The Pickup feature in the EasyPost Dashboard is designed to simplify the process of scheduling package pickups with various carriers through the Pickup API. This guide covers the key aspects of using the Pickup functionality, including supported carriers, shipment dynamics, billing details, pricing, and visibility during the pickup process.
Prerequisites
- An active EasyPost account with linked carrier accounts.
- Saved addresses and a valid phone number associated with the EasyPost account.
- Familiarity with individual and batch shipment processes.
Accessing the Pickup Feature
- Log in to EasyPost.
- Navigate to Pickups.
Supported Carriers
The EasyPost Dashboard integrates seamlessly with a range of carriers, enabling the scheduling of pickups for shipments. The following list of carriers are currently supported:
Individual Shipments vs. Batch Shipments
Understanding the difference between individual shipments and batch shipments is crucial when scheduling pickups:
- Individual Shipments: Single shipments purchased individually. The option to schedule a pickup appears at the end of the label purchase flow.
- Batch Shipments: Multiple shipments purchased together from the same carrier and service class. A pickup for a batch can be scheduled immediately after purchasing a batch of labels or by navigating to the Batch page in the EasyPost Dashboard and scheduling from there.
⚠️ The Pickup API call is tied to either a batch ID or a shipment ID. It is not possible to schedule a pickup for a specific tracking number or multiple tracking numbers within a batch. Additionally, multiple pickups cannot be scheduled within the same batch. Efforts are underway to expand pickup capabilities to support these functionalities.
Billing Details
When scheduling a pickup through EasyPost, two primary billing methods are available:
- EasyPost Wallet: Charges are deducted directly from the EasyPost Wallet balance. This method is limited due to the fluctuating carrier rates.
- Carrier Account: The dashboard will display "Check with your carrier for pricing," with the final pricing appearing in the carrier account on the carrier's website.
⚠️ Depending on the carrier or account setup, certain billing methods may be restricted. Regardless of the billing method used, it is important to ensure carrier accounts are properly set up and linked with the EasyPost account. Billing through the carrier may be subject to different terms and conditions based on the carrier's policies.
Address Considerations for Pickups
Selecting the correct address is crucial when scheduling a pickup through the EasyPost Dashboard. The following options are available:
- Dropdown Selector for Saved Addresses: The scheduling flow includes a dropdown menu populated with all saved addresses in the EasyPost account. The default "From" address is automatically preselected in the dropdown.
- Adding a New Address: During the scheduling flow, the option to add a new address not saved in the account is available.
- Phone Number Requirement: A valid phone number is required for any pickup request. Until a phone number is entered, the address dropdown will remain greyed out, preventing the scheduling of a pickup. This ensures that carriers have the necessary contact information for a successful pickup.
Pickup Scheduling and Hours
Time is crucial when scheduling a pickup to ensure that the request can be fulfilled without issues. Key points to consider include:
- 24-Hour Scheduling/Cancellation Window: Pickups must be scheduled or canceled at least 24 hours in advance. This allows sufficient time for the carrier to process and schedule the pickup.
- Local Store Hours and Carrier-Specific Requirements: Estimated time windows for pickups are provided based on general carrier schedules; however, the actual operating hours of the carrier's local store or facility, as well as specific carrier requirements for scheduling, may differ from EasyPost's predictions. Such discrepancies can occasionally result in variations in the availability of pickup times. For specific pickup time requirements or concerns about scheduling, it is advisable to verify details directly with the carrier to ensure alignment with their local store hours and any carrier-specific requirements.
Pricing Information
Pickup pricing can vary based on the carrier, location, and specific services requested. While EasyPost strives to provide transparent pricing information, exact pricing may not always be available upfront. Some carriers may offer free pickups, while others may charge fees that can vary significantly based on factors such as surcharges for remote locations or additional costs for specific pickup times.
⚠️ It is recommended to review carrier pricing policies or contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
Carrier Confirmation of Pickup Request
Once a pickup request is submitted through the EasyPost Dashboard, it enters a "black box" on the carrier's side. This means that while EasyPost facilitates the submission of the pickup request, subsequent scheduling and execution are handled entirely by the carrier.
This lack of visibility means that EasyPost cannot provide real-time updates on the status of a pickup or intervene if issues arise. Carriers may approve or deny a pickup request based on their scheduling criteria. If a carrier cannot complete the requested pickup, EasyPost will send a notification. For further updates or inquiries about a pickup, contacting the carrier directly is recommended.