USPS Credentials

Get API credentials from USPS to display live USPS shipping rates in your checkout.

What You Need

• U.S.-based business
• Business address (PO Box acceptable)
• Email address

Note: USPS Web Tools is free for qualifying businesses.

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Register for Web Tools

1. Go to USPS Web Tools
2. Click "Register" under Web Tools APIs
3. Select "Get Started" or "Register Now"

2. Complete Application

Fill out the registration form:

• Business Name: Your legal business name
• Contact Information: Your details
• Business Address: Physical or mailing address
• Website URL: Your store URL
• Use Case: "Shipping rate calculation for e-commerce"

Click "Submit"

3. Receive Test Credentials

Within 1-2 business days, USPS will email:

• User ID (your API key)
• Test Server URL
• Documentation links

These are test credentials for development.

4. Add Test Credentials to RateTell

1. Log into RateTell dashboard
2. Go to Settings → Carriers
3. Click "Add Carrier"
4. Select "USPS"
5. Enter:
   • User ID: From USPS email
   • Environment: Select "Test"
   • Origin ZIP Code: Your shipping location ZIP
6. Click "Test Connection"
7. Click "Save"

5. Request Production Access

Important: Test credentials don't work in live checkout!

To get production credentials:

1. Test Thoroughly: Use test credentials to verify integration
2. Email USPS: Send request to Web Tools support
   • Email: uspstechnicalsupport@usps.gov
   • Subject: "Production API Access Request"
   • Include:
     • Your User ID
     • Business name
     • Website URL
     • Go-live date (estimate)
     • Confirmation you've tested successfully
3. Wait for Approval: 3-5 business days
4. Receive Production URL: USPS emails production server URL

6. Switch to Production

1. Go to Settings → Carriers → USPS → "Edit"
2. Change Environment to "Production"
3. Update Server URL (from USPS email)
4. Click "Test Connection"
5. Save

Testing Your Setup

Test Mode

With test credentials:

• Returns simulated rates
• No actual USPS API consumption
• Safe for development
• Must switch to production before launching

Verify Connection

"Test Connection" will:

• Validate User ID format
• Check server connectivity
• Confirm origin ZIP is valid
• Return sample rates

Troubleshooting

No Email Received: Check spam folder or contact USPS at 800-344-7779 after 48 hours.

Invalid User ID: Verify no typos and confirm correct environment (test vs. production).

Production Request Denied: Submit test results, verify website is live, and provide valid business address.

Commercial Rates

If you have Commercial Plus pricing, enable "Use Commercial Rates" in RateTell carrier settings.

Next Steps

• Configure USPS Shipping Rules
• Set Up Rate Shopping
• Test in Checkout

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Need help? Email support@ratetell.com or call USPS at 800-344-7779