Shopify has built-in shipping features, an app store with hundreds of shipping apps, and compatibility with dedicated shipping platforms like LogixVast. Here's how to choose.
Option 1: Shopify Shipping (native)
Shopify's built-in shipping is fine for simple stores starting out. It gives you USPS and some UPS rates, basic label printing, and order tracking. The limitations show up quickly:
- No FedEx unless you pay for Shopify Shipping Plus (~$40/month extra)
- No multi-carrier rate comparison — you pick one carrier
- No Etsy, Amazon, or TikTok Shop order sync (Shopify-only)
- No returns portal beyond Shopify's basic return flow
- No exception alerts or stall detection
Best for: Shopify-only stores shipping under 100 packages/month who don't need FedEx.
Option 2: Shopify App Store shipping apps
Apps like ShipBob, AfterShip, and various label printers add features on top of Shopify. The problem: each app adds monthly cost, and they rarely integrate well with each other. You end up with three apps that each do one thing, none of them talking to each other.
Best for: Specific niche needs (e.g., an AfterShip tracking widget) as a supplement, not a replacement for a full shipping platform.
Option 3: Dedicated shipping platform (LogixVast, ShipStation, etc.)
A dedicated platform connects to Shopify (and your other channels) and handles the full workflow: order sync → rate shopping → label generation → tracking submission → returns. This is the right choice when:
- You sell on Shopify plus Amazon, Etsy, TikTok Shop, or Walmart
- You ship 200+ packages/month and want to optimize carrier costs
- You need FedEx or DHL without paying Shopify's add-on fee
- You want a returns portal your customers can self-serve
LogixVast vs. ShipStation for Shopify: ShipStation charges $95/month extra to use your own FedEx account (BYOCA). LogixVast includes it free. Both connect to Shopify natively — but only LogixVast also supports TikTok Shop and Walmart without add-ons.
How LogixVast connects to Shopify
OAuth connection via the Shopify Partners API. Your unfulfilled orders appear in LogixVast within 60 seconds of connecting. When you generate a label, Shopify automatically marks the order as fulfilled with the tracking number. Your customers receive their Shopify shipping confirmation email automatically.