> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://sendcloud.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Shipping methods API overview

<Warning>
  **API v2 is entering maintenance mode.** New users should start with API v3 to access our latest features and improved
  performance. Already using v2? Don't worry, your current integration remains fully functional. Read more about
  [maintenance mode](/docs/getting-started/api-version-guide), or check out the [migration guide for API
  v3](/docs/getting-started/migration-guidelines-for-api-v3).
</Warning>

Sendcloud partners with [160+ international carriers](https://www.sendcloud.com/how-it-works) who offer a wide variety of flexible **shipping methods**. Some methods are only available when you connect a [direct carrier contract](/docs/getting-started/carrier-contracts/), while others can be [enabled in your Sendcloud account](/docs/getting-started/) so you can start shipping with them straight away.

A shipping method is a specific service offered by a carrier which determines the price and method of delivering a parcel to a customer. A parcel cannot be announced or have a shipping label created for it until a shipping method has been selected. The **Shipping methods API** lets you retrieve available shipping methods for your account and get detailed information about each one.

For example, when you create a parcel via the [Create a parcel or parcels](/api/v2/parcels/create-a-parcel-or-parcels) endpoint and want to create a shipping label and announce it immediately, you first need to obtain a shipping method `id` to identify the service you want to use to deliver the parcel. You can do this via the endpoints in this API.