FirstMile Guide

FirstMile specializes in providing cost-effective shipping solutions without compromising on transit times. By using a broad network of international, domestic, and regional carriers, FirstMile optimizes shipping options based on the desired service level, offering significant savings on shipping rates.

This guide includes detailed information on utilizing FirstMile 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. Submit the FirstMile Get a Quote Form. A representative will be in touch for additional details regarding the account.
2. Inform FirstMile about using EasyPost’s API for label purchases.
3. Obtain the following account credentials from FirstMile:
   1. FirstMile Username
   2. FirstMile Password
   3. FirstMile Account Number
4. 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 FirstMile carrier shipper account.

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

FirstMile is a Live Rating integration, enabling real-time rate retrieval for shipments created via EasyPost. Rates are guaranteed valid for a minimum of five minutes.

• When creating a shipment, EasyPost requests FirstMile for shipment rates specific to the user's FirstMile account.
• The rates provided are directly from FirstMile and tailored to the specific account details of the user.
• In cases of discrepancies or incorrect rates, users are advised to contact their FirstMile account representative.
• The representative can then update the rates in the FirstMile database to ensure user account accuracy.

Billing is directly handled by FirstMile. EasyPost does not participate in the billing process for FirstMile services. Contact a FirstMile representative for details.

FirstMile delivers six days per week (Monday - Saturday) and offers a range of service levels for US domestic shipments, including:

There are no predefined packages for FirstMile.

With EasyPost, generating shipping labels for FirstMile is the same process as generating them for any other carrier.

Review the Getting Started Guide for help generating a shipping label.

Manual manifesting is not required or supported for FirstMile.

Although EasyPost is not part of the payment process with FirstMile, voiding FirstMile labels through EasyPost is supported.

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

Returns are supported with the XParcelReturns service level.

FirstMile supports hazardous materials (hazmat) shipping via XParcel services. Being an intermediary, FirstMile hands off shipments to various carriers (DHL, FedEx, USPS) for final delivery, allowing for a range of hazmat options.

Vist the Shipment Options section of the API docs for a list of supported EasyPost hazmat options.

FirstMile accommodates pickups based on individual agreements with customers. While regular pickups can be arranged directly with FirstMile 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.