Interlink Express Guide

Interlink Express is a prominent parcel delivery service and part of Geopost, renowned for its commitment to reliability and customer service. As a member of one of Europe’s leading logistics networks, Interlink Express offers a wide range of domestic and international shipping solutions.

This guide includes detailed information on utilizing Interlink Express 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 Interlink Express to request a shipper account. A representative will be in touch for additional details regarding the account.
2. Inform Interlink Express about using EasyPost’s API for label purchases.
3. Acquire rates and align any additional shipping needs.
4. Obtain the following production and test credentials:
   1. Interlink Express Account Number
   2. Interlink Express Password
   3. Interlink Express Username
   4. VAT Number
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 Interlink Express carrier shipper account.

curl -X POST https://api.easypost.com/v2/carrier_accounts \
  -u "$EASYPOST_API_KEY": \
  -H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
  -d '{
  "type": "InterlinkExpressAccount",
  "description": "InterlinkExpressAccount",
  "carrier_account": {
    "credentials": {
      "account_number": "VALUE",
      "password": "VALUE",
      "username": "VALUE",
      "vat_number": "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 an Interlink Express 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 Interlink Express account is set up.
• Interlink Express will charge the appropriate amount for postage via their billing system.

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

Once the rate card is received from Interlink Express, users should contact support@easypost.com for assistance installing this rate card into their account.

Interlink Express offers the following services:

Interlink Express offers the following predefined packages:

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

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

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.

Interlink Express supports the Windsor Framework requirements set forth by the UK when shipments between the UK and Ireland meet certain criteria. Refer to Interlink Express or the GOV.UK websites for information about specific shipping needs.

Interlink Express supports the following specialized fields to support the Windsor Framework:

• shipment.options.ukims_at_risk: A declaration by the shipper indicating whether the goods in the package are at risk of entering the EU. Possible values:
  • "YES"
  • “NO”
• shipment.options.ukims_is_business: A declaration by the shipper indicating whether or not the consignee is a business. Possible values:
  • "YES"
  • “NO”
• taxidentifier.tax_id_type: The type of tax ID that is used with the shipment. See Tax Identifiers for a list of possible tax ID types by carrier. An Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is recommended for Windsor Framework shipments.
• taxidentifier.tax_id: The tax ID of the shipper. Required for Windsor Framework shipments.

Manifesting is not supported or required.

Voiding Interlink Express labels through EasyPost is not supported.

EasyPost offers native Interlink Express labels in EPL, ZPL, PNG, and PDF formats.

Interlink Express supports Ship2Shop, a convenient option that allows customers to pick up their parcels at designated pickup locations. Specific details must be set in the shipment creation process to use this service.

• Buyer Address: The buyer_address field must be populated with the end customer’s details, including a phone number and email to facilitate communication regarding pickup instructions.
• Carrier Facility: The carrier_facility field to specify the Ship2Shop pickup location code.

• Contact Information: Ensure the phone number and email are included in the buyer_address to contact the customer with pickup instructions.
• Location Codes: EasyPost does not provide support for looking up location codes by zip code or latitude/longitude; customers must obtain these location codes from Interlink Express.
• Label Override: When using the Ship2Shop service, Interlink Express will override the address on the label with the address corresponding to the provided location code. Ensure the location code is correct to prevent misrouting.

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

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