Registering to Use the API

Unfortunately, the steps involved in accessing the API differ internationally. The rules in the United States seem to be quite simple — simply open a business shipping account and request access. You will then be provided with an account number. In other countries, however (Canada, for example), the process can be a bit more involved, and may require signing a nondisclosure agreement. This chapter covers the process from the U.S. perspective, but if you live elsewhere, I recommend speaking to FedEx representatives on the phone. I found that once I actually reached someone on the phone directly, things moved a lot more smoothly.

First, obtain a commercial FedEx account. This is as simple as filling out the appropriate forms on the website (www.fedex.com). You will need a major credit card. If you have any problems, I recommend calling the toll-free number, because whoever answers the phone is a lot more helpful and lenient with requirements than the website is.

Second, request access to the API. You're going to need to send an email to [e-mail] (or your regional office) and request access to the API, as well as the URL for the test server. The URL isn't published anywhere (and to respect that, it isn't in this book either), and you might as well save yourself an email and get it at the same time.

Third, use the account number you've received to execute a subscription request. This will give you a meter number. You must include both your account number and this meter number with all your requests. You only need to make the request once, but save the meter number forever.