# The Courier Connection Guide

The Courier Connection (TCC) offers specialized courier services across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions of the United States. They cater to
unique shipping needs, offering full-service courier, shipping, and logistic services to both business and individual clients.

This guide includes detailed information on utilizing TCC 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.

#### TCC Shipper Account Registration

1. Contact TCC to request a shipper account. A representative will be in touch for
   additional details regarding the account.
2. Inform TCC 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. TCC Password
   2. TCC Username
5. Input carrier-specific credentials within the
   EasyPost Carrier Account Dashboard for comprehensive rate access.

#### TCC Account via API

The API structure specified by EasyPost can also be used to add the TCC 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": "TccAccount",
    "description": "TccAccount",
    "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 TCC 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 TCC account is set up.
- TCC will charge the appropriate amount for postage via their billing system.

---

## Service Levels

TCC offers the following service levels:

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=bluestreak`.

---

## Predefined Packages

There are no predefined packages for TCC.

---

## Generating Shipping Labels

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

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

### Supported Options

#### Voiding Labels

Voiding TCC labels through EasyPost is supported.

#### Label Formats

EasyPost offers TCC labels in ZPL, PNG, and PDF formats.

### Manifests

Manifesting is **not** supported or required for TCC.

Related:

- [Shipment Documentation](https://docs.easypost.com/docs/shipments)

---

## Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)

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

---

## Pickups

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