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UPS Error: “The Shipper’s Shipper Number Cannot Be Used for the Shipment”

This error may occur when processing a UPS shipment through:

  • ReadyReturns
  • ReadyShipper
  • ReadyCloud Headless or REST API integrations
Error Message

The Shipper’s shipper number cannot be used for the shipment.

A similar UPS error may also appear:

The shipper cannot use the provided UPS account number as the payment method.

What This Error Means

This error is returned directly by UPS and typically indicates that the UPS account cannot currently be used to create shipments through the UPS REST API.

Common causes include:

  • The UPS account has an outstanding balance.
  • The payment method or credit card on file has expired.
  • UPS has placed a billing, security, or administrative hold on the account.
  • The UPS account is not authorized to use the account number as the shipment payment method.
  • The UPS.com password or account credentials were recently changed.
  • The UPS account authorization inside ReadyCloud has expired or needs to be reauthorized.

Recommended Troubleshooting

1. Review the UPS Account

Sign in to UPS.com and verify that:

  • The account is active and in good standing.
  • There are no outstanding invoices or balances.
  • The payment method on file is current.
  • The UPS account number is still associated with the correct UPS.com profile.

2. Contact UPS

The UPS account holder should call UPS at 1-800-742-5877 (1-800-PICK-UPS) and ask what type of hold or restriction has been placed on the account.

When speaking with UPS Support, clearly state:

I am submitting a shipment through the UPS REST API and receiving an error stating, “The Shipper’s shipper number cannot be used for the shipment.” Can you verify that my UPS account is active, in good standing, and authorized for use with the UPS Shipping API?

UPS may need to transfer the call to its billing, account, or API support team.

3. After UPS Resolves the Account Issue

Once UPS confirms that the hold or restriction has been removed:

  1. Reauthorize the UPS account inside ReadyCloud.
  2. Allow the amount of time recommended by UPS for the account update to take effect.
  3. If UPS does not provide a specific timeframe, wait up to 24 hours.
  4. Attempt the shipment again through ReadyCloud, ReadyReturns, ReadyShipper, or the applicable REST API integration.

If the error continues after UPS confirms that the account is active and authorized, provide ReadyCloud Support with the complete UPS API error response and the approximate date and time of the failed shipment attempt.