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.
If your account previously used the older USPS Legacy driver, it will continue to function, but it is no longer recommended.
In this article
- Why connect USPS to DecoNetwork?
- Prerequisites
- How to connect with USPS for live shipping estimates
- How to obtain your USPS Client ID and Client Secret
- Troubleshooting
- FAQs
- Additional resources
Prerequisites
- A USPS Web Tools account with API access.
- Correct origin address configured in Settings → Shipping & Handling in your USPS Web Tools account.
- You must have administrator access to manage shipping methods in DecoNetwork.
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 will continue to function for those accounts, but it cannot be selected for new setups.
- Click on the USPS tile.
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Click the Connect USPS button in the Details popup.
The Edit Live Shipping Carrier Credentials page is displayed.
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Enter your credentials for your United States Postal Service (USPS) account.
You need to first sign up for an account with USPS and request integration credentials before attempting to connect.
Note: If you already have a USPS account that previously used the USPS Web Tools or Legacy API, you do not need to create a new USPS account.
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 on 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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Click Save.
You will be returned to the Live Shipping Carriers page with USPS added to the list of your currently added live shipping carriers.
The Choose Methods button will only be enabled if you have successfully tested the connection with your credentials.
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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 of the USPS shipping methods that 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 latest USPS shipping APIs, which authenticate using OAuth 2.0. This requires a Client ID and Client Secret, obtained through the USPS Developer Portal.
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. You must register an application in the USPS Developer Portal to generate the required credentials.
Step 1: Sign in to the USPS Developer Portal
- Go to https://developers.usps.com.
- Sign in using your existing USPS Business Account credentials.
Note: You do not need to create a new USPS account if you already have one. Use the same login associated with your existing USPS or Web Tools account.
Step 2: Register an application
- After signing in, open the Apps (or My Apps) section.
- Click Add App.
- Enter an application name (for example, DecoNetwork Shipping).
- Accept the USPS terms and conditions.
- Select the USPS APIs required for shipping and rate lookup.
- Save the application.
Step 3: Copy your Client ID and Client Secret
- Open the app you just created.
- Navigate to the Credentials section.
- Copy the following values:
- Consumer Key — this is your Client ID
- Consumer Secret — this is your Client Secret
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 to enter them into DecoNetwork.
Troubleshooting
Real-time rates are not appearing
- Check that product weights are entered correctly.
- Verify your USPS Web Tools credentials.
- 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.
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.
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
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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