Shipping API
Also known as: Carrier API, Logistics API, Shipment API
Definition
A shipping API (Application Programming Interface) allows software systems to communicate directly with carriers and shipping platforms. APIs enable automated rate shopping, label generation, tracking, and other shipping functions without manual intervention.
Common Shipping API Functions
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Rate shopping | Get quotes from multiple carriers |
| Label creation | Generate shipping labels |
| Tracking | Get shipment status updates |
| Address validation | Verify and standardize addresses |
| Pickup scheduling | Arrange carrier pickups |
| Returns | Generate return labels |
Types of Shipping APIs
Carrier-Direct APIs
- Connect directly to UPS, FedEx, USPS, etc.
- Full feature access
- Requires integration to each carrier
Aggregator APIs
- Single integration to many carriers
- Simplified implementation
- May have limited features
- Examples: EasyPost, ShipEngine, Shippo
API Integration Components
Your System → API Request → Shipping API
↓
Process Request
↓
Your System ← API Response ← Carrier
What Developers Need
- API credentials (keys, tokens)
- API documentation
- Test environment (sandbox)
- Production environment
- Error handling procedures
- Rate limits understanding
Benefits of Shipping APIs
- Automation - No manual data entry
- Speed - Real-time rate quotes and labels
- Accuracy - Reduced human errors
- Scalability - Handle high volumes
- Integration - Connect to other systems
Popular Shipping APIs
Multi-Carrier
- EasyPost
- ShipEngine
- Shippo
- ShipStation API
Carrier-Direct
- UPS Developer Kit
- FedEx Web Services
- USPS Web Tools
API Considerations
- Rate limits (requests per minute/day)
- Pricing (per label, per request, subscription)
- Carrier coverage
- Documentation quality
- Support availability
- Compliance and security
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