For whom are multi-package shipments available?
From November 13, 2024, all Shipcloud customers who ship via their own UPS contract will be able to book the multi-package shipment via the Shipcloud API.
If you would like to book multi-package shipments before November 13th, please email our customer support team at support@shipcloud.com. Our support team will check whether earlier activation is possible.
Good to know: The change in the API has no impact on the existing integration. Shipments with only one parcel can be booked as before.
What are the advantages of a multi-package shipment?
Multi-package shipments have various advantages for both you as the sender and the recipient.
Cost efficiency
Several parcels can be combined in one booking, which often leads to lower shipping costs, as the shipping service providers offer separate rates for this.
Simple shipment tracking
Several parcels are combined under one tracking number. This means that tracking is carried out at shipment level for all parcels.
Delivery
Parcels are usually delivered at the same time. This avoids individual parcels being delivered at different times.
Good to know: The multi-package shipment is available for all services and destination countries that can also be booked with customs declarations.
How can I book multi-package shipments via an integration?
If you are connected to Shipcloud via an integration, the interface must be updated in advance in order to be able to book multi-package shipments.
If this update has not yet been carried out by the integration partner, you must contact the partner.
How do I book a multi-package shipment?
From November 13, you will have the option of transmitting a package array with several packages in the API request. In the API response, you will receive an individual tracking ID and a label for each of these packages.
Further information and specific examples can be found in our API documentation.
You can view various examples in the API documentation. Simply click on the drop-down menu under Examples and select e.g. Shipment creation request with multiple packages to view an example of an API request for a multi-package shipment.
You can view examples of the response a little further down.
Simply click on the drop-down menu and select e.g. Shipment creation response with multiple packages to see an example of an API response for a multi-package shipment.
How does shipment tracking work?
Shipment tracking is based on shipment level and is available for all parcels collectively.
A tracking number is created at shipment level and one for each parcel to enable the multi-package shipment to be tracked at shipment level and at parcel level.
Here is an example of a shipment tracking consisting of 2 parcels:
Select an already created multi-package shipment in the shipment overview in your Shipcloud account.
In the right-hand window you will see an example of a multi-package shipment consisting of 2 parcels. If you now click on the UPS shipment number, you will be automatically redirected to the UPS website.
On the UPS website you will now find information on how many parcels are included in the shipment.
A little further down you will find the shipment tracking of the individual parcels with individual tracking numbers.
Can I use multi-package shipments via Shipcloud conditions?
If you do not have your own UPS contract or use a different shipping service provider, you are welcome to contact our support team to find out whether the function can be activated for you.
Do you have any further questions? We are happy to help you.