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USPS Tracking & International Shipping – Multi Carrier Shipping Label App for Shopify FAQs

    Learn about USPS tracking updates, international shipping services, and customs handling

Questions in this section:

Why is USPS shipping not showing up during checkout on my Shopify store?

USPS shipping rates will not display at checkout unless the carrier-calculated shipping feature is enabled on your Shopify store. To resolve this: 1. Contact Shopify support or check your Shopify settings to confirm that the carrier-calculated shipping feature is activated for your store. 2. Once enabled, USPS shipping rates from your connected Shopify apps will be displayed live during checkout. 3. Note that even if carrier-calculated shipping is not enabled, you can still use the app to generate USPS shipping labels and send live tracking updates to customers after the order is placed. If you need any further assistance with enabling this feature or troubleshooting, please reach out to the support team.

Why am I unable to add my USPS carrier account after entering my USPS website login ID and password?

The issue occurs because the USPS website login ID and password are not the same as the USPS API credentials required for integration. To correctly add your USPS carrier account, follow these steps: 1. Register specifically for USPS API access by visiting the USPS Web Tools registration page: https://registration.shippingapis.com/. 2. Upon registration, you will receive an email containing your USPS API credentials, including the API username and password. 3. Use these API credentials, not your USPS website login details, to connect your carrier account within the app. 4. Additionally, USPS requires you to sign up for an eVS (Electronic Verification System) account if you are eligible to access Label and Tracking APIs. 5. If you encounter difficulties obtaining API credentials or permissions, consider integrating USPS via third-party providers like Stamps.com (http://stamps.com) or EasyPost.com (http://easypost.com), which also provide discounts and cost-effective shipping solutions. 6. For personalized assistance, you can book a Zoom call with support to guide you through the process and configuration correctly. (Link available for appointment booking.) By following these steps, you can successfully add and configure your USPS carrier account for shipping integrations.

Where can I find the necessary USPS account information such as Manifest MID, Consumer Key, and Consumer Secret to connect my USPS Ship (REST) account with the app?

To obtain the USPS account details like Manifest MID, Consumer Key, and Consumer Secret, you need to contact the USPS team directly. These credentials and identifiers are provided by USPS and are not accessible through the app. Reach out to USPS customer support or your USPS account representative to request these details. Once you have these credentials, you can use them to connect your USPS Ship (REST) account with the app.

When buying labels for UPS and USPS shipments, do I need to switch between the PluginHive app and Shopify Shipping to compare label costs and find the cheapest carrier?

No, you do not need to switch between the PluginHive app and Shopify Shipping. The PluginHive Multi Carrier Shipping Label app supports both UPS and USPS carriers within a single interface. Before generating labels in the app, you can view the shipping costs for your orders from all connected carriers and choose the cheapest option. All label purchasing, cost comparison, order fulfillment, pickup requests, and tracking can be managed seamlessly within the PluginHive app without switching back and forth.

What USPS API credentials are required to set up USPS Ship with PluginHive, and where can I find these credentials?

To connect your USPS account using the USPS Shipping API with PluginHive, you need the following USPS API credentials: 1. Customer Registration ID (CRID) 2. Account Type 3. Account Number 4. Mailer Identifier (MID) 5. Manifest MID 6. Return MID 7. Consumer Key 8. Consumer Secret To obtain these credentials, you should contact USPS support directly or visit your nearest USPS warehouse. They will provide you with the necessary API account details. After securing your credentials and connecting your USPS account, PluginHive can assist you in scheduling a setup call to automate your shipping process through the app.

What USPS API credentials are required to connect my USPS account with the PluginHive app?

To connect your USPS account with the PluginHive app, you need to provide the following API credentials: 1. Customer Registration ID (CRID) 2. Account Number 3. Mailer Identifier (MID) 4. Manifest MID 5. Return MID (optional) 6. Consumer Key 7. Consumer Secret Contact your USPS Account Representative to obtain these details if you do not already have them.

What should I do if I do not have the USPS API credentials needed to connect my account?

If you do not have the required USPS API credentials, you should contact your USPS Account Representative directly to request the necessary details. They will provide you with the Customer Registration ID, Account Number, Consumer Key, Consumer Secret, and other required identifiers needed to set up the integration.

What should I do if I cannot join the scheduled PluginHive support call for USPS or FedEx integration assistance?

If you miss or cannot join your scheduled support call, you should reschedule by booking a new slot through the PluginHive appointment system here: https://appointments.pluginhive.com/appointment/book-a-slot/. It is important to be present and punctual for the call to avoid delays since their support team prioritizes scheduled slots strictly due to prior commitments. Ensure your system has working microphone and screen-sharing permissions ahead of the meeting for effective troubleshooting.

What should I do after PluginHive migrates USPS integration to the updated REST API endpoint?

After the USPS integration is migrated to the updated REST API endpoint by PluginHive, you should: 1. Reconnect your USPS account in the PluginHive app using your updated USPS credentials (Consumer Key and Consumer Secret). 2. Verify that calculated shipping rates appear at checkout. 3. Test generating shipping labels via USPS to ensure label creation works as expected. 4. Confirm that live tracking updates are properly sent to customers. This reconnection ensures seamless shipping operations with accurate rates, label generation, and tracking notifications.

What is the typical process and timeline for USPS to review and approve API product upgrade requests?

USPS processes API product upgrade requests via a manual review by their application upgrade team. Key points include: 1. Each application is reviewed individually to verify eligibility and usage requirements. 2. There may be a significant backlog, leading to delays in response time from USPS. 3. Customers should provide all required information clearly to aid a smooth review. 4. Patience is necessary, and USPS advises customers they may take longer than expected to process the application due to volume. 5. Regular follow-ups can be performed but approval timing is dependent on USPS workload.

What is required to start using USPS APIs that are not included by default or to request a quota increase?

To start using USPS APIs outside the default set or to request a quota increase, you must provide the following information to USPS API Support: 1. Your Consumer Key, which identifies your application. 2. Your CRID (Customer Registration ID), which is assigned by USPS. 3. Your estimated maximum daily shipping volume at peak. Providing these details allows USPS to enable appropriate permissions and adjust your API quota accordingly.

What functionalities does the PluginHive Multi Carrier Shipping Label app offer once USPS or DHL accounts are integrated?

After integrating USPS or DHL accounts, the app offers comprehensive shipping management features including: – Display of live shipping rates from USPS or DHL during your Shopify checkout, enabling customers to select preferred shipping options. – Generation of shipping labels automatically after orders are placed, which can be printed directly from the Shopify dashboard. – Printing of required shipping and customs documents depending on the carrier and destination. – Scheduling and requesting pickup services with USPS or DHL directly via the app, reducing manual coordination. – Order fulfillment status updates and shipment tracking so you and your customers can monitor delivery progress within Shopify.

What details are required to connect a USPS Ship (REST) account in PluginHive?

To connect your USPS Ship (REST) account in PluginHive, you need the following details: 1. Customer Registration ID (CRID) 2. Consumer Key 3. Consumer Secret 4. Account Number 5. Mailer Identifier (MID) 6. Manifest MID 7. Return MID If you do not have these credentials, you must contact the USPS team to obtain them before attempting to connect the account.

What details are required by USPS to approve an API product upgrade request for increased access and quota?

USPS requires the following information to process your API product upgrade request: 1. Consumer Key associated with your USPS API account. 2. CRID (Customer Registration ID), a unique identifier for your account. 3. Estimated maximum daily shipping volume during your peak period. Providing these details allows USPS to evaluate your current access level and allocate an appropriate product and quota to support your shipping needs.

What are the requirements and steps to connect my USPS carrier account with the PluginHive app?

To connect your USPS carrier account with the PluginHive app for automating shipping processes, you need to provide specific API credentials from your USPS account. These include: – Customer Registration ID (CRID) – Account Number – Mailer Identifier (MID) – Manifest MID – Return MID (optional) – Consumer Key – Consumer Secret If you already have a USPS account, log in to your USPS business account portal to retrieve these credentials. Then input them into the PluginHive app’s carrier connection setup section. If you don’t have a USPS account, you can create one via EasyPost (free of cost) following the guide at: https://www.pluginhive.com/knowledge-base/integrate-usps-easypost-on-shopify/ Once the API credentials are entered, the app will be able to automate label creation and shipment tracking using USPS services.

Is there a way to automatically assign Nordstrom orders (with tracking numbers starting with ‘NR#’) to use UPS Ground shipping, while other orders default to Stamps USPS Ground Advantage within PluginHive?

Currently, PluginHive does not support automatically assigning different shipping services based on specific order criteria such as order number prefixes. The default behavior is that the app selects the cheapest available service from all connected carriers. However, you can manually select your preferred shipping carrier and service for each order before generating the label by using the ‘Change Carrier Service’ option in the app.

I have connected my USPS account in the PluginHive app, but no shipping rates or labels are being generated. How can I set up the app to automate rates, label creation, and tracking updates?

To automate your shipping process with PluginHive after connecting your USPS account, follow these steps: 1. Ensure that your USPS account credentials are correctly entered and active within the app settings. 2. Configure the shipping rules and package types according to your store’s requirements in the app dashboard. 3. Enable real-time shipping rates to display accurate USPS rates at checkout. 4. Set up automatic label generation so that labels are created when orders are processed. 5. Activate live tracking updates to notify customers of their shipment status automatically. If you require personalized guidance, you can schedule a setup assistance call using the appointment link provided by PluginHive support to help you configure the app efficiently.

How should I proceed with a lost package that was insured through the PluginHive app and USPS EasyPost?

For a lost package insured via the PluginHive app and USPS EasyPost, you should contact EasyPost directly with your shipment information, including the order number, tracking details, and shipping dates. EasyPost handles the claims process for lost packages. Provide them with all relevant details to initiate the claim. If you need further assistance with the PluginHive app during this process, you can reach out to PluginHive support for help.

How does the USPS carrier manifest generated by EasyPost function with PH Multi Carrier Shipping Label?

The USPS carrier manifest generated through EasyPost includes all the necessary shipment details for batch processing. When the carrier scans the manifest label, it should correctly track and process all packages included in that batch. You can proceed by processing a batch of orders, scanning the manifest, and confirming that USPS successfully registers all packages. If any difficulties arise during or after the scan, contact support for further assistance.

How do I request additional API scopes or a quota increase for my USPS API application?

To request additional scopes or a quota increase for your USPS API app: 1. Identify your current app’s Consumer Key. 2. Gather relevant application details: – Your CRID (Customer Registration ID), if available – Estimated maximum daily shipping volume during peak times – Specify whether you are using your own developed solution or a third-party plugin/software (e.g., PluginHive) 3. Submit this information to USPS API Support via email or their support channel, indicating the need for access to APIs beyond the default product or for higher quota limits. 4. USPS manually reviews each request and communicates updates or approval decisions. 5. Upon approval, USPS upgrades your app’s product which carries the additional scopes and quota to match your usage needs. 6. Implement OAuth tokens consistent with the new permissions and quota.

How do I request additional API access or quota increases for USPS APIs beyond the default “Public Access I” product?

To request additional API access or quota increases for USPS APIs, follow these steps: 1. Gather the following information about your USPS API application: – Consumer Key – CRID (Customer Registration ID) – Estimated maximum daily shipping volume, especially at peak times 2. Contact USPS API Support at [email protected] with this information and specify which additional APIs or higher quotas you require beyond the default product. 3. USPS will review your application’s requirements and evaluate your request for upgraded API access or increased call quotas. 4. Await confirmation from USPS regarding the decision and any next steps for implementation. 5. Once approved, adjust your API usage accordingly, including generating new OAuth tokens if needed to reflect the new scope and quotas. This process ensures you have adequate permissions and capacity to handle your shipping volume through USPS APIs.

How do I obtain the API credentials to set up a USPS Ship account for use with PluginHive?

To obtain the API credentials required to add your USPS business account in PluginHive, follow these steps: 1. Visit the USPS Developer Portal Getting Started page: https://developers.usps.com/getting-started 2. Click on “USPS Customer Onboarding Portal (COP)”: https://cop.usps.com/cop-navigator?wf=API&showCC=false 3. Enroll in the “SHIP/USPS APIs” by following the enrollment instructions on the portal. 4. Add a payment account as part of the enrollment process. 5. After completing these steps and getting enrolled in USPS Ship Outbound and Returns, you will receive the necessary API credentials. 6. Use these credentials to add your USPS account within the PluginHive plugin to enable shipping features.

How do I integrate USPS shipping with the PluginHive app if I previously used EasyPost but want to switch to USPS Ship?

To integrate USPS Ship with the PluginHive app, you need USPS API credentials, which are separate from EasyPost credentials. Since you don’t have these credentials currently, follow these steps: 1. Contact the USPS API support team to request access credentials necessary for USPS Ship integration. 2. Once you receive the USPS API credentials, enter them into the PluginHive app’s USPS Ship integration settings to enable USPS shipping services. 3. If you need assistance during setup, reach out to PluginHive support for guidance. This process ensures your store can connect directly with USPS Ship through PluginHive for label generation and tracking.

How do I generate shipping labels and fulfill orders in bulk using the PluginHive MultiCarrier app with a connected USPS account?

Once your USPS account is connected and shipping rates are displaying, follow these steps to generate labels and fulfill orders in bulk: 1. Navigate to the app’s “Orders” section. 2. Select multiple orders you wish to fulfill. 3. Click on “Generate Label” to create USPS shipping labels for the selected orders. 4. After labels are generated, mark the orders as “Fulfilled” within the app. This workflow enables bulk processing of shipping labels and order fulfillment efficiently. The app also sends live tracking updates to your customers once orders are fulfilled.

How do I find the Manifest MID, Consumer Key, and Consumer Secret required by the app to connect my USPS account?

To obtain the USPS API credentials (Manifest MID, Consumer Key, and Consumer Secret), you need to register your USPS Business Account on the USPS Developer Portal by following these steps: 1. Visit the USPS Developer Portal Getting Started page: https://developers.usps.com/getting-started 2. Click on the USPS Customer Onboarding Portal (COP) link for Step 1: https://cop.usps.com/cop-navigator?wf=API&showCC=false 3. Select “Enroll in SHIP/USPS APIs” 4. Add your payment account information as requested by USPS 5. Complete the enrollment process for USPS Ship Outbound and Returns APIs. Once you have completed these steps, you will receive the necessary credentials (Manifest MID, Consumer Key, Consumer Secret) which can then be entered into the app to connect your USPS account for your shipping requirements.

How do I enroll to use the new USPS API platform and ensure my account is set up correctly for shipping requests?

To use the new USPS API platform, you must be enrolled in the USPS latest payment platform called USPS Ship. Follow these steps: 1. Visit the USPS Developers site and go through the Getting Started process: https://developers.usps.com/getting-started 2. Complete Step 1 fully, which involves registering and setting up your USPS Ship account. 3. Access the Customer Onboarding Portal and complete the full enrollment process as instructed. 4. Ensure your account is enrolled in USPS Ship for both Outbound shipments and Returns, even if you only plan to use one of these services. This enrollment is mandatory before sending any API requests through USPS Ship. Without completing these steps, API requests will not be processed.

How can I verify if the PluginHive team is actively investigating my shipping rate and USPS rates mismatch issues?

You can confirm ongoing investigations by: 1. Monitoring communications from PluginHive support referencing your reported issues and the corresponding case IDs or screenshots you provided. 2. Receiving updates that they have escalated the matter to their internal team or carrier API specialists for detailed analysis. 3. Observing any acknowledgments of attached logs or screenshots demonstrating rate discrepancies or intermittent rate display. 4. Noting any requests for additional information or confirmation that they are replicating the issue in test environments. 5. Tracking progress updates or timelines communicated by PluginHive regarding troubleshooting status. Maintaining clear communication and promptly providing any requested data helps ensure your issues are under active review.

How can I stay updated about the USPS API integration status and enhancements in the PluginHive app?

To stay updated about USPS API integration and enhancements: 1. Monitor your support communication channel with PluginHive (email or support portal). They provide status updates on ongoing API changes and testing progress. 2. PluginHive typically informs customers when USPS API enhancements are live and available. 3. Once the USPS integration enhancements go live, PluginHive may offer assistance calls for smooth integration. You can book these sessions via provided scheduling links. 4. Check PluginHive documentation or announcements regularly for any critical updates or required user actions.

How can I handle a returned order when USPS returns the package, and can PluginHive send a report to USPS on my behalf?

PluginHive does not directly send reports or communications to USPS regarding returned packages. If USPS returns a package, you should: 1. Verify the tracking number associated with the order within your PluginHive app to ensure accuracy. 2. Contact USPS customer service directly to address the return and inquire about next steps or filing any necessary reports. 3. Use the tracking number provided by USPS to follow up on the package status through their official website or support channels. PluginHive can help you track shipments and provide order details but cannot initiate contact or reports with USPS on your behalf.

How can I correct the USPS manifest label to display accurate volumes and mail types for multiple orders?

Currently, there is an issue where the EasyPost-generated USPS manifest incorrectly shows a single volume count (e.g., ‘1’) under ‘Other Services’ despite multiple orders being batched. This causes difficulties for USPS scanning processes and accurate tracking. PluginHive is aware of this issue and has planned an enhancement to fix manifest generation so the manifest correctly reflects the volume and mail types for all orders in a batch. Users should await this update, and meanwhile can contact support if urgent issues arise.

How can I change an order shipped with a USPS label purchased from Shopify from pre-shipment status to fulfilled?

To mark the order as fulfilled manually in Shopify when the order is not yet fulfilled, follow these steps: 1. Select the specific order in your Shopify admin panel. 2. Click on the three-dot menu (more actions) on the order page. 3. Choose the option “Fulfill Manually.” This action will update the order status from pre-shipment to fulfilled. Alternatively, if you want to remove the order from the shipping queue without fulfilling it: 1. Select the order. 2. Click on the three-dot menu. 3. Select “Mark as Not to Ship.” This removes the order from the “All Orders” page and moves it to the “Not to Ship” section.

Does the PluginHive Multi Carrier Shipping Label app support USPS integration?

Yes, the app supports USPS integration through Easypost. To use USPS shipping services with the app, you must have either a USPS eVS account or a Stamps USPS account linked via Easypost. This integration enables label creation, shipment tracking, and other USPS services within the app.

Does the PH MultiCarrier Shipping Label plugin support integration with USPS negotiated (discussed) rates?

Yes, the PH MultiCarrier Shipping Label app supports integration with USPS accounts and allows you to use the negotiated rates available in your USPS account. These rates will be shown on checkout if Shopify’s Carrier Calculated Shipping (CCS) feature is enabled on your store. Through the app, you can generate shipping labels, request pickups, and share tracking details using these negotiated USPS rates.

Does the PH MultiCarrier Shipping Label app support USPS, UPS, and FedEx carrier rate estimates, and will it show taxes and duties calculated by these carriers?

Yes, the app supports USPS, UPS, and FedEx carrier services. It displays real-time rates and estimated delivery times from these carriers during shipping label generation. The respective carriers calculate applicable taxes and duties, and these are included in the total shipping charges shown in the app.

Can I use Shopify discounted rates for USPS within this app while using my own UPS and FedEx accounts?

No, the app does not support using Shopify’s discounted USPS rates. You can only connect and use your own carrier accounts such as UPS and FedEx within the app. This enables you to display carrier-calculated shipping rates at checkout (with Carrier Calculated Shipping enabled), generate shipping labels, request pickups, and share tracking information. You can install the app and add your UPS and FedEx accounts, and there is a 14-day free trial available to test if it meets your requirements.

Can I charge customer fees for USPS shipments at checkout, or is this functionality only available for FedEx?

You can charge customers for USPS shipping fees, including applicable taxes, directly at checkout. The app supports displaying USPS shipping costs with taxes on the checkout page for customers, similar to how it works with FedEx shipments.

Can GlobalPost shipping services be added through the USPS integration in PluginHive instead of Stamps.com for international shipments to Canada and Australia?

No, PluginHive does not currently support GlobalPost shipping services through the USPS integration. USPS provides international services such as Priority Mail International and First-Class Package International Service via their API, but GlobalPost shipping is only accessible through third-party platforms like Stamps.com, Pirate Ship, or Endicia, which integrate GlobalPost for international deliveries. These third-party options are not integrated within the PluginHive app at this time. For confirmation or alternative solutions, it is best to consult directly with USPS or use third-party shipping solutions outside of PluginHive.

After creating a USPS shipping label in the Multi Carrier Label app, do I need to request a pickup every time, or can I drop off the package at a USPS location myself?

You have both options available. Once you generate a USPS shipping label in the app, you can either: 1. Request a USPS pickup directly through the app, where the USPS team will come to your store to collect the packages. 2. Alternatively, you can drop off the packages yourself at any USPS store location. After dropping them off, be sure to mark the order as fulfilled in the app. This will automatically update the tracking number for your orders. Both methods are supported, so you can choose the one that best fits your workflow.

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Shopify Multi Carrier Shipping Label App