Articles on: Carriers

How to Connect Carrier Accounts

Plans: All plans Platforms: All Platforms


Overview


AfterShip Tracking supports two types of carriers, Global carriers and Connection specific carriers. Understanding the difference between them is essential to ensure your shipments receive tracking updates correctly.


  • Global carriers are supported through AfterShip’s built-in integrations. AfterShip can retrieve tracking updates for these carriers without requiring you to connect a carrier account.
  • Connect now carriers require you to connect your own carrier account (for example, via API key, FTP/SFTP, or webhook) before AfterShip can retrieve tracking updates.


Find the complete list of AfterShip Supported Carriers here.



  • If you import shipments associated with Connection specific carriers without connecting the carrier account first, tracking updates will not appear in your Shipments dashboard.


Best practice

Connect your carrier accounts before importing tracking numbers to avoid missing or delayed tracking updates.


When do I need to connect a carrier account?


You need to connect a carrier account when:


  • The carrier is listed as a Connect now carrier in AfterShip
  • You see in-app banners, pop-ups, or email notifications prompting you to connect a carrier



  • Tracking numbers are imported, but no shipment updates are received. These shipments stay in the Pending state unless you connect your carrier account.


Global carriers do not require any setup and will start tracking automatically once tracking numbers are added.


Steps to connect your carrier accounts


AfterShip notifies you about unconnected Connect now carriers through in-app banners, pop-ups, and email notifications. Follow the steps below as soon as you receive a notification.


  1. Go to Tracking dashboards > Shipments in your AfterShip Tracking admin.
  2. Click Connect account(s) now.


  • You’ll be redirected to the Carriers settings page, where you can see which carriers require connection.


  1. Click Connect now next to the carrier or switch to the Require carrier connections tab and provide the required details to complete the setup.



Connection methods vary by carrier


  • Partnered (Global) carriers: AfterShip retrieves tracking data directly without requiring user credentials.
  • Carrier API connections: You must provide an API key issued by the carrier.
  • FTP / SFTP / Webhook connections: These setups require additional configuration. Please contact AfterShip support for assistance.


Additional considerations


  • Some carriers may support multiple connection methods depending on region or service level.
  • Royal Mail integration is available only for AfterShip Tracking Premium and higher plans.



FAQs


1. What happens if I don’t connect a Connect Now carrier?


AfterShip will not be able to retrieve tracking updates for shipments associated with that carrier until the account is connected.


2. Do I need to connect accounts for all carriers?


No. Only Connection specific carriers require account connections. Global carriers work automatically without setup.


3. Can I connect multiple carrier accounts?


Yes. You can connect multiple carrier accounts from the Carriers settings page in your AfterShip admin.


4. Do all carriers require API keys?


No. Some carriers are partnered with AfterShip and do not require credentials. Others require API keys or additional setup via FTP, SFTP, or webhooks.


5. Why is Royal Mail not available in my plan?


Royal Mail integration is available only on Premium and Enterprise plans. Please upgrade your plan to access this feature.


6. I’m seeing an error while connecting a carrier. What should I do?


Contact our chat support team with a screenshot of the error for faster troubleshooting.


Key takeaways


  • AfterShip supports Global carriers (no setup required) and Connection specific carriers (account connection required).
  • Shipments using Connection specific carriers will not receive updates unless the carrier account is connected.
  • Connect carrier accounts before importing tracking numbers to avoid missing data.
  • Connection requirements vary by carrier and may include API keys, FTP/SFTP, or webhooks.
  • Royal Mail support is limited to Premium and higher plans.


Appendix


  • API (Application Programming Interface) – A secure way for AfterShip to retrieve tracking data using a carrier-issued API key.
  • FTP / SFTP – File-based methods used by some carriers to share tracking data.
  • Webhook – A real-time data delivery method where carriers push updates directly to AfterShip.
  • Partnered carrier – A carrier with an official integration allowing tracking without manual setup.

Updated on: 17/12/2025