> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.zapiet.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.zapiet.com/zapiet-rates-by-zip-code/overview.md).

# Overview

Quote Zapiet shipping rates from your own backend, outside Shopify checkout.

The Rates by Zip Code API returns the same shipping rates Zapiet shows at Shopify checkout, so you can use them somewhere else: a custom draft-order dashboard, a custom cart, or a headless storefront.

Every request is a live quote. Zapiet calculates it from your current zones, zip codes and rates, so the price matches checkout for the same destination and cart.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Server-to-server only.** Call the API from your backend. Never put your API key in a theme, a browser, a mobile app or any other public client.
{% endhint %}

## Base URL

```
https://deliveryratesbyzipcode.com/api/v1
```

## Start here

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Get an API key</strong></td><td>Request a key and authenticate your requests.</td><td><a href="/zapiet-rates-by-zip-code/authentication.md">Authentication</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Get rates</strong></td><td>The endpoint reference, with request and response fields.</td><td><a href="/zapiet-rates-by-zip-code/get-rates.md">Get rates</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Examples</strong></td><td>Copy-paste requests in cURL and Node.js.</td><td><a href="/zapiet-rates-by-zip-code/examples.md">Examples</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

## What v1 does not do

* It does not list your zones, zip codes or rate rules. It only returns quotes.
* It does not accept requests from a browser or other public client.
* It does not create Shopify shipping rates. You still need Zapiet installed for checkout. This API quotes the same prices elsewhere.