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Shipstation Shipping Carrier Configuration

Shipstation Shipping Carrier Configuration

Introduction

UltraCart can integrate with ShipStation as a shipping carrier. This allows you to use ShipStation’s postage calculation services for USPS, FedEx, DHL, and UPS. Once configured, UltraCart can retrieve accurate shipping rates and generate labels directly through your ShipStation account.

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Prerequisites

Prerequisite: You must already have an active ShipStation account with carriers configured (e.g., USPS, FedEx, DHL, UPS). You will also need your ShipStation API Key and API Secret.

Configuration

NAVIGATE: Main Menu → Configuration → (Middle Menu) Shipping

  1. Navigate to Main Menu → Configuration → Shipping.

  2. Under Shipping Carriers, select ShipStation.

  3. Enter your ShipStation account credentials and configuration settings:

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Field

Description

Field

Description

V2 API Key

Paste the API Key obtained from your ShipStation account.

Rate Type

Choose between:
Account – returns your negotiated carrier rates.
List – returns standard list rates.

Label Type

Select the output format:
ZPL (200dpi)
PDF

Label Size

Choose one of:
4 x 6 inches
Letter

Phone Number

Required for rate quotes and label generation.

Carriers

Displays available carriers after saving your API Key. These must be configured in your ShipStation account.

Note: Carrier services will only appear after your API Key is validated and saved.

Here you will configure your Shipstation account credentials and related configuration settings:

Field

Description

Field

Description

V2 API Key

Paste the API Key obtained from ShipStation here.

Rate Type

Select one of the two options:
'Account - the actual rate quote for this service.'
or
'list - the list rate is the non-negoiated rate given for having an account with the carrier.'

Label Type

Select one of the two options:
'ZPL - 200dpi'
or
'PDF'

Label Size

Select one of the two options:
'4 x 6 inches'
or
'letter'

Phone Number

Required for rating and labels.

Carriers

NOTE: Carriers (these must be configured in your ShipStation account and will appear once an API Key is saved)

Configuring Shipping Methods

After enabling ShipStation as a carrier:

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  1. Navigate to Configuration → Shipping → Methods.

  2. Click New Method.

  3. In the All Shipping methods for dropdown, select ShipStation.

  4. Click Continue.

  5. Repeat this process for each carrier service you want to enable.

Tip: You can also selectively add individual shipping methods from the ShipStation carriers using the secondary dropdown.

Make sure that you are adding in the ShipStation version of each carrier method.

Distributor Center Settings

You may configure ShipStation settings for each Distribution Center (DC). This allows different DCs to have unique ShipStation shipper overrides.

  1. Navigate to Configuration → Shipping → Distribution Centers.

  2. Select a DC and click New/Edit.

  3. Locate the ShipStation Override tab.

Warning: The ShipStation Override tab will only appear once ShipStation is enabled as a carrier and shipping methods are configured.

Refer back to the main configuration section for field definitions.

Item Settings

Customs information is configured at the item level. Navigate to the item editor:

  1. Open an item in the Item Editor.

  2. Go to the Shipping tab (vertical).

  3. Open the Customs Information tab (horizontal).

  4. Enter the required customs details:

Field

Description

Field

Description

Country of Origin

Specify the country where the item is manufactured.

Customs Form Description

Short description (max 75 characters).

Customs Value

Declared value for customs.

HTS Commodity Code

Strongly recommended to avoid customs delays. Use the Harmonized Tariff Schedule to find the correct code.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why don’t I see any carriers listed after entering my API Key?

Carriers will only appear if they are configured inside your ShipStation account. Make sure you’ve added USPS, FedEx, DHL, or UPS in ShipStation first, then re-save your API Key in UltraCart.

What’s the difference between “Account” and “List” rate types?

  • Account: Returns your negotiated rates with the carrier (recommended).

  • List: Returns standard list rates, which are not discounted.

Which label format should I use: ZPL or PDF?

  • ZPL is designed for thermal label printers (200dpi).

  • PDF is more flexible and works with standard desktop printers.

Tip: Choose PDF unless you are using a dedicated ZPL-compatible label printer.

Why is a phone number required?

Some carriers require a phone number to generate shipping quotes and shipping labels. Enter a valid phone number in the configuration.

How do I configure customs information for international shipments?

Customs details must be set at the item level in the Item Editor → Shipping tab → Customs Information. At a minimum, enter the Country of Origin and Customs Value. Adding an HTS code is strongly recommended to prevent delays.

Can different distribution centers have different ShipStation settings?

Yes. Each Distribution Center can have its own ShipStation overrides by editing the DC and using the ShipStation Override tab.

Conclusion

With ShipStation configured in UltraCart, you can provide customers with accurate, carrier-calculated shipping rates and streamline label printing. Ensure that both your global and distribution center settings are properly configured for each carrier you plan to support.

Next Steps