Web Services
General Questions
- What is SOAP?
- What is XML?
- What Web Services does Estes currently offer?
- How does Estes define a "simple" web service?
- Does Estes provide code samples?
- Where can I find the syntax for my request?
- Are all passwords "secured" or is there a differentiation between standard and secured usernames?
Shipment Tracking
- I am using the HTML and XML links to retrieve statuses. What is the syntax if I want to send a query on more than one tracking number at a time? Do I separate the PRO numbers with a special set of characters?
- There are <SHIPMENT> nodes and child <SHIPMENT> nodes. Is there an upper limit to the number of child <SHIPMENT> nodes possible?
- What is the maximum number of BOLs I can request within at one time?
Image Viewing
- How do I tell which BOL an individual node belongs to?
- Is there a standard length for the <WEIGHT> and <PIECES> node values in the query string?
Rate Inquiry
- Is there a way to specify package type, dimensions, # units and NMFC for each product?
- Is there a way to specify a number of pallets for situations where all products are palletized and pallet rates may apply?
- Is it normal for some of the links to have non-encoded text such as HTML?
- Are the QCFROM and QCTO zip codes limited to US zip codes?
Don't see your question here? Send us an e-mail and we'll be happy to help.
General Questions
Q. What is SOAP?
A: SOAP stands for Simple Object Access Protocol. SOAP is a standard protocol for exchanging data with web services.
Q. What is XML?
A: XML stands for extensible markup language. XML is the language used to define the data exchanged between parties using a web service.
Q. How does Estes define a "simple" web service?
A: A simple web service does not use SOAP and will produce only XML output.
Q. What Web Services does Estes currently offer?
A: Currently we offer shipment tracking (simple), LTL rate quotations (simple), transit times (SOAP) and image retrieval (SOAP). However, we are very interested in offering other web services. Please contact our Technical Solutions Department for technical questions and suggestions.
Q. Does Estes provide code samples?
A: Code samples are not provided. However, sample requests and responses for SOAP web services can be found on the web services information page.
Q. Where can I find the syntax for my request?
A: Visit our web services information page for helpful information.
Q: Are all passwords "secured" or is there a differentiation between standard and secured usernames?
A: All web services require a valid My Estes user and password. Go the the My Estes signup form to apply.
Shipment Tracking
Q: I am using the HTML and XML links to retrieve statuses. What is the syntax if I want to send a query on more than one tracking number at a time? Do I separate the PRO numbers with a special set of characters?
A: Yes. You can request status information on multiple PRO numbers by separating the PRO numbers with 0D%0AU.
Q: There are <SHIPMENT> nodes and child <SHIPMENT> nodes. Is there an upper limit to the number of
child <SHIPMENT> nodes possible?
A: No. There can be an unlimited number of child <SHIPMENT> nodes for the shipments element. Refer to the DTD: http://www.estes-express.com/dtds/track/0000003.dtd
Q: What is the maximum number of BOLs I can request at one time?
A: There are no limits to the number of BOLs you may enter within a single request.
Image Viewing
Q: How do I tell which BOL an individual <SHIPMENT> node belongs to?
A: The BOL number should always appear when associated with a PRO number.
Q: Is there a standard length for the <WEIGHT> and <PIECES> node values in the query string?
A: Yes. The weight node has a maximum of 8 digits and the pieces node has a maximum of 6 digits.
Rate Inquiry
Q: Is there a way to specify package type, dimensions, # units and NMFC for each product?
A: No, only the parameters noted on the web services information page can be sent in the rate quote request.
Q: Is there a way to specify a number of pallets for situations where all products are palletized and pallet rates may apply?
A: Not at this time.
Q: Is it normal for some of the links to have non-encoded text such as HTML?
A: No. All of the XML output should be encoded.
Q: Are the QCFROM and QCTO zip codes limited to US zip codes?
A: Yes, only US zip code can be used at this time. Other countries will be supported in the future.
