Details about creating USPS labels with ShipStation Carrier Services: How to set up, features, GlobalPost services, notes, and troubleshooting.
ShipStation Carrier Service's USPS option provides access to discounted rates, including ShipStation-specific cubic rates. In addition to standard USPS services, this option also grants access to Stamps.com's GlobalPost program for international shipments.
If you haven't done so already, you'll be prompted to add your billing information the first time you attempt to create a label. Or, you can follow the steps below to add your billing information in advance:
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Click the Setup link for ShipStation Carrier Services.
Enter your billing information for the account and agree to terms and conditions.
This billing information will apply to all services using ShipStation Carrier Services. Charges from ShipStation Carrier Services will appear on your credit card reports with the description “STAMPS."
ShipStation Carrier Service's USPS shipping carrier option supports for the following standard features:
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Common ShipStation Features |
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Additional Features
ShipStation Carrier Service's USPS shipping carrier option allows for the following additional features:
Feature |
Description |
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Discounted Rates |
ShipStation Carrier Service's gives you access to discounted USPS rates using USPS's Commercial Base Pricing tier. It also includes access to ShipStation-specific cubic pricing for USPS Priority Mail shipments. |
Access to GlobalPost |
ShipStation Carrier Service's USPS option automatically includes access to Stamps.com's GlobalPost international consolidation shipping options. Review the GlobalPost section below for more details on available services and restrictions. |
Prepaid postage |
All USPS shipments are prepaid, and use a shared pool of funds with other carriers linked to ShipStation Carrier Services. |
Scheduled Pickups |
After creating USPS labels using ShipStation Carrier Services, you can schedule a pickup for the next day directly in ShipStation. |
Here are some things you should keep in mind about USPS through ShipStation Carrier Services:
You will not have direct access to a Stamps.com account when using USPS through ShipStation Carrier Services. If you have questions about your account, or encounter any billing issues, please contact the ShipStation User Success team.
USPS does not support Signature or Adult Signature confirmation for shipments to international addresses.
USPS SCAN forms must be created before 9 PM local time.
Label Messages are not available for international shipments, or domestic First Class Mail shipments using the Letter package type.
Labels created through ShipStation Carrier Service will not show postage amounts.
In order to receive a refund for unused postage, you must void the shipping label electronically within 28 days.
All USPS shipments are subject to the USPS Automatic Package Verification System (APV). Any adjustment applied through APV will be either added or deducted automatically to/from your ShipStation Carrier Services balance. USPS reserves the right to apply APV adjustments at any time.
Here are some common issues, potential causes, and troubleshooting tips.
Issue |
How to troubleshoot or resolve |
|---|---|
First Class Mail International (FCMI) shipments' tracking numbers not sent to marketplaces or customers. |
The tracking number provided for FCMI shipments is not always fully trackable, and will often not provide any additional tracking details beyond the shipment leaving the country. Since these tracking numbers do not always provide full delivery information, ShipStation considers them to be "non-trackable" and will not include them in notifications by default. If you want ShipStation to include FCMI tracking numbers in notifications, go to Despite the wording of the setting, it applies to both marketplace and customer notifications. |
My Priority Mail Express shipment arrived late, how do I get a refund for the late delivery? |
Contact the ShipStation User Success team with the tracking number(s) and created date(s) for the shipment(s). The ShipStation User Success team will evaluate the claim and respond within 24 hours. |
I created a shipment using the First Class Mail International (FCMI) service and the Large Envelope or Flat package type but got a domestic shipping label. What should I do? |
Starting in early 2018, USPS requires all "Merchandise" shipped using FCMI to use the Package package type. The Large Envelope or Flat package type is only valid if the content type for the shipment is "Documents." However, Stamps.com allows you to use the Large Envelope or Flat package type for any kind of FCMI shipment. The domestic shipping label you received uses the Stamps.com Global Advantage program. Once received, Stamps will relabel the shipment with a new label and any necessary customs information, and send the package on it's way to it's final destination. See the Global Advantage Program section in the Stamps.com article for more details. |