How to add UPS Mail Innovations options to ShipStation, what service and package types are available, and other need-to-know details.
UPS Mail Innovations® (UPS MI) is an efficient and cost-effective method for sending lightweight parcels and flat mail to global addresses. UPS transfers your shipment to a local carrier (typically the USPS) for last-mile delivery to its destination.
If your UPS account includes access to UPS Mail Innovations®, you can enable these services for use in ShipStation, as well.
After you've connected your UPS account to ShipStation:
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Go back to Settings, then Carrier & Fulfillment, and click the Settings link for your UPS account.
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Click the checkbox next to Enable Consolidation Services. If you're using UPS MI, you'll also need to select an Endorsement and enter your Cost Center.
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Select an Endorsement and enter your Cost Center (if you don't know which options to choose, check with your UPS account rep).
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Click Confirm.
Once you've taken the above steps, the following services and package types will be added to your UPS options (if you do not see them right away, log out and then back in to ShipStation):
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UPS Mail Innovation does not support third-party billing.
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UPS Mail Innovation® Returns are not supported in ShipStation.
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The USPS tracking number will appear on the label, while the UPS MI tracking number will appear in ShipStation.
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When you use UPS MI services, you must select an appropriate UPS MI package type. Domestic services must use one of the domestic package types, and international services must use one of the international package types.
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UPS Mail Innovations labels do not include a barcode, nor a live tracking number with the following package types :
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MI - Standard Flat (< 1 lb)
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MI - BPM Flat
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MI International - Flats
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UPS MI rates are not available through the UPS API, and so the rate for the label will not display in ShipStation. The actual rate for shipment will appear on your bill from UPS.
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UPS MI supports e-VS (Electronic Verification System) shipping through the UPS API. You will see 'eVS' above the USPS barcode on domestic shipping labels as confirmation that the label supports e-VS. International shipments through UPS do not show eVS though, as UPS does not use that feature to move packages internationally.
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Label logos appear on domestic UPS MI labels, but not on international labels.
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Custom label messages are not available for UPS MI labels. The Order Number and MI Cost Center will display as Ref1 and Ref2, respectively.
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By default, UPS MI label messages pull the OrderID rather than the Order# when that field replacement is used for label messages. To pull in the Order# instead of the OrderID, select Enable Use Order Number as the Package ID on UPS MI labels from the carrier settings popup.
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UPS MI supports up to 30 line items on the integrated customs form and label (CN22).
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You do not need an End of Day form for UPS MI. ShipStation will automatically send your shipment's information, just like we do for regular UPS shipments.