Using Get Rates to Retrieve Real-Time Courier Prices

Learn what a "Get Rates" API call is, why it’s a crucial part of shipping workflows, and which couriers support it. This guide explains how Get Rates functionality helps businesses offer real-time delivery options, reduce costs, and streamline logistics using Voila or third-party integrations.

Last updated 4 months ago

Get Rates: What It Is and Why It Matters

When shipping goods, knowing the cost in advance is essential, whether you're comparing services, offering delivery options at checkout, or planning your logistics. That's where the "Get Rates" call comes in.

What Is a Get Rates Call?

A Get Rates call is an API request that retrieves real-time or contract-based shipping prices from a courier. Based on the package’s dimensions, weight, origin, and destination, the call returns:

  • Available courier services

  • Estimated delivery times

  • Accurate shipping costs

Why Is It Important?

The Get Rates feature is crucial to:

  • Enhance customer experience by showing real-time delivery options

  • Reduce costs by comparing rates before shipping

  • Streamline operations by automating courier selection

  • Avoid errors from outdated or static rate tables

Without it, businesses risk undercharging (leading to losses) or overcharging (leading to cart abandonment).

Which Couriers Support Get Rates?

Voila integrates with a range of couriers that support Get Rates functionality:

CourierSupports Get RatesNotes

Royal Mail

✅ Yes

Available through Pro Shipping or Price Guide APIs. Requires a contract.

DPD (UK/Local)

✅ Yes

Use the Shipment Services endpoint to retrieve price quotes.

Evri

✅ Yes

Available to business accounts with integration agreement.

Parcelforce

✅ Yes

Supports both domestic and international queries.

Yodel

✅ Limited

Depends on your integration tier; not always real-time.

FedEx

✅ Yes

Access via Rate Service. Supports multi-package and international.

UPS

✅ Yes

Rate retrieval via the Rating API.

DHL Express

✅ Yes

Use the MyDHL API. Requires account credentials.

GLS

✅ Generally

Availability may vary by region or country.

💡 Pro Tip: Most couriers require an active contract and API credentials to access rate data.

Voila’s Advantage: One Unified API

Rather than building separate integrations for each courier, Voila acts as a multi-carrier aggregator. That means:

  • A single Get Rates API call retrieves pricing from all your connected couriers

  • No need to manage individual endpoints or credentials for each courier

  • Faster setup, reduced complexity, and greater flexibility

How to Use Get Rates in Voila

To retrieve shipping prices before label creation, use the following endpoint:

Example
POST {{api_url}}/api/couriers/v1/{{Courier Key}}/get-price

This endpoint mirrors the request body used for create-label, making it easy to preview costs before committing to a shipment.

📘 For full details, refer to the Postman API documentation or contact our support team for guidance.

Summary

The Get Rates feature is a vital part of modern eCommerce and shipping. Whether you're managing high-volume fulfilment or simply want to offer your customers the best delivery options, real-time rate access gives you the control and insight needed to ship smarter.

If you’re using Voila, you're already equipped with everything you need to make the most of Get Rates. For help setting this up, visit our Courier Integration Guide or create a Support Ticket for assistance.

Next Steps & Support

📚  Need help? Explore more of our documentation, video walkthroughs or contact support.

With Voila, you will be set up for seamless, efficient shipping.