# Overview ## Why do you need an API? ![Sending a package from point A to point B](https://2290975975-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MPiyL_OSoeEiYkJiuLI%2F-MR02O5-2gbklOVqD1sA%2F-MR08PD04bnwdurxJO9z%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=16f09ff1-465c-4388-a398-da1681ce944e) If you own a marketplace, an e-shop, a website, or any other kind of platform that sends packages, gifts, or any type of products, every time that a new order comes in, you have to find a way to send it to the client. If you want to do that automatically by connecting your system with a general API, Shiplemon can help you automate the full process. Using the Shiplemon API, you can send requests in order to get the rates of sending a package from a pick up point (point A) to a final destination of a shipment (point B), create a shipment and get the related documents that will help you (or your clients) send a package between point A and point B Once a shipment is created, the select carrier (selected either by user in your web app or mobile app, or selected by you based on specific criteria) will come in the senders address (pick up address), will pick up one or more items/packages and will deliver them in the final destination Some of the carriers require printing of the label The label should be placed in the package before the pickup of the item takes place. ## What can you do with the Shiplemon API? * Ask for a price (rate) for a shipment between two points A and B * Create a shipment voucher for a specific shipment * Print the pdf of the voucher (the voucher contains the barcode needs to be scanned by the carrier during the pickup) * Schedule a pickup for a given date and time (so that the carrier comes and picks up the package) ## How can I start? 1. Create an account here: 2. Read important first steps: [#1.-starting-the-integration](https://docs.shiplemon.com/testing-important#1.-starting-the-integration "mention") 3. Find your API key under **Settings > Profile** 4. Start sending requests to the API ([#get-rates](https://docs.shiplemon.com/endpoints/rates/get-rates#get-rates "mention") is a good starting point) --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.shiplemon.com/master.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.