# How Forge Works ## Overview Forge provides a white-label shipping solution that enables marketplaces, software platforms, and logistics providers to embed multi-carrier shipping capabilities directly into their products. Forge connects platform applications, customer accounts, carriers, and EasyPost’s shipping infrastructure to create a configurable shipping ecosystem. Platforms can control how shipping services are offered, how pricing is applied, and how customer accounts are managed. --- ## Key Features Forge provides a set of platform capabilities for managing shipping services at scale. ### Sub-Account Management Create and manage customer environments using sub-accounts. Platforms can configure sub-accounts using either Centralized (Self-Managed Billing) or Decentralized (EasyPost-Managed Billing) options. ### Multi-Carrier Shipping Access EasyPost’s network of 100+ carriers through a single integration for label generation, tracking, and shipping operations. ### Pricing and Rate Control Configure pricing strategies using Forge FlexRate, which allows platforms to apply percentage-based or fixed adjustments to carrier rates returned to sub-accounts. ### Advanced Shipping Provide sub-accounts access to Advanced Shipping, a white-labeled shipping interface for purchasing labels and managing shipments. ### Analytics and Reporting Monitor shipping activity, operational performance, and financial metrics using Forge Analytics and Reporting tools. ### Reliable Infrastructure Forge leverages EasyPost’s API platform, providing 99.99% uptime and scalable infrastructure. Related: - [Centralized (Self-Managed Billing)](https://docs.easypost.com/guides/get-started-with-forge/self-managed-billing-guide) - [Decentralized (EasyPost-Managed Billing)](https://docs.easypost.com/guides/get-started-with-forge/easypost-managed-billing-guide) --- ## Forge Integration Components A Forge integration consists of five main components: 1. **Platform Application:** A web or mobile application that interacts with Forge. 2. **Forge Account:** The platform’s Forge account for managing sub-accounts, carriers, and billing. 3. **Customer Accounts:** Sub-accounts that represent businesses or end users accessing shipping services. 4. **Carriers:** Shipping providers available within Forge, including: 1. **Wallet Carriers:** Carriers integrated through EasyPost’s network. 2. **Bring Your Own Carrier Account (BYOCA):** Custom carriers added by the platform. 5. **Billing & Payments:** The financial infrastructure managing postage costs, fees, and transactions within Forge. ![Forge Sub Account Management Offering](https://docs.easypost.com/images/forge-sub-account-offering.png) --- ## Sub-Account Management Options Forge allows platforms to manage customer accounts using either APIs or EasyPost-hosted tools. ### API Management Create and monitor sub-accounts via API, then use their API keys to make requests on their behalf. ### Forge Dashboard Manage sub-accounts through the Forge Dashboard and enable shipping services as needed. Related: - [Forge Sub Accounts](https://support.easypost.com/hc/en-us/articles/34368556417933-Forge-Sub-Accounts) - [Forge Sub Account Groups](https://support.easypost.com/hc/en-us/articles/44013451608717-Forge-Sub-Account-Groups) --- ## Implementation Options ### Centralized (Self-Managed Billing) The platform manages carrier accounts, billing, and pricing strategy. Shipping activity is billed through the platform’s Wallet. Sub-accounts in this option are created as Child User accounts. ### Decentralized (EasyPost-Managed Billing) Each sub-account manages its own EasyPost Wallet. EasyPost processes carrier charges and shipping fees directly through the sub-account’s wallet, reducing financial risk for the platform. Sub-accounts in this option are created as ReferralCustomer users. Related: - [Centralized (Self-Managed Billing)](https://docs.easypost.com/guides/get-started-with-forge/self-managed-billing-guide) - [Decentralized (EasyPost-Managed Billing)](https://docs.easypost.com/guides/get-started-with-forge/easypost-managed-billing-guide) --- ## Use Cases Forge is designed to support a variety of B2B industries, including: - **SaaS Platforms:** Web and mobile application providers embedding shipping capabilities within their products. - **Marketplaces:** Platforms enabling sellers to access low-cost, pre- and post-shipment functionality. - **3PLs and Logistics Service Providers:** Businesses optimizing shipping operations using EasyPost’s reliable shipping API. - **Carriers:** Service providers expanding their offerings and unlocking new value with Forge. --- ## Next Steps To begin implementing Forge: Choose an implementation model–Centralized (Self-Managed Billing) or Decentralized (EasyPost-Managed Billing). Complete Forge onboarding with the EasyPost team. Follow the appropriate implementation guide: - Centralized (Self-Managed Billing) Guide - Decentralized (EasyPost-Managed Billing) Guide Related: - [Centralized (Self-Managed Billing)](https://docs.easypost.com/guides/get-started-with-forge/self-managed-billing-guide) - [Decentralized (EasyPost-Managed Billing)](https://docs.easypost.com/guides/get-started-with-forge/easypost-managed-billing-guide) --- ## Additional Resources Please visit the Help Center for more information.