Shipping internationally requires precise documentation to ensure packages clear customs without delay. ShipHero automates this process by determining which carriers support Electronic Trade Documents (ETD) and which require physical printouts.
Table of Contents
Which Carriers Support ETD?
ShipHero categorizes carriers into two groups based on how they process customs data when a shipment is processed.
Carriers with Full Electronic Support
For these carriers, ShipHero transmits customs data digitally, increasing speed and reducing paper waste.
- FedEx: Uses Electronic Trade Documents (ETD). ShipHero transmits the data directly to the carrier.
- UPS: Data is submitted via the InternationalForms API.
- Canada Post & Purolator: These carriers provide digital customs URLs that ShipHero processes automatically.
- DHL Express: ShipHero generates the required customs data internally and transmits it to DHL.
- SendCloud and Passport
Carriers Requiring Printed Documentation
Carriers such as USPS (via Endicia/Shippo) or XDelivery may not support full electronic submission. In these cases, ShipHero uses the following workflow:
- Template Generation: ShipHero generates a PDF invoice including the company logo, item descriptions, HTS codes, and values.
- Automatic Printing: The PDF is attached to the shipment. When the shipping label prints, the commercial invoice triggers automatically.
To reprint a commercial invoice for an existing shipment, go to the Order Details page and locate the customs_pdf file in the shipments section. You can view, download, or reprint the exact document generated for that order.
Printing Behavior and Hardware
By default, ShipHero separates the shipping label and commercial invoice to ensure optimal print quality and regulatory compliance.
Default System Behavior
For most carriers, ShipHero routes document types based on their intended use:
- Shipping Labels: Sent to your Thermal Label Printer.
- Customs Documents / Commercial Invoices: Routed to your Standard Invoice Printer (8.5x11), keeping detailed line items and customs declarations legible for border agents.
Carrier-Specific Exceptions
Certain carriers have unique configurations that bypass the default behavior:
- Canada Post and Purolator: Customs documents print directly to the Label Printer by default.
- FedEx International: ShipHero automatically generates three copies of customs documents for FedEx shipments to comply with international regulations.
To print Canada Post or Purolator customs documents on standard 8.5x11 paper instead, contact ShipHero Support to enable the print_customs_docs_as_invoice feature flag.
Summary of Documentation Flow
| Feature/Carrier | Print Destination | Default Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Customs Docs | Standard Invoice Printer | Default for most carriers. |
| Canada Post / Purolator | Thermal Label Printer | Default unless feature flag is active. |
| FedEx Customs Images | Label or Invoice Service | 3 copies generated automatically. |
Pro Tip: Audit Your Workstation Settings
To ensure international orders are processed efficiently, review your Workstation Settings in the ShipHero desktop application. Confirm that both a Label Printer and an Invoice Printer are assigned to your station. If Canada Post labels are using excessive thermal paper for customs information, contact ShipHero Support to enable the print_customs_docs_as_invoice flag for standard 8.5x11 output.