Turn14 Shipping Methods and Fallback Rules

Every Turn14 order goes through a quote first. Turn14 sends back the shipping options it can offer for that order, and Spark Shipping picks one based on how you mapped your store's shipping methods. This article lists the methods you can map and what happens when the one you picked isn't offered.

Where to map Turn14 shipping methods

1. Go to Vendors and click your Turn14 vendor.
2. Click Shipping Methods in the left menu.
3. In the Shipping Method Mapping panel, click Add Field for each shipping method your store uses:
   • Site Code: the shipping method name exactly as it appears on orders from your store.
   • Vendor Code: the Turn14 method to use for it (pick from the dropdown).
   • Min. Weight (Oz) and Max. Weight (Oz): optional. Use them when the same store method should go out differently depending on the order weight.
4. Set the Default Shipping Method. It's used for any order whose shipping method doesn't match a row.
5. Click Update Turn14.

For more on mapping in general, see Shipping Methods - How to Map Them.

Dynamic methods

Dynamic methods don't name a carrier. Spark Shipping looks at the quote Turn14 returns for that order and picks a method from it. They show in the dropdown as Dynamic - ...

"Cheapest" day methods use Turn14's transit estimate, which isn't a delivery guarantee. "Service Level" methods use the carrier's own service. Understanding "Cheapest" vs. "Service Level" Shipping Options explains the difference.

If the quote has nothing that fits a dynamic method (for example no option arrives within 1 day), the order goes into error with SHIPPING METHOD ERROR in the log. Change the mapping or process the order with a different method.

Static methods

Static methods are specific carrier services from your Turn14 account. They show as Static - [service name] ([code]). The list is filled in when you click Test Connection on the Credentials page, so run it once if the dropdown only shows dynamic methods.

When the mapped method isn't offered

Turn14 doesn't quote every service for every order. What happens next depends on how the order was mapped:

• No mapping and no default: Spark Shipping uses the cheapest option in the quote. This only happens until you first save the Shipping Methods page: saving always stores a Default Shipping Method (Dynamic - Best is first in the list), so pick the default you want.
• Dynamic method: see above. If nothing fits, the order goes into error.
• Static method that wasn't quoted: the When the mapped shipping method is not available for an order setting decides. It's in the Shipping Method Advanced Options panel on the same page:
  • Ship the cheapest available method (current behavior): the default. The order is sent with the cheapest option, and the log says the mapped method wasn't available.
  • Ship the cheapest method quoted to arrive as fast as the mapped method: if you mapped a next-day, two-day or three-day service, Spark Shipping picks the cheapest option Turn14 estimates will arrive in that many days or fewer. This uses Turn14's estimate, not a guarantee. Ground, freight and other services without a fixed transit time keep the default behavior.
  • Put the order in Error: the order isn't sent. This stops the whole order, including items that would ship from another warehouse.

Other settings that change the method used

• Exclude Hybrid Last Mile Shipping Options (SurePost/SmartPost) (Shipping Methods page): Best and Cheapest often pick a hybrid service where the local post office makes the final delivery. Check this to skip those. If SurePost is the only option Turn14 quotes, the order goes into error instead.
• Combine In & Out of Stock (Options page, Shipping section): when checked, Turn14 waits and ships the order complete. When unchecked, in-stock items ship right away and backordered items ship when they're available.

Still seeing errors? Turn14 FAQ & Common Errors covers the shipping messages Turn14 returns, such as an account not being allowed to use a shipping option.