USPS Modern is a direct integration between ShipHero and USPS's rate shopping and label generation tools. As with any carrier USPS Modern offers. This guide details the service options and critical requirements for using the USPS Modern connection within ShipHero.
Key Limitations & Requirements (MUST READ)
The following points are crucial for successful setup and shipping with USPS Modern through ShipHero:
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Account Configuration: Using USPS Modern with ShipHero requires a multi-step setup with USPS (Business Account, USPS Ship) to obtain and connect your CRID, MID, and EPS numbers.
- Action Needed: Complete all steps in the ShipHero setup guide for USPS Modern.
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International/Military Shipping: Your USPS Modern account must be explicitly approved by USPS to generate labels for international and military addresses (APO/FPO/DPO).
- Action Needed: Ensure your USPS Business Account is configured and approved for all international and military destinations.
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NSA Rates (Negotiated Rates): If you have negotiated rates (NSA) with USPS, they require specific settings to be applied in ShipHero.
- Action Needed: Contact ShipHero Support before connecting to ensure your NSA settings are correctly activated and applied to your account.
Available Service Levels
The USPS Modern connection provides access to all commercial domestic and international USPS services.
| Service Level | Description | Key Feature |
| USPS Ground Advantage | Affordable, reliable service for packages up to 70 lbs. (Replaced First-Class Package Services and Parcel Select Ground). | Standard ground shipping for packages. |
| Priority Mail | Standard domestic service for speed and value, typically delivered in 1-3 business days. | Includes free Flat Rate packaging options and tracking. |
| Priority Mail Express | The fastest domestic service, often offering 1-2 day delivery with a money-back guarantee to most locations. | Premium, urgent shipping for time-sensitive deliveries. |
| First-Class Mail | Used for mailing letters and flats (large envelopes) up to specific weight limits. Please see below for information on requirements to ship using the letters/flats options. | Most cost-effective option for lightweight correspondence or documents. |
| International Services | Various options for global shipping (e.g., Priority Mail International). | Global reach (subject to initial USPS approval). |
Shipping Letters and Flats with USPS Modern
USPS Modern has strict dimensional rules for their Letters and Flats service classifications. Additionally understandign certain limitations with these services will enable you to get the most out of these options.
Demensional Requirements
| Mail Class | Dimensions (Length × Height × Thickness) | Max Weight |
| Letters | 5-11.5" × 3.5-6.125" × 0.007-0.25" | Up to 3.5 oz |
| Flats | 6-15" × 3.5-12" × 0.25-0.75" | Up to 13 oz |
Best Practices
- Using the USPS Modern boxes from the Shipping > Boxes page is a sure fire way to confirm your package dimensions are within the USPS Modern requirements. Print the barcodes to scan the box type at the packing station or use automation rules to pre-set the box on teh orders as they are imported.
- Rate shopping is available for letters and flats. However, we recommend directly mapping these shipping methods to your orders using Automation Rules or the Shipping > Methods page.
Limitations
- Letters and Flats is not a time bound service provided by USPS Modern. It will be considered when rate shopping with ShipHero's Cheapest Ever shipping method configuration but it will not be considered when using any of the Cheapest tiembound options i.e., Cheapest 2-day, Cheapest 4-days.
- If you are using RateShop+ with a Maximum Delivery Time set Letters and Flats options will not be returned.