# APC Postal Logistics Guide APC Postal Logistics empowers businesses to succeed globally with innovative delivery solutions. From seamless international shipping to precision-focused mail operations, they combine advanced technology, reliable service, and tailored support. Their expertise enables eCommerce brands, 3PLs, and mailing organizations to expand, optimize operations, and build lasting connections with customers worldwide. This guide includes detailed information on utilizing APC shipping with the EasyPost API, focusing on account setup, rates, label creation, manifests, tracking, and more. --- ## Prerequisites ### Account Registration Sign up for an EasyPost account to obtain a **Test** and **Production** API key. See Authentication and Key Management for more information. > Note: Negotiated rates are only available in Production mode. ### Carrier Setup Upon sign-up with EasyPost, users gain immediate access to Wallet 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. #### APC Shipper Account Registration 1. Contact APC to request a shipper account. A representative will be in touch for additional details regarding the account. 2. Inform APC 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. APC Facility 2. APC Password 3. APC Shipper ID 5. Input carrier-specific credentials within the EasyPost Carrier Account Dashboard for comprehensive rate access. #### APC Account via API The API structure specified by EasyPost can also be used to add the APC carrier shipper account. ```shell curl -X POST https://api.easypost.com/v2/carrier_accounts \ -u "$EASYPOST_API_KEY": \ -H 'Content-Type: application/json' \ -d '{ "carrier_account": { "type": "ApcAccount", "description": "ApcAccount", "credentials": { "facility": "VALUE", "password": "VALUE", "shipper_id": "VALUE" } } }' ``` ### Software Requirements Download an EasyPost Client Library or utilize the REST API with cURL. ### Documentation Review Examine the EasyPost Objects section to understand the API's structure, which is critical for constructing requests and interpreting responses. Related: - [Getting Started Guide](https://docs.easypost.com/guides/getting-started) - [Manage Carrier Accounts](https://app.easypost.com/account/settings?tab=carriers) --- ## Rates APC 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 APC for shipment rates specific to the user's APC account. - The rates provided are directly from APC and tailored to the user's specific account details. - In cases of discrepancies or incorrect rates, users are advised to contact their APC account representative. - The representative can then update the rates to ensure user account accuracy. --- ## Billing APC shipments are pass-through billed and billed on scan. Because billing occurs when the label is scanned by APC: - Refunds are not supported. - Unused labels do not require voiding through the EasyPost API. - Unused labels do not need to be excluded from manifesting. --- ## Service Levels APC offers the following services: Service levels are generated from live carrier metadata and are not included in this file. Retrieve them from the Carrier Metadata endpoint: https://docs.easypost.com/docs/carrier-metadata. Use `carrier=apc`. --- ## Predefined Packages There are no predefined packages for APC. --- ## Generating Shipping Labels With EasyPost, generating shipping labels for APC is the same process as generating them for any other carrier. Review the Getting Started Guide for help generating a shipping label. ### One-Call Buys One-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. ### Supported Options #### Manifests Manifesting is supported. #### Label Formats EasyPost offers native APC labels in ZPL, PNG, and PDF formats. ### Refunding and Voiding Labels Voiding APC labels through EasyPost is **not** supported. Related: - [Shipment Documentation](https://docs.easypost.com/docs/shipments) - [Reducing API Response Times](https://support.easypost.com/hc/en-us/articles/360048825772-Reducing-API-Response-Times) --- ## Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) The APC policy on hazardous materials is not explicitly detailed in this guide. Shippers are advised to contact APC directly for specific hazmat inquiries. --- ## Pickups APC accommodates pickups based on individual agreements with customers. While regular pickups can be arranged directly with APC during the account registration process, they **cannot be scheduled via the EasyPost API**. --- ## Tracking 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. Related: - [Trackers Documentation](https://docs.easypost.com/docs/trackers) - [Trackers Guide](https://docs.easypost.com/guides/tracking-guide) --- ## Additional Resources ### Carrier Metadata 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. ### Support and Troubleshooting 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. Related: - [Carrier Metadata](https://docs.easypost.com/docs/carrier-metadata) - [Help Center](https://support.easypost.com/hc/en-us) --- ## Talk to a Shipping Expert For questions about getting started with the EasyPost API please talk to a Shipping Expert or Contact Support. Related: - [Talk to a Shipping Expert](https://www.easypost.com/talk-to-easypost) - [Contact Support](https://support.easypost.com/hc/requests/new)