What is Pack to the Future?
Pack to the Future is a Shopify app that helps you ship orders more sustainably while earning rewards.
With the app, you can:
Book shipments across multiple carriers
Compare rates and delivery options
Earn Pack Points for shipping and using sustainable packaging
Redeem points for free eco-friendly packaging
Installing the app
To install Pack to the Future:
Open your Shopify admin
Click Apps in the left-hand menu
Search for Pack to the Future in the Shopify App Store
Click Add app
Review permissions and click Install app
You’ll be redirected to your Pack to the Future dashboard
That’s it — you’re in.
First-time setup (onboarding guide)
When you open the app for the first time, you’ll see an onboarding guide on your dashboard.
This walks you through the key setup steps so you can start shipping smoothly.
You can complete steps in any order or skip them and come back later.
Step 1: Connect your couriers
What this does
Makes shipping possible by enabling carriers.
How to complete
Click Connect Carriers in the onboarding guide
You’ll be taken to the Carriers page
Network carriers are available immediately:
Aramex
Couriers Please
Australia Post (available on all plans, Free Forever limited to 50 orders/month)
Optional: Connect your own carrier accounts (StarTrack, TNT, DHL, etc.)
Requires Starter plan or higher
Click Skip if you want to do this later
Why this matters
You need at least one active carrier to book shipments.
Step 2: Set your safety net
What this does
Creates fallback dimensions and rates so bookings don’t fail when data is missing.
How to complete
Click Configure Safety Net
You’ll be taken to Settings → General
Set:
Default package dimensions
Default domestic and international fallback rates
Click Save Settings
Why this matters
This prevents “no rates available” errors when products don’t have dimensions yet.
Step 3: Set up billing
What this does
Defines how shipping costs are paid.
How to complete
Click View Pricing
Go to Settings → Billing
Choose a payment method:
Prepaid balance – top up credits in advance
Charge account – pay automatically per shipment
Review plans and upgrade if needed
Click Skip if you want to do this later
Why this matters
A payment method is required to book shipments.
Step 4: Explore sustainable packaging
What this does
Introduces Pack Points and free packaging rewards.
How to complete
Click Order Packaging
You’ll be taken to the Packaging page
Browse available sustainable packaging
Learn how Pack Points are earned and redeemed
Click Skip if you want to explore later
Why this matters
Shipping earns you Pack Points that can be redeemed for free packaging.
Step 5: Enable Product AI (optional – Warrior+ only)
What this does
Automatically estimates product dimensions for more accurate shipping quotes.
How to complete
Click Try Product AI (Warrior+ plans only)
Enable Product AI
The system begins estimating dimensions automatically
Review and confirm estimates when ready
Why this matters
Accurate dimensions mean better rates and fewer booking issues.
Hiding the onboarding guide
If you want to dismiss the onboarding guide:
Click the ✕ in the top-right corner
The guide will be hidden and won’t show again
You can still access all features through the main navigation.
Quick start checklist
Once installed, we recommend:
Reviewing your dashboard stats
Ensuring at least one carrier is available
Setting up billing
Booking your first shipment
Exploring the Packaging page
Reviewing Settings for preferences
Navigation overview
Here’s what you’ll find in the main menu:
Dashboard – Shipping overview and stats
Orders – View and book shipments
Packaging – Pack Points and sustainable packaging
Product AI – Dimension estimation (Warrior+)
NearShip – Warehouse and retail locations
Settings – Carriers, billing, integrations, preferences
What to do next
Once you’re set up:
Go to Orders and book your first shipment
Review available carriers in Carriers
Confirm billing in Settings → Billing
Start earning Pack Points on every shipment
Getting help
If you need assistance at any point:
Use the Intercom chat (bottom-right corner)
Browse other help guides for deeper walkthroughs
Check the Troubleshooting & FAQs article for common issues
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to complete all onboarding steps before shipping?
No. As long as you have a carrier available, you can start shipping right away.
Can I skip onboarding entirely?
Yes. You can dismiss it and use the navigation menu anytime.
What if I’m on the Free plan?
You can ship with network carriers (Aramex, Couriers Please, Australia Post) up to 50 orders per month. Paid plans unlock more features.
How do I know what features I have?
Your plan is shown on the Dashboard and in Settings → Billing. Locked features are clearly marked in-app.