Overview
Learn how to set up a carrier shipper account and enter the carrier integration credentials into AfterShip Shipping before you can calculate rates or print shipping labels. Unlike using an AfterShip Shipping Shipper account, you will need to open a shipper account directly with the carrier and sign contracts with them. By using your own carrier accounts, you can apply negotiated shipping rates to your shipments.
AfterShip Shipping will only charge a small 1¢ fee per label, while the carrier will bill you directly for the cost of the shipment. If you're looking for an easier shipping solution, check out our guide for setting up an AfterShip Shipping shipper account, where we handle the setup for you.
Set up Shipper Accounts
Log in to your AfterShip Shipping account
Select
SandboxorProduction>Shipper Accounts>You Shipper AccountSelect carrier, then enter carrier integration credentials, and shipper account address
What are Sandbox and Production?
Sandbox Environment: The AfterShip Shipping Sandbox environment is a testing space where users can test carrier integrations before going live. Any labels generated in the sandbox are only for testing purposes and cannot be used for actual shipping. No charges are applied when using sandbox credentials.
Production Environment: The Production environment is used for live shipments, where labels generated are actual, billable shipping labels. However, some carriers (e.g., UPS) do not charge for labels printed in production unless the shipment is actually picked up and scanned.
Carrier-specific setup information
Carriers that require testing labels: Some carriers like DHL and FedEx require users to print out testing labels in the sandbox environment for verification. Only after the testing phase can they provide production credentials and enable label printing for live shipments.
Production access without testing: Some carriers (like UPS) allow users to move directly to the production environment without going through a testing phase, since they don’t charge for labels until the shipment is picked up or scanned.
How to get Carrier Integration (API) Credentials for Sandbox and Production?
To get your carrier integration credentials for both the Sandbox and Production environments, follow these steps:
Search for the name of your carrier in the AfterShip Shipping Help center.
Access an easy-to-understand guide on how to obtain your carrier integration credentials. Each carrier has different requirements for sandbox and production credentials, so be sure to follow the carrier-specific guide.
FAQs
1. Do I need my own account with every carrier?
No. You have three routes, and you only need your own account where you want to use your own contracted rates.
Easyship covers more than 30 carriers through one connection and is the fastest way to get a broad set of rates.
AfterShip Shipping carrier accounts let you ship with selected partners without a direct account. VESYL covers USPS, and GPS covers USPS and UPS. Contact your account executive if you want to use GPS.
For discounted rates with carriers such as DHL, Sendle, Aramex US, Seko, Chukou1, Parcll, B2C Europe, and Chronopost, AfterShip Shipping can help you apply for the carrier account.
For any carrier not covered by these options, create and manage the account directly with the carrier, then connect it under My carrier account.
2. Can I get discounted shipping rates through AfterShip?
We don’t directly offer discounted rates, but we do partner with providers who offer these rates. These discounts are provided by the provider, not AfterShip itself.
If you’re interested in discounted rates with specific carriers like DHL, Sendle, Aramex US, Seko, Chukou1, Parcll, B2C Europe, or Chronopost, we can assist you in applying for those accounts with the providers at discounted rates.
For other carriers, you will need to set up and manage your own accounts directly with them.
3. Do I need my own account to use the discounted carrier rates?
Currently, you do need to have your own account with certain carriers to access discounted rates through AfterShip Shipping. We don’t provide universal access to discounted rates for all carriers.