Connecting with the USPS shipping driver allows your website to access real-time shipping rates directly from USPS. This ensures that customers are provided with accurate shipping costs based on factors such as package weight, dimensions, destination, and chosen service level. DecoNetwork integrates with the current USPS shipping API to deliver these live rates reliably and efficiently. This guide explains how USPS integration works in DecoNetwork, why it matters, and how to configure it for your store.
Important: The USPS Web Tools API platform was retired on January 25, 2026. If your DecoNetwork site is still using USPS (Legacy) / Web Tools for live rates, you should migrate to the current USPS integration to avoid degraded or interrupted live rate lookups. See USPS Live Shipping Migration.
If your account previously used the older USPS Legacy driver, it may continue to appear for existing setups, but it is no longer recommended.
In this article
- Prerequisites
- Why connect USPS to DecoNetwork?
- How to connect with USPS for live shipping estimates
- How to obtain your USPS Client ID and Client Secret
- Troubleshooting
- FAQs
- Additional resources
Prerequisites
- You must have administrator access to manage shipping methods in DecoNetwork.
- You have access to your USPS Business account and can sign in to the USPS Developer Portal.
- You can obtain a Client ID and Client Secret for USPS APIs (OAuth 2.0).
- You have the correct origin address configured in your USPS Business account.
- Your products have accurate weights (and dimensions where applicable) so USPS can return valid live rates.
Why connect USPS to DecoNetwork?
Connecting USPS allows DecoNetwork to pull live shipping rates directly from USPS at checkout, ensuring customers see accurate, up-to-date pricing.
- Real-time accuracy – Rates are retrieved instantly for each order.
- Improved customer trust – Shoppers can compare USPS services with clear pricing.
- Less manual work – No need to maintain custom rate tables.
How to connect with USPS for live shipping estimates
- Log into your DecoNetwork Website.
- Browse to Admin → Settings → Shipping.
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Select Shipping Methods.
A list of your shipping methods will appear in a list on the Shipping Methods page.
Click the image to enlarge.
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Click the Manage Live Shipping Carriers button.
The Live Shipping Carriers page is displayed with a list of your currently added live shipping carriers.
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Click on the
button.
The Add Live Shipping Carrier page is displayed showing the available live shipping carriers for your region.
Note: The USPS (Legacy) driver will remain available to support existing accounts that previously had it configured. It may continue to function for those accounts, but it cannot be selected for new setups and is not recommended for long-term use.
- Click on the USPS tile (not USPS Legacy).
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Click Connect USPS in the Details popup.
The Edit Live Shipping Carrier Credentials page is displayed.
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Enter your USPS credentials:
- Client ID
- Client Secret
Note: If you already have a USPS account that previously used USPS Web Tools / Legacy API, you do not need to create a new USPS account. You will still need to create an app in COP to generate the required Client ID and Client Secret.
To obtain the required Client ID and Client Secret, follow the steps in How to obtain your USPS Client ID and Client Secret .
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Click Test settings to test the connection.
A popup will be displayed to notify you if the connection was successful or not.
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When the connection test is successful, click Save.
You will be returned to the Live Shipping Carriers page with USPS added to your list of connected carriers.
Note: The Choose Methods button is only enabled after a successful connection.
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Click on the Choose Methods button for USPS.
The Edit Live Shipping Carrier Methods page is displayed.
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Tick the checkbox for each USPS shipping method you want to enable.
- Click Save to apply your settings.
How to obtain your USPS Client ID and Client Secret
DecoNetwork’s current USPS integration uses the modern USPS API platform, which authenticates using OAuth 2.0. To connect USPS in DecoNetwork, you’ll need a USPS Business Account login and an app in the USPS Customer Onboarding Portal (COP), which provides your Consumer Key and Consumer Secret (used in DecoNetwork as your Client ID and Client Secret).
If your account previously used the USPS Web Tools (Legacy) API, those credentials continue to exist in your USPS account but cannot be used with the current USPS API.
Step 1: Sign in to the USPS Customer Onboarding Portal (COP)
- Go to the USPS Developer Portal “Getting Started” area and click USPS Customer Onboarding Portal (COP).
- Sign in using your existing USPS Business Account credentials.
Note: You do not need to create a new USPS Business Account if you already have one. Use the same login associated with your existing USPS Business Account.
If you don’t have one yet, create a new account and complete the email verification and company/contact prompts.
Step 2 (Optional): Add a Payment Account (label users only)
If you are only using USPS for live shipping rates in DecoNetwork, you can typically skip this step. Adding a payment account is required for USPS API-based label generation. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- If prompted to verify your bank account, USPS may send two micro-debits. Once they appear, return to COP to verify and complete setup. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- If you are not adding a payment account, select Skip Payment & Continue to Business Portal. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Step 3: Create an app in COP
- In COP, go to My Apps.
- Open Developer Apps.
- Click Add App.
- Enter an App name (required). (For example, DecoNetwork Shipping)
- Tick the Public Access I checkbox (required), then click Add App.
- Confirm the app appears and shows a status of Approved.
Step 4: Copy your Client ID and Client Secret
- Next to your app, click Manage.
- Copy the Consumer Key and Consumer Secret. In DecoNetwork, use these as your Client ID and Client Secret.
Warning: USPS API onboarding uses your USPS Business account and COP credentials, which are separate from your legacy Web Tools USERID. Do not reuse Web Tools credentials for the current USPS integration.
Important: Keep your Client ID and Client Secret secure. These credentials provide access to your USPS account and should not be shared publicly.
Once you have obtained these credentials, return to this guide and continue with the steps in How to connect with USPS for live shipping estimates and enter them into DecoNetwork.
Troubleshooting
Real-time rates are not appearing
- Check that product weights are entered correctly.
- Confirm USPS is connected using the current USPS integration (Client ID / Client Secret), not USPS (Legacy).
- Re-open the USPS carrier and click Test settings to confirm the credentials are valid.
- Ensure your origin ZIP code is valid and complete.
- Confirm the customer’s destination is supported by USPS.
If you previously used USPS (Legacy)
The USPS Legacy driver may not return rates reliably because it is deprecated by USPS. Switching to the current USPS method ensures ongoing accuracy and compatibility.
Follow the migration steps here: USPS Live Shipping Migration.
FAQs
Do I need to migrate away from USPS (Legacy)?
Yes. The legacy driver remains functional for prior setups but is deprecated and will not receive future updates. All new USPS connections use the current API.
Can both USPS drivers appear in my settings?
Yes. If you previously configured the legacy driver, it may appear alongside the current USPS method. However, only the current method is intended for long-term use.
Can I reuse my USPS Web Tools credentials?
No. Web Tools credentials are not the same as USPS API OAuth credentials. The current USPS integration requires a Client ID and Client Secret generated by creating an app in USPS COP.
Why do some USPS services not appear at checkout?
USPS only returns services that match the package's weight, size, and destination. For example, First-Class Package Service is restricted to lighter shipments, and some international services are not available for all countries.
Can I restrict which USPS services appear to customers?
Yes. During setup, you can choose exactly which USPS services customers may use at checkout. Only these selected services will appear.
Do I need to set dimensions for every product?
No, but it is recommended if you sell items that vary significantly in size. USPS may not return rates if the package exceeds service limits. Weight alone works for many common products.
Additional resources
- Add live shipping methods
- To add live shipping methods for a live shipping carrier
- Manage Live Shipping Carriers
- USPS Live Shipping Migration
Still have questions? Use the Search Tool at the top of the page to find more related guides. Need help? Click the icon to submit a support ticket—our Client Services team is ready to assist!
Comments
4 comments
How do I setup the account now that the USPS Web Tools is no longer available? Now it asks for USPS Client ID and the USPS Client Secret.
Jose Pineda Thank you for reaching out.
The article has been updated with a new section, “How to obtain your USPS Client ID and Client Secret,” which explains what to do if you already have a USPS account, using legacy Web Tools.
This helped out so much. I have now setup live shipping with USPS. Thanks!
Jose Pineda that's great to hear! I'm glad the instructions helped and that you've got USPS live shipping set up. Thank you so much for taking the time to share.
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