> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ecwid.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ecwid.com/guides/shipping-methods/online-shipping-methods-overview.md).

# Online shipping methods overview

Shipping applications provide customers with online rates after they fill in their address details.

While the shipping methods page loads for the customer, the following flow happens in the background:

<figure><img src="/files/o2eb2FAwvuuAfp6wqsvf" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

First, Ecwid gets order details and sends them a POST request to the app's `shippingUrl` with the data formatted as an unencrypted JSON.

{% hint style="info" %}
Ecwid won't call `shippingUrl` if it has already been called in less than 5 minutes or the order details haven't changed.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

After that, the app must parse the data and return shipping rates within the 10-second window. Upon receiving the response, Ecwid loads the next checkout page and displays shipping options to the customer.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.ecwid.com/guides/shipping-methods/online-shipping-methods-overview.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.