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EasyPost Shipping Settings Documentation

Menu Location: Settings > EasyPost Settings

Access Level: Administrator and above

Last Updated: 2026-03-01

Overview

The EasyPost Settings page configures your integration with EasyPost, a shipping API that provides discounted rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and other carriers. Proper configuration ensures accurate shipping costs, reliable label generation, and efficient order fulfillment.

Primary Functions:

  • Configure EasyPost API connection
  • Set default shipping preferences
  • Manage carrier accounts and rates
  • Configure parcel sizes and weights
  • Set up address validation
  • Configure insurance and tracking
  • Test shipping label generation

API Configuration

Connecting to EasyPost

Initial Setup:

  1. Create EasyPost account at easypost.com
  2. Obtain API keys (Test and Production)
  3. Enter API keys in settings
  4. Test connection
  5. Activate integration

API Key Fields:

  • Test API Key: For development/testing
  • Production API Key: For live shipments
  • Mode: Toggle between test and production

Security:

  • API keys are encrypted
  • Never share or expose publicly
  • Rotate keys if compromised
  • Different keys for test vs production

Testing Connection

Steps:

  1. Enter test API key
  2. Click "Test Connection"
  3. System verifies credentials
  4. Success message or error details
  5. Switch to production when ready

Troubleshooting:

  • Invalid key error → verify key copied correctly
  • Connection timeout → check internet/firewall
  • Account suspended → contact EasyPost support

Carrier Configuration

Carrier Accounts

Supported Carriers:

  • USPS (built-in EasyPost rates)
  • UPS (requires UPS account)
  • FedEx (requires FedEx account)
  • DHL
  • Regional carriers

USPS (Recommended for Most):

  • No carrier account needed
  • Pre-negotiated EasyPost rates
  • Residential delivery friendly
  • Multiple service levels

Adding Carrier Accounts:

  1. Click "Add Carrier Account"
  2. Select carrier (UPS, FedEx, etc.)
  3. Enter carrier credentials
  4. Verify account
  5. Enable carrier

Service Level Selection

Available Services:

  • USPS Priority Mail - 1-3 day delivery
  • USPS First Class - 2-5 day delivery (under 1 lb)
  • USPS Parcel Select Ground - 2-8 day delivery (cheapest)
  • UPS Ground - 1-5 day delivery
  • FedEx Ground - 1-5 day delivery
  • Expedited options (Priority Express, Next Day, 2-Day)

Default Service:

  • Select primary shipping method
  • Used unless customer upgrades
  • Balance cost and speed
  • Consider customer expectations

Service Level Rules:

  • Can set by order value, weight, or region
  • Example: Orders over $100 get Priority automatically
  • Weekend delivery availability

Parcel Configuration

Default Parcel Sizes

Predefined Packages:

  • Small Box: 8x6x4 inches, up to 5 lbs
  • Medium Box: 12x10x6 inches, up to 15 lbs
  • Large Box: 18x14x8 inches, up to 30 lbs
  • Custom: Enter dimensions per order

Setting Up:

  1. Click "Manage Parcels"
  2. Add new parcel type
  3. Enter dimensions (L x W x H)
  4. Set weight limits
  5. Save parcel

Box Selection Logic:

  • Automatic based on order contents
  • Or manual selection during order processing
  • Smallest box that fits
  • Consider packing materials

Weight Calculation

Methods:

  • Sum of Product Weights: Add all item weights
  • Add Packaging Weight: Include box + packing materials
  • Round Up: Buffer for accuracy

Configuration:

  • Default packaging weight (2-3 lbs typical)
  • Round up to nearest pound or ounce
  • Weight validation (flag unusually light/heavy)

Address Validation

Verification Settings

Enable Address Validation:

  • Verifies customer addresses before shipping
  • Corrects formatting
  • Identifies undeliverable addresses
  • Reduces failed deliveries

Validation Options:

  • Strict: Reject invalid addresses
  • Suggestions: Offer corrections
  • Auto-Correct: Automatically fix minor issues
  • Warning Only: Alert but allow override

What Gets Validated:

  • Street address exists
  • City/State/ZIP match
  • Apartment/Suite number valid
  • Deliverable by carrier

Handling Invalid Addresses

Customer Entered Invalid:

  1. Show validation error at checkout
  2. Suggest corrected address
  3. Ask customer to confirm
  4. Block checkout until resolved

Admin Processing Order:

  1. Validation warning appears
  2. View suggested correction
  3. Contact customer to verify
  4. Update address before shipping

Shipping Rates & Pricing

Rate Calculation

Live Rates:

  • Real-time rates from carriers
  • Based on actual weight/dimensions
  • Destination ZIP code
  • Selected service level

Flat Rate:

  • Fixed shipping fee
  • Regardless of location/weight
  • Simpler for customers
  • May lose money on distant/heavy orders

Free Shipping:

  • Set threshold (e.g., orders over $50)
  • Absorb shipping cost
  • Increases average order value
  • Configure exceptions (Alaska/Hawaii)

Rate Markup

Add Margin to Shipping:

  • Percentage markup (e.g., 10%)
  • Flat fee addition (e.g., +$2)
  • Covers handling costs
  • Offsets packaging materials

Configuration:

  • Set markup percentage
  • Or flat fee per order
  • Display as "Shipping & Handling"
  • Transparent to customer

Shipping Zones

Domestic Zones:

  • Based on distance from origin
  • Closer = cheaper
  • Further = more expensive
  • EasyPost handles automatically

International:

  • Separate rates
  • Customs requirements
  • Longer delivery times
  • Can disable if not shipping internationally

Label Generation

Label Preferences

Label Format:

  • 4x6 Thermal - Standard for thermal printers
  • 8.5x11 PDF - Print on regular printer
  • PNG Image - Flexible format

Label Options:

  • Print postage amount or hide
  • Include return address
  • Add customs forms (international)
  • Include tracking barcode

Return Labels

Enable Return Labels:

  • Generate return label with shipment
  • Include in package
  • Email to customer
  • Customer pays return shipping or you cover

Configuration:

  • Auto-generate or manual
  • Who pays return shipping
  • Return address
  • Service level for returns

Insurance & Tracking

Shipping Insurance

Coverage Options:

  • No insurance (carrier default)
  • Basic insurance (included with some services)
  • Additional insurance (declared value)

When to Insure:

  • High-value orders (over $100)
  • Fragile items
  • Perishable goods (temperature claims)
  • Customer requests

Configuration:

  • Auto-insure orders over $X
  • Insurance cost: Add to shipping or absorb
  • Claims process

Tracking

Tracking Features:

  • Automatic tracking number generation
  • Email tracking to customer
  • Track shipment status
  • Delivery confirmation

Customer Notifications:

  • Shipped notification with tracking
  • Out for delivery alert
  • Delivered confirmation
  • Exception/delay notifications

Common Use Cases

Use Case 1: Initial EasyPost Setup

Goal: Connect and configure EasyPost for first time

Steps:

  1. Create EasyPost account
  2. Copy test API key
  3. Paste in EasyPost Settings
  4. Set mode to "Test"
  5. Click "Test Connection"
  6. Success! Add parcel sizes
  7. Set default to USPS Priority
  8. Enable address validation
  9. Test label generation with test order
  10. Switch to production key when ready

Result: Shipping integration ready

Use Case 2: Add Free Shipping Threshold

Goal: Offer free shipping on orders over $75

Steps:

  1. Open EasyPost Settings
  2. Navigate to "Shipping Rates"
  3. Enable "Free Shipping Threshold"
  4. Set amount: $75
  5. Select which services qualify (all or only ground)
  6. Set exceptions (Alaska/Hawaii excluded)
  7. Save settings
  8. Test at checkout

Result: Free shipping incentive active

Use Case 3: Configure Multiple Box Sizes

Goal: Optimize shipping costs with proper box sizing

Steps:

  1. Measure actual boxes used
  2. Open "Parcel Configuration"
  3. Add Small: 10x8x6, max 8 lbs
  4. Add Medium: 14x12x8, max 20 lbs
  5. Add Large: 18x14x12, max 35 lbs
  6. Set packaging weight: 2 lbs
  7. Enable automatic box selection
  8. Test with various order sizes

Result: Accurate rates, optimized costs

Use Case 4: Enable Address Validation

Goal: Reduce failed deliveries

Steps:

  1. Open EasyPost Settings
  2. Navigate to "Address Validation"
  3. Enable validation
  4. Set to "Suggestions" mode
  5. Enable auto-correct for minor issues
  6. Test with known invalid address
  7. Verify suggestion appears

Result: Fewer shipping errors

Use Case 5: Add UPS Account for Better Rates

Goal: Compare UPS vs USPS rates

Steps:

  1. Create UPS account for shipping
  2. Obtain UPS API credentials
  3. Open EasyPost > Carrier Accounts
  4. Click "Add UPS Account"
  5. Enter credentials
  6. Verify connection
  7. Enable UPS Ground service
  8. Set to compare rates
  9. Show customer cheaper option

Result: Competitive shipping rates

Troubleshooting

Labels Not Generating

Symptoms:

  • Error when clicking "Print Label"
  • Label generation fails

Check:

  1. Verify API key is valid
  2. Check mode (test vs production)
  3. Ensure carrier account connected
  4. Verify parcel dimensions set
  5. Check weight is calculated
  6. Confirm address is valid

Inaccurate Shipping Rates

Causes:

  • Incorrect product weights
  • Wrong parcel dimensions
  • Missing packaging weight
  • Outdated rate cache

Solutions:

  1. Verify all products have accurate weights
  2. Update parcel dimensions
  3. Add packaging weight
  4. Clear rate cache
  5. Test calculation

Address Validation Not Working

Check:

  1. Validation enabled in settings
  2. Testing with real addresses
  3. Not using fake/test addresses
  4. Check EasyPost account status
  5. Verify validation rules configured
  • Order Detail - Generate shipping labels
  • Products - Set product weights
  • Weekly Cycle - Shipping schedule configuration
  • Routes - Delivery route management

Permissions & Access

Required Access Level: Administrator or higher

Why Restricted:

  • API keys are sensitive
  • Affects all shipments
  • Financial implications
  • Requires technical knowledge

Best Practices

Configuration

  1. Start with test mode before going live
  2. Configure accurate parcel sizes
  3. Set realistic default service levels
  4. Enable address validation
  5. Test thoroughly before launch

Cost Management

  1. Use appropriate service level for product type
  2. Optimize box sizes to reduce costs
  3. Consider flat rate for simplicity
  4. Set free shipping threshold strategically
  5. Review carrier rates quarterly

Customer Experience

  1. Provide tracking for all shipments
  2. Send shipping notifications automatically
  3. Offer expedited options
  4. Be transparent about shipping costs
  5. Handle exceptions gracefully

Things to Avoid

  • Exposing API keys publicly
  • Skipping address validation
  • Inaccurate product weights
  • Oversized parcels (costs more)
  • Not testing before going live

Quick Reference Card

Task Action
Connect EasyPost Enter API key > Test Connection
Add carrier account Carrier Accounts > Add
Set default service Shipping Services > Select default
Add parcel size Parcels > Add Parcel
Enable validation Address Validation > Enable
Set free shipping Rates > Free Shipping Threshold
Test label generation Create test order > Print Label
Switch to production Mode > Production > Save
Add insurance Insurance > Configure
Enable tracking emails Tracking > Auto-notify customers

FAQs

Do I need an EasyPost account?

Yes, EasyPost provides the shipping API. Create free account at easypost.com. Pay-as-you-go pricing based on labels generated.

What's the cost for EasyPost?

$0.05 per label generated plus discounted carrier rates. Rates cheaper than retail but may be higher than high-volume negotiated rates.

Do I need separate carrier accounts?

No for USPS (included with EasyPost). Yes for UPS/FedEx if you want to use your negotiated rates instead of EasyPost rates.

Can I switch between carriers per order?

Yes, you can compare rates and select cheapest or let customer choose preferred carrier.

What if address validation suggests wrong address?

Customer can override. Validation is helpful but not perfect. Rural addresses sometimes flagged incorrectly.

How do I handle international shipping?

Enable international services in EasyPost. Requires customs forms. Consider using EasyPost's customs form generation.

Can I print multiple labels at once?

Yes, bulk label generation available. Select multiple orders, click "Print All Labels."

What if I already have negotiated carrier rates?

Connect your carrier account to EasyPost. Your rates will be used instead of EasyPost rates if better.

How accurate are the live rates?

Very accurate based on info provided. Ensure accurate weights and dimensions. Rates guaranteed by carrier.

Can I use different services for different box types?

Yes, set rules like "Small Box uses First Class, Large Box uses Priority." Configure in service level rules.

End of Documentation

For additional help, contact your system administrator or Kiva Logic support.