Shipping APIs should be considered if you want to take your business to the next level. They provide a plethora of advantages and can provide you with a competitive edge. ShipEngine API assist businesses in obtaining discounted rates from hundreds of shipping carriers, validating addresses, order processing, tracking shipments, and managing return orders. It takes care of logistics so you can concentrate on building your business. Ecommerce platforms, third-party logistics companies, and mid-to high-volume eCommerce businesses searching for a flexible and cost-effective solution will benefit from shipping APIs such as ShipEngine. A shipping API, such as ShipEngine, is an excellent tool for adding shipping features to an existing eCommerce business. By using ShipEngine APIs, you may avoid the time-consuming procedure of directly integrating with carrier APIs. This allows you to focus on other aspects of your business that will help it grow, such as product creation and development, lead generation, and so on.
What is an API?
An API or application programming interface is a piece of programming that functions as a data library for a specific platform. Two platforms can share essential information and data resources via an API Integration to automate processes such as data gathering, data transfer across platforms, data analysis, and message delivery. API integrations allow a wide range of applications, from social networking websites to weather apps, to operate.
API interfaces are also used by courier providers to simplify shipping options for e-commerce organizations. Courier API interfaces enable courier firms to conduct a wide range of operations, including order creation and invoice creation, as well as shipment tracking and customer communications. Using intelligent programming codes, they seek to increase efficiency and fulfillment.
APIs are probably something you come across on a daily basis. Social media sharing icons at the bottom of articles are an example of APIs in action. APIs are used in the buttons that allow you to like a post or share it in a tweet. When you allow multiple websites and apps to add events to your Gmail account’s Calendar, you are also using APIs. ShipEngine API provides numerous advantages to businesses. Here are some of the most important advantages.
Advantages of Using the ShipEngine API
Print Shipping Labels
You can create shipping labels for any carrier with ShipEngine and download them in a number of file formats. Labels can even be personalized with your own text and graphics.
Address Verification All Over the World
ShipEngine validates addresses for over 160 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Israel, and Italy.
No Technical Knowledge is Required
You do not need to have any technical knowledge to integrate your WooCommerce store with SHipEngine API. With the ELEX ShipEngine Multi-Carrier Shipping & Label Printing Plugin, you can easily integrate your ShipEngine API in no time.
No Upkeep
ShipEngine API solutions are supported by a development team that collaborates with shipping carrier partners to update modifications and diagnose and fix technical difficulties. This prevents you from devoting technical resources to keeping these connections operational. When you interface directly with a shipping carrier without a shipping ShipEngine API, you need to update integrations for each carrier manually. Your IT team or hired developers can spend less time on maintenance and more time on creating the best business experience for your customers with the ShipEngine API.
Accessibility
The ShipEngine APIs make it simple to access and share shipping-related data, such as tracking numbers. It brings all your shipping needs to a single location.
Automated Shipping Cost Comparison
Shipping platforms assist in the overall shipping process, but in the end, they only streamline multi-carrier shipping which makes deciding on the best carrier and delivery provider a lot easier. Comparing rates, for example, allows you to find and use the most cost-effective shipping option from a variety of carriers. When using ShipEngine API, you can not only locate the best shipping method, but you can also have more control over how that service is applied automatically based on the rules that you can set.
Increase efficiency
Reduce the time spent printing labels and completing other shipping-related procedures. When you integrate shipping carriers into your store individually, you might need to toggle between your store’s backend and the shipping carrier’s website to perform tasks like shipping label printing and shipment tracking. ShipEngine API helps you in completing your entire shipping process without having to leave your WooCommerce store.
Cost-cutting in the long run
ShipEngine APIs for shipping are cost-cutting solutions that assist with shipping label creation, address validation, and comparing shipping rates. This is ideal for large businesses or high-volume shippers who require a reliable shipping solution that integrates with their existing shipping process. Some individual shipping services can become too disconnected from the overall warehouse picking and packaging strategy. As a result, your team may become segmented into various functions, resulting in overall inefficiencies.
The Best ShipEngine Plugin
The ELEX ShipEngine (FedEx & UPS) WooCommerce Shipping Method Plugin is a WooCommerce extension that allows you to completely automate WooCommerce UPS and WooCommerce FedEx shipping by presenting shipping prices on the cart and checkout pages. You can pay for postage and print shipping labels straight from your WooCommerce store by using ShipEngine APIs. Based on the product weight, box dimensions, shipping destination, and other factors, this plugin obtains UPS and FedEx postage costs from your ShipEngine account for both domestic and international shipping services.
With the ELEX ShipEngine WooCommerce Shipping Method Plugin you can:
- Pull live Shipping Rates from FedEx and UPS
- Generate UPS and FedEx shipping labels
- Display Estimated Delivery Days to Customers
- Track Shipments
- Add Handling Fees
- Automatically Package Shipments
- Select Separate Shipping Services for Each Package
To Conclude
Every eCommerce business wants to boost order volume and optimize order fulfillment. The shipping industry has been completely transformed because of ShipEngine APIs. They make it possible to carry out practically every significant function in the delivery process. Shipping API connections kick in as soon as a customer adds a product to their cart, providing them with accurate information about when and where their items will arrive. The options are endless when it comes to using API integrations. They’re changing the way courier services are delivered. We hope this article gave you a clear idea regarding ShipEngine APIs and their various advantages. If you have any questions regarding API integrations or ShipEngine, let us know in the comments section below.
