FastAPI Shipping Service is a backend system that simulates real-world shipping operations using the Shippo API. It demonstrates how modern e-commerce platforms handle logistics workflows such as shipment creation, rate generation, label purchasing, and tracking.

Problem

Shipping logic in e-commerce systems is often complex and hidden behind third-party services. Understanding how to manage addresses, parcels, shipments, transactions, and tracking through APIs requires structured backend design and integration experience.

Solution

I built a modular FastAPI backend that integrates with Shippo and replicates the full shipping workflow:

1. Address Handling: Create and validate sender/receiver addresses.
2. Parcel Creation: Define package dimensions and weight.
3. Shipment Creation: Generate shipping rates from multiple carriers.
4. Transaction (Label Purchase): Select a rate and purchase a shipping label.
5. Tracking Integration: Retrieve shipment tracking details.
6. Webhook Handling: Receive and process real-time shipping events.

Workflow

Address → Parcel → Shipment → Rate → Transaction → Tracking

API Demo (Swagger)

The entire system is testable through an interactive Swagger UI, allowing step-by-step execution of the shipping workflow.

Architecture

• API Layer: Versioned routes with FastAPI ( / api / v1).
• Service Layer: Business logic separated from routes.
• Core Layer: Configuration, logging, and Shippo client abstraction.
• Schema Layer: Pydantic models for request/response validation.

Impact

• Demonstrates end-to-end shipping workflow simulation.
• Showcases real-world API integration with external logistics services.
• Highlights clean backend architecture and modular design.
• Provides a testable API environment using Swagger.

Complexity: External API Integration

The main challenge was designing a clean abstraction over the Shippo API while maintaining flexibility and readability:

• Problem: Direct integration can tightly couple business logic with external API responses.
• Approach: Introduced a service layer and client abstraction to isolate Shippo interactions.
• Outcome: A scalable and maintainable architecture that can easily adapt to other shipping providers.

Deliverables

• Fully functional FastAPI backend with Shippo integration.
• Documented API with Swagger UI.
• Structured project architecture for scalability.

Key Takeaways

This project demonstrates strong backend engineering fundamentals, including API design, third-party integration, and workflow modeling for real-world logistics systems.

Call to Action

If you need a scalable backend for shipping, logistics, or API integrations, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn.