Standard Shipping Rules We Apply to Your Orders
Last updated: October 17, 2026
When we set up your account, we add a few standard automation rules in ShipHero. They run on every order as it comes in and handle situations where only certain carriers or settings work, so those orders ship correctly without anyone having to catch them by hand.
Here's what each rule does and why it's there.
At a glance
Rule | When it applies | What it does |
|---|---|---|
International | The order ships outside the US | Applies the order's discount to the customs value and sets the shipping terms to DDU |
PO Box | A US address includes "PO Box", "P O Box" or "P.O." in either address line | Ships the order with USPS |
Military mail | The state is AA, AE or AP | Ships the order with USPS Ground Advantage and adds the required export exemption |
International orders
When it applies: any order shipping to a country other than the US.
What it does:
Applies your discount to the customs value. If your customer used a discount code, the customs invoice shows what they actually paid, not the full price. Duties and taxes are then based on the real order value.
Sets the shipping terms to DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid). Your customer pays any duties and taxes when the package arrives.
DDU is the default. If you'd rather pay duties and taxes up front so your customer doesn't have to (DDP), talk to your account manager. See International Shipping: DDP vs DDU.
PO Box orders
When it applies: a US order where either address line contains "PO Box", "P O Box" or "P.O.".
What it does: ships the order with USPS, using the lowest-cost USPS option that delivers to PO Boxes.
Why: USPS is the only carrier that delivers to PO Boxes. A UPS or FedEx label to a PO Box would be returned or delayed.
This means an order can ship with USPS even if your customer picked a different carrier or service at checkout. If you offer expedited shipping, it's worth letting customers know that PO Box addresses ship with USPS.
Military addresses (APO, FPO and DPO)
When it applies: the order's state is AA (Armed Forces Americas), AE (Armed Forces Europe) or AP (Armed Forces Pacific).
What it does: ships the order with USPS Ground Advantage and adds the export filing exemption (FTR 30.37(a)) that military shipments need.
Why: USPS is the only carrier that delivers to military addresses.
Things to know
The rules work from the address on the order. If a PO Box or military address is entered in an unusual way, the rule may not catch it. If you spot one, let us know and we'll fix the order before it ships.
These are our standard rules. If your business needs something different, such as DDP for international orders, reach out to your account manager.