for Shipifi


How to Set a Route Mode Metafield in Shopify for Shipifi



Use the Route Mode metafield to tell Shipifi exactly how to handle packing/rating for a specific product or variant. This helps you control whether we auto‑pack, ship directly on a pallet, or send the item as‑is.




Step 1: Go to Custom Data Settings



  1. Log in to your Shopify Admin.
  2. Click Settings (bottom‑left).
  3. Select Custom data.
  4. Click Variants (recommended; use Products only if all variants share the same behavior).




Step 2: Create a New Custom Field (Metafield Definition)



  1. Click Add definition (top‑right).
  2. Set Name to Route Mode.
  3. Under Type, choose Single line text.
  4. Click Save.




Step 3: Add a Route Mode Value to a Product/Variant



  1. Go to Products in Shopify.
  2. Open the product → select the Variant you want to configure.
  3. Scroll to Metafields and find Route Mode.
  4. Enter one of the following values exactly (lowercase, underscore):
    • direct_pallet — Skip boxing; stack directly on a pallet using your pallet defaults in Shipifi Package settings.
    • as_is — Send the variant’s own dimensions/weight as the final shipment dimensions (no extra packaging or palletization). Be sure your dimension metafield is filled in.
    • If value is left blank, our algorithm will assume your are using our SmartPak feature and determine the best package to place the product in.
  1. Click Save.





What each Route Mode does



  • smartpack (triggers if no value is added)
    • Best for most standard items.
    • Shipifi selects optimal packaging (boxes and/or palletization) to produce the most accurate rates.
  • direct_pallet
    • Ideal for bulky/stackable items that always ship on a pallet (e.g., tires, engines, appliances).
    • Uses your pallet defaults from Shipifi Checkout Settings → Rate Logic.
    • If total stack height exceeds your maximum, Shipifi will split onto multiple pallets.
  • as_is
    • Perfect for oversized one‑piece items (e.g., a sofa) where the product dimensions are the final ship size.
    • Requires your product Dimensions metafield (e.g., Width x Height x Depth) and weight to be present.



Tip: If your item is always shipped one specific way, set Route Mode at the product level instead of variant. Otherwise, use variants for precise control.




Examples



  • Sofa: Route Mode = as_is

Make sure the dimension metafield is set (e.g., 84x36x28) and weight is accurate.

  • Tire: Route Mode = direct_pallet

We’ll place tires directly on a pallet using your pallet defaults.

  • Small boxed goods: Route Mode is left blank

Shipifi will choose optimal boxes and may combine items.





Bulk Edit (time‑saver)



  1. In Products, select multiple variants.
  2. Click Bulk edit.
  3. Add the Route Mode column (Columns → Metafields → Route Mode).
  4. Fill in values (smartpack, direct_pallet, as_is) and Save.





Common Questions



Do I have to set this on every product?

No. If left blank, Shipifi will use the default smartpack behavior.


What if I mistype the value?

Typos or values other than the three listed above may be ignored or fall back to default behavior. Use lowercase and underscores exactly as shown.


Where do I change pallet defaults?

Open the Shipifi app → Settings → Packages → Pallet and adjust pallet base size and max height.


Does Route Mode affect rates at Shopify checkout?

Yes. Route Mode influences how Shipifi calculates shipping for each line item when quoting LTL and parcel at checkout.






  • Add Product Dimensions in Shopify for Shipifi (recommended for as_is): paste link to your dimensions article
  • Configure Pallet Defaults (Rate Logic): paste link to your pallet defaults article




Updated on: {{today’s date}}


If you need help setting this up, chat with us in the app or email support@shipifi.com.

Updated on: 06/11/2025

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