Overview
- The EPISHIP Create Shipping Label API provides the final execution step in the shipment fulfillment process. Once a rate has been selected, this API allows you to programmatically generate carrier-certified shipping labels, retrieve tracking numbers, and securely store label documents. It seamlessly integrates advanced business logic, such as automatic service downgrades, and optional point-of-sale payment processing.
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- The following figure illustrates the label creation API process, from receiving the selected rate, applying business routing rules, calling the carrier, to returning the final printable label and tracking data.
EPISHIP App
EPISHIP’s shipping interface utilizes this API to translate user selections into physical logistics documents. The UI leverages the API’s configuration data to populate accurate dropdowns for package types, thermal printer formats (like ZPL or EPL), and customs declarations. Once a label is generated, the app displays the tracking number, renders the PDF/image for printing, and can even display a map of nearby carrier drop-off locations.
EPISHIP API
The REST API acts as the orchestration layer between your system, the carrier networks, and secure cloud storage. When a label request is submitted, the API validates the data, communicates with carriers (via ShipmentLabelsService) to purchase the postage, and stores the resulting label securely in an Amazon S3 bucket, returning signed URLs for immediate download. It also supports Stripe integration to automatically capture payments for point-of-sale terminal transactions.
Routing Logic Directives (RLD) & Service Transformation
A unique, powerful feature of the label creation process is the application of RLD rules. Even if a user selects a specific premium service, the RLD engine evaluates the actual transit times. If a cheaper service is guaranteed to arrive within the same delivery window, the API automatically transforms the request, purchases the cheaper label, and returns both the rld_original_service and rld_transformed_service for auditing.
What can users do with the EPISHIP Create Shipping Label API?
Users can use the EPISHIP Create Shipping Label API to perform common workflows, such as:
- Generate carrier-certified shipping labels in various formats (PDF, PNG, ZPL, EPL) for standard and thermal printers
- Automatically apply Routing Logic Directives (RLD) to downgrade shipping services and save costs without sacrificing delivery speed
- Generate necessary international shipping documents, including Commercial Invoices and Certificates of Origin
- Search for physical carrier drop-off locations (Drop Boxes, Retail Centers) based on the sender's address or a custom radius
- Retrieve dynamic UI configuration data, including cross-carrier reference mappings
- Process physical credit card payments for shipments using Stripe point-of-sale integration
Label properties and parameters available through the EPISHIP Create Shipping Label API:
- Selected Rate Data: Account ID, Service Code, Total Cost
- Label Outputs: Tracking Number, Shipment ID, S3 Signed URLs (for downloading or inline viewing)
- Package Options: Signature requirements, COD amounts, Saturday Delivery, and specific label stock types (e.g., 4x6 Paper vs. Thermal Stock)
- Line Items: SKU, UPC, HS Code, and Country of Origin for customs
- RLD Metadata: Details on which routing rules were applied and how the service was altered