How to Obtain FedEx Production Keys and Complete Label Validation

This guide shows you how to get Production API credentials from FedEx and complete their label validation process so you can create real shipping labels.

Why Do I Need This?

Test credentials only work in FedEx's sandbox. To create real shipping labels, you need Production credentials that have been validated by FedEx. Without validation, you'll see "Authentication Failed" errors.

Timeline: The entire process takes about 3-5 business days.

What You'll Need

• ✅ FedEx test credentials already connected in Hopstack

• ✅ A printer (thermal label printer or regular printer)

• ✅ A scanner or smartphone camera

• ✅ Ability to generate test labels in Hopstack

Step 1: Get Production API Credentials

1. Go to FedEx Developer Portal

1. Log in to developer.fedex.com

2. Go to your Hopstack project

3. Click "Request Production Keys" or "Move to Production"

2. Fill Out the Form

• Select FedEx Web Services for Shipping

• Choose Corporate Developer (or Consultant if applicable)

• Accept the license agreement

3. Save Your Credentials

IMPORTANT: You'll see these credentials ONCE. Save them immediately:

• Production API Key (Client ID)

• Production Secret Key (shown only once!)

• Production Account Number

Don't use these in Hopstack yet - they won't work until FedEx approves your labels.

Step 2: Generate Test Labels in Hopstack

Create Test Shipments

1. Log in to Hopstack

2. Make sure your FedEx test account is connected

3. Create 2 test shipments using realistic details:

   • Package weight: 3-5 lbs

   • Dimensions: 10x8x6 inches

   • Use real addresses

4. Generate labels in PDF format for:

   • FedEx Express (if you'll use Express)

   • FedEx Ground (if you'll use Ground)

Save these labels - you'll need them for the next step.

Step 3: Print and Scan Your Labels

This is the most important step. FedEx needs to see how your labels look when printed.

Print Your Labels

1. Print on 4x6 inch labels or paper

2. Use the same printer you'll use for production

3. Make sure the print is clean and sharp - no smudges!

Common mistakes that cause rejection:

• Blurry barcodes

• Labels printed too big or too small (scaling issues)

• Lines through the barcode

• Poor print quality

Scan Your Labels

1. Scan at 600 DPI minimum (or use 300 DPI if that's your scanner's max)

2. Save as PDF

3. Name the files:

   • FedExGeneratedTestLabel.pdf (the original from Hopstack)

   • PrintedScannedLabel.pdf (the scanned version)

No scanner? Take a clear photo with your phone and convert to PDF:

• Open photo in browser

• Use "Print" → "Save as PDF"

Step 4: Fill Out the Cover Sheet

Download the Form

Get the FedEx Label Validation Cover Sheet from the FedEx Developer Portal.

Complete ALL Fields

Save the completed form as a PDF.

Step 5: Submit Everything to FedEx

Prepare Your Files

You should have 3 files:

1. FedExGeneratedTestLabel.pdf

2. PrintedScannedLabel.pdf

3. Completed cover sheet (PDF)

Send the Email

To: label@fedex.com

Subject: FedEx WebServices/RESTful API Label Validation

Body:

Hello FedEx Label Validation Team,

Please find attached the FedEx Label Validation Cover Sheet and test labels for review.

Attached files:
1. FedExGeneratedTestLabel.pdf - Label from Hopstack/FedEx APIs
2. PrintedScannedLabel.pdf - Printed and scanned label (600 DPI)
3. [YourCompany]-Coversheet.pdf - Completed validation cover sheet

Requesting production approval for:
- FedEx Express
- FedEx Ground

Please let me know if you need anything else.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Company Name]
[Your Email]

Attach all 3 files and send.

Step 6: Wait for FedEx Response

What Happens Next

• Timeline: 3 business days

• Approved: You'll get an email saying your production credentials are active

• Rejected: FedEx will tell you what's wrong (usually print quality issues)

If Rejected

1. Fix the issues they mention

2. Print and scan new labels

3. Fill out a fresh cover sheet

4. Resubmit everything

Step 7: Update Hopstack with Production Credentials

Once FedEx approves your labels:

Replace Test with Production Credentials

1. Log in to Hopstack

2. Go to Setup → Integration Management

3. Find your FedEx integration

4. Click Edit or Manage

5. Update the credentials:

   • Client ID → Your Production API Key

   • Secret Key → Your Production Secret Key

   • Account Number → Your Production Account Number

6. Click Save

Test It

1. Create a test shipment with real details

2. Generate a label

3. Check that it does NOT say "TEST LABEL - DO NOT SHIP"

4. Verify the tracking number works on fedex.com

Success! You can now create real shipping labels.

Quick Checklist

Before submitting to FedEx, verify:

Common Problems

"Authentication Failed" After Approval

Wait 2-4 hours after getting the approval email. FedEx needs time to activate your credentials.

Still not working?

• Double-check you entered the production credentials correctly

• Call FedEx Web Services Support (say "Web Services" then "API")

• Ask them to enable the Address Validation API

Labels Rejected for Quality

Solution:

1. Make sure printer settings are on highest quality

2. Don't scale labels when printing (print at 100%)

3. Use fresh ink/toner

4. Scan at 600 DPI minimum

5. Try again

Forgot to Save Production Secret Key

Solution: You'll need to generate new production keys. The secret key is shown only once.

Need Help?

• Hopstack Support: Contact your Customer Success Manager

• FedEx Questions: label@fedex.com

• Technical Issues: FedEx Developer Portal support

Tip: Most rejections are due to print quality. Take your time with Step 3 - make sure those labels look perfect!