UPS from ShipStation

Details about using UPS from ShipStation: Requirements, how to connect, available features, and other notes.

UPS from ShipStation allows you to ship with UPS services and discounted rates right away. There is no need to open and manage your own UPS account. You can immediately take advantage of UPS discounted rates once you activate ShipStation Carriers.

UPS from ShipStation offers discounts of up to 73% for UPS Next Day services and up to 77% off UPS Ground service.

Requirements for UPS from ShipStation

  • Activate ShipStation Carriers by adding your payment method.

    You'll be prompted to enter your payment method the first time you attempt to create a label with any ShipStation Carrier, or you can add in advance in either your Carrier settings or Payments & Subscription settings.

  • Add funds to your ShipStation Balance.

    All ShipStation Carrier labels are purchased using the funds in your ShipStation Balance. The first time you add your payment method, you'll be prompted to add funds so you can begin purchasing labels right away.

Label & Shipment Requirements:

  • UPS requires a Ship From Company Name. Learn how to set your Ship From and Return Address.

  • UPS uses dimensional weight (DIM) when calculating rates. Always include the shipment's dimensions and weight so you receive the correct rates when creating the label. Incorrect weight or dimensions may result in post-shipping adjustments to your postage balance in ShipStation.

Activate ShipStation Carriers

Activating ShipStation Carriers requires adding your label payment method and agreeing to the carriers' Terms of Service. Once activated, you'll have access to all of the carriers available for your account's country.

To activate ShipStation Carriers:

  1. Click the Get Started button.

    Carriers settings with arrow pointing to Get Started button
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter your billing details, agree to the terms and conditions, and finish the setup.

Once completed, you can add funds to your ShipStation Balance and create labels with ShipStation Carriers.

Enable Auto-Funding For a Seamless Experience

We recommend enabling auto-funding to ensure your balance always has the funds for your label purchase needs.

Adding New ShipStation Carriers

ShipStation will sometimes add new carriers to the ShipStation Carriers roster! If you have already activated ShipStation Carriers and would like to start using the new carrier's services, you just need to update your ShipStation Carriers settings and agree to the new carrier's Terms of Service.

Go to Settings > Shipping > Carriers and click the Update button.

ShipStation Carriers settings showing a notification banner for new services and the Update button selected

Agree to the new carrier's terms and you're done! You can immediately start creating labels with the new carrier.

Available Features for UPS from ShipStation

UPS from ShipStation supports the following standard features:

Additional Features for UPS from ShipStation

UPS from ShipStation includes the following additional features:

Feature

Description

Schedule a Pickup in ShipStation

Go to the Shipments tab and choose the Carrier Pickups option in the left-hand sidebar to schedule a one-time pickup directly in ShipStation.

UPS will charge a fee for each scheduled pickup. Fees vary based on pickup type and frequency.

Bill Taxes and Duties to Payor of Shipping Charges options or Delivered Duties Paid (DDP)

UPS allows you to request that the payor of the shipping charges be charged for taxes and duties instead of the recipient.

The fee will appear as an adjustment in your ShipStation Balance.

Other shipping options DDP option highlighted

The text for this option changes depending on your account language settings. If the language is set to English (US & CA) the text will read Bill duties and taxes to payor of shipping charges. If the language is set English (AU & NZ) or English (UK & IE) the text will read Delivered Duty Paid (DDP).

Saturday Delivery

Enable this option for guaranteed package delivery on a Saturday. You must select this option to guarantee Saturday delivery. If this option is not selected, the package will not be eligible for a UPS Guaranteed Service refund, even if the estimated delivery date shows an estimated delivery on a Saturday.

As of February 6, 2024, UPS Standard includes Saturday residential delivery for shipments to the Greater Toronto area* when shipped from Canada or the US (expanding to Montreal, Labal, Calgary, and Greater Vancouver in March 2024). You do not need to enable the Saturday Delivery option for these shipments. UPS Standard shipments are not eligible for delivery guarantee.

*Eligibility is based on origin postal code, UPS defined Saturday delivery service territory and residential address classification or available UPS Access Point® locations. Eligible origins and destinations will expand throughout 2024.

See the UPS page on Saturday Delivery for more information and restrictions.

Paperless Commercial Invoices

For international shipments, electronic customs forms are enabled by default. You do not need to contact UPS to enable it. You can still print physical copies from the Forms column on the Shipments tab.

Discounted Rates for UPS Ground

Enter dimensions and weights to your UPS Ground shipments take advantage of up to 77% discounted rates on qualified shipments.

The carrier can be used to create domestic shipping labels.

The carrier can be used to create international shipping labels.

ShipStation will submit international customs declarations electronically to the carrier.

The carrier can be used to create domestic return labels.

ShipStation will display estimated shipping rates for the carrier based on the connected account information and shipment details.

Shipment insurance, provided by the shipment's selected carrier, can be added to the shipment in ShipStation. This insurance would be in addition to any default coverage already provided by that carrier.

Shipping labels created for this carrier will include a tracking number that can be used to view the shipment status on the carrier's tracking website. Tracking may not be available for all shipping services.

When tracking is available, ShipStation will automatically track the shipment status and update the tracking status on the Shipments tab. This feature allows for other advanced ShipStation features like delayed notifications and the Branded Tracking Page.

ShipStation can close the day's shipments for the carrier and submit the manifest electronically. The End of Day process may be mandatory or optional, based on the carrier and your account with them. A printable file may or may not be available when submitted electronically - see End of Day (PDF).

ShipStation can close the day's shipments for the carrier and create a printable PDF of the manifest to provide to the carrier. The End of Day process may be mandatory or optional, based on the carrier and your account with them. The file may or may not be submitted electronically - see End of Day (Electronic).

ShipStation can print the store's logo on shipping labels created for this carrier. Label branding may not be available for all services supported by this carrier.

ShipStation can print information on the label as a label message (configure in Label Document Options). The carrier may or may not support all 3 label message fields and label messages may not be available for all services supported by this carrier.

This carrier can be used to create multi-package shipments, where multiple labels are created for a single shipment and the individual packages are linked together in a single shipment record with a master tracking number.

UPS® Ground Saver

UPS® Ground Saver is an economy, residential, ground delivery service designed for lightweight, non-time-sensitive packages. UPS® Ground Saver offers a clear savings advantage to help you manage shipping costs and offer your customers a positive delivery experience.

Exclusive to UPS® from ShipStation

UPS® Ground Saver is only available for UPS from ShipStation. It is not available with your own UPS account.

Accept the new Terms & Conditions for UPS from ShipStation to make this service available in your account if it isn't already.

ShipStation Carriers settings showing a notification banner for new services and the Update button selected

UPS Ground Saver Features

  • Delivers Monday - Sunday

  • Ships to residential destinations with no residential or fuel surcharges

  • Door-to-Door tracking

  • Competitive delivery times (estimates appear in ShipStation when configuring shipments)

  • UPS® Ground Saver shipments move through the UPS network and will be delivered by UPS or, in some cases, will be handed off to the local Post Office for final delivery by the USPS.

  • Ship to PO Boxes, military addresses, and US territories (since USPS can handle last-mile delivery).

Shipping Requirements

  • Weight: Packages up to 70 lbs actual weight or up to 10lbs dimensional weight

  • Size limitations:

    • Packages must be at least 4" high, 6" long, and 0.75" wide

    • Combined length + girth dimensions cannot exceed 130 inches; no one dimension can exceed 60 inches

  • Domestic Shipments to the 48 contiguous States and residential addresses only

Shipping Considerations

  • UPS® Ground Saver shipments are not eligible for signature confirmation or UPS Guaranteed Service Refunds.

  • Shipments cannot be rerouted.

  • Surcharges may apply.

    • Non-Standard Cube Charge: Any package with L x W x H measuring more than 3456 cubic inches)

    • Non-Standard Length Charge: Any package where the longest side measures more than 22 inches while not exceeding 30 inches

    • Non-Standard Extra Length Charge: Any package where the longest side measures more than 30 inches while not exceeding 48 inches

  • Shipments covered up to $100 declared value. However, this coverage only applies to the shipment as long as it is in UPS custody. If UPS hands the shipment to USPS for last-mile delivery, the coverage no longer applies.

    UPS will inspect the package prior to USPS handoff. If damaged, they will not hand if off, but will instead return to the sender.

ParcelGuard Insurance Recommended!

ShipStation allows you to add shipment insurance with ParcelGuard if you need to insure packages beyond the default coverage or ensure the package is covered no matter which carrier delivers it. Additionally, the ParcelGuard claims process doesn't change and can be initiated directly in ShipStation.

UPS reserves the right to update service details and restrictions at any time.

Schedule a UPS Pickup

ShipStation offers the ability to schedule "ad hoc" UPS pickups directly in ShipStation.

  1. Choose the Carrier Pickups option in the left-hand sidebar.

    Shipments tab sidebar with Carrier Pickups option highlighted
  2. Select UPS from the Schedule a Pickup drop-down menu.

    The Schedule a Pickup drop-down with FedEx, DHL Express, and UPS pickup options.
  3. Fill in the times and pickup location. Pickup locations are Ship From Locations you have created. The pickup window must be at least a 2-hour window (ex: 2 pm - 4 pm CST).

    SHP_CarrierPU_UPSform.png

    When you schedule your first pickup, create a Pickup Contact.

  4. Click Schedule a Pickup.

Pickup Fees Apply

  • Creating a pickup with UPS will incur a fee, which will be applied to your monthly invoice.

    You can find out the current UPS Pickup fees on their website.

  • Pickups are generally Monday – Friday, but if Saturday is needed it can be arranged for an additional fee.

Reroute or Redirect a UPS Shipment

A UPS from ShipStation shipment can be returned to sender. To reroute or redirect an in-transit UPS shipment, click this link: UPS from ShipStation Form.

Select the option to Reroute my UPS from ShipStation package and fill in the required information.

Before Rerouting a UPS Shipment

  • Fee to reroute: UPS charges a fee for rerouting shipments, which will be deducted from your ShipStation balance.

  • Not available for Ground Saver shipments: UPS Ground Saver shipments are not eligible for rerouting.

A few things to keep in mind when rerouting a package:

  • This is not a guaranteed service, so It is important to file this claim as soon as possible.

  • UPS cannot intercept a delivered shipment.

Additional Details about UPS from ShipStation

  • UPS from ShipStation does not support third-party billing.

  • International UPS shipments must be shipped within 14 days of the label creation date to ensure that your shipment is not delayed at customs.

  • UPS High-Value Reports: If the shipment has a declared value over $1,000.00 USD, UPS will return a High-Value Report to ShipStation.

    Review our Generate a UPS High-Value Report help article for details on how to print and other requirements.

  • Voiding labels:

    • You cannot void a UPS from ShipStation label once it has been scanned by UPS or if you do not use the label within 30 days. If you attempt to do so, ShipStation will give the error "The shipment was not voided."

    • When you void a UPS from ShipStation label, the cost of the label will be credited back to your ShipStation balance. Most funds are credited back the same day but can take up to 21 business days to process.

  • Guaranteed Service Refund:

    • UPS offers a Guaranteed Service Refund for all packages not delivered by the date and time indicated for delivery when the shipment was processed. UPS will either credit or refund the transportation charges for each such shipment to the payer only. Learn more about the UPS Service Guarantee.

      To put in a GSR request for UPS from ShipStation shipments, please fill out our Guaranteed Service Request form.

  • UPS End of Day forms (also known as PLD forms) are not available in ShipStation. As a Certified UPS Partner, ShipStation submits all shipment information electronically to UPS when labels are created, so no End of Day process or PLD form is necessary.

    If you require a manifest for record-keeping purposes, you can create a generic shipment manifest by going to Insights > Reports > Shipping Manifest and running the report for your UPS shipments.

  • UPS from ShipStation does not currently provide free shipping supplies.

  • Prohibited items, restrictions, and dangerous/hazardous goods:

    UPS has set forth specific restrictions on goods shipped using UPS from ShipStation. It is the shipper's responsibility to ensure their shipments do not violate these UPS guidelines. Violation of these restrictions may result in your ShipStation account being banned from using UPS from ShipStation.

    Review the Shipping Prohibitions & Restrictions for further details.

  • 🇺🇸 US accounts: UPS® Standard shipments from the US to Canada incur a fee based on Customs Brokerage Rates. See the UPS® Tariff/Terms & Conditions of Service – United States PDF for more information.

Troubleshooting Tips for UPS from ShipStation

Here are some common issues, potential causes, and troubleshooting tips.

Issue

How to Troubleshoot or Resolve

Error: “Invalid number of products.”

What it means: UPS can accept up to 100 customs declarations. Attempts to send 101 declarations or more will result in an error.

What to do: If you have more than 100 customs declarations, you must separate them into groups of 100 or fewer to process. To do so, you’ll need to split the order until each shipment in the order has 100 customs declarations or fewer. Once each shipment has only 100 customs declarations, you can create a label for each shipment. For example, if the order had to be split into three shipments, you would generate three labels.

Error: The Shipper's shipper number cannot be used for the shipment

What it means: Typically, this means there is an account-related issue that must be addressed by our support team.

What to do: Contact ShipStation support.

Error: There was an issue with the request to the module. ExternalClientError: Missing or Invalid CompanyName

What it means: Typically, this means the Company field is blank in the Ship From Location used for the shipment.

What to do: UPS requires a company name in the ship from address, so make sure the Company field for your Ship From Location has a value.

Error: Missing or invalid ship from StateProvinceCode

What to do: If shipping to or from an address in the UK, try substituting the state or province for a two-letter code as found on this United Kingdom (GB) State/Province Table. For example, use JJ instead of Edinburgh.

The carrier can be used to create domestic shipping labels.

The carrier can be used to create international shipping labels.

ShipStation will submit international customs declarations electronically to the carrier.

The carrier can be used to create domestic return labels.

ShipStation will display estimated shipping rates for the carrier based on the connected account information and shipment details.

Shipment insurance, provided by the shipment's selected carrier, can be added to the shipment in ShipStation. This insurance would be in addition to any default coverage already provided by that carrier.

Shipping labels created for this carrier will include a tracking number that can be used to view the shipment status on the carrier's tracking website. Tracking may not be available for all shipping services.

When tracking is available, ShipStation will automatically track the shipment status and update the tracking status on the Shipments tab. This feature allows for other advanced ShipStation features like delayed notifications and the Branded Tracking Page.

ShipStation can close the day's shipments for the carrier and submit the manifest electronically. The End of Day process may be mandatory or optional, based on the carrier and your account with them. A printable file may or may not be available when submitted electronically - see End of Day (PDF).

ShipStation can close the day's shipments for the carrier and create a printable PDF of the manifest to provide to the carrier. The End of Day process may be mandatory or optional, based on the carrier and your account with them. The file may or may not be submitted electronically - see End of Day (Electronic).

ShipStation can print the store's logo on shipping labels created for this carrier. Label branding may not be available for all services supported by this carrier.

ShipStation can print information on the label as a label message (configure in Label Document Options). The carrier may or may not support all 3 label message fields and label messages may not be available for all services supported by this carrier.

This carrier can be used to create multi-package shipments, where multiple labels are created for a single shipment and the individual packages are linked together in a single shipment record with a master tracking number.