• DOMESTIC
  • GLOBAL
  • TIMING
  • HUMAN

How to calculate shipping rates with your AI

Connect the USPS Developer Portal to your AI client once. From then on, your agent handles the math for shipping costs and delivery windows.

Ask AI about this page

Short answer

How can my AI calculate shipping rates?

Your AI pulls live data from USPS to determine exact costs for domestic and international shipments. It also provides specific delivery commitments so you know when a package will arrive. You'll get precise pricing and timing for every shipment.

Shipping outcomes

What your AI delivers

The data your agent pulls from the USPS Developer Portal.

DOMESTIC

US shipping costs

The AI finds the exact price for any package moving within the United States. You get specific rates based on weight and destination.

GLOBAL

International rates

Your agent handles the math for overseas shipments. It provides the necessary costs for international delivery through USPS.

TIMING

Delivery windows

The AI checks delivery commitments to tell you when a package should arrive. This helps you set realistic expectations for customers.

HUMAN

Final decisions

The AI provides the data, but you decide which shipping method to use. You maintain full control over the actual shipping process.

The workflow

What your AI does when the request arrives.

The AI acts as your logistics clerk, pulling data directly from USPS to answer your questions.

  1. Price domestic shipments

    When you provide package details for a US address, the AI finds the correct rate.

    calculate_domestic_rate

  2. Price global shipments

    For any address outside the US, the AI switches to international pricing logic.

    calculate_international_rate

  3. Check arrival dates

    The AI looks up the expected delivery window for the chosen service.

    get_delivery_commitments

  4. Compare options

    The AI uses the retrieved rates and dates to suggest the best shipping method for your needs.

    calculate_domestic_ratecalculate_international_rateget_delivery_commitments

Try it

Copy these to start.

Use these prompts to trigger shipping calculations immediately.

Starting points

Replace the bracketed info with your actual package weights, dimensions, and destination addresses.

USPS Web Tools Connector

You're all set. Choose your MCP client and follow the setup instructions.

Connector linkhttps://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_R7DQnUcS3k7mzjKxMrsMbzxWu6CJTEhHjGrbKAVt/mcp

Claude Desktop

Follow the steps below to connect in seconds.

  1. 1In Claude Desktop, open Settings → Connectors.
  2. 2Click “Add custom connector” and paste the connector link above as the remote MCP server URL.
  3. 3Click Add and start a new chat — USPS Web Tools capabilities are ready to use.
Configuration · claude_desktop_config.jsonCopy
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "usps-developer-portal-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_R7DQnUcS3k7mzjKxMrsMbzxWu6CJTEhHjGrbKAVt/mcp"
    }
  }
}
Copy into chat04

  • Calculate the domestic shipping rate for a 5lb box going to 90210.

  • What is the international shipping cost for a 2lb package to London, UK?

  • Get the delivery commitments for a Priority Mail shipment to Chicago.

  • Compare the domestic rates and delivery dates for a 10oz envelope sent to New York.

  • Claude
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  • JetBrains
  • Cline

Start here

Connect USPS Developer Portal once, then ask.

Just link your account once. Your credentials stay encrypted, and you can immediately start asking your AI about shipping costs.

Connect USPS Developer Portal to your AI

FAQ

How this task behaves

  • 01

    Can the AI print shipping labels?

    No. The AI only calculates rates and delivery commitments. You must use the USPS website or a dedicated shipping tool to print labels.

  • 02

    Does the AI charge my credit card?

    No. The AI only retrieves pricing data. It cannot authorize payments or execute actual purchases.

  • 03

    Can I use this for non-USPS shipping?

    No. This specific connector only accesses USPS data.

  • 04

    Will the AI update my shipping orders?

    No. The AI can read data to help you make decisions, but it cannot modify existing shipments or change addresses in the USPS system.

  • 05

    How accurate are the delivery dates?

    The AI provides the delivery commitments provided by USPS, which are the official estimates for those services.

  • More questions about USPS Developer Portal? See everything the USPS Developer Portal Connector can do

Connect USPS Web Tools to Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT & more