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How to Set Up ShipStation Integration for Ecommerce Stores

Learn how to set up ShipStation with GHL Customer Care Ecommerce. Sync orders, show live shipping rates, and generate labels to simplify fulfillment & boost efficiency.

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On this page
  1. Key Benefits of ShipStation Integration
  2. Automated Fulfillment
  3. Live Carrier Rates
  4. Discounted Shipping
  5. How To Setup ShipStation Integration
  6. Step 1: Install ShipStation Integration
  7. Step 2: Connect Your ShipStation Account
  8. Step 3: Complete the Setup Checklist
  9. Step 4: Add Shipping Options
  10. Step 5: Test the Checkout Flow
  11. Step 6: Fulfillment & Tracking
  12. Frequently Asked Questions
  13. Related Articles

This guide shows GHL Customer Care Ecommerce users how to easily set up and use the ShipStationIntegration. Shipping and fulfillment can often feel complicated, with multiple carriers, rates, and tracking details to manage. The ShipStation Integration  helps you automate shipping and fulfillment by syncing orders, showing live carrier rates at checkout, and generating labels directly from your store. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is ShipStation Integration?

The ShipStationIntegrationacts as a bridge, automatically syncing new orders from your store into ShipStation, where you can generate shipping labels, compare real-time carrier rates, and manage all shipments from a single dashboard.

With access to 50+ carriers, you can provide customers with accurate shipping options at checkout, reduce errors with automated syncing, and simplify fulfillment through centralized management. ShipStation also sends branded tracking updates back to your customers, ensuring a smoother experience from checkout to delivery.

Key Benefits of ShipStation Integration

ShipStation Integration is designed with your store’s efficiency and customer satisfaction in mind. Enjoy benefits such as:

  • Automated Syncing: Orders placed in your store are automatically synced to ShipStation.
  • Live Carrier Rates: Customers see real-time shipping options from configured carriers at checkout.
  • Discounted Shipping: Access reduced rates from carriers available in ShipStation.
  • Centralized Fulfillment: Manage shipments, generate labels, and track orders from one dashboard.
  • Branded Notifications: Tracking details are automatically shared with customers via branded store communications.

Automated Fulfillment

Automated Fulfillment minimizes manual effort by syncing orders and updating shipping statuses automatically. This feature allows you to focus on growing your business while ensuring every order is processed accurately.

  • Auto-sync orders seamlessly across platforms.
  • Automatically update shipping statuses to keep both you and your customers informed.
  • Reduce manual errors to boost operational efficiency.

Live Carrier Rates

Live Carrier Rates empower your customers with real-time shipping information directly on the checkout page. The integration pulls current rates from over 50 carriers, providing transparency and enabling informed purchasing decisions.

  • Access up-to-date shipping rates.
  • Compare prices across 50+ carriers in real time.
  • Increase customer trust with accurate shipping cost estimates.

Discounted Shipping

Discounted Shipping unlocks cost-saving opportunities by leveraging ShipStation’s pre-negotiated discounts or allowing you to connect your own carrier accounts. This ensures competitive pricing that can boost your store’s appeal.

  • Enjoy pre-negotiated shipping discounts.
  • Option to integrate your custom carrier accounts.
  • Lower overall shipping expenses for improved margins.

How To Setup ShipStation Integration

Setting up your ShipStation Integration is straightforward. Follow these steps to configure the system for live shipping rates at checkout:

Step 1: Install ShipStation Integration

  1. Navigate to the App Marketplace or Settings > Integrations from your sub-account.

  2. Search for ShipStation Integration by LeadConnector.

  3. Click View App → Install.

  4. Click on Allow & Install button to finish installation.

Step 1: Install ShipStation Integration (image 1 of 8) What this shows Navigate to the App Marketplace or Settings > Integrations from your sub-account. What this shows Illustrates the "Step 1: Install ShipStation Integration" section of "How to Set Up ShipStation Integration for Ecommerce Stores". This animation appears in the "Step 1: Install ShipStation Integration" section of "How to Set Up ShipStation Integration for Ecommerce Stores". The text alongside this image reads: Navigate to the App Marketplace or Settings > Integrations from your sub-account. Search for ShipStation Integration by LeadConnector. Click View App → Install. Click on Allow & Install button to finish installation. The navigation path used here is Settings > Integrations. Immediately after, the guide continues: Open the ShipStation app inside the Platform. Go to the Settings tab. Enter your ShipStation Live API Key and API Secret. Click Connect. Path: Settings > IntegrationsImage 1 of 8 Where to goNavigate to the App Marketplace or Settings > Integrations from your sub-account. Search for ShipStation Integration by LeadConnector. Click View App → Install. Click on Allow & Install button to finish installation.
Buttons and menus referenced App MarketplaceSettingsIntegrationsShipStation Integration by LeadConnectorView App → InstallAllow & Install
Next stepOpen the ShipStation app inside the Platform. Go to the Settings tab. Enter your ShipStation Live API Key and API Secret. Click Connect.
All 4 steps in this procedure
  1. Navigate to the App Marketplace or Settings > Integrations from your sub-account.
  2. Search for ShipStation Integration by LeadConnector.
  3. Click View App → Install.
  4. Click on Allow & Install button to finish installation.

Step 2: Connect Your ShipStation Account

  1. Open the ShipStation app inside the Platform.

  2. Go to the Settings tab.

  3. Enter your ShipStation Live API Key and API Secret.

    • Generate these from your ShipStation account under
      Settings → Account → API Settings

  4. Click Connect.

Important: Use the Live Token only. Test tokens are not supported.
Step 2: Connect Your ShipStation Account (image 2 of 8) What this shows Important: Use the Live Token only. What this shows Illustrates the "Step 2: Connect Your ShipStation Account" section of "How to Set Up ShipStation Integration for Ecommerce Stores". This screenshot appears in the "Step 2: Connect Your ShipStation Account" section of "How to Set Up ShipStation Integration for Ecommerce Stores". The text alongside this image reads: Important: Use the Live Token only. Test tokens are not supported. Immediately after, the guide continues: Before finalizing the integration, certain prerequisites in ShipStation must be configured to ensure rates and fulfillment function correctly. Image 2 of 8 What this coversImportant: Use the Live Token only. Test tokens are not supported.
Buttons and menus referenced ShipStation appSettings tabShipStation Live API KeyAPI SecretShipStation accountSettings → Account → API SettingsConnectLive Token only
Next stepBefore finalizing the integration, certain prerequisites in ShipStation must be configured to ensure rates and fulfillment function correctly.
All 4 steps in this procedure
  1. Open the ShipStation app inside the Platform.
  2. Go to the Settings tab.
  3. Enter your ShipStation Live API Key and API Secret.
  4. Click Connect.

Step 3: Complete the Setup Checklist

Before finalizing the integration, certain prerequisites in ShipStation must be configured to ensure rates and fulfillment function correctly.

  1. Ensure at least one Ship From location is created.

    • ShipStation → Settings → Shipping → Ship From Locations

  2. Enable the Package option for all active carriers.

    • ShipStation → Settings → Shipping → Packages

  3. Confirm that your ShipStation account currency matches your Platform store currency.

  4. Once complete, check the boxes in the integration settings and click Connect.

Step 3: Complete the Setup Checklist (image 3 of 8) What this shows Ensure at least one Ship From location is created. What this shows Illustrates the "Step 3: Complete the Setup Checklist" section of "How to Set Up ShipStation Integration for Ecommerce Stores". This screenshot appears in the "Step 3: Complete the Setup Checklist" section of "How to Set Up ShipStation Integration for Ecommerce Stores". The text alongside this image reads: Ensure at least one Ship From location is created. Enable the Package option for all active carriers. Confirm that your ShipStation account currency matches your Platform store currency. Once complete, check the boxes in the integration settings and click Connect. This part of the guide covers 2 fields, listed below. Immediately after, the guide continues: Adding shipping options defines what customers see at checkout. You can configure live carrier services and fallback rates to ensure shipping prices always display. Image 3 of 8 How to confirmEnsure at least one Ship From location is created. Enable the Package option for all active carriers. Confirm that your ShipStation account currency matches your Platform store currency. Once complete, check the boxes in the integration settings and click Connect.
Fields in this part of the guide ShipStation → Settings → Shipping → Ship From LocationsShipStation → Settings → Shipping → Packages
Buttons and menus referenced Ship From locationPackage optionShipStation account currencyConnect
Next stepAdding shipping options defines what customers see at checkout. You can configure live carrier services and fallback rates to ensure shipping prices always display.
All 4 steps in this procedure
  1. Ensure at least one Ship From location is created.
  2. Enable the Package option for all active carriers.
  3. Confirm that your ShipStation account currency matches your Platform store currency.
  4. Once complete, check the boxes in the integration settings and click Connect.

Step 4: Add Shipping Options

Adding shipping options defines what customers see at checkout. You can configure live carrier services and fallback rates to ensure shipping prices always display.

  1. Click + Add Shipping Option.

    Step 1 of 5: Click + Add Shipping Option What this shows Step 1 of 5: Click + Add Shipping Option. What this shows Shows what to click for step 1 of 5 in the "Step 4: Add Shipping Options" section of "How to Set Up ShipStation Integration for Ecommerce Stores". This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 5 in the "Step 4: Add Shipping Options" section of "How to Set Up ShipStation Integration for Ecommerce Stores". At this point in the walkthrough you click + Add Shipping Option. For context, this section explains: Adding shipping options defines what customers see at checkout. You can configure live carrier services and fallback rates to ensure shipping prices always display. The next step is to enter a Shipping Option Name (displayed at checkout). Step 1 of 5Image 4 of 8 What to clickClick + Add Shipping Option.
    Buttons and menus referenced + Add Shipping OptionShipping Option Namecarrier servicesFallback ValueCreate
    Next stepEnter a Shipping Option Name (displayed at checkout).
    All 5 steps in this procedure
    1. Click + Add Shipping Option. this image
    2. Enter a Shipping Option Name (displayed at checkout).
    3. Select one or more carrier services (e.g., USPS Priority Mail, UPS Ground, FedEx 2Day).
    4. Set a Fallback Value (flat rate if live rates are unavailable).
    5. Click Create.

  2. Enter a Shipping Option Name (displayed at checkout).

  3. Select one or more carrier services (e.g., USPS Priority Mail, UPS Ground, FedEx 2Day).

  4. Set a Fallback Value (flat rate if live rates are unavailable).

    Step 4 of 5: Set a Fallback Value (flat rate if live rates are unavailable) What this shows Step 4 of 5: Set a Fallback Value (flat rate if live rates are unavailable). What this shows Shows what this covers for step 4 of 5 in the "Step 4: Add Shipping Options" section of "How to Set Up ShipStation Integration for Ecommerce Stores". This screenshot accompanies step 4 of 5 in the "Step 4: Add Shipping Options" section of "How to Set Up ShipStation Integration for Ecommerce Stores". At this point in the walkthrough you set a Fallback Value (flat rate if live rates are unavailable). The next step is to click Create. Step 4 of 5Image 5 of 8 What this coversSet a Fallback Value (flat rate if live rates are unavailable).
    Buttons and menus referenced Fallback Value+ Add Shipping OptionShipping Option Namecarrier servicesCreate
    Next stepClick Create.
    All 5 steps in this procedure
    1. Click + Add Shipping Option.
    2. Enter a Shipping Option Name (displayed at checkout).
    3. Select one or more carrier services (e.g., USPS Priority Mail, UPS Ground, FedEx 2Day).
    4. Set a Fallback Value (flat rate if live rates are unavailable). this image
    5. Click Create.

  5. Click Create.

    Step 5 of 5: Click Create What this shows Step 5 of 5: Click Create. What this shows Shows what to click for step 5 of 5 in the "Step 4: Add Shipping Options" section of "How to Set Up ShipStation Integration for Ecommerce Stores". This screenshot accompanies step 5 of 5 in the "Step 4: Add Shipping Options" section of "How to Set Up ShipStation Integration for Ecommerce Stores". At this point in the walkthrough you click Create. For context, this section explains: Adding shipping options defines what customers see at checkout. You can configure live carrier services and fallback rates to ensure shipping prices always display. Step 5 of 5Image 6 of 8 What to clickClick Create.
    Buttons and menus referenced Create+ Add Shipping OptionShipping Option Namecarrier servicesFallback Value
    All 5 steps in this procedure
    1. Click + Add Shipping Option.
    2. Enter a Shipping Option Name (displayed at checkout).
    3. Select one or more carrier services (e.g., USPS Priority Mail, UPS Ground, FedEx 2Day).
    4. Set a Fallback Value (flat rate if live rates are unavailable).
    5. Click Create. this image

Step 5: Test the Checkout Flow

Testing ensures customers see the correct shipping options and fallback rates before going live.

  1. Add a product to your cart in your Ecommerce store.

  2. Proceed to the Checkout Page.

  3. Review the Shipping step.

    • ShipStation-powered live rates will display.

    • If unavailable, the fallback rate will apply.

Step 5: Test the Checkout Flow (image 7 of 8) What this shows Add a product to your cart in your Ecommerce store. What this shows Illustrates the "Step 5: Test the Checkout Flow" section of "How to Set Up ShipStation Integration for Ecommerce Stores". This screenshot appears in the "Step 5: Test the Checkout Flow" section of "How to Set Up ShipStation Integration for Ecommerce Stores". The text alongside this image reads: Add a product to your cart in your Ecommerce store. Proceed to the Checkout Page. Review the Shipping step. Immediately after, the guide continues: Once integrated, ShipStation becomes the central hub for managing order fulfillment, labels, and tracking. Image 7 of 8 What this coversAdd a product to your cart in your Ecommerce store. Proceed to the Checkout Page. Review the Shipping step.
Buttons and menus referenced Checkout PageShipping step
Next stepOnce integrated, ShipStation becomes the central hub for managing order fulfillment, labels, and tracking.
All 3 steps in this procedure
  1. Add a product to your cart in your Ecommerce store.
  2. Proceed to the Checkout Page.
  3. Review the Shipping step.

Step 6: Fulfillment & Tracking

Once integrated, ShipStation becomes the central hub for managing order fulfillment, labels, and tracking.

  • Orders automatically sync to your ShipStation Dashboard.

  • Generate and print labels, mark orders as shipped, and manage fulfillment inside ShipStation.

  • Tracking numbers sync back to the Platform and are automatically shared with customers.

Step 6: Fulfillment & Tracking (image 8 of 8) What this shows Orders automatically sync to your ShipStation Dashboard. What this shows Illustrates the "Step 6: Fulfillment & Tracking" section of "How to Set Up ShipStation Integration for Ecommerce Stores". This screenshot appears in the "Step 6: Fulfillment & Tracking" section of "How to Set Up ShipStation Integration for Ecommerce Stores". The text alongside this image reads: Orders automatically sync to your ShipStation Dashboard. Generate and print labels, mark orders as shipped, and manage fulfillment inside ShipStation. Tracking numbers sync back to the Platform and are automatically shared with customers. Immediately after, the guide continues: Q: Why are live rates not showing at checkout? Image 8 of 8 What this coversOrders automatically sync to your ShipStation Dashboard. Generate and print labels, mark orders as shipped, and manage fulfillment inside ShipStation. Tracking numbers sync back to the Platform and are automatically shared with customers.
Buttons and menus referenced ShipStation Dashboard
Next stepQ: Why are live rates not showing at checkout?
All 3 steps in this procedure
  1. Orders automatically sync to your ShipStation Dashboard.
  2. Generate and print labels, mark orders as shipped, and manage fulfillment inside ShipStation.
  3. Tracking numbers sync back to the Platform and are automatically shared with customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are live rates not showing at checkout?

Make sure the customer has entered a valid shipping address and that carriers are active in your ShipStation account.

Q: What happens if live rates aren’t available at checkout?

The fallback flat rate you set during setup will automatically be applied.

Q: Why is currency mismatched between my store and ShipStation?

Rates only calculate correctly if your store currency matches your ShipStation account currency. Update settings in both platforms if needed.

Q: Can I use test API tokens for setup?

No. The integration requires a valid Live API token. Test tokens will not work.

Q: How many carriers can I access with ShipStation Integration?

You can compare live shipping rates from over 50 carriers.

Q: What details must be configured in my ShipStation account?

Ensure your carrier accounts, sender/receiver details, and shipping rules are all set up correctly in ShipStation.

Q: Does the integration support automated order syncing?

Yes. Orders automatically sync, and shipping statuses update across platforms.

Q: How do tracking numbers get shared with customers?

When you mark an order as shipped in ShipStation, tracking details sync back to GHL Customer Care and are sent via branded notifications.

Q: Can I create multiple shipping tiers?

Yes. You can set up multiple options (e.g., Standard, Express, Priority) by selecting different carrier services.

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