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This guide walks through the complete shipping workflow from order creation to delivery confirmation.

Workflow Overview

Step 1: Create Orders

When a customer places an order, create a parcel in CrossBorderly:

Step 2: Print Labels

Download and print the shipping label:

Step 3: Submit Manifest

Once you have a batch of parcels ready to ship, submit them as a manifest:

Step 4: Track Parcels

Configure webhooks to receive status updates automatically:

Polling (Fallback)

For batch status checks:

Step 5: Handle Exceptions

Build exception handling into your workflow:

Best Practices

  • Create orders in batches during off-peak hours
  • Submit manifests when you have 50+ parcels ready
  • Use batch tracking instead of individual calls
  • Always use idempotency keys for POST requests
  • Implement retry logic with exponential backoff
  • Store raw API responses for troubleshooting
  • Cache label URLs (valid for 24 hours)
  • Use webhooks instead of polling when possible
  • Parallelize non-dependent API calls

Complete Integration Checklist

1

Account Setup

  • Get production API key
  • Configure webhook URL
  • Set up sandbox for testing
2

Order Integration

  • Map your order data to CrossBorderly format
  • Implement idempotency with order IDs
  • Handle validation errors
3

Label Management

  • Auto-download labels on order creation
  • Implement reprint functionality
  • Handle label format preferences (PDF/ZPL)
4

Manifest Workflow

  • Batch parcels by destination country
  • Submit manifests before carrier pickup
  • Handle partial success responses
5

Tracking

  • Configure webhook endpoints
  • Map status codes to your system
  • Build customer tracking page
6

Exception Handling

  • Monitor for delivery exceptions
  • Implement retry logic
  • Set up alerts for operations team