For US-based ShipStation API accounts, you have immediate access to discounted DHL Express, USPS, and UPS shipping labels with ShipStation API Carriers. There’s no need to create and connect individual carrier accounts. Simply activate ShipStation APICarriers by adding the billing method you wish to use to purchase your labels and add funds to your ShipStation API Balance.
To learn more about our discounted rates, contact our sales team.
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Activate ShipStation API Carriers in your ShipStation API Account (steps included in the following section)
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Add funds to your ShipStation API Balance
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UPS shipments: require a Company name in the Ship From address
To start using ShipStation API Carriers, you must activate it by adding the payment method you wish to use for your labels. Log in to ShipStation API and do the following:
You will now see your available carriers under Setup > Carriers, where you can also find their unique Carrier IDs. You can also make a List Carriers call to view all of your Carrier IDs and available services.
Be sure to also add funds to your ShipStation API Balance so you can start purchasing your labels!
Connecting Your Own Carrier Accounts
You can also connect your own USPS (Stamps.com) or UPS accounts through the My Carrier Accounts section of the Carriers settings page.
The US ShipStation API Carriers support the following standard features:
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Feature |
GlobalPost from ShipStation API |
DHL Express from ShipStation API |
USPS from ShipStation API |
UPS from ShipStation API |
FedEx from ShipStation API |
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US-based accounts shipping from certain regions may qualify for the GlobalPost domestic shipping service. |
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For most countries, the data passes electronically to FedEx (ETD). Where ETD is not supported, the invoice needs to be printed. See Available Services. |
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Third-Party Billing |
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Scheduling a Pickup? Carriers may charge a pickup fee!
Some carriers charge a fee for scheduled pickups depending on the type and frequency. Be sure to check with your carrier to ensure you don't incur any unexpected charges.
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If you are shipping with UPS from ShipStation, for example, UPS pickup fees (if any) are deducted from your account balance as a post-shipment adjustment.
You can find out the current UPS Pickup fees on their website.
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Pickups are generally Monday – Friday, but if Saturday is needed it can be arranged for an additional fee.
Click to view the available services for DHL Express, USPS, UPS, and FedEx from ShipStation API.
FedEx Domestic Services
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Shipping Service |
Carrier Code |
API Code |
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FedEx Ground® |
FEDEX_GROUND |
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FedEx Economy |
FEDEX_EXPRESS_SAVER |
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FedEx 2Day® |
FEDEX_2_DAY |
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FedEx 2Day® One Rate |
FEDEX_2_DAY_ONE_RATE |
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FedEx Standard Overnight® |
STANDARD_OVERNIGHT |
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FedEx Priority Overnight® |
PRIORITY_OVERNIGHT |
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FedEx Home Delivery® |
GROUND_HOME_DELIVERY |
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FedEx Express Saver® One Rate |
FEDEX_EXPRESS_SAVER_ONE_RATE |
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FedEx Standard Overnight® One Rate |
STANDARD_OVERNIGHT_ONE_RATE |
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FedEx Priority Overnight® One Rate |
PRIORITY_OVERNIGHT_ONE_RATE |
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FedEx Ground® Economy Parcel Select |
SMART_POST-PARCEL_SELECT |
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FedEx International Services
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Shipping Service |
Carrier Code |
API Code |
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FedEx International Economy® |
INTERNATIONAL_ECONOMY |
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FedEx International Priority® |
FEDEX_INTERNATIONAL_PRIORITY |
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FedEx International Priority® Express |
FEDEX_INTERNATIONAL_PRIORITY_EXPRESS |
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FedEx International Connect Plus® |
FEDEX_INTERNATIONAL_CONNECT_PLUS |
fedex_international_connect_plus |
Packaging Types
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Name |
Carrier Packaging Code |
API Code |
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FedEx® Box |
FEDEX_BOX |
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FedEx® Envelope |
FEDEX_ENVELOPE |
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FedEx® Pak |
FEDEX_PAK |
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FedEx® Tube |
FEDEX_TUBE |
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FedEx® 10kg |
FEDEX_10KG_BOX |
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FedEx® 25kg |
FEDEX_25KG_BOX |
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FedEx® Small Box |
FEDEX_SMALL_BOX |
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FedEx® Medium Box |
FEDEX_MEDIUM_BOX |
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FedEx® Large Box |
FEDEX_LARGE_BOX |
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FedEx® Extra Large Box |
FEDEX_EXTRA_LARGE_BOX |
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Package |
YOUR_PACKAGING |
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FedEx Domestic Services
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Shipping Service |
Carrier Code |
API Code |
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FedEx Ground® |
FEDEX_GROUND |
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FedEx Economy |
FEDEX_EXPRESS_SAVER |
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FedEx 2Day® |
FEDEX_2_DAY |
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FedEx Standard Overnight® |
STANDARD_OVERNIGHT |
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FedEx Priority Overnight® |
PRIORITY_OVERNIGHT |
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FedEx First Overnight® |
FIRST_OVERNIGHT |
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FedEx International Services
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Shipping Service |
Carrier Code |
API Code |
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FedEx International Economy® |
INTERNATIONAL_ECONOMY |
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FedEx International Ground® |
FEDEX_GROUND |
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FedEx International First® |
INTERNATIONAL_FIRST |
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FedEx International Priority® |
FEDEX_INTERNATIONAL_PRIORITY |
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FedEx International Priority® Express |
FEDEX_INTERNATIONAL_PRIORITY_EXPRESS |
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FedEx International Connect Plus® |
FEDEX_INTERNATIONAL_CONNECT_PLUS |
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FedEx Package Types
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Name |
Carrier Packaging Code |
API Code |
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FedEx® Box |
FEDEX_BOX |
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FedEx® Envelope |
FEDEX_ENVELOPE |
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FedEx® Pak |
FEDEX_PAK |
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FedEx® Tube |
FEDEX_TUBE |
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FedEx® 10kg |
FEDEX_10KG_BOX |
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FedEx® 25kg |
FEDEX_25KG_BOX |
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FedEx® Small Box |
FEDEX_SMALL_BOX |
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FedEx® Medium Box |
FEDEX_MEDIUM_BOX |
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FedEx® Large Box |
FEDEX_LARGE_BOX |
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FedEx® Extra Large Box |
FEDEX_EXTRA_LARGE_BOX |
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Package |
YOUR_PACKAGING |
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ShipStation API manages all loss or damage claims for shipments sent with FedEx from ShipStation API.
Claims over $100 USD or CAD not Eligible
If you need to file a claim for a shipment with a declared value over $100, you must reach out to your insurance provider.
To file a claim for a lost or damaged shipment:
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Click this link to access the claim form: FedEx from ShipStation Claim Form.
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Fill in all the required fields and submit the form when complete.
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All claims for domestic shipments must be submitted within 60 days of the shipment date.
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All claims for international shipments must be submitted within 21 days of the shipment date.
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For damage claims, include photos of the damaged packaging and contents.
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Claims can take up to 2 weeks to process or up to 6 weeks for FedEx Ground Economy.
FedEx Ground Economy - Claims Process.
To file a claim for FedEx Ground Economy shipments, follow these steps:
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Download and complete the FedEx Ground Economy Form.
(Attached at the bottom of this article).
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Email the completed form to wallet-support@shipstation.com.
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Include the text FedEx Ground Economy Claim and the shipment tracking number in the email subject line.
A Fedex from ShipStation API shipment can be returned to sender. To reroute or redirect an in-transit shipment, go to this link and follow the provided instructions: .
Select the option to Reroute my Fedex from ShipStation API package and fill in the required information.
Reroute Fee
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Fedex may charge a fee for rerouting shipments, by submitting your request, you agree to any carrier assessed charges. Any fees incurred will be deducted from your ShipStation API balance.
A few things to keep in mind when rerouting a package:
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Shipments out for delivery may not be eligible for delivery intercept.
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Eligibility is determined by the carrier.
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This is not a guaranteed service, so It is important to file this claim as soon as possible
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Pickups: FedEx from ShipStation API does not support pickups.
If you have scheduled a pickup through your own FedEx account and then add additional packages, that pickup will incur a charge of $4.00 PER PACKAGE.
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Ordering Supplies is not supported through FedEx from ShipStation API
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Fuel Charge Discrepancies: For most services, FedEx includes a fuel charge as part of the label cost. FedEx updates this cost weekly, depending on the fuel prices at the time of label purchase. Occasionally, there are discrepancies between the calculated fuel-price rate and what FedEx charged at the time of label purchase.
If the fuel-charge amount differs from what was charged to the merchant, ShipStation will adjust the amount (charged or refunded) for the merchant when we receive the FedEx invoice.
To avoid fuel charge discrepancies, please consider using a FedEx service that does not apply a fuel charge:
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All FedEx One Rate services
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FedEx International Connect Plus
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🇨🇦 For Canada-based accounts, FedEx from ShipStation does not support Money Back Guarantee (MBG) for shipping services.
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ShipStation does not charge taxes for FedEx from ShipStation shipments.
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FedEx from ShipStation API does not support third-party billing.
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Adjustments for Package and Weight Dimensions: During shipping, overhead scanners and scales automatically verify package dimensions and weight. If there are differences from the initial information provided, adjustment charges may occur. For size discrepancies, carriers typically require a drop-off receipt or significant evidence to consider dispute claims. Adjustment dispute resolutions are ultimately decided by the carrier. Review individual carrier terms of service for additional details.
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Duties and Taxes Adjustment: DDP (billing duties and taxes to the payor of the shipping charges) is not supported.
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FedEx from ShipStation does not support shipping dangerous goods, alcohol, or dry ice.
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COD (Collect on Delivery) and scheduling pickups are not available.
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Electronic Trade Documents (ETD): For the countries listed here, customs data are passed to FedEx electronically and there is no need to print the customs forms.
For countries not listed, please print the customs documentation (returned with the call for API users) and attach it to the shipment.
*ShipStation will not support ETD for all countries where FedEx supports ETD. We can only support it with countries that do not require a letterhead.
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Austria, Australia, Belgium, Bahrain, Canada, Switzerland, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Germany, Denmark, Finland, Micronesia, Federated States of France, United Kingdom, Croatia, Ireland, Japan, Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Luxembourg, Monaco, Marshall Islands, Macau, Northern Mariana Islands, Mexico, Netherlands (Holland), Poland, Puerto Rico, Palestinian Territory, Occupied Palau, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovak Republic (Slovakia), San Marino, Togo, Tunisia, Holy See (Vatican City State).
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Error Message: Alert on FedEx Tracking Page - “Clearance instructions from the importer are required.“
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This can occur if certain customs information (like the EORI or HS codes) is not included when the shipment is processed. In this situation, the shipment is held up at customs due to the missing information. Contact support if you see this error.
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The following table provides further details about USPS Services:
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Service |
Description |
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Supports Dangerous Goods advanced option for USPS Ground Advantage |
If your shipment contains dangerous goods, be sure to include the Dangerous Goods advanced option in your Create Label call. Currently, shipments containing dangerous goods can only be shipped using USPS Ground Advantage as a service with ShipEngine. This carrier may have other requirements when shipping dangerous goods. Check with your account representative to understand what qualifies as dangerous goods and any requirements your carrier may have for these shipments. |
Cubic pricing is available by default for all USPS from ShipStation API shipments.
Cubic rates are ideal for small, heavy packages since the pricing is based on the volume of the package instead of the weight.
To receive cubic rates in ShipStation API:
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Choose USPS Ground Advantage (formerly Parcel Select Ground) or a domestic Priority service.
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Choose a package type of Package.
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Enter the package weight & dimensions.
ShipStation API will automatically apply the cubic rate whenever it's cheaper than the Priority rate.
UPS® Ground Saver is an economy, commercial or residential, ground delivery service available for accounts shipping from the US. It is designed for lightweight, non-time-sensitive packages. UPS® Ground Saver offers a clear savings advantage to help you manage shipping costs and offer your customers a positive delivery experience.
Accept the new Terms & Conditions for UPS from ShipStation API to make this service available in your account if it isn't already.
UPS SurePost® Updates
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Starting April 2, 2025, UPS will replace the name SurePost® service with Ground Saver® as its economy product. This change will appear in all shipping, billing, pricing systems, and labels.
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Also as of April 2, 2025, UPS has reduced Ground Saver's free Declared Value Coverage from $100 to $20. To make up the difference, you can purchase ParcelGuard on ShipStation API starting at $0.99 per $100 of insured value.
UPS Ground Saver Features
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Delivers Monday - Sunday
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No surcharges for residential delivery
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Door-to-Door tracking
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Competitive delivery times (estimates appear in ShipStation API when configuring shipments)
Shipping Requirements
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Weight: Packages up to 70 lbs actual weight or up to 10lbs
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Size limitations:
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Packages must be at least 4" high, 6" long, and 0.75" wide
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Combined length + girth dimensions cannot exceed 130 inches; no one dimension can exceed 60 inches
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Domestic Shipments to the 48 contiguous States
Shipping Considerations
UPS® Ground Saver no longer transfers to USPS
UPS® Ground Saver shipments now stay with UPS for the duration of their transit. They do not pass through the USPS. UPS® Ground Saver service is no longer available for shipping to PO Boxes, military addresses, and US territories.
Do not drop off UPS® Ground Saver shipments at a USPS location. These packages will not be scanned and they may be destroyed.
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UPS Ground Saver service can only be used within the US. It is not available to shippers in other countries.
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UPS® Ground Saver shipments are not eligible for signature confirmation or UPS Guaranteed Service Refunds.
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Shipments cannot be rerouted.
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Surcharges may apply.
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Non-Standard Cube Charge: Any package with L x W x H measuring more than 3456 cubic inches)
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Non-Standard Length Charge: Any package where the longest side measures more than 22 inches while not exceeding 30 inches
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Non-Standard Extra Length Charge: Any package where the longest side measures more than 30 inches while not exceeding 48 inches
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UPS may inspect the package. If damaged, they will not send it, but will instead return it to the sender.
UPS reserves the right to update service details and restrictions at any time.
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GlobalPost Domestic Services
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GlobalPost International Services
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GlobalPost Package Types
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GlobalPost Confirmation Options
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GlobalPost is a modern, economical way to ship internationally from the US, Canada, and the UK to more than 220 countries*. For accounts based in these countries, you automatically have access to GlobalPost from ShipStation API services once you’ve set up your ShipEngine Carriers payment method.
When shipping with GlobalPost, you can enjoy the following benefits:
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Some of the most competitive rates for international shipping (visit the GlobalPost List Pricing page for rate details)
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Electronic customs forms submission - you no longer have to worry about printing customs forms!
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Automatic Harmonized System Codes - as long as your item descriptions are accurate, GlobalPost will add the proper HS Codes to your customs forms!
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No minimum volume requirements
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No hidden surcharges
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Default loss and damage coverage (varies by country and service)
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Dedicated GlobalPost tracking
*GlobalPost does NOT ship to the following countries: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Sudan, Russia
🇺🇸 Shipping GlobalPost with a Stamps.com Account
This article is about using GlobalPost from ShipStation API, a carrier included with ShipStation API carrier services.
For details about using GlobalPost services with your Stamps.com account please read our Ship Internationally with GlobalPost help article.
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A ShipStation API account based in the US, Canada, or the UK
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Activate ShipEngine Carriers by adding your payment method.
You'll be prompted to enter your payment method the first time you attempt to create a label with any ShipStation API Carrier, or you can add in advance in either your Carrier settings or Payments & Subscription settings.
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Add Funds to your ShipStation API Balance.
All ShipStation API Carrier labels are purchased using the funds in your ShipStation API Balance. The first time you add your payment method, you'll be prompted to add funds so you can begin purchasing labels right away.
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Submit your information to GlobalPost via this form to get approval. GlobalPost will then contact you to verify your account. This process can take 2-3 business days.
Additional Surcharge adjustments may apply, even with accurate Weights & Dimensions.
Charges for additional handling and Adjustment Processing Fees may apply due to the packaging type or other concerns. See our ShipStation Carrier Adjustments page for details.
GlobalPost also provides some useful tools to assist in your international shipping: The HS Classification Tool (or Harmonization Code Lookup) and the Duties & Taxes Calculator.
The Harmonization Code Lookup tool helps you find the appropriate harmonization codes for your customs declarations. We recommend always including the correct harmonization codes on your customs declarations to ensure the destination country's customs authority can process your shipment in the quickest way possible.
To use the lookup tool, enter a simple item description in the search field and click Find Code. You'll then be prompted to drill down on the details of your item with a series of multiple-choice questions until the right code has been identified.
You can then enter the code into the Harmonization Code field for the shipment in ShipStation API.
The GlobalPost Duties & Taxes Calculator can help you estimate how much duties and taxes can be expected when shipping certain types of goods (based on your HS code) to certain countries. Know in advance how much duties & taxes will apply to a shipment so you can budget or charge your customers appropriately.
Should any of your GlobalPost shipments that include loss/damage coverage become lost or damaged in transit, you can file a claim within 90 days of the shipment date.
GlobalPost Claim limits vary by country:
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🇺🇸 US-based accounts include up to $100 in loss/damage protection for Standard shipments and up to $200 in loss/damage protection for Plus shipments.
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🇬🇧 UK-based accounts include up to £50 in loss/damage protection for Standard shipments plus the cost of the label.
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All claims must be filed by the shipper, not the recipient.
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Damage claims can be submitted at any time. Claims for lost packages cannot be submitted until 30 days after the shipment date.
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All claims must be submitted within 90 days after the shipment date.
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Go to the GlobalPost Claim Form page.
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Fill in the online form:
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You will need a good contact email, the shipment tracking number, the shipment date, and the claim amount.
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Do not include the shipping cost when filling in the Claim Amount field. If the claim is approved, the shipping cost will be added to your total payment.
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For damage claims, upload an image of the damaged shipment.
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Send the form when all fields have been completed.
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If you submit a partially completed form, GlobalPost will not be able to process your claim and will notify you via email. Complete any missing information on your previously submitted claim form and resubmit it, or complete a new claim.
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Once a claim has been approved, the refund will be credited to your shipping account within 3 business days. It can take up to 3 weeks for a claim to be processed. Please contact GlobalPost if you have not received a response to your claim within 3 weeks.
If you feel your claim was incorrectly denied, please submit a new claim with new or updated information.
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When configuring your GlobalPost shipments, we recommend always including the package dimensions for the shipment, in addition to the weight. GlobalPost uses dimensional weight, so even though dimensions are not required for you to create a label, adding the package dimensions will ensure you receive the most accurate rate.
Because GlobalPost uses dimensional weight, in most cases where dimensions are not included for the shipment, you will receive a post-shipment adjustment back to your account for the difference in the rate paid versus the actual rate.
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There are two tracking numbers associated with a GlobalPost shipment:
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The GlobalPost tracking number.
ShipStation API sends this tracking number to your customer and selling channel during the marketplace notification processes.
For Economy shipments, packages are tracked only to the destination country. For Standard and Smartsaver shipments, packages are tracked to the destination address.
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The tracking number on the actual label generated in ShipStation API.
This tracking number can only be used to track the movement from the shipment's origin location to the GlobalPost sorting facility. It is not shared with your customer or selling channel.
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You will not print customs forms in ShipStation API.
ShipStation API will submit the customs information electronically, and GlobalPost will include the necessary customs documents when the package is relabeled at their sorting facility. Additionally, if your item descriptions in ShipStation API are accurate, GlobalPost will automatically add the correct HS Codes to your customs forms for all EU-bound shipments.
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Additional carrier insurance is not available for GlobalPost shipments. However, you can add ShipStation API's partner insurance to GlobalPost shipments.
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Currently, GlobalPost labels do not support Unicode characters (for example, Kanji or Cyrillic).
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Label Messages for SmartSaver supports three reference fields, all other services only support the first two reference fields. Up to 24 characters can be used per field.
Here are some common issues, potential causes, and troubleshooting tips.
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Issue |
How to Troubleshoot or Resolve |
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Error Message: (211000012) This shipper is not allowed to process GlobalPost shipments. (Generic). (400) |
What it Means: You're not yet fully connected to GlobalPost. What to Do: You need to submit information to GlobalPost to get secondary approval from them. GlobalPost will then contact you to clear your account. This can take 2-3 business days. |
