> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://shipmagic-docs.speedysquirrelhq.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Australia Post

> Show live Australia Post rates at checkout using your own account

Connect your Australia Post account and ShipMagic will query real rates at checkout.

## Getting credentials

Australia Post issues an **API Key** through its [Developer Centre](https://developers.auspost.com.au/). You'll need a business account to request access.

## Setting up the rate

<Steps>
  <Step title="Add a rate to your zone">
    In your rule, click **Add rate** on the zone you want.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set the calculation parameter to Australia Post">
    Choose **Australia Post** under the live carrier options.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter your API Key">
    Paste the key from the Developer Centre.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure packaging">
    Set **Packaging box distribution** and define your boxes. See [the packing algorithm](/shipping-rates/types-of-rates/carrier-rates/3-d-boxing-algorithm).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set a default rate">
    **Default rate** is used if Australia Post doesn't respond.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Domestic and international

Australia Post covers both domestic Australian parcels and international destinations. Which services return depends on the destination address and on what your account is enabled for.

<Tip>
  If you ship both domestically and internationally, consider separate rules with [country conditions](/customer-location-and-address) so each region gets a rate configured for it, rather than one rule trying to cover everything.
</Tip>

## Weight and dimensions

Australia Post prices on both weight and cubic size. Parcels above certain dimensions attract cubing charges, so accurate [product dimensions](/adding-dimensions-to-products) matter as much as weight.

<Warning>
  A large, light parcel is priced on its volume, not its weight. If you ship bulky lightweight goods and haven't entered dimensions, quotes will be well below what you're billed.
</Warning>

## Always set a Default rate

<Warning>
  If Australia Post is unavailable and no default rate is set, the customer sees no shipping option and cannot complete checkout.
</Warning>

## Testing

1. Add products with accurate weights and dimensions
2. Check out to a real Australian address, using a fresh address each time
3. Compare the quote against Australia Post's own calculator for the same parcel

## Related

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card title="Packing algorithm" icon="box-taped" href="/shipping-rates/types-of-rates/carrier-rates/3-d-boxing-algorithm">
    How items are distributed into parcels before quoting.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Adding dimensions" icon="ruler-combined" href="/adding-dimensions-to-products">
    Dimension data that cubing charges depend on.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Direct Freight Express" icon="truck-fast" href="/direct-freight-express">
    The other Australian carrier ShipMagic supports.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Rates not showing" icon="circle-question" href="/shipping-rates-not-showing-on-checkout-page">
    When a carrier rate fails to appear.
  </Card>
</Columns>


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