Connecting Shipping Carriers
WareSquared integrates with shipping carriers to provide real-time rates, label generation, tracking, and address validation.
Supported Carriers
| Carrier | Integration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Shippo | Multi-carrier aggregator | Access to USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, and more through one API |
| UPS | Direct integration | Medium to heavy packages, business-to-business |
| FedEx | Direct integration | Express shipping, time-sensitive deliveries |
| USPS | Coming soon | Lightweight packages, domestic shipping |
| DHL | Coming soon | International shipments |
Setting Up
- Go to Settings → Shipping Carriers
- Click + Add Carrier
- Select the provider
- Enter a name for this carrier (e.g., "Production UPS Account")
- Enter your API credentials
- Choose Environment: Sandbox (testing) or Production (live)
- Click Save
You can configure multiple carriers and set one as the default.
Getting Shipping Rates
When fulfilling an order:
- Click Ship Order on a confirmed order
- WareSquared fetches real-time rates from all configured carriers
- Compare rates, delivery times, and service levels side-by-side
- Select the best option and purchase a shipping label
Purchasing Labels
After selecting a rate:
- The shipping label is generated and available for download/print
- The tracking number is automatically saved to the order
- The customer can be notified with tracking information
Address Validation
Before purchasing a label, WareSquared can validate the shipping address through your carrier:
- Checks for valid street addresses, city/state/zip combinations
- Suggests corrections for common issues (apartment numbers, typos)
- Helps reduce failed deliveries and return-to-sender packages
Voiding Labels
If an order is cancelled or the wrong label was purchased:
- Go to the shipment details
- Click Void Label
- The label is cancelled with the carrier (refund policies vary by carrier)
Tracking Shipments
WareSquared tracks both outgoing and incoming shipments:
- Outgoing: Tracking numbers from purchased labels are linked to orders
- Incoming: Track supplier shipments and incoming transfers with expected delivery dates
- Overdue alerts: Shipments past their expected delivery date are flagged automatically (see Notifications)
Tip: Use Shippo to compare rates across carriers for every shipment. Even a few dollars saved per package adds up significantly over thousands of orders.
See also: Packing and Shipping, Order Fulfillment Process, Notifications and Alert Settings