This script automatically selects the first returned shipping option with live rates, and updates the total price of the checkout accordingly.

Paste the following code right before the closing </head> tag of your checkout template:

<script type="text/javascript">
jQuery(document).ready(function() {
  jQuery(document).ajaxComplete(function(event, request, settings) {
    if (settings.url.indexOf('GetShippingCost') != -1) {
      $("#fc_shipping_methods_inner input[type='radio']:first").prop("checked", true);
      FC.checkout.updatePrice(i);
    }
  });
});
</script>

• http://forum.foxycart.com/discussion/5498/set-default-shipping-method