# UDS Guide

United Delivery Service (UDS) is a regional carrier known for its efficient and reliable parcel delivery services, primarily in the
Midwestern United States. Specializing in last-mile delivery, UDS offers a range of flexible shipping options tailored to meet the
needs of both businesses and consumers.

This guide includes detailed information on utilizing UDS 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.

#### UDS Shipper Account Registration

1. Contact UDS to request a shipper account. A representative will be in touch
   for additional details regarding the account.
2. Inform UDS about using EasyPost’s API for label purchases.
3. Acquire rates and align any additional shipping needs.
4. Obtain the following production credentials:
   1. FTP Password
   2. FTP Username
5. Input carrier-specific credentials within the
   EasyPost Carrier Account Dashboard for comprehensive rate access.

#### UDS Account via API

The API structure specified by EasyPost can also be used to add the UDS 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": "UdsAccount",
    "description": "UdsAccount",
    "credentials": {
      "ftp_password": "VALUE",
      "ftp_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

Billing is directly handled by UDS using a bill-on-delivery system. EasyPost does not participate in the billing process for UDS services.
Contact a UDS representative for details.

### Default Rate Display

Services return a set rate of $0.01. The actual rate is set by UDS.

---

## Service Levels

UDS 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=uds`.

---

## Predefined Packages

There are no predefined packages for UDS.

---

## Generating Shipping Labels

With EasyPost, generating shipping labels for UDS 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

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.

### Supported Options

#### Manifests

Manifesting is supported and required for all purchased UDS shipments.

#### Label Formats

EasyPost offers native UDS labels in ZPL, PNG, and PDF formats.

### Refunding and Voiding Labels

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

---

## Pickups

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