Shipping with FedEx
Connect a FedEx account, configure rates, and generate shipping labels for your fulfillments.
FedEx is the most common shipping integration for OnCloudWine wineries — adult-signature delivery is supported and rates can be calculated live.
Prerequisites
Before connecting, have these from FedEx:
- FedEx account number
The 9-digit account ID issued by FedEx Sales.
- API credentials
From the FedEx Developer Portal: Client ID and Client Secret. Generate a production set, not sandbox, when you're ready to ship real labels.
- Origin address
Where shipments leave from. Configured in Settings → Organization → Shipping (separate from FedEx connection).
- Adult-signature license
Required for shipping wine. FedEx confirms eligibility on your account.
Connect FedEx
Open shipping settings
Settings → Organization → Shipping → Carriers.
Click Connect FedEx
A form asks for account number, Client ID, Client Secret, and environment (production or sandbox).
Test the connection
The settings panel runs a test API call. Successful test = ACTIVE; a failure shows the error from FedEx so you can correct it.
Set as default
Mark FedEx as the default shipping provider so new releases use it automatically.
Configure shipping rates
OnCloudWine supports multiple rate strategies:
| Strategy | Behavior |
|---|---|
| CALCULATED | Live rates from the FedEx API based on weight, dimensions, and address. |
| FLAT | Single shipping price you charge regardless of distance. |
| FALLBACK | Calculated by default; falls back to a flat rate if FedEx is unreachable. |
| NONE | Free shipping. Cost absorbed by your business. |
When using CALCULATED, you also pick the selection mode:
| Selection | Which rate to use |
|---|---|
| CHEAPEST | Always use the cheapest service that meets adult-signature requirements. |
| FASTEST | Always use the fastest available service. |
| SPECIFIC | Use a specific service code (e.g., FedEx Ground, FedEx 2Day) regardless of cost. |
Default package settings
FedEx needs to know your typical box. Configure under Settings → Organization → Shipping → Default Package:
- Length × width × height (inches)
- Empty box weight (lbs)
- Per-bottle weight (auto-multiplied by quantity)
These defaults can be overridden per shipment if a specific order needs a different box.
Creating a shipment
Open a fulfillment
From the Fulfillments page, click any row.
Click Create shipment
A panel opens with the address, package, and service options pre-filled.
Review and confirm
Adjust package size if needed. Click Generate label.
Print the label
The label downloads as a PDF (or PNG / ZPL if you've configured a thermal printer). Tracking number is automatically saved to the fulfillment.
Status updates as the shipment moves
Live tracking events from FedEx update the fulfillment status: SHIPPED → IN_TRANSIT → DELIVERED.
Adult-signature requirement
For wine shipments, adult signature is mandatory in most US jurisdictions. OnCloudWine sets this on every wine shipment automatically — you don't need to remember.
Contacts shipping wine should have DOB on their record. The shipment defaults to "21+ adult signature required" but the carrier can refuse delivery if the recipient is underage.
Tracking events
FedEx posts tracking events to OnCloudWine via webhook. Each event appears in the fulfillment's status timeline:
| Event | Triggers status |
|---|---|
| Label created | SHIPPED |
| Picked up | IN_TRANSIT |
| In transit | IN_TRANSIT |
| Out for delivery | IN_TRANSIT (with sub-status) |
| Delivered | DELIVERED |
| Exception | Stays SHIPPED with exception flag — auto-creates a task. |
Other carriers
FedEx is most common but OnCloudWine also supports UPS, DHL, USPS, and generic carrier integrations via Shippo. The setup pattern is the same: add credentials, configure rates, set default. Each carrier has its own adult-signature support — verify before shipping.