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  10. What is the Cost Estimato...

What is the Cost Estimator?

As a Shift partner, you don’t need to guess your shipping costs anymore. The Cost Estimator helps you calculate the exact cost of delivering a parcel before you create a shipment.
By entering details like shipment type, pincodes, weight, and dimensions, you can instantly compare courier options, delivery timelines, and charges.

This guide will walk you step-by-step on how to use the Cost Estimator inside the Shift dashboard.

How to Navigate to the Cost Estimator

  1. Login to your Shift account at carrier.shift.in.
  2. From the left-hand menu, go to Tools → Cost Estimation.
  3. You’ll now land on the Shipping Rates Estimator screen.

Filling in Shipment Details

On the Cost Estimator page, you’ll see fields to enter shipment information:

  • Shipment Type – Choose Forward or Return.
  • Pick-up Area Pincode – Enter the pickup location’s pincode.
  • Delivery Area Pincode – Enter the destination pincode.
  • Approximate Weight (kg) – Enter the physical weight of the parcel.
  • Declared Value (₹) – Mention the product’s value (important for insurance/COD).
  • Dimensions (cm) – Add Length × Breadth × Height.
    Pro Tip: The calculator auto-computes the volumetric weight, and the higher of actual or volumetric weight is billed.
  • Payment Type – Choose Prepaid or COD.
  • Click Calculate to continue.

Viewing Courier Options

After hitting Calculate, you’ll see a list of courier partners with:

  • Courier Partner Name (Amazon Shipping, Xpressbees, Delhivery, Bluedart, etc.)
  • Expected Pickup Date 
  • Estimated Delivery Date 
  • Performance Ratings – Pickup, Delivery & Accuracy (shown with indicators)
  • Charges (₹) – All-inclusive rates with GST
  • Action – Option to directly Create Shipment with the selected courier

Detailed Rate Breakdown

Expanding a courier option shows the charge details:

  • Freight Charges
  • COD Charges (if applicable)
  • GST Charges
  • RTO Charges (if applicable)
  • Efficiency Metrics (Pickup %, Delivery %, Accuracy %)

Important Notes

  • Prices shown are inclusive of GST.
  • Volumetric Weight Formula = (L × B × H in cms) ÷ 5000.
  • COD charges are calculated as either fixed charge or % of order value (whichever is higher).
  • Billing issues must be raised within 7 days of invoice.

Why use Shift’s Cost Estimator?

  • Compare multiple courier partners in one place.
  • Get transparent, upfront shipping costs.
  • Choose based on price, performance, or delivery speed.
  • Save time and make smarter shipping decisions.