CDL Last Mile Solutions Guide

CDL Last Mile Solutions (CDL) is a family-owned company established in 1955. What began as a trucking and messenger service is now a premier last-mile solution carrier from the northeast to the mid-Atlantic.

This guide includes detailed information on utilizing CDL shipping with the EasyPost API, focusing on account setup, rates, label creation, manifests, tracking, and more.

Sign up for an EasyPost account to obtain a Test and Production API key. See Authentication and Key Management for more information.

Upon sign-up with EasyPost, users gain immediate access to Default Carrier Accounts, which can be enabled directly from the Dashboard. For additional carriers, EasyPost supports a Bring Your Own Account (BYOA) option. This requires users to register directly with the respective carrier.

1. Contact CDL to request a shipper account. A representative will be in touch for additional details regarding the account.
2. Inform CDL about using EasyPost’s API for label purchases.
3. Acquire rates and align any additional shipping needs.
4. Obtain the following test and production account credentials:
   1. CDL Customer Password
   2. CDL Customer Username
5. Input carrier-specific credentials within the EasyPost Carrier Account Dashboard for comprehensive rate access.

The API structure specified by EasyPost can also be used to add the CDL carrier shipper account.

curl -X POST https://api.easypost.com/v2/carrier_accounts \
  -u "$EASYPOST_API_KEY": \
  -H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
  -d '{
  "type": "ColumbusLastMileAccount",
  "description": "ColumbusLastMileAccount",
  "carrier_account": {
    "credentials": {
      "password": "VALUE",
      "username": "VALUE"
    },
    "test_credentials": {
      "password": "VALUE",
      "username": "VALUE"
    }
  }
}'

Download an EasyPost Client Library or utilize the REST API with cURL.

Examine the EasyPost Objects section to understand the API's structure, which is critical for constructing requests and interpreting responses.

When integrating a CDL account with EasyPost, users should be aware of how rates are managed and displayed. Here’s a breakdown of key points:

• EasyPost initially returns a $0.01 rate for shipments once the CDL account is set up.
• CDL will charge the appropriate amount for postage via their billing system.

• CDL representatives provide rate cards detailing expected costs based on shipment parameters (package size, weight, location, etc.).
• Acquiring this custom rate card from CDL is crucial, as EasyPost is not automatically privy to these rates.

Once the rate card is received from CDL, users should contact EasyPost support at support@easypost.com for assistance installing the rate card into their account.

CDL offers the following services:

Headquartered in NYC, CDL operates out of seven strategically located distribution centers with central sorting hubs located in Ridgewood, NY, and Moonachie, NJ.

There are no predefined packages for CDL.

To generate shipping labels with CDL, follow the standard process with the addition of specific requirements for pickup and delivery scheduling. When creating a shipment with CDL, the following options must be included to successfully purchase labels:

{
  "options": {
    "pickup_min_datetime": "2024-09-06T06:38:16+00:00",
    "pickup_max_datetime": "2024-09-06T11:38:16+00:00",
    "delivery_min_datetime": "2024-09-07T00:38:16+00:00",
    "delivery_max_datetime": "2024-09-12T23:59:00+00:00"
  }
}

These options specify the earliest and latest permissible datetime for pickup and delivery, ensuring that the logistics align with CDL’s operational capabilities.

invoice_number will be displayed on the label and passed to CDL electronically as a secondary reference number for the shipment in the CDL system.

1-call buys enable streamlined label purchasing through the EasyPost API by consolidating multiple operations into a single API request. This feature is designed to simplify and accelerate the shipping process by combining the creation of a shipment, retrieval of rates, and purchasing the shipping label into one efficient step.

See Reducing API Response Times for more information.

Manifesting is not supported or required.

Voiding CDL labels through EasyPost is not supported.

EasyPost offers native CDL labels in ZPL, PNG, and PDF formats.

The CDL policy on hazardous materials is not explicitly detailed in this guide. Shippers are advised to contact CDL directly for specific hazmat inquiries.

CDL accommodates pickups based on individual agreements with customers. While regular pickups can be arranged directly with CDL during the account registration process, they cannot be scheduled via the EasyPost API.

EasyPost simplifies package tracking by offering two methods:

• Tracking with an existing number and carrier.
• Using a Tracker included with an EasyPost-purchased shipping label.

The service integrates webhooks for timely shipment updates. For detailed information on tracking methods, visit the Tracking Guide.

The Carrier Metadata endpoint can programmatically return information about service levels, predefined packages, supported features, and shipment options.

Use this information to quickly integrate and make educated decisions about the mix of carriers for shipping needs. Additionally, the Carrier Metadata endpoint is available to retrieve comprehensive information about all carriers on the EasyPost platform, enhancing decision-making for carrier services.

In addition to the guidance provided in our Carrier Guides, EasyPost offers support to assist with FAQs, troubleshooting issues, and inquiries related to the EasyPost platform.

Please visit the Help Center for more information.

For questions about getting started with the EasyPost API please talk to a Shipping Expert or contact our Support team.