# 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. > Note: Interlink Express is now part of **DPD UK**. Any references to Interlink Express within this guide will redirect to **DPD UK** as they are now part of the same company under the **Geopost** umbrella. --- ## Carrier Account Setup ### 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. ### Interlink Express Shipper Account Registration 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. ### Interlink Express Account via API The API structure specified by EasyPost can also be used to add the Interlink Express 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": "InterlinkExpressAccount", "description": "InterlinkExpressAccount", "credentials": { "account_number": "VALUE", "password": "VALUE", "username": "VALUE", "vat_number": "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 an Interlink Express 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 Interlink Express account is set up. - Interlink Express will charge the appropriate amount for postage via their billing system. ### Rate Card - 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. ### Rate Card Integration Once the rate card is received from Interlink Express, users should contact support@easypost.com for assistance installing this rate card into their account. --- ## Service Levels Interlink Express 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=interlinkexpress`. --- ## Predefined Packages Interlink Express offers the following predefined packages: Predefined packages 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=interlinkexpress`. --- ## Generating Shipping Labels 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. ### Incoterm (DDP) Behavior Interlink Express requires the non-standard incoterm value DT1 to indicate that the sender pays duties and taxes. - `DT1`: Sender pays duties and taxes (equivalent to `DDP`) - `DAP`: Receiver pays duties and taxes The standard incoterm `DDP` is not supported and will result in an error if passed directly in `customs_info.incoterm`. > Note: This behavior is specific to Interlink Express and differs from other carriers that support `DDP` directly. ### Tax Identifiers Interlink Express does not support passing EORI or VAT numbers through `shipment.tax_identifiers`. For international shipments that require EORI or VAT numbers, provide the values using the applicable `from_address` or `to_address` fields: `state_tax_id`: EORI number `federal_tax_id`: VAT number > Note: This behavior is specific to Interlink Express and differs from carriers that support tax identifiers through `shipment.tax_identifiers`. ### 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. ### Shipments Between UK and Ireland 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” ### Manifests Manifesting is **not** supported or required. ### Refunding and Voiding Labels Voiding Interlink Express labels through EasyPost is **not** supported. ### Supported Options #### Label Formats EasyPost offers native Interlink Express labels in EPL, 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) --- ## Ship2Shop 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. ### Important Notes - **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. ![Interlink Express Ship2Shop Label Example](https://docs.easypost.com/images/guides/dpduk/dpduk-ship-2-shop-label-example.png) --- ## Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) 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. --- ## Pickups 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**. --- ## 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)