Managing shipping across multiple carriers can be a daunting task for e-commerce businesses. From comparing rates to generating customs forms, the process often involves juggling various platforms and accounts. ShipStation simplifies this complexity by acting as a centralized hub that integrates with a wide array of global carriers, streamlining operations and saving time and money.
This guide explores how ShipStation connects your business with major shipping providers—including UPS, USPS, FedEx, DHL, and regional carriers—empowering you to ship smarter, faster, and more cost-effectively. Discover how these integrations can enhance your international and domestic shipping strategies, whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise.
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Unlock Seamless Shipping with ShipStation
- Why Choose a Multi-Carrier Platform?
- Key Carrier Integrations: Connecting You Globally
- US Carriers
- Canadian Shipping Solutions
- UK Carriers
- Australian Shipping Options
- Advanced Features Powered by ShipStation
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction: Unlock Seamless Shipping with ShipStation
In today’s fast-paced e-commerce environment, delivering orders efficiently is crucial for customer satisfaction and business growth. Shipping involves more than just printing labels—it requires managing multiple carriers, optimizing costs, navigating international customs, and providing a positive post-purchase experience.
ShipStation offers a comprehensive SaaS solution that consolidates these tasks into a single platform. By integrating with numerous carriers, it enables businesses to automate workflows, compare rates, generate customs documents, and track shipments effortlessly. Whether managing a handful of domestic orders or coordinating complex international logistics, ShipStation helps streamline fulfillment and expand your global reach.
Why Choose a Multi-Carrier Platform?
Using a unified shipping platform like ShipStation offers several benefits:
- Rate Shopping: Compare shipping costs across various carriers—such as USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, and regional options—to find the most economical or fastest service for each order.
- Consolidated Billing: Manage all carrier invoices through a single postage balance, simplifying financial tracking.
- Transparent Pricing: Avoid unexpected fees with clear, upfront rate estimates—no hidden surcharges or surprises.
- Scalability: Automate order processing and handle increased shipping volumes seamlessly as your business grows.
- Carrier Flexibility: Switch between carriers easily to optimize for price, speed, or service availability, including regional and international options.
Key Carrier Integrations: Connecting You Globally
US Carriers
USPS & Stamps.com
The partnership between USPS and ShipStation delivers robust domestic and international shipping options. Access discounted rates through Stamps.com ShipStation integration, which provides additional savings on Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, First Class, Media Mail, and international services. Features include:
- Deep discounts on domestic and international postage
- Support for various mail classes and flat-rate options
- Customs forms automation for international shipments
- Use of USPS Global Advantage Program (GAP) for simplified customs and coverage
UPS
UPS by ShipStation offers extensive service options, including Ground, 2nd Day Air, Next Day Air, and international express services. Benefits include:
- Up to 77% off on UPS Ground and up to 83% off on international services
- No minimum shipping volume requirement
- Electronic customs documentation
- Branded labels, packing slips, and tracking pages
- Support for multi-package shipments and Saturday delivery
FedEx
FedEx ShipStation unlocks savings of up to 90% off list rates on services such as:
- FedEx Ground Economy (formerly SmartPost)
- FedEx International Connect Plus
- FedEx One Rate for flat-rate shipping
- Freight services for heavy or palletized shipments
Features include automatic tracking updates, door-to-door visibility, and support for international freight options.
Canadian Shipping Solutions
Canada Post
The Canada Post ShipStation integration simplifies domestic and international shipping for Canadian merchants. Features include:
- Discounted postage rates and the ability to apply existing contracts
- Auto-splitting manifests across multiple warehouses
- Support for tracked packets and proof of age services
- Return label generation and customs documentation
Purolator
Purolator integration facilitates services like Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) shipments, helping to ensure smooth customer experiences across Canada.
UK Carriers
Royal Mail
As the UK’s universal postal service, Royal Mail integration enables efficient domestic and international shipping. Benefits include:
- Automation of end-of-day manifests
- Support for tracked, guaranteed, and return services
- Seamless label creation and return processing
DPD UK
DPD offers features like “Predict” for precise delivery windows, extensive parcel shop networks, and international options. Ideal for businesses seeking reliable next-day and European shipping.
Evri (formerly Hermes)
Evri provides flexible, cost-effective delivery options with over 4,500 ParcelShops. The integration offers discounted rates, multiple delivery attempts, and reliable service.
Yodel
Yodel’s partnership with ShipStation supports reliable UK domestic deliveries with extensive drop-off points, flexible timings, and specialized services for heavier parcels.
Australian Shipping Options
Australia Post eParcel
The eParcel integration allows for efficient domestic and international shipments with features like:
- Automated label printing and tracking
- Multi-package shipping
- Customs documentation automation
- Insurance options
CouriersPlease
This regional carrier offers fast, cost-effective last-mile delivery solutions across Australia. The integration provides pre-negotiated rates, real-time tracking, and pickup scheduling.
Sendle
Sendle ShipStation integration emphasizes eco-friendly, carbon-neutral deliveries. Benefits include:
- No minimum volume requirements
- Free pickup and real-time tracking
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Insurance coverage up to $150 USD (US) and $100 CAD (Canada)
Advanced Features Powered by ShipStation
Beyond basic label printing, ShipStation offers a suite of features to optimize the entire shipping workflow:
- International Shipping & Customs: Auto-generate customs forms (CN22, CN23), commercial invoices, and HS Codes, often electronically submitted to carriers like FedEx, DHL, and UPS. Simplifies cross-border shipping and accelerates customs clearance.
- Automation Rules: Set criteria to automatically assign carriers, services, package types, and insurance, reducing manual effort and errors.
- Inventory Management: Sync stock levels across sales channels, set reorder points, and track inventory in real-time.
- Branded Customer Experience: Customize packing slips, labels, tracking pages, and email notifications to reinforce brand identity.
- Carrier Pickup Scheduling: Arrange pickups directly within ShipStation for carriers like USPS, FedEx, UPS, DHL, Sendle, and others—saving trips to the post office or courier drop-off points.
- Third-Party Billing: Charge shipping costs to third-party accounts, ideal when customers or partners cover shipping fees.
- Handling Dangerous Goods: Indicate shipments as containing hazardous materials, ensuring compliance with carrier-specific regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ShipStation a downloadable application?
No. ShipStation operates as a cloud-based SaaS accessible via web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. For printing labels directly from your computer, the ShipStation Connect utility must be installed.
Does ShipStation integrate with my e-commerce platform?
Yes. It supports over 100 direct integrations with popular platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Amazon, and more. If your platform isn’t listed, third-party solutions may enable connectivity.
Can ShipStation handle customs forms for international shipments?
Absolutely. It automates customs documentation for many carriers, including electronic submissions for FedEx, DHL, and UPS, while supporting necessary paper forms for others.
What are HS Codes, and why are they important?
Harmonized System (HS) Codes classify products internationally for customs purposes. Including HS Codes expedites clearance, reduces delays, and ensures proper taxation.
Can I use third-party billing?
Yes. ShipStation allows billing to third-party accounts, which is useful for dropshippers or when clients handle shipping costs. This requires configuring account details for the third party.
How do I schedule carrier pickups?
Carrier pickup requests can be made directly within ShipStation for supported carriers like USPS, FedEx, UPS, DHL, Sendle, and Aramex, streamlining your logistics process.
Does ShipStation support shipping dangerous goods?
Yes, with carrier and service support. Users must verify specific carrier policies and packaging requirements for hazardous materials.
Can I print labels without paying for postage?
No. Labels purchased through ShipStation include postage. It does not support printing address labels without postage.
What is the USPS Global Advantage Program (GAP)?
GAP simplifies international shipping for certain USPS services by routing parcels through a domestic GlobalPost sorting facility. This program helps automate customs forms, provides included loss/damage coverage for eligible services, and offers options like pre-paid duties and taxes for some destinations, such as Canada.
