WooCommerce has long been the most popular eCommerce plugin for WordPress sites. It’s a well-maintained, flexible, easy-to-use option for retailers of all sizes as they fulfill orders. It’s also one of the best loved shipping platforms in the WordPress community—especially when supported by an advanced shipping plugin.

Because high shipping costs are one of the most common reasons customers abandon their cart, free shipping is attractive, but it’s also not feasible for many small business owners  who can’t afford to take on those expenses.

Advanced shipping plugins are a way that site developers are improving user experiences, even when offering free shipping isn’t an option. Implementing an advanced shipping plugin allows site owners to increase transparency surrounding shipping costs and shipment tracking, create custom shipping methods that calculate rates based on multiple factors, and access quality logistics support.

There are plenty of advanced shipping plugin options available, and this list likely includes one that will suit the needs of your online store. Read on for quick information on 8 of the best WooCommerce advanced shipping plugins for WordPress builders (including free options)!

Table Rate Shipping Method for WooCommerce by Flexible Shipping

This plugin by Octolize allows site owners to calculate shipping costs based on both weight and cart total. The free version is great, or you can opt for the PRO version (starting at $89 annually) for extra features like coupon support, the ability to hide or display shipping methods, and a display that shows customers how much more they’d need to spend in your shop to be granted free shipping.

Advanced Shipment Tracking for WooCommerce

Advanced Shipment Tracking (AST) allows users to easily add tracking information, including notifications when orders are “partially shipped” if they had to be split into separate packages. It also allows retailers to import CSV files from the warehouse or dropshipper to their interface which enters tracking numbers in bulk, saving time on the repetitive work of copying and pasting tracking numbers into individual orders. For additional features, AST PRO plans start at $129 per year.

AfterShip Tracking

This all-in-one order tracking system comes with a user-friendly smart dashboard that allows users to filter shipments, track whether deliveries show up on time, and set clear expectations with your customers by setting up promised delivery dates for different delivery methods. The automated email and text notifications and branded order tracking page also help to increase transparency and build trust between your customers and your brand.

Order Delivery Date for WooCommerce

This free plugin increases shipping flexibility by allowing customers to select a delivery date right on their checkout page. Site owners can then set maximum deliveries per day, block certain delivery dates and times, edit customer-set delivery dates, notify customers about changes, and more. Check out this live demo to see the plugin in action!

WooCommerce Cart Based Shipping

This simple, hassle-free, affordable plugin has three methods for calculating shipping costs: by subtotal, number of items in the cart, or total weight of all items in the cart. You’ll also have the ability to set minimum or maximum shipping requirements, customize the shipping label output, and more for just $12.

WooCommerce Advanced Shipping

The WooCommerce Advanced Shipping plugin comes with a wide array of customizable conditions you can use to calculate the most accurate and appropriate shipping costs for customers. You can include cart-based conditions like subtotals, taxes, coupons, or item weight; user-based conditions like zip code, state, or country; and product-based conditions like item dimensions or in-stock status.

WooCommerce Weight Based Shipping Plugin

When you supply items with a wide variance in weight, this plugin comes in handy. The free version provides basic functionality for calculating shipping costs mainly by (but not limited to) order weight. Upgrading to the Plus version ($19 per year) provides some additional functionality, like the ability to customize shipping clases and shipping zones.

Conditional Shipping for WooCommerce

Conditional Shipping for WooCommerce gives users the ability to restrict shipping methods based on seven conditions: product type, height, length, weight, width, volume, or order subtotal. The Pro version allows for even more conditional shipping changes, including shipping class, coupons, and customer roles. 

Get your site in ship shape

Any of these plugins would be a great addition for sellers that need assistance with calculating shipping costs, tracking orders, and creating a digital shopping experience that users love.

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