Amid intense competition, ever-shifting consumer preferences and an uncertain economy, today’s e-commerce professionals face a multitude of challenges. To stay a step ahead, they need access to reliable, easy-to-use tools that streamline operations, reduce costs and increase accuracy.
While many shippers work with third-party and multicarrier software that serves as the middleman, these options can be costly and inefficient. Offering leading-edge, scalable API management, the USPS Developer Portalarrow_right_alt can be an ideal solution for companies looking to create more efficient processes for their e-commerce, shipping and logistics systems.
Benefits of Using the USPS Developer Portal and USPS APIs
The USPS Developer Portal offers a free, one-stop solution for e-commerce decision-makers and software developers looking to cut the middleman from their e-commerce operations. However, some shippers are unaware of how it works and what exactly it can offer. Key benefits of the USPS Developer Portal and USPS APIs include:
Enhanced speed and integration
Allowing for seamless integration with existing platforms, USPS APIs are user-friendly and quick to implement. It’s simple to train employees on the technology, and tests can be run prior to implementation to see how the platform will work. These APIs allow shippers to avoid working with intermediaries or third parties, which means logistics information can be obtained more quickly and without delays.
Improved address accuracy
Working with USPS APIs helps ensure higher accuracy in address verification. This also reduces the risk of fraudulent transactions and delivery delays; this means fewer returns and reduced reshipping fees, saving both time and money.
“I feel like USPS would have the source of truth on addresses, more so than anyone else.”
— E-commerce professional[1]
Cost savings and price transparency
Many shippers are unaware that major carriers tack on surcharges for a range of situations, including on-piece address corrections, residential deliveries, regular Saturday deliveries and fuel increases. These fees can add up quickly, significantly affecting the bottom line. In a 2024 USPS study on e-comm professionals’ API needs and concerns, some of the interviewees also expressed concern about the rising costs of third-party platforms.[2]
Wide range of shipping options
Having access to a wide range of packaging options and price points, as well as high-quality and unique packaging options, can be a key differentiator in a competitive landscape. USPS APIs offer various shipping options, including affordable Priority Mail Flat Rate®arrow_right_alt products, offered only by USPS. This service lets you ship packages up to 70 lbs. to any state at the same price, so companies can ship more items in a single box.
8 Steps to Get Started With USPS APIs
Follow these simple steps to get started with USPS APIs:
1. Complete development
First, complete your development in the Customer Acceptance Testing (CAT) environmentarrow_right_alt.
2. Log in to or create USPS Business Account
Log in to your USPS Business Account or create a new account using the USPS Customer Onboarding Portal (COP)arrow_right_alt. The COP will ensure that your USPS Business Account is configured for USPS APIs.
3. Log in to USPS Developer Portal
Log inarrow_right_alt to the USPS Developer Portal using your USPS Business Account credentials from Step 1.
4. Create an app
After logging in to the Developer Portal, click the “Apps” button from the Menu bar and create an App:
- Click “Add App”
- Enter your App Name (required)
- Enter your Callback URL (optional)
- Check the box to accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
- Enter Description for your app (optional)
- Select API Product (required)
- Click “Add App”
5. Retrieve your Consumer Key and Secret
Select your App and retrieve your Consumer Key and Consumer Secret from the Credentials section. These credentials are required to continue on to the next step and to generate the OAuth Token.
6. Authorize app to access protected information resources
Enter your Consumer Keyarrow_right_alt to authorize your App in order to access payment accounts, permits, Customer Registration IDs (CRIDs), Mailer IDs (MIDs) and subscriptions. This step will be required by several USPS APIs.
7. Generate your OAuth Token
Review OAuth specificationsarrow_right_alt and navigate to the “Generate OAuth Tokens” sections. Pass the Consumer Key and Consumer Secret obtained in Step 5 as the client_id and client_secret, respectively.
8. Try out USPS APIs
Review the API Catalogarrow_right_alt for comprehensive specifications on available APIs. All USPS APIs require an OAuth Token to be conveyed in the Authorization header, using the Bearer Token scheme. Reference the USPS GitHub pagearrow_right_alt to see examples of Postman requests and Curl commands.
The default product includes OAuth, Addresses, Service Standards, International Pricing, Domestic Pricing and Shipping Options; each has a quota of 60 calls per hour. To get started with other APIs not included in the default or to request a quota increase, you must complete the Registration for API Access Form*arrow_right_alt.
*Use of the Labels APIs requires additional approval and configuration. To use this API, you must be enrolled in USPS Shiparrow_right_alt for both outbound and return labels and have an Enterprise Payment Account.
For additional assistance, send an email to APISupport@usps.govarrow_right_alt. In your email, include the following information:
- Your name
- Company name
- Contact phone number
- Developer portal username
- Developer portal app name
- URL being called (api.usps.com or api-cat.usps.com)
- Consumer Key/client_id
- Customer Registration ID (CRID)
- Mailer ID (MID)
- Country
- ZIP Code
Do not include your Consumer Secret (client_secret).
Key Takeaway
In the ever-evolving world of e-commerce, streamlined, efficient processes are critical to continued success. While many professionals rely on third-party platforms to obtain information on pricing, tracking, packaging options, address verification and more, this kind of software can be costly and inefficient.
Rather than handling processes through intermediaries that often lag when connecting the USPS API, shippers can instead work directly with the USPS API itself. With superior pricing transparency, greater speed and unmatched address accuracy, the USPS Developer Portal and API Catalog offer a range of options for e-commerce decision-makers and developers.
Ready to learn how USPS can further simplify your shipping? Check out USPS Shiparrow_right_alt, a next-generation package platform for seamless postage payments and adjustments.
