TikTok Shipping: Overview

Summary

What shipping services and options does TikTok Shop provide for sellers, and how can sellers set up and manage these shipping services?

  • TikTok Shop offers Standard and Express Shipping via carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx, with label creation and rate comparison built into Seller Center. Sellers select shipping options and print labels directly from the platform.
  • Sellers can switch between TikTok Shipping and self-managed shipping anytime via the Shipping Options page; tracking info uploads automatically after label creation for seamless order monitoring.

What are the key shipping rate calculations, dimension limits, and packaging requirements sellers must know to avoid extra fees or delivery issues?

  • Shipping fees depend on carrier rates and package size/weight; dimensional weight and oversize fees apply, especially for USPS. Accurate product dimensions and weight are crucial to avoid unexpected costs.
  • Maximum weight and size limits vary by carrier/service (e.g., UPS max 150 lbs, USPS max 70 lbs, length plus girth limits apply). Proper packing with cushioning, rigid boxes, and fragile labeling is required to protect items and comply with guidelines.

What are the prohibited items and special packaging rules sellers must follow to comply with TikTok Shop shipping policies?

  • Sellers cannot ship illegal, hazardous, or restricted items such as fireworks, human remains, marijuana, vape products, or certain liquids exceeding volume limits. Full lists are available in TikTok Shop’s Restricted Products Guidelines.
  • Fragile items like liquids, perfumes, and paints require leak-proof inner liners, original retail packaging, and strong outer packaging with cushioning; volume limits and item quantity restrictions apply to these categories.

How does TikTok Shop handle returned packages and shipping cost adjustments, and what should sellers do to minimize additional charges?

  • TikTok Shop covers costs for failed deliveries returned to the sender; returned goods go back to the original warehouse if multiple warehouses are involved.
  • Sellers bear extra costs from weight or dimension discrepancies, so providing accurate product info is essential. Shipping fees charged to buyers reflect the lowest available rates, with seller discounts applied if buyers use coupons.

What value-added shipping services and delivery timeframes are available, and how can sellers arrange pickups or drop-offs?

  • TikTok Shipping supports value-added services like scheduled pickups (paid) or drop-offs at carrier locations; sellers can arrange these via provided links in Seller Center.
  • Express shipping options include UPS Next Day Air Saver and FedEx Standard Overnight with 1-3 business day delivery; standard shipping ranges from 1-7 days depending on carrier and service selected by the buyer.

The content below applies to TikTok Shipping. For more information about the upgraded TikTok Shipping service, please refer to: Overview of Upgraded TikTok Shipping


  1. Shipping Services

TikTok Shipping is easy to set up with built-in shipping label creation. You can choose Shipping Options from TikTok Shop's negotiated carrier rates to buy and print shipping labels directly from Seller Center.
  • TikTok Shop provides both Standard Shipping and Express Shipping services for sellers.
    • Standard Shipping service is the default shipping option.
    • The customer may select their shipping option speed at checkout.
  • Logistics Service Providers
    • Sellers can choose Shipping Options from leading carriers and compare rates upon label creation.
    • USPS, UPS, FedEx
  • Fulfillment Policy
    • You must mark orders as "RTS" within the dispatch SLA - TikTok platform will automatically assign a service (based on buyer's selected shipping options and seller's preferred carrier) that will deliver within that order's commitment time.
    • Shipping Services:
Shipping OptionsShipping ServiceEst. Delivery Days
Express
UPS Next Day Air Saver
1 business day
FedEx Standard Overnight
1 business day
UPS 2nd Day Air1-2 business days
FedEx 2Da
2 business days
UPS 3 Day Select
3 business days
FedEx Express Sav
3 business days
Standard
USPS Ground Advantage2-5 business days
USPS Priority Mail1-3 business days
UPS Ground1-5 business days
FedEx Ground Economy
2-7 business days
FedEx Ground
*Commercial address only
1-5 business days
FedEx Home Delivery
*Residential address only
1-5 days

  1. Shipping Rates

Use the shipping calculator to see your shipping cost! To access the shipping calculator, first enter your seller center account. From there, select "Shipping and Delivery Settings" under the "Orders" tab on the left side of the page, then click "Delivery".
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From there, you can enter the specific shipment information to calculate your rate.
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2.1 Base Shipping Rates

2.1.1 Standard Shipping

UPS
Shipping Service
UPS Ground
Weight Limits
The maximum actual weight per package is 150 pounds.
Pick Up
It is a paid value-added service
Shiping rates
Per Package Rates from 48 State Origin; rates cannot be shared per UPS contract. Rates include Fuel Surcharge, Residential Surcharge, Delivery Area Surcharge Rural.
Please note: surcharges may apply to larger or heavier items. See here for a breakdown of estimated costs.
USPS
Shipping Service
USPS Ground Advantage
Weight Limits
Under 70 lbs
Pick up
You can either drop off packages at nearby USPS locations, or schedule a paid pickup here
Dimension Limits
The package dimensions must not exceed "108'' in length and girth combined. Items that are between 108" and 130" will be charged at an oversized price.
Please note: parcels addressed for domestic delivery and that exceed one cubic foot (1,728 cubic inches) is based on either the actual weight or the calculated dimensional weight, whichever is greater
Shipping Service
USPS Priority Mail
Weight Limits
Under 70 lbs
Pick up
You can either drop off packages at nearby USPS locations, or schedule a paid pickup here
Dimension Limits
The package dimensions must not exceed 108'' in length plus girth.
For USPS, to check if a package will be charged an oversized price and dimensional weight , please use the calculation below.
Length + (Width *2)+ (Height *2)= Trigger Oversize price to be charged. For example:25+( 25*2)+ (25*2)
25+ 50+ 50
25+ 100
"125" -> This package is over 108 and less than 130, thus it will be charged at the oversize price.
(Length * width * Height)/166 = Dimensional WeightExample, 25 x 25x 25 , 20lbs
25*25*25/166
15,625/166
94.12 - Dimensional weight
This package would be charged at 94.12 as the dimensional weight is greater than the actual weight.
FedEx
Service NameService levelPickup TypeWeight LimitDimension Limit
FedEx Standard OvernightExpressdropoff150 lbs/68 KG
119' in length or 165 total inches in length plus girth (L+2W+2H).
FedEx 2DayExpressdropoff150 lbs/68 KG
119' in length or 165 total inches in length plus girth (L+2W+2H).
FedEx Express SaverExpressdropoff150 lbs/68 KG
119' in length or 165 total inches in length plus girth (L+2W+2H).
FedEx Ground*Commercial Address OnlyStandarddropoff70 lbs/32 KG
The package dimensions must not exceed 108'' in length or 165'' in length plus girth (L + 2W + 2H).
FedEx Home Delivery*Residential Address OnlyStandarddropoff70 lbs/32 KG
The package dimensions must not exceed 108'' in length or 165'' in length plus girth (L + 2W + 2H).

2.1.2 Express Shipping

TikTok uses UPS 2nd Day Air, FedEx Standard Overnight, FedEx 2Day, and FedEx Express Saver as our express shipping providers! While our express rates are confidential, you can use the shipping calculator to calculate your shipping cost.

2.2 Value-added services rates

  • For USPS, there are three types of oversize fees. The final shipping fee will be shown on the Settlement details page once confirmed.
USPS Ground Advantage
Non-Standard Dimension 1Applies if length is greater than 22 inches and less than or equal to 30 inches.$4.00
Non-Standard Dimension 2Applies if the length is greater than 30 inches.$8.40
Non-Standard VolumeApplies if volume is greater than 2 cubic feet.$18.00
USPS Priority Mail
Non-Standard Dimension 1Applies if length is greater than 22 inches and less than or equal to 30 inches.$4.00
Non-Standard Dimension 2Applies if the length is greater than 30 inches.$18.00
Non-Standard VolumeApplies if volume is greater than 2 cubic feet.$30.00
To check if a package is over 2 cubic feet, please use the calculation below Cubic Feet = ( Length * Width* Height)/1728
Ex: 20*20*20= 8,000
8,000/1728= 4.62 cubic ft
This order would be charged for Non standard Volume as it is greater than 2 cubic feet

2.3 How to Calculate Shipping Costs

  • The shipping fee shown to the buyer is calculated at time of checkout, and is based on the lowest possible rate available to sellers on TikTok Shipping's ratecards. The actual shipping fee will be calculated once your package has been collected by the shipping carrier or shipping stations, and will be shown on the Settlement details page once confirmed.
  • On your billing statements, the seller shipping fee is the difference between the carrier shipping fee and the buyer shipping fee. If a buyer has a shipping coupon, TikTok will provide the seller with a discount in that amount after delivery, so that the seller is not bearing that cost.
    • Given that as of 9/17, we calculate the buyer shipping fee based on what the seller will pay, the difference between the seller shipping fee and the buyer shipping fee should be $0 except in circumstances where the seller selects a more expensive carrier or service.
    • Sellers must bear additional cost of adjustments due to difference in weight, so it is good practice to put accurate weight and dimension when registering your product.

  1. Dimension Limits

  • The maximum length, size, and weight per package depends on the Shipping Provider:
CarrierShipping ServiceWeight & Dimension rules
UPS 2nd Day Air3 Day Select
Next Day Air Saver
Minimum Shipping Weight: 0lbMaximum Shipping Weight: 150lbMaximum Shipping Size: 108 × 108 × 108 in
USPS Ground AdvantageMinimum Shipping Weight: 0.01lbMaximum Shipping Weight: 70lbMaximum Shipping Size: 120 x 41 × 38 in
Priority MailMinimum Shipping Weight: 0.01lbMaximum Shipping Weight: 70lbMaximum Shipping Size: 97 x 34 × 30 in
FedExGround EconomyMinimum Shipping Weight: 1lbMaximum Shipping Weight: 70lbMaximum Shipping Size: 60 × 60 × 60 in
FedEx Standard OvernightMinimum Shipping Weight: 0.01lbMaximum Shipping Weight: 150lbMaximum Shipping Size: 119' in length or 165 total inches in length plus girth (L+2W+2H).
FedEx 2DayMinimum Shipping Weight: 0.01lbMaximum Shipping Weight: 150lbMaximum Shipping Size: 119' in length or 165 total inches in length plus girth (L+2W+2H).
FedEx Express SaverMinimum Shipping Weight: 0.01lbMaximum Shipping Weight: 150lbMaximum Shipping Size: 119' in length or 165 total inches in length plus girth (L+2W+2H).
FedEx Ground*Commercial Address OnlyMinimum Shipping Weight: 0.01lbMaximum Shipping Weight: 70lbMaximum Shipping Size: 119' in length or 165 total inches in length plus girth (L+2W+2H).
FedEx Home Delivery*Residential Address OnlyMinimum Shipping Weight: 0.01lbMaximum Shipping Weight: 70lbMaximum Shipping Size: 119' in length or 165 total inches in length plus girth (L+2W+2H).

  1. Packing Instructions

To ensure that customers receive their orders in their original condition, the right packing techniques and materials are required.
  • Wrap all item(s) separately and use cushioning materials to protect your item(s).
  • Package contents into rigid box.
  • Choose the correct box size.
  • Remove any old labels or shipment markings.
  • If item is fragile, label with the appropriate stickers to meet protection requirements.
For fragile and particular products, special packing is required.
  • All liquids – Including Gels, Creams, Pastes, Lotions and Oils under 1 litre
    • Item must be securely closed and placed in a leak-proof inner liner, such as a sealed polythene bag or in leak-proof packaging. The outer packaging must be marked as "Fragile".
  • Paints and inks – Both solvent and water-based products are required to be packaged according to packaging guidelines. This also includes varnishes (including nail varnish), enamels and similar substances:
    • Item must be sent in its original retail packaging, plus packaged in strong outer packaging with internal filling such as bubble wrap, straw to prevent breakage. We suggest, if possible, nail varnish should be placed in a ziplock bag to prevent leaks.
    • Volume per item must not exceed 100 ml. No more than four item(s) are to be placed inside any one parcel.
  • Perfumes and aftershaves – These items will also be classed in the same category as liquids. These are considered flammable and require packaging according to the following guidelines:
    • Valves must be protected to prevent inadvertent release of the contents. We suggest packaging them into a Zip lock bag.
    • Items will need to be packaged in strong outer packaging with internal filling such as bubble wrap or straw to prevent breaking in transit.

  1. Prohibited Items

The seller shall not ship any shipments with the following content to the Supplier for transport. Read more at TikTok Shop Restricted Products Guidelines.
Examples of prohibited items include but are not limited to the following:
  • Shipments prohibited by law
  • Bank bills, notes or currency
  • Common fireworks
  • Hazardous waste or hazardous waste service
  • Human remains, fetal remains, human body parts, human embryos or components thereof
  • Ivory
  • Marijuana, including marijuana intended for medicinal use
  • Postage stamps
  • Shark fins
  • Vape products within, to, or from the U.S
For the full list of Prohibited and Restricted Items
  1. FAQ

Q: How do I switch between Seller Shipping and TikTok Shipping?
  • A: You can go to your Shipping Options page and switch services. Please note: this will only impact future orders placed after the switch.
Q: I would like to ship by myself using my own Shipping Labels. Can I just not use TikTok Shipping?
  • A: Yes, you can go to your Shipping Options page and switch services. Please note: this will only impact future orders placed after the switch.
Q: How do I arrange a pickup or dropoff to the carrier? Q: I shipped the packages, how can sellers track the orders?
  • A: The advantage of using TikTok Shipping is that after the label is printed from Seller Center, the tracking information is seamlessly uploaded into Seller Center upon Label Creation! Once you have shipped the packages, the tracking updates will automatically update as the package moves through transit.
Q: How do I combine or split orders? Q: The package was returned to sender due to being unable to be delivered. Who will bear the cost for the returned package?
  • A: TikTok Shop will bear the cost for failed delivery, and will return it to the original shipping address according to the shipping label. If multiple warehouses deliver the goods, it will be returned to the originating warehouse.
Q: Where can I find information on returns?
  • A: Please see this article in TikTok Shop Academy for more information on returning a package.
Q: Where can I find more information on TikTok for Shopify - TikTok Shipping?
  • A: Please find more information here!
Q: Where can I enable TikTok Shipping so I can use TikTok for Shopify - TikTok Shipping?
  • A: The seller must enable TikTok Shipping directly in Seller Center here.