Configuring FedEx API
FedEx
The FedEx integration is one of the most advanced integrations in UltraCart. By connecting your FedEx account, UltraCart will be able to estimate rates using the discounts you have with FedEx and print domestic shipping labels directly to PDF.
Note: If your FedEx account is not connected, UltraCart will only be able to obtain estimates limited to standard list rates for shipments originating in or destined for the US.
Connecting Your FedEx Account
FedEx uses OAuth to authorize the connection between your FedEx account and UltraCart. You will need your FedEx Account Number to complete this step.
Navigation
Main Menu → Configuration → (middle menu) Checkout → Shipping → (Middle Menu) Under “Carriers”, click “FedEx”
Enter your Account Number in the Account Number field.
Click the blue Authorize button.
You will be redirected to FedEx to log in and approve the connection.
Once authorized, you will return to UltraCart with your FedEx account connected and the configuration form unlocked.
After authorization is complete, fill in the remaining configuration fields described below.
Sender Address
These fields identify the origin of your shipments and are required for accurate rate estimation and label printing. All fields should be completed.
Sender Company
Sender Address Line 1 / Line 2
Sender City, State, Postal Code, Country
Sender Phone Number
The Sender Address must match the address configured in your Shipping Distribution Center. A mismatch between these two addresses will cause label printing errors. See the Shipping Methods configuration section for Distribution Center settings.
Rating
Choose between List (retail pricing) or Discounted (your negotiated FedEx rates). Most merchants select Discounted.
Ground Economy (SmartPost) Settings
Field | Description |
|---|---|
Ground Economy (SmartPost) Rate < 1 LB | Select to apply the SmartPost rate for packages weighing less than one pound. |
Ground Economy (SmartPost) Ship > $100 | FedEx will only insure up to $100 with Ground Economy. Select this checkbox to acknowledge that limitation. |
Ground Economy (SmartPost) Minimum Weight (LB) | Specify the minimum package weight at which the Ground Economy rate will be used for estimates. |
General Settings
Sender Label Type: Choose 4x6 or Half Sheet, with an optional setting for “packing slip with 4x6 label”. Most merchants use a Zebra LP2844 label printer with the 4x6 option.
FedEx Delivery Signature Options: Choose No Signature Required, Indirect, Direct, or Adult to control how recipients sign for packages.
Pickup Type: Choose Use Scheduled Pickup or Drop Off at FedEx Location depending on how you hand off packages to FedEx.
Add to Bill Reference #s and Add to Bill Tracking #s: Optional checkboxes to include these values on billing and tracking records.
Allow One Rate Conversion: Select to enable FedEx One Rate pricing where applicable.
Include Clearance Entry Fee: Select to include the clearance entry fee in the shipping cost presented to the customer during checkout.
Customs
Field | Description |
|---|---|
Include Clearance Entry Fee | Select this checkbox to include Clearance Entry Fee in the shipping cost presented to the customer during checkout. |
Merchant Paid Duties | Select this checkbox to designate duties to be paid by the merchant. |
Electronic Trade Docs (ETD) | Select this checkbox to instruct FedEx to submit customs documents electronically. See ITN and the notes on screen for more details. |
Hard Copy | Select if using ETD but you still want to provide a local copy of customs documents for printing. |
Letterhead | Upload your letterhead in *.gif or *.png format. Max size: 700x50 pixels. |
Signature | Upload your digital signature in *.gif or *.png format. Max size: 240x25 pixels. |
FedEx Freight
The FedEx Freight configuration allows UltraCart to pull rates directly from FedEx Freight. These credentials are separate from your standard FedEx account. Do not use the same account number in both sections.
All address fields must be provided for FedEx Freight. Rate estimation will not work correctly if any required fields are missing.
Once you have completed the FedEx Freight settings, you will still need to add FedEx Freight shipping methods in the Shipping Method configuration section.
FedEx Freight requires the following fields: Freight Account Number, Contact Name, Contact Title, Phone Number, and all Sender Address fields.
Configure FedEx One Rate
Navigate to Main Menu → Configuration → Checkout → Shipping → Packages.
Click Add FedEx One Rate Packages to add all standard One Rate package types at once, or add them individually using New Package.
AfterShip Integration
UltraCart is integrated with AfterShip, which provides automated tracking updates to your customers. If you have an AfterShip account, you can configure your API key here to enable that integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need before connecting my FedEx account?
You need an active FedEx account and your FedEx Account Number. UltraCart uses OAuth to authorize the connection with FedEx.
Why am I only seeing standard list rates?
If your FedEx account is not connected, UltraCart can only return standard list rates for supported US-origin or US-destination shipments. Connect your FedEx account to use your negotiated rates.
Should I choose List or Discounted rating?
Most merchants choose Discounted so UltraCart estimates rates using the negotiated pricing on their FedEx account. Choose List only if you want retail pricing.
Why does my sender address matter?
The Sender Address is used for rate estimates and label printing. It should match the address configured in your Shipping Distribution Center to avoid label printing errors.
Can UltraCart print FedEx labels?
Yes. After your FedEx account is authorized and the required configuration fields are complete, UltraCart can print domestic FedEx shipping labels directly to PDF.
Are FedEx Freight credentials the same as my standard FedEx account?
No. FedEx Freight uses separate credentials. Do not use the same account number in both the standard FedEx and FedEx Freight sections.
Where do I configure FedEx One Rate packages?
Go to Main Menu → Configuration → Checkout → Shipping → Packages, then use Add FedEx One Rate Packages or add package types individually with New Package.
Related Documentation
Shipping Methods — Add and configure FedEx shipping methods and Distribution Centers