PostNL Integration Guide

Connect your PostNL business account with Helm to orchestrate shipment creation, automate tracking updates, and harmonise stock-driven despatch workflows across channels

What is PostNL

PostNL is the Netherlands’ national postal and parcel carrier, delivering letters and parcels domestically and worldwide with robust tracking and a broad service network

Integrating PostNL with Helm centralises label generation and order despatch, maintains accurate inventory movements, and streamlines fulfilment alongside your other sales channels

PROS ✅

CONS ❌

Direct access to domestic and international delivery services

Requires valid API credentials issued by PostNL

Automated shipment creation and tracking synchronisation

Service options depend on destination, weight, and parcel dimensions

Simplifies multi‑channel despatch, labels, and manifest management

Onboarding may require adherence to PostNL technical and compliance policies

Step-by-Step Setup

To connect PostNL to Helm

  1. Obtain API Credentials
    Log in to your PostNL business portal
    Retrieve your API Base URL and API Key/Secret from the developer or API section

  2. Log in to Helm
    Navigate to Settings → My Store

  3. Add New Carrier Channel
    Click Add New Sales Channel and select PostNL from the list

FIELD

DESCRIPTION

Channel Name

e.g., PostNL

Channel Logo

Upload the PostNL logo or your own brand icon

API Base URL

Paste the full API endpoint URL provided by PostNL

API Key / Secret

Enter the credentials issued by PostNL

  1. Click Continue

Interaction Settings

Adjust how Helm interacts with your PostNL account

INTERACTION SETTINGS

DESCRIPTION

Auto Create Shipments

Automatically generate PostNL shipments upon order despatch

Service & Packaging Rules

Map Helm rules to PostNL services (e.g., Standard, International)

Tracking Sync

Push PostNL tracking numbers and statuses back to orders

Max Parcel Weight

Define weight caps to prevent invalid service selection

Dimensional Thresholds

Set size constraints to steer service selection intelligently

Address Normalisation

Validate and format addresses to reduce delivery exceptions

Order Importing Type

Choose the date/time to begin creating shipments and importing tracking events

Final Steps

  • Click Save once all settings are configured

  • Set the channel to Is Active at the top of the screen

Your PostNL integration is now live – and you’re ready to Take the Helm

Common Issues

ISSUE

SOLUTION

Invalid API URL

Confirm the full API base URL including https is correctly entered

Invalid Credentials

Double‑check the key/secret matches what PostNL issued

Shipments Not Creating

Ensure the channel is active and service rules are configured

Tracking Not Syncing

Verify tracking sync is enabled and orders are updated post‑despatch

Address Validation Errors

Confirm postcode and country codes are correct and supported

International Restrictions

Review customs data completeness (contents, value, HS codes) and service availability

If you experience issues and need assistance, contact Helm Support