Gelato Connect Logistics gives you the flexibility to use your own or your customers’ carrier accounts directly within the platform. This means you can choose to ship using your own negotiated carrier contracts or let customers handle shipping with their preferred carriers — all in one place. This guide explains how to set up, manage, and prioritize these accounts, ensuring your logistics flow stays efficient and under your control.
Finding the Carrier Accounts Page
To get started, open Logistics → Shipping Center → Settings → Carrier Accounts in Gelato Connect. Alternatively, you can quickly access it by typing “Carrier Accounts” in the search bar.
On this page, you’ll find a list of all supported carriers (such as DHL, UPS, and FedEx) and options to add, manage, or enable accounts for both your facility and specific customers.
Adding a New Carrier Account
Follow these steps to connect your carrier or your customer’s carrier account:
Open the Carrier Accounts Page
You’ll see a visual list of available carriers. Each logo represents an integration you can configure.Select a Carrier
Click on the logo of the carrier you want to add (for example, DHL).
Then, select Add Account to open the setup form.
If the carrier disappears after clicking “Add,” it may not yet be available for external configuration.
💬 Tip: Contact our support team or use in-app chat to request activation. Gelato Connect continually adds support for new carriers.Enter Your Account Details
Required fields may vary by carrier, but typically include:Account Owner – Automatically filled with your facility name or selectable from the customer list.
Label Type – Optional; choose your preferred format (PDF, ZPL, 4x6, A5, or A6).
Account Number – Provided by your carrier.
API Key / Secret / Password – Credentials from your carrier’s developer portal.
Username – Used for carriers that require login authentication.
Example: For DHL, you’ll enter your account number, API key, API password, and choose which DHL methods apply (e.g., DHL Parcel or DHL Global Parcel).
Understand Account Types
Gelato Connect supports two ways to configure carrier accounts:External Account – You provide all integration details (API keys, account number, authentication). Shipments are billed to your own contract.
Example: You want to use your own FedEx or UPS account.Third-Party Account – You use Gelato’s existing integration but bill shipments to your account number.
Example: You rely on Gelato’s UPS setup but prefer invoices to go to your company.
Save and Enable the Account
Click Create Account to save your setup. You can then:Enable as Default Account – All shipments from your facility use this account.
Add a Customer Account – Assign a specific account to a customer (e.g., “Customer X – DHL”).
Account priority: Customer-specific accounts always override the facility’s default.
Example Use Cases
PSP Default Account Example
You want all shipments to use your own UPS contract:
Add your UPS credentials.
Enable “Set as Default Account.”
All shipments will now bill directly to your UPS account.
Customer-Specific Account Example
Your customer Highball Prints wants to use their FedEx account:
Select “Add Customer Account.”
Choose Highball Prints from the dropdown.
Enter their FedEx details.
All of Highball Prints’ shipments will use their own account automatically.
Using Connect AI Assistance
Gelato Connect’s AI Assistant is built into the Carrier Accounts page to guide you through setup and troubleshooting. Use it to:
Check or verify account configurations
Enable carriers for specific customers
Resolve API or credential-related issues
Click Connect AI in the top-right corner of the Carrier Accounts interface to launch the assistant.
Best Practices and Tips
Carrier Availability: Not every carrier supports external setup yet, but Gelato is continuously expanding options.
API Credentials: Always use credentials issued by your carrier to ensure authentication and billing accuracy.
Label Setup: Match label size and format to your printer type — ZPL for thermal printers, PDF for standard.
Account Priority: Customer accounts automatically take precedence over the facility’s default account.
FAQ
Can I use both my account and Gelato’s default account?
Yes, you can switch between them anytime within the Shipping Center.
What happens if my customer provides incorrect carrier credentials?
The system will flag the error. You can edit or update the credentials anytime.
Do I need to contact Gelato to activate my carrier?
Only if the carrier isn’t listed or disappears after clicking “Add.” Reach out to support or use in-app chat to request activation.