Set Up Your Own Shipper Accounts

Overview

Learn how to set up a carrier shipper account and enter the carrier integration credentials into AfterShip Shipping before you can calculate rates or print shipping labels. Unlike using an AfterShip Shipping Shipper account, you will need to open a shipper account directly with the carrier and sign contracts with them. By using your own carrier accounts, you can apply negotiated shipping rates to your shipments.

AfterShip Shipping will only charge a small 1¢ fee per label, while the carrier will bill you directly for the cost of the shipment. If you're looking for an easier shipping solution, check out our guide for setting up an AfterShip Shipping shipper account, where we handle the setup for you.

Set up Shipper Accounts at AfterShip Shipping

Log in to your AfterShip Shipping account
Select Sandbox or Production > Shipper Accounts > You Shipper Account
Select carrier, then enter carrier integration credentials, and shipper account address

What are Sandbox and Production?

Sandbox Environment: The AfterShip Shipping Sandbox environment is a testing space where users can test carrier integrations before going live. Any labels generated in the sandbox are only for testing purposes and cannot be used for actual shipping. No charges are applied when using sandbox credentials.

Production Environment: The Production environment is used for live shipments, where labels generated are actual, billable shipping labels. However, some carriers (e.g., UPS) do not charge for labels printed in production unless the shipment is actually picked up and scanned.

Carrier-specific setup information

Carriers that require testing labels: Some carriers like DHL and FedEx require users to print out testing labels in the sandbox environment for verification. Only after the testing phase can they provide production credentials and enable label printing for live shipments.

Production access without testing: Some carriers (like UPS) allow users to move directly to the production environment without going through a testing phase, since they don’t charge for labels until the shipment is picked up or scanned.

How to get Carrier Integration (API) Credentials for Sandbox and Production?

To get your carrier integration credentials for both the Sandbox and Production environments, follow these steps:

Search for the name of your carrier in the AfterShip Shipping Help center.
Access an easy-to-understand guide on how to obtain your carrier integration credentials. Each carrier has different requirements for sandbox and production credentials, so be sure to follow the carrier-specific guide.

FAQs

1. Do I need my own account with every carrier?

No, you don't need your own account with every carrier. We have partnered with some providers to help you ship using their accounts, without the need for a direct carrier account. Currently, we are partnered with the following providers:

VESYL: For USPS. You can apply for a VESYL account here.
GPS: For USPS and UPS. Please contact your account executive to use this service.

2. Can I get discounted shipping rates through AfterShip?

We don’t directly offer discounted rates, but we do partner with providers who offer these rates. These discounts are provided by the provider, not AfterShip itself.

If you’re interested in discounted rates with specific carriers like DHL, Sendle, Aramex US, Seko, Chukou1, Parcll, B2C Europe, or Chronopost, we can assist you in applying for those accounts with the providers at discounted rates. You can learn more here.

For other carriers, you will need to set up and manage your own accounts directly with them.

3. Where can I find a detailed list of discounted carrier rates?

A detailed list of discounted carrier rates available through our partners is provided in this article. Please refer to the partnered provider list for more information.

4. Do I need my own account to use the discounted carrier rates?

Currently, you do need to have your own account with certain carriers to access discounted rates through AfterShip Shipping. We don’t provide universal access to discounted rates for all carriers.

Updated on: 28/02/2025