FedEx account upgrade Release Notes for PitneyShip, PitneyShip Pro, and PitneyShip Enterprise March 2026
PitneyShip®, PitneyShip® Pro, PitneyShip® Enterprise
What's New
FedEx SOAP to REST Migration Overview
FedEx is moving from its older SOAP‑based Web Services to a modern REST‑based API. The new REST architecture is designed to simplify integrations, streamline data requirements, and provide more optimized shipping results. Though both systems support core shipping features, REST applies tighter data rules and offers more guided, automated decision‑making.
Service selection
The SOAP API returned all possible shipping services, while the REST API shows only the most cost‑effective recommended option.
Packaging type
REST may also automatically switch to preferred FedEx packaging, such as a One Rate box, while SOAP relied on whatever packaging type was provided.
Field-level differences
This API upgrade changes how shipping data must be submitted and how rates and services are returned. REST’s stricter rules mean users need to adjust names, phone numbers, addresses, and reference fields to avoid errors during label creation.
| Field | SOAP Behavior | REST Behavior |
| Person Name | No minimum length | Must be at least 3 characters |
| Phone Number | Can be empty or any length | Must be 10 digits (U.S. and Canada) |
| Address Line | No maximum length | Maximum 35 characters long |
| Reference Fields | No length restrictions |
Length limits by field name: CUSTOMER_REFERENCE: 40 (Express) 30 (Ground) DEPARTMENT_NUMBER: 30 INVOICE_NUMBER: 30 PO_NUMBER: 30 RMA_ASSOCIATION: 20 |
UPDATED: February 26, 2026