The Model Context Protocol (MCP) enables AI assistants to interact with the ShipStation API through a standardized interface. This guide shows you how to connect the ShipStation MCP server to popular AI development tools.
The ShipStation MCP server is currently in preview. Connection methods and available tools may change as we finalize the implementation.
Before connecting to the MCP server, ensure you have:
- A valid ShipStation API key
- One of the supported AI tools installed (Claude Code, Cursor, or VS Code)
Keep your API credentials secure. Never commit configuration files containing credentials to version control.
Claude Code is Anthropic's official CLI tool that provides direct access to Claude with MCP server support.
- Add the ShipStation MCP server using the following command:
claude mcp add --transport http shipstation-api https://docs.shipstation.com/mcpVerify the connection by typing
/mcpin the Claude Code CLIComplete authentication if prompted
Once connected, you'll see available ShipStation API tools listed with their descriptions and parameters
Use the /mcp command anytime to view available tools and their current status.
After connecting to the MCP server, verify the setup by:
- Opening your AI assistant interface
- Asking it to list available ShipStation tools
- Testing a simple query, such as retrieving order information
If you encounter connection issues, check that:
- Your API credentials are correct and properly encoded
- Your network allows HTTPS connections to docs.shipstation.com
- You're using the latest version of your AI tool
Once connected, the MCP server provides tools for:
- Searching and retrieving orders
- Managing shipments and labels
- Accessing carrier information
- Working with products and inventory
- And more
Use your AI assistant's natural language interface to discover and use these tools.