FedEx Integration Upgrade in Descartes Pacejet: What Shippers Need to Know

• FedEx is retiring legacy SOAP Web Services and moving all shipping integrations to RESTful APIs starting in April 2026. 

• Pacejet customers must upgrade their FedEx carrier connector to version 26.1 or later to avoid future disruption. 

• This is a carrier connector upgrade, not a Pacejet platform upgrade. 

• The new FedEx connector improves reliability, security, and performance while keeping daily shipping workflows largely unchanged. 

• Pacejet provides self-service tools, documentation, and support to guide customers through the upgrade. 

FedEx shipping integrations are changing, and if you ship with FedEx using Descartes Pacejet shipping software, there is an important action you need to take. 

While all Pacejet customers are already running on the current platform version, FedEx now requires shippers to move to a newer FedEx connector that uses RESTful APIs. To stay aligned and keep FedEx shipping fully supported, customers must upgrade their FedEx carrier connection to connector version 26.1 or later. 

This new connector is available today and must be enabled before FedEx fully retires its legacy services. 

FedEx is modernizing its carrier technology by retiring legacy SOAP Web Services and moving all integrations to RESTful APIs. This transition affects core shipping functions, including rating, shipping, tracking, and address validation. 

REST APIs are faster, more secure, and more scalable than SOAP-based services. They also allow FedEx to deliver updates more efficiently and support future innovation across its carrier network. 

As part of this transition, many SOAP-based services are scheduled to be officially sunset beginning in April 2026. For shippers that rely on FedEx integrations, migrating to REST-based connections is mandatory to maintain long-term service continuity. 

The Pacejet platform itself is already up to date. However, customers that ship with FedEx must upgrade their FedEx carrier connection to the newer connector version identified as 26.1 or later. 

This is a carrier connector upgrade, not a Pacejet platform upgrade. 

Here’s what to know: 

• The new FedEx connector is available now 
  Customers can upgrade their existing FedEx connection in Pacejet today. 

• Connector upgrade is required 
  All Pacejet customers shipping with FedEx must migrate from the legacy SOAP-based connector to the new REST-based connector to avoid future disruption. 

• New authentication model 
  The updated connector uses OAuth2 authentication. This requires generating new FedEx API credentials in the FedEx Developer Portal. 

• Improved reliability and performance 
  REST-based integrations deliver faster responses, stronger security, and better scalability than legacy services. 

• Self-service upgrade in Pacejet 
  Pacejet supports FedEx connector upgrades through a guided, self-service process with in-app notifications, documentation, videos, and support resources. 

To help you understand what’s changing and how to upgrade within Pacejet, a short walkthrough video is available. It covers: 

• Why the FedEx connector upgrade is required 

• How you are notified inside Pacejet 

• How to identify and upgrade to the new FedEx connector version 

• Key enhancements included with the REST-based integration 

Watch the FedEx upgrade overview video:

The upgraded FedEx connector introduces modern API technology with minimal impact to day-to-day shipping workflows. It also includes several important updates. 

Guaranteed freight options are now treated as Classes of Service. These are available but suppressed by default, since enabling them may increase rate response times. 

When shipments qualify, FedEx One Rate® pricing is applied automatically through the API. This no longer requires selecting FedEx-branded packaging. Pacejet shipment traces now clearly show when One Rate® pricing has been applied. 

Residential rates are now requested when either the Residential flag is set on the Ship To address or a Residential Delivery service is applied. This aligns FedEx behavior with how UPS residential logic is handled in Pacejet.

Expanded over-the-road freight services, including FedEx Freight® Economy, Priority, and FedEx Freight Direct, are now provided. Some users may recall these services as previously available via LTLSelect.com.

If you currently ship with FedEx in Pacejet and have not yet upgraded your FedEx connector, you should plan to do so as soon as possible. 

While legacy services may continue to function in the short term, they will not be supported long term as FedEx completes its SOAP retirement. Delaying the upgrade increases the risk of disruption once services are officially sunset. 

To help you complete the upgrade, Pacejet provides:

• In-app notifications when action is required 
• Step-by-step setup documentation 
• Video walkthroughs 
• Support from Descartes 

Carrier technology changes should not create uncertainty or last-minute disruption. By upgrading to the newer FedEx connector in Pacejet, you ensure your FedEx shipping remains supported, secure, and aligned with FedEx’s technology roadmap. 

This upgrade helps you continue shipping parcel and freight reliably from a single platform, while reducing future risk as carrier systems evolve. 

If you have questions or need assistance upgrading your FedEx connector, our team is here to help.