---
title: Initial Setup Checklist
description: "![](https://www.loadlinkconnect.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/coocommerce-loadlink-plugin-woo.webp) ![Loadlink Logo](https://www.loadlinkconnect.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/logo-loadlink.svg) **Loadlink WooCommerce Shipping Plugin** ## Overview This checklist guides you through the essential configuration steps required before the Loadlink WooCommerce Shipping Plugin can display live shipping rates at Cart and Checkout. Complete all items on this page…"
url: "https://www.loadlinkconnect.com.au/help/initial-setup-checklist/"
updated: "2026-02-04"
category: Loadlink WooCommerce Plugin
---

# Initial Setup Checklist

![](https://www.loadlinkconnect.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/coocommerce-loadlink-plugin-woo.webp) ![Loadlink Logo](https://www.loadlinkconnect.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/logo-loadlink.svg)

**Loadlink WooCommerce Shipping Plugin**

## Overview

This checklist guides you through the essential configuration steps required before the Loadlink WooCommerce Shipping Plugin can display live shipping rates at Cart and Checkout.

Complete all items on this page before testing shipping behaviour.

## Step 1: Confirm WooCommerce Shipping Is Enabled

1. Go to **WooCommerce > Settings > Shipping**.
2. Confirm at least one shipping zone exists.
3. Ensure the zone includes Australia.
4. Confirm shipping is not globally disabled.

Without an active shipping zone, no rates will appear.

## Step 2: Add Loadlink as a Shipping Method

1. Navigate to **WooCommerce > Settings > Shipping**.
2. Select the relevant shipping zone.
3. Click **Add shipping method**.
4. Choose **Loadlink** from the list.
5. Save changes.

The Loadlink method must be added to each zone where it should apply.

## Step 3: Enter Loadlink API Credentials

1. Open the **Loadlink** shipping method settings.
2. Enter your Loadlink API credentials.
3. Save settings.
4. Use the connection test (if available) to confirm access.

Shipping rates will not be returned until valid credentials are entered.

## Step 4: Configure Service Levels

Review and configure:

- Enabled Loadlink service levels
- Display names shown at Checkout
- Default sorting order
- Optional service filtering

Only enabled services will be displayed to customers.

## Step 5: Review Product Shipping Data

Confirm all shippable products have:

- Weight set
- Dimensions set where applicable
- Shipping enabled at product level

Products missing required data may prevent rates from being returned.

## Step 6: Exclude Cart and Checkout from Caching

If your site uses caching:

- Exclude Cart and Checkout pages
- Exclude any shipping rate AJAX endpoints
- Disable page caching for logged-in checkout sessions

Cached checkout pages may cause incorrect or missing rates.

## Step 7: Test Checkout Behaviour

1. Add a product to the cart.
2. Enter an Australian delivery address.
3. Proceed to Checkout.
4. Confirm Loadlink shipping options appear.
5. Place a test order.

Do not test using incomplete or invalid addresses.

## Step 8: Confirm Order Shipping Data

After placing a test order:

- Open the order in WooCommerce admin
- Confirm shipping method is Loadlink
- Verify shipping cost and service level

This confirms the plugin is correctly attached to orders.

## Common Setup Mistakes

- API credentials entered incorrectly
- Loadlink method not added to the active shipping zone
- Missing product weight or dimensions
- Checkout page cached
- Testing with non-Australian addresses