FedEx Is Retiring Legacy Web Services: What Manufacturers Need to Know About the April 1 Quick Ship API Requirement
FedEx is officially retiring its legacy SOAP-based Web Services, and as of April 1, all organizations using FedEx shipping through Epicor Quick Ship must transition to the new FedEx REST API to avoid service disruption. This shift affects rating, label generation, tracking, and LTL workflows, making it a critical deadline for manufacturers who rely on FedEx for daily shipping operations.
Why FedEx Is Making This Change
FedEx is sunsetting its older SOAP Web Services in favor of a modern REST API framework designed to deliver:
- Improved performance and reliability
- Enhanced tracking visibility
- Support for new FedEx features
- A streamlined developer experience
- Better long-term scalability
FedEx has placed its legacy Web Services into “development containment,” meaning no new enhancements are being made, and full retirement begins in early April.
The April 1 Deadline: What It Means for Epicor Quick Ship Users
Epicor has confirmed that FedEx Web Services will be retired effective April 1, 2026, and Quick Ship customers must migrate to the REST API to maintain uninterrupted shipping operations. Quick Ship 2025.2 and later already include full support for the new FedEx REST API, covering:
- Rating
- Shipping
- LTL
- Hazardous shipments
- Tracking services
The following versions support the FedEx REST API and will not require an upgrade. The FedEx API requires registration before it can be used:
- 1.8 and up
- 2.14 and up
- 1.11 and up
- 2.4 and up
What’s Changing in Quick Ship
Epicor Quick Ship now integrates directly with the FedEx REST API, replacing the older SOAP-based connection. This update requires:
- New FedEx REST API credentials
- Configuration updates within Quick Ship
- Validation and testing before the cutoff date
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) alignment for FedEx Developer accounts (required for REST)
What You Need to Do Now
To keep the transition on track, manufacturers should take these steps:
- Confirm Your Quick Ship Version
You must be on Quick Ship 2025.2 or later to enable REST API support.
- Request FedEx REST Production Credentials
FedEx requires new credentials for REST API access. If you are using a FedEx Compatible Provider (like Epicor), they will guide you through this process.
- Update Your Quick Ship Configuration
Epicor provides documentation including:
- Test Rating, Labeling, and Tracking
Validate all shipping workflows before April 1 to avoid downtime.
- Communicate Internally
Shipping, customer service, and IT teams should be aware of the change and the testing timeline.
What Happens If You Do Not Migrate?
If you remain on the legacy SOAP Web Services after April 1:
- FedEx rating will fail
- Labels will not generate
- Tracking updates will stop
- LTL and hazardous workflows will break
- Quick Ship will not be able to communicate with FedEx at all
This will halt outbound shipping operations, an unacceptable risk for manufacturers with tight logistics windows.
Why This Matters for Manufacturers
For organizations running Epicor Kinetic or Prophet 21 with Quick Ship, shipping reliability is mission critical. The FedEx API migration is not just a technical update; it is an operational requirement.
The new REST API also positions manufacturers for future enhancements, including:
- More accurate real-time tracking
- Better international shipping support
- Improved error handling
- Faster integration with other logistics tools
Final Thoughts
FedEx’s move to a modern REST API is a positive long-term shift, but the April 1 deadline leaves no room for delay. Manufacturers using Epicor Quick Ship must complete their migration now to avoid shipping disruptions and ensure compliance with FedEx’s new integration standards.
If you need help validating your Quick Ship environment, obtaining FedEx REST credentials, or completing the migration, 2W Tech’s Epicor and integration experts can guide you through the process.
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