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Hermes Shipping

Overview

The Hermes Shipment Connector fully integrates the Hermes shipping provider into the merchantCENTRAL platform. Using the Hermes REST API, shipping labels are created, returns are processed, and shipments are tracked automatically.

Feature Overview

Feature Description
Label Creation Shipping labels for domestic parcels (5 parcel classes, 3 products)
Return Labels Standalone return labels with independent format
Tracking Automatic status polling with event history
Proof of Delivery Digital signatures for delivery confirmation
PaketShop Search Location-based search for Hermes PaketShops
Routing Code Automatic determination for shipment creation

Prerequisites

  • AD merchantCENTRAL Hub must be installed and licensed
  • Hermes API access (Partner ID, Client ID, Client Secret) — available from your Hermes contact
  • At least a demo license for module MCHRM

Getting Started

  1. Open the Hermes Setup via search or the dashboard
  2. Select the Environment (Sandbox for testing, Production for live operations)
  3. Enter the Partner ID
  4. Enter Client ID and Client Secret (click the field → input dialog)
  5. Fill in the Sender Address
  6. Configure Label and Document Formats
  7. Optionally enable Tracking (automatic shipment tracking)
  8. Run the Connection Test
  9. Set Active to Yes

Sandbox Mode

Use Sandbox mode for risk-free testing. The sandbox API generates test labels without creating real shipments.

Parcel Classes & Products

Parcel Classes

Class Size (approx.)
S Smallest parcel format
M Standard parcel
L Large parcel
XL Oversized parcel
XXL Maximum format

Products

Product Description
PARCEL Standard parcel delivery (doorstep delivery)
PARCELSHOPDELIVERY Delivery to a Hermes PaketShop
PROFIPAKET Professional parcel with extended services

Label Formats

Shipping Labels

Format Description Recommended Printer
PDF A6 Standard shipping label (105×148mm) Laser printer, thermal printer
PDF A5 Larger format (148×210mm) Laser printer
ZPL 100×150mm Thermal transfer format Zebra/TSC thermal printer

Document Formats

Format Description
PDF Standard document (for laser printers)
ZPL2 Zebra Programming Language (for thermal printers)

Separate Formats

Different label and document formats can be configured for outbound and return shipments. For example, shipping labels can be printed via ZPL on a thermal printer while return labels are printed as PDF on a laser printer.

Shipment Tracking

When tracking is enabled, shipment statuses are automatically polled at configurable intervals.

Status Overview

Status Meaning
Picked Up Shipment has been picked up
In Transit Shipment is in transit
Out for Delivery Shipment is out for delivery
Delivered Successfully delivered
Returned Shipment was returned
Exception Delivery error

All status changes are recorded as tracking events and can be viewed via the shipment list.

Limitations

Feature Status Note
Cancellation ❌ Not available Hermes API does not support cancellation
End of Day (Manifest) ❌ Not available Not implemented
Bulk Shipping ❌ Not available Hermes API does not support bulk requests
International Shipments ❌ Domestic only Hermes focuses on the German market