UPS + ReturnMate
UPS provides parallel global coverage to FedEx for ReturnMate merchants outside Australia. The integration uses OAuth2 with Basic Auth against UPS's REST API for ship, rate, track and pickup operations. Useful as a primary US carrier or as a redundant option alongside FedEx for international DG-aware routing and rate comparison. Currently in Beta — production-ready for US and Canada.
What the UPS connection actually does.
- OAuth2 with Basic Auth — UPS's standard auth pattern
- Global Ship/Rate/Track/Pickup REST endpoints
- Dangerous-goods support across major markets
- Multi-package shipments and consolidated pickups
- On-call pickup scheduling
- SurePost and Ground Saver services for cost-sensitive returns
Where it earns its place.
US merchant primary carrier
For merchants where UPS is already the contract carrier (often through a corporate parent), ReturnMate uses UPS as the default for label generation, rating, and pickup booking. Branded labels, the same RMA timeline, no second tool.
Backup / rate-shop alongside FedEx
Many US merchants run both FedEx and UPS to play one off the other on rates. ReturnMate rate-shops at the customer portal, returning the cheaper option for each shipment based on weight, destination, and service level.
Canadian operations
UPS has strong Canadian coverage including UPS Standard cross-border. Useful as a primary or secondary option for Canadian merchants and US-Canada cross-border returns.
DG returns for non-AU markets
For DG returns originating in the US, Canada or EU, UPS is one of the two default DG-capable options (alongside FedEx). ReturnMate routes automatically based on SKU DG flags and origin market.
How UPS gets connected.
Carrier accounts are set up by our team, not by you. We contact UPS directly, obtain API access against your existing commercial account, and apply it — so you never have to source or handle API credentials.
- You send us three things
Your existing UPS account number, written authority for ReturnMate to contact them on your behalf, and your account manager's name, email and phone number.
- We contact UPS
Our support team requests API access against your account and handles the paperwork and technical back-and-forth with the carrier.
- We apply the credentials
Credentials are stored encrypted against your shop. They are never shown to you and never need to be — there is nothing for you to paste or maintain.
- We test it end to end
We generate a test label — including the dangerous goods transport document where it applies — and confirm it works before the carrier goes live for your team.
Turnaround varies by carrier, depending on how quickly they issue API access. Support confirms the expected timeline for UPS when you start onboarding. Don't have an account with them yet? We can help you set one up.
Questions about UPS.
Should I use UPS or FedEx as my primary US carrier?
Depends on your account. Both have comparable network coverage and feature parity in the ReturnMate integration. The right choice is whichever you've negotiated better rates with. Many merchants run both and rate-shop per shipment.
Does UPS integration support Canada?
Yes. UPS has strong Canadian coverage and the integration handles Canadian domestic and US-Canada cross-border movements. Customs documentation generates as needed.
When is UPS coming out of Beta?
Beta status reflects ongoing feature expansion (advanced rate optimisation, scheduled pickup refinements, additional service codes), not stability concerns. The integration is production-deployed today. Exit-Beta target depends on field feedback from merchants currently using it; we'll move the badge once feature surface is at parity with the AU carriers.
Ask about the UPS integration.
Tell us how you ship with UPS
Volumes, lanes, whether you already have an account — we'll come back within one business day.
Often set up together.
FedEx
Global Ship/Rate/Track/Pickup for US, Canada, EU and rest-of-world. OAuth2 REST API for non-AU merchants.
View integration →CarriersUSPS
US Postal Service — affordable domestic + international labels, free package pickup, address validation. REST API for US merchants.
View integration →CarriersCanada Post
Canadian national post — domestic and international labels, address validation, tracked rates. REST API for Canadian merchants.
View integration →CarriersMainfreight
Trans-Tasman freight network — AU + NZ domestic from a single account, with DG capability across both markets.
View integration →CarriersTNT (FedEx)
Express labels with pickup scheduling, dangerous goods capability, real-time pickup windows.
View integration →CommerceShopify
Native install with orders, customers, inventory, refunds, draft orders, and mandatory-webhook compliance.
View integration →Wire your stack together.
Start free — 5 returns a month on the Free plan, no credit card required. Billed through Shopify.