Shipping rule examples

In short

Most shipping rules are one action on one rate plus a location or cart condition. These examples give the exact settings for the setups merchants ask about most.

Applies to

All Shopify plans
Shopify rates and carrier-calculated rates

Doesn't apply to

Shopify POS

Every example uses the same steps: Explore All Rules → Create Rule, choose the action and Shipping, enter the rate name exactly as checkout shows it, add the condition, set Rule Status to Activated, and Save.

Always leave one rate standing

If a hide rule removes every rate for some carts, those customers cannot check out. Test a cart that should still have options.

Hide Express Shipping for selected countries

Setting	Value
Action	Hide
Shipping method	Express Shipping
Condition	Shipping country → Is one of → the countries to exclude

Starting point: the Hide Free Shipping for selected countries template has the same shape — change the rate name.

Rename Standard Shipping

Setting	Value
Action	Rename
Original method	Standard Shipping
New name	Standard Delivery - 5-7 Days
Condition	None

Adding the delivery time answers the question customers actually have. Template: Rename Standard to Economy.

Put Free Shipping first

Setting	Value
Action	Reorder
Shipping methods	Free Shipping, plus any rates it should go above
Display Order	Free Shipping at the top
Condition	None

Template: Move Free Shipping to top.

Move Express Shipping above Standard

Setting	Value
Action	Reorder
Shipping methods	Express Shipping, Standard Shipping
Display Order	Express Shipping first

Promoting a rate usually makes it the preselected option too — check which one is selected when you test.

Only free shipping above a cart value

Setting	Value
Action	Hide
Shipping methods	Your paid rates
Condition	Cart subtotal → Greater than or equal → your free-shipping threshold

Local pickup for local customers only

Setting	Value
Action	Hide
Shipping method	Local Pickup
Condition	Shipping ZIP / postal code → Is not one of → your local codes

Test every shipping rule

Check out with an address or cart that should trigger the rule — confirm the change.
Check out with one that should not — your normal rates are intact.

Frequently asked

What if a hide rule removes every rate?

The customer cannot complete checkout. Always test a cart that should still have at least one rate.

Does renaming change the rate in order emails?

No. The new name appears at checkout only. Emails, packing slips and the admin keep the original.

Still stuck? Email support — we usually reply within a few hours.