> ## 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 options & quotes Choosing a shipping option code is required when creating a shipment via the Sendcloud API. Use the [Return a list of available shipping options](/api/v3/shipping-options/return-a-list-of-available-shipping-options) endpoint to retrieve available options based on shipment details like from/to countries, weight, dimensions, and carrier. This ensures you select the correct `shipping_option_code` for creating shipments or returns. Some shipping options are only available when you [connect a direct carrier contract](/docs/shipments/carrier-contracts), while others are enabled once you [activate a carrier in your Sendcloud account](https://support.sendcloud.com/hc/en-us/articles/360025133311-Choose-your-carriers-), so you can start shipping with them straight away. Note: When creating a return you will also be required to provide a `shipping_option_code`. You can follow the exact same process as when choosing a `shipping_option_code` for an outgoing shipment. ## Retrieve shipping options To retrieve a list of shipping options which can be used to create a shipments, make a `POST` request to the [Return a list of available shipping options](/api/v3/shipping-options/return-a-list-of-available-shipping-options) endpoint. The shipping options that will be retrieved appear based on the following factors: * The carriers you have [enabled in your Sendcloud account](https://support.sendcloud.com/hc/en-us/articles/360025133311-Choose-your-carriers); * The from and to countries you define; * Weight and Dimensions of the parcels you define; * More advanced options such as [functionalities](#shipping-functionalities) of the shipping options you wish to use or [service points you wish to ship to](#service-point-shipping-options) Use the `from_address` and `to_address` objects to specify the origin and destination. The more address details you provide (such as `postal_code`, `city`, `address_line_1`, and `state_province_code`), the more accurate the pricing will be — including zonal prices and remote area surcharges. For the most accurate pricing, use `from_address` and `to_address` with as many fields filled in as possible. Below you can see an example JSON request payload you could send to request a list of shipping options: ```json Example request payload theme={null} { "from_address": { "country_code": "NL", "postal_code": "1012AB", "city": "Eindhoven" }, "to_address": { "country_code": "NL", "postal_code": "2000AB", "city": "Amsterdam" }, "carrier_code": "dhl", "calculate_quotes": true } ``` No query parameters are required to retrieve shipping options. Without filters, the endpoint returns all shipping options activated in your account. Adding filters narrows results using AND logic - the more filters applied, the fewer matches returned. For example, combining a `from_address` with `"country_code": "NL"` and `"carrier_code": "dhl"` shows only DHL options available from the Netherlands. It does not include all Netherlands options plus all DHL options separately. The legacy flat fields (`from_country_code`, `from_postal_code`, `to_country_code`, `to_postal_code`) are still supported but deprecated. The address objects and flat fields are **mutually exclusive** — do not combine them in the same request. If the request is successful, you'll receive: * HTTP 200 status code * A list of shipping options in the response body See the [API reference response section](/api/v3/shipping-options/return-a-list-of-available-shipping-options#response-data-one-of-0) for full schema details. A successful response includes: * `code`: The unique shipping option code to be used when creating a shipment * `requirements`: List of fields that will be required when creating a shipment with a given option (e.g.: email, dimensions) * Other more advanced fields such as [quotes](#shipping-options-quotes) and [functionalities](#shipping-functionalities) You will still get a HTTP 200 status code when an empty list of shipping options is returned. This indicates no active options in your account match the applied filters. Activate additional options by following [this guide](https://support.sendcloud.com/hc/en-us/articles/40787957696145-Enable-shipping-methods). ## Shipping options quotes ### Receive discounts on your shipping labels You don't need to have a carrier contract to access shipping options in Sendcloud. You can create shipments using Sendcloud rates, and receive a discount on your label price based on your subscription plan. The higher your plan, the more discount you’ll receive. ### Retrieve shipping options quotes Set `"calculate_quotes": true` in the request to the Shipping Options endpoint to include pricing in responses. The response then contains a `quotes` object for each matching option. The `quotes` object returns empty if pricing can't be calculated, which occurs when: * No origin or destination is provided (via `from_address`/`to_address` or the legacy `from_country_code`/`to_country_code` fields) * Direct contracts lack uploaded rates (learn [how to connect your own contracts](/docs/shipments/carrier-contracts) and [how to upload your direct contract rates](https://support.sendcloud.com/hc/en-us/articles/5163547066004-How-to-upload-your-own-prices-from-your-direct-carrier-contract)) Each API call returns quotes for one contract per carrier only. Without a specified `contract_id`, Sendcloud uses your default contract per carrier. Compare same carrier contracts by making separate calls with different `contract_id` values. ## Advanced options ### Shipping functionalities Once you're familiar with making API calls to retrieve shipping options, you may want to filter for shipping options based on their added-value services, known as shipping functionalities. An example of this would be the ability to only retrieve shipping options which require a “Signature on receipt” or that allow you to ship fresh goods. Available functionalities and their meanings are listed in the [API reference](/api/v3/shipping-options/return-a-list-of-available-shipping-options#body-functionalities-one-of-0). ### Service point shipping options Use service point shipping options for shipments to pickup locations. Filter results with `"functionalities.last_mile": "service_point"` to show only compatible options. For a specific service point, add its `to_service_point_id` to the request. You can retrieve service point IDs via the Service Points endpoint. Service point IDs can be retrieved using the [Service Points API](/api/v2/service-points). Although this endpoint is currently available in API v2, it is [fully compatible with API v3](/docs/getting-started/migration-guidelines-for-api-v3#api-v2-endpoints-that-are-compatible-with-api-v3) and can be used together with the Shipments API V3. ### Return shipping options Return shipping options prioritize consumer experience and differ from standard outbound options. Filter for them by including `"functionalities.returns": true` in your request.