Q. What is SOAP?

A: SOAP stands for Simple Object Access Protocol. It’s a standard protocol for exchanging data with web services.

Q. What is XML?

A: XML stands for extensible markup language. XML is the language used to define the data exchanged between parties using a web service.

Q. How does Estes define a "simple" web service?

A: A simple web service does not use SOAP and will produce only XML output.

Q. What Web Services does Estes offer?

A: Estes now offers shipment tracking (simple), LTL rate quotations (simple), transit times (SOAP) and image retrieval (SOAP). However, we’re very interested in offering other web services. Please contact our Technical Solutions Department for technical questions and suggestions.

Q. Does Estes provide code samples?

A: Estes does not provide code samples. However, you can find sample requests and responses for SOAP web services on the web services information page.

Q. Where can I find the syntax for my request?

A: Visit our web services information page for helpful information.

Q: Are all passwords "secured" or is there a differentiation between standard and secured usernames?

A: All web services require a valid My Estes user and password. Go the the My Estes signup form to apply.

Q: I’m using the HTML and XML links to retrieve statuses. What’s the syntax if I want to send a query on more than one tracking number at a time? Do I separate the PRO numbers with a special set of characters?

A: Yes. You can request status information on multiple PRO numbers by separating the PRO numbers with 0D%0AU.

Q: There are <SHIPMENT> nodes and child <SHIPMENT> nodes. Is there an upper limit to the number of child <SHIPMENT> nodes possible?

A: No. There can be an unlimited number of child <SHIPMENT> nodes for the shipments element. Refer to the DTD: http://www.estes-express.com/dtds/track/0000003.dtd

Q: What is the maximum number of BOLs I can request at one time?

A: There are no limits to the number of BOLs you may enter within a single request.

Q: How do I tell which BOL an individual <SHIPMENT> node belongs to?

A: The BOL number should always appear when associated with a PRO number.

Q: Is there a standard length for the <WEIGHT> and <PIECES> node values in the query string?

A: Yes. The weight node has a maximum of 8 digits and the pieces node has a maximum of 6 digits.

Q: Is there a way to specify package type, dimensions, # units and NMFC for each product?

A: No, only the parameters noted on the web services information page can be sent in the rate quote request.

Q: Is there a way to specify a number of pallets for situations where all products are palletized and pallet rates may apply?

A: Not at this time.

Q: Is it normal for some of the links to have non-encoded text such as HTML?

A: No. All of the XML output should be encoded.

Q: Are the QCFROM and QCTO ZIP Codes limited to US ZIP Codes?

Q: What do the error codes mean in the message I am receiving and how can they be corrected?

A: Error codes are generally encountered when an invalid data type has been encountered, such as an invalid ZIP code. Here are the more common error messages you may receive and how you can correct them:

Zip Code errors:
QUE0017 – Invalid ZIP code
Occurs when a ZIP code has been entered that is not in the points file. Please ensure the ZIP code you entered is accurate.

QUE0018 – Invalid ZIP code
Occurs when a ZIP code has been entered that is not in the points file. Please ensure the ZIP code you entered is accurate.

QUE0044, QUE0045 – ZIP code is blocked, additional charges may apply, must call for a rate (this most often occurs for the ‘TO’ zip code).
Occurs when a ZIP code may be subject to additional charges that the system cannot calculate. Please contact one of our rating specialists at 1-866-ESTES4U (1-866-378-3748), and press 12.

QUE0046 – Destination ZIP not in Tariff table
Occurs when the ZIP code is in the points file but not in the your applicable rate base. This most likely attributed to you being on an older base rate and one of the shipment ZIP codes did not exist when the base rate was made. Please contact one of our rating specialists at 1-866-ESTES4U (1-866-378-3748), and press 12.

Class errors:
QUE0010 – Invalid class
Occurs when an invalid class has been entered. Please check your class and enter a valid class id.

QUE0011 – Invalid class
Occurs when an invalid class has been entered. Please check your class and enter a valid class id.

Weight errors:
QUE0014 – Invalid weight
Occurs when an invalid weight has been entered. Please ensure the weight you have entered falls between 1 and 11,999 lbs.

QUE0031 – Invalid weight
Occurs when an invalid weight has been entered. Please ensure the weight you have entered falls between 1 and 11,999 lbs.