How to Set Route Mode Metafields in Shopify (LTL vs Small Parcel) for Shipduo

Shipduo now supports two Route Mode metafields so you can control how products are packed and rated depending on whether an order ships LTL (freight/pallet) or Small Parcel (SP).

• Route Mode LTL → used only when the order routes to LTL
• Route Mode SP → used only when the order routes to Small Parcel

Shipduo decides which mode to use based on your store’s cart weight threshold (example: under 150 lbs = Small Parcel, 150 lbs and up = LTL). Once the shipment type is determined, Shipduo uses the matching Route Mode metafield for each line item.

Strong recommendation: Use Shopify “Choice list (Single line text)”

When creating these metafields in Shopify, we strongly recommend using:

✅ Choice list (Single line text)

This gives you a dropdown with approved values (no typos, faster setup, consistent routing).

What you’ll create in Shopify

Create two metafield definitions (recommended at the Variant level):

1. Route Mode LTL (Choice list — Single line text)
2. Route Mode SP (Choice list — Single line text)

Tip: Use Variants if different variants ship differently. Use Products only if every variant shares the same behavior.

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)

Step 2: Create “Route Mode LTL” metafield definition

1. Click Add definition (top-right)
2. Set Name to: Route Mode LTL
3. Set Type to: Choice list (Single line text)
4. Under Validation, add these options (exactly as shown):

• • direct_pallet
  • as_is

5. Click Save

Important note about blank/default behavior:

You don’t need an option for “blank.” If the field is left unset, Shipduo will use default behavior for that mode.

Route Mode LTL values (used only for LTL shipments)

(blank / not set)

Shipduo/SmartPak calculates the best box for the product, then places that box on a pallet.

Use when: Most standard items that should be boxed and palletized as needed.

direct_pallet

Pulls dimensions from your dimensions metafield and places the product directly onto a pallet (no boxing step).

Use when:

• Tires
• Large objects that don’t need boxing
• Items already in a manufacturer box (where the box dimensions are in the dimensions metafield)

as_is

Uses the dimensions entered as the final shipping dimensions (example: 48x40x45). Items ship on a pallet by themselves (you already know the palletized dims), OR it’s a large one-piece item that ships as-is (example: a couch).

Step 3: Create “Route Mode SP” metafield definition

1. Go back to Custom data → Variants
2. Click Add definition
3. Set Name to: Route Mode SP
4. Set Type to: Choice list (Single line text)
5. Under Validation, add:

• • as_is

6. Click Save

Where to add a picture:

• Metafield definition screen for Route Mode SP showing Type and Validation

Route Mode SP values (used only for Small Parcel shipments)

(blank / not set)

Shipduo determines the best package/box for the product based on the product dimensions and your saved packages.

as_is

Shipduo sends whatever dimensions are entered in the dimensions metafield because the product is already in its final package.

Step 4: Set Route Mode values on products/variants

1. Go to Products
2. Open a product → choose the Variant
3. Scroll to Metafields
4. Set:

• • Route Mode LTL (optional dropdown)
  • Route Mode SP (optional dropdown)

5. Click Save

How Shipduo chooses LTL vs Small Parcel

Shipduo determines shipment type based on your cart weight threshold:

• If order total weight is below your threshold → Small Parcel → uses Route Mode SP
• If order total weight is at/above your threshold → LTL → uses Route Mode LTL

Example:

• Under 150 lbs = Small Parcel
• 150 lbs+ = LTL

Examples

Standard boxed goods (most common)

• Route Mode LTL: (blank) → box + palletize
• Route Mode SP: (blank) → choose best saved package

Tire

• Route Mode LTL: direct_pallet
• Route Mode SP: (blank) (or as_is only if dimensions are final packaged)

Couch / oversized single item

• Route Mode LTL: as_is
• Route Mode SP: typically not used (optional)

Bulk Edit (time-saver)

1. In Products, select multiple variants
2. Click Bulk edit
3. Add columns:

• • Columns → Metafields → Route Mode LTL
  • Columns → Metafields → Route Mode SP

4. Use the dropdowns to select values and Save

Common Questions

Do I have to set Route Mode on every product?

No. If left blank/unset, Shipduo uses default behavior for that shipment type.

What if I mistype a value?

Using Choice list (Single line text) prevents typos by limiting to approved values.

Does Route Mode affect rates at checkout?

Yes. Route Mode affects packing/rating logic for both Small Parcel and LTL quotes.

Related Articles

• How to Add Product Dimensions in Shopify for Shipduo
• How to Add Your Pallet Sizes to Shipifi

Updated on: March 4, 2026

If you need help, chat with us in the app or email support@shipduo.com

Updated on: 04/03/2026