# 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. --- ## 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. #### CDL Shipper Account Registration 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. #### CDL Account via API The API structure specified by EasyPost can also be used to add the CDL 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": "ColumbusLastMileAccount", "description": "ColumbusLastMileAccount", "credentials": { "password": "VALUE", "username": "VALUE" }, "test_credentials": { "password": "VALUE", "username": "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 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: ### Default Rate Display - 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. --- ## Service Levels CDL 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=cdllastmilesolutions`. Related: - [CDL Service Levels](https://docs.easypost.com/docs/shipments/rates?carrier=cdllastmilesolutions#service-levels) --- ## Predefined Packages There are no predefined packages for CDL. --- ## Generating Shipping Labels 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: ```json { "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. ### Shipment Options `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. ### 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. ### Manifests Manifesting is **not** supported or required. ### Refunding and Voiding Labels Voiding CDL labels through EasyPost is **not** supported. ### Supported Options #### Label Formats EasyPost offers native CDL labels in ZPL, PNG, and PDF formats. 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 CDL policy on hazardous materials is not explicitly detailed in this guide. Shippers are advised to contact CDL directly for specific hazmat inquiries. --- ## Pickups 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**. --- ## 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)