> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.smartshipping.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What is Carrier Shipping and which Shopify plan has it?

> Understanding Carrier-Calculated Shipping requirements for Smart Shipping

# What is Carrier Shipping and which Shopify plan has it?

**Carrier Shipping** (also called "Carrier-Calculated Shipping") is a Shopify module that facilitates your store's ability to retrieve rates from an external shipping app like Smart Shipping.

<Warning>
  **Important**: Carrier Shipping is NOT the same as traditional shipping carriers like FedEx or UPS. It's a Shopify feature that allows third-party apps to provide shipping rates.
</Warning>

## Which Shopify plans support Carrier Shipping?

**✅ Supported Plans:**

* **Advanced Shopify** - Included by default
* **Shopify Plus** - Included by default

**⚠️ Limited Support:**

* **Shopify Plan** - Can request access from Shopify support

**❌ Not Supported:**

* **Starter Plan** - Not available
* **Basic Shopify** - Not available (removed January 1, 2024)

## Legacy Access

Some stores may still have access if they:

* Were granted access before January 1, 2023
* Haven't changed their Shopify plan since then

## How to check if you have access

1. Go to **Settings** → **Shipping and delivery** in your Shopify admin
2. Try to create a new shipping zone
3. Look for **"Use carrier or app to calculate rates"** option
4. If available, your plan supports carrier shipping

## What if my plan doesn't support it?

**For Shopify Plan stores:** Contact Shopify support and request Carrier-Calculated Shipping access.

**For Basic/Starter stores:** You'll need to upgrade to Advanced or Plus, or contact Shopify support to explore options.

## Smart Shipping compatibility check

Smart Shipping automatically detects your plan compatibility during installation and will show warnings if your plan doesn't support carrier-calculated shipping.

<Note>
  **Need help?** Contact [Shopify Support](https://help.shopify.com/en/questions) for official plan information, or reach out through the Smart Shipping app for installation assistance.
</Note>