Abstract: A process for determining an optimal method and cost of packaging and shipping goods gathers data from sources including order information, product characteristics, packing materials and specifications, labor rates, and shipping and transportation rates in order to determine an optimal configuration for packaging for a designated freight mode and time. The process determines the optimal method by considering any specifications or requirements for the order, lead times, available packaging materials and freight options, and then calculates the least total cost of material, labor, and freight combined.