Courier Integrations

Courier Integrations in Helm allow you to connect your third-party courier accounts—such as Royal Mail, DPD, or DHL - so you can automatically generate shipping labels, retrieve tracking information, and streamline your dispatch process. This eliminates the need for manual data entry and helps ensure shipping accuracy, speed, and scalability.

Last updated 3 months ago

When to Use

Set up courier integrations when:

  • You are ready to begin dispatching orders

  • You’re onboarding a new courier provider

  • You’re expanding into new territories (e.g., international shipping)

  • You need to automate service allocation, label generation, or tracking visibility

Steps to Set Up a Courier Integration

  1. Navigate to:
    Settings → Courier Integrations

  2. Click + Add New Courier on the bottom or the screen

  3. Select your preferred Courier Provider and click install

    • E.g., Royal Mail, DPD, DHL, Evri, etc

  4. Enter the required API Credentials

    • These typically include API keys, account numbers, or usernames provided by the courier

  5. Test Connection

    • Helm will confirm whether the connection is valid and active

  6. Assign your Default Rules, such as:

    • Minimum/maximum weight thresholds

    • Preferred shipping services (e.g., 24hr tracked, international signed)

    • Fallback options if a courier service fails or times out

  7. Save your integration

    • Your courier will now appear as a selectable option in Shipping Rules and Despatch

Example Scenarios

  • Adding a Second Courier for International Orders
    Integrate a global carrier like DHL to handle overseas shipments while using a domestic courier for UK deliveries

  • Switching to Tracked Delivery Services
    Upgrade from untracked parcels to tracked 24/48hr services to reduce disputes and enhance customer satisfaction

  • Load Balancing Between Couriers
    Assign different couriers based on parcel weight, destination, or delivery timeframe for efficiency and cost savings

Tips & Best Practices

  • Always Test Before Going Live
    Use demo orders to test label generation and ensure credentials are correctly applied

  • Set Fallback Couriers
    Configure a backup courier in your Shipping Rules to prevent dispatch disruption if one provider fails or limits are exceeded

  • Print and Scan Test Labels
    Confirm label format compatibility with your printers and scanners - especially if using thermal printers

  • Combine with Shipping Rules
    Maximise efficiency by automatically assigning couriers based on service level, order value, or product type

  • Keep API Credentials Secure
    Store sensitive login details only in Helm’s secure integration panel; rotate keys regularly per courier recommendations