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Frequently Asked Questions

What is ShipHawk?

ShipHawk is a modern transportation management system (TMS) that helps businesses save money, automate workflows, provide an on-brand buying experience, and run data-driven supply chains.

What are the primary reasons people choose ShipHawk?

The benefits include reduced labor expenses, fewer errors, lower shipping costs, faster delivery, better customer experience, increased visibility, better forecasting, and modern technology to support the needs of the business well into the future.

A lot of services provide multi-carrier rating. Why is ShipHawk better?

ShipHawk accounts for SKU data at the item level, far before a shipment is created, providing a baseline for rating and automation that removes the human element from the carrier selection and fulfillment process.

In other words, because it looks at the individual items within an order, ShipHawk automatically accounts for split shipments, drop shipments, multiple boxes, volume, location and other variables that often end up costing more than expected or disrupting fulfillment.

What is the difference between API and EDI and why is it so important?

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) is a legacy technology created in the 1960s and 1970 to transfer business documents. It is cumbersome, costly to setup and maintain, and is being replaced by newer alternatives. Like other technology from this time period, it is designed around the limitations of very scarce computing resources which are no longer applicable. Many EDI implementations rely on FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and batch operations, meaning that errors and processing delays are difficult to correct, resulting in extra costs. EDI is like the “green-screen” terminal of business to business data transfer.

Example: CLM*A101*37.7***11:b:1*Y*A*Y*Y***********~

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are the modern version of EDI. Although APIs serve the same purpose, they are built on newer technology that makes them easier to setup and maintain. They use the same standard protocols as your modern web browser (HTTPS), and use a simple, human-readable data format: JSON (JavaScript Object Notation). It’s not uncommon to setup an API integration in less than a day, and sometimes in a matter of minutes.

What does it mean that ShipHawk is "API driven?"

There are three main ways to access ShipHawk’s TMS platform: 1) APIs 2) plugins to popular eCommerce, WMS and, ERP platforms and 3) web interface. Our APIs integrate with USPS, FedEx, UPS, DHL, and hundreds of LTL and white glove carriers. Our best-in-class shipping APIs allow you to embed shipping solutions into the systems you use on a daily basis, all with minimal effort from IT.

I mostly ship parcels but occasionally need to ship freight. What plan level would work for me?

Our Standard plan includes both parcel and select Less-Than-Truckload (LTL). The Standard plan is great for lower volume parcel and freight shippers. If you are a high volume shipper or have more complex freight needs, our Enterprise plan will be more appropriate for you. Contact us today to learn more or Request a Demo to speak with an expert.

I have negotiated rates with my carriers. Can I add them to ShipHawk?

Yes! You can add your own parcel and LTL carriers.

Is there a limit to how many shipments I can make through ShipHawk?

You can ship as much as you want. Each plan comes with a certain number of transactions built into the subscription, but you can always pay as you go once you hit your monthly allocation.

Are ShipHawk TMS plans monthly or annual?

Annual. This is true for ShipHawk’s Standard, Pro and Enterprise plans. Experience has taught us that customers who commit to using ShipHawk for a full year achieve radically better results over the term of the agreement and beyond. Our goal is your success, and the best results require an annual commitment, paid up front.