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This USPS shipping module is only for Beta Testing the USPS Test Server with the new changes for January 17, 2016.
If no issues occur, this will be released for the Production Server.
Please let us know if you have any issues with this USPS shipping module.
Again, this is ONLY designed for use with the USPS Test Server, until they update the Production Server for these updates on January 17, 2016.
SEE POST #33 for current release
NOTE: It is also a great help to know not only if you have issues, but also if you have success with this USPS K8 shipping module ...
Install OK on my zc153 test server. For once, remembered to Remove/upload/install. :smile:
I still have to double check settings but I didn't realize there was such a rate increase.
0.1 lb product, 0.1 lb tare
Online pricing
$0.75 domestic handling fee
$0.75 First Class package service additional handling fee
First class package service $4.30 test server vs $3.84 production server
Small FR $6.85 test server vs $6.00 production server.
The "changes" do not necessarily control the prices ... those are the new changes to prices coming up ...
I also noticed that they are quite an increase ... :lookaroun
This breaks down the amounts of price increases for January 17, 2016:
https://about.usps.com/postal-bullet...l/updt_005.htm
Just did a bit of reading. Yep. Domestic 10-15%. International 20-23%. Ouch.
I realize the plugin doesn't control the pricing. Just wanted to put that notice out there just in case there was a hiccup. Should have paid a bit closer attention to the rate increase notices.
Thank you for keeping track of things and keeping the shipping flowing.
So there has been a number of testers on this, how about some feed back for Success or Problems? :lookaroun
I need to release this Sunday January 17, 2016 ...
I installed it and everything but priority international works for me.
Domestic orders show an option for the customer to choose first class or priority.
International shows an option for first class only.
I have priority set up the same for both domestic and international.
I am using 1.5.4
Attachment 15961
Attachment 15962
Turn on the Debug to Log and try your quote again ... then Zip the shipping log that is created in the /logs directory and post it on your reply ...
Here you go.
Let me check with USPS as I am having issues with that too even when I make the changes to International Dimensions to allow for Small Flat Box:
LENGTH 8.625
WIDTH 5.375
HEIGHT 1.625
vs the default dimensions that you are using ...
LENGTH 9.50
WIDTH 5.50
HEIGHT 1.0
Silly me I tested with a $500 order and Small Flat Rate Box won't work > $400.00 ...
Try changing your dimensions, do your quotes work correctly now?
I changed the international size to match the domestic and now it works!
In the picture I have height and width backwards. I updated it to the correct height and width after that and it still works.
LENGTH 8.625
WIDTH 5.375
HEIGHT 1.625
Thanks for the update that this is working for you now ...
NOTE: Those settings are actually commented in the code, if you like to try and read the code ... :lookaroun
Hi Linda,
It seems to be working ok- Thank you! I tested a variety of weights both domestic and international and got the expected (ouch) increases. However, domestic (USA) Priority Mail Express (non-flat rate) for a heavy item didn't seem to change between the existing rates and the new ones on the USPS test servers. I'm going to test that some more. It's probably just something with the item I selected but I want to be sure.
I also tried to test for the 1st class parcel now allowing up to 15.999 ounces instead of the old 13 ounce limit. It also seemed ok, but I want to do more specific testing there as well.
Overall, so far so good.
By the way, this may explain the increase in an easier to read format than the USPS one. I'm not endorsing the product, just sharing their blog entry showing an alternate (easier) way to view the increased rates.
http://blog.stamps.com/2015/10/22/us...nuary-17-2016/
Debbie J
Phoenix, AZ
Thanks for the update ... and the link ...
Let me know what you discover ... :smile:
Based upon that, I changed the upper limit on 1st class parcel & package service from 0.8125 to .99 and do not receive a 1st class quote for a 0.8 pound product (actually qty 8, 0.1# products) plus 0.1 tare. Tried Retail and Online. If I lower the product weightQuote:
Originally Posted by azzenner
Debug set to Log. No shipping related log files. zc153
I don't recall taking my dummy pills today?
You sure you refreshed the /logs in your FTP program to see the shipping debug logs?
I think I'm still having an issue with domestic First Class Parcel.
I have items in the cart weighing .9 lb, or 14.4 ounces approx. My client adds a $1.50 per box handling fee.
In the existing rates, it's showing Priority Mail (which I expected, since it's over the 13 ounce limit for First Class.) at a rate of $7.65 (incl handling fee)
On our test server that is pointed to the USPS test servers and new rates, it is not showing First Class Parcel as an option, although the module is configured to allow it. I believe it should show a First Class Parcel option because it's under the 15.999 ounce weight that will be allowed.
It does increase the Priority Mail rate to $8.45 (incl handling fee)
Priority Mail Express (non-flat rate) is showing the same rate for both at $33.80.
Am I not thinking this through correctly? (I'm tired so it could be- LOL!)
Thanks,
Debbie J
Phoenix
By the way- the blog link I posted earlier in the thread from stamps.com is for commercially discounted rates- not in post office counter rates.
Yes because the myDEBUG_adm log files are added because of an email address missing.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ajeh
No SHIP_usps files for today
Could you edit the USPS and set Debug Logs ... then try a quote again and Zip the shipping logs and attach them to your post?Quote:
Originally Posted by azzenner
Based on RixStix' post, I realized had not changed the default max value for 1st Class Parcel in the module from .8125 to .9999
I went back and changed it and got the exact same result-- it just showed Priority Mail & Priority Mail Express as an option, not First Class for a parcel weighing 14.4 ounces as I expected it should.
I will do the debug logs, retest & attach zipped logs in a few minutes.
Thanks, Debbie J
If the USPS is set to Debug Logs, I cannot figure how you are not generating any. Even if the connection fails, you should still get debug Shipping Logs when the the USPS module has the Debug set to Log ...Quote:
Originally Posted by RixStix
Finally got a Debug. I couldn't figure that out either. The MyAdmin debugs were showing and being added to the list. No SHIP debugs until this one.
Not the first time. It's Friday. Almost beer-thirty, so the gremlins come out. :smile:
I am getting quotes for all 4 different Domestic Priority mail sizes.
If you go by time stamps, the earlier one is the live system w/existing rates.
The other one is the client's test area with USPS test server & new rates.
Thanks,
Debbie J
I just noticed something else...in admin, in the USPS shipping module in the client's test environment with the new rates it is still showing the USPS version date of "2015-05-31" even though I installed the new version of the module. Not sure if that's an issue? Maybe it will change when it's pointed to the live servers later?
Debbie J
You have to do a REMOVE, INSTALL and RECONFIGURE on the USPS shipping module ...
NOTE: make sure you have the USPS K8 files actually loaded on the server
NOTE: you should be testing on a Working directory and Database and not on the Live Site and Live database ...
Will double check in a bit.Quote:
Originally Posted by RixStix
USPS Version Date
2016-01-17
Definitely sandbox
I did do a backup/remove/upload/install/configure on my client's test cart. I suppose I could try removing and installing and configuring again after supper, but it seemed to be picking up the correct (new) Priority Mail rates as expected.
I did the estimate for First Class on the live system so I could compare existing rates to new ones on the test system. The item's weights are entered identically in both the live & test system. (I checked to be sure.) I did some testing on the test system and did screen prints before I installed the new module, but I felt I should do additional testing after I installed the new module.
I will have my hubby take a peek when he gets home. He's the techy, I'm the tester.
EDITING: Ok, since the date on my test server doesn't say 2016, It's probably not installed correctly. I'll try again in a bit.
Thanks,
Debbie
Oh dear! I told you I was tired. I feel so sheepish! After carefully backing up the old module, I re-installed IT and not the new one. Duhhhhhhh!
Off to try to do it the right way now and re-test. :)
Thanks,
Debbie
OK. This time I uploaded and installed the correct one. (Still smacking my head over my earlier duh moment.)
Now it shows the correct date. However, the 14.4 ounce parcel is not showing the rate for First Class. I did
remember to change the max to .9999 in the configuration for domestic First Class Parcel.
Here's the latest Debug
This is an update USPS K8 to allow for ONLINE to use:
First-ClassTM Package Service
In the USPS Edit this is: 1st-Class Package Service COMM. ONLINE
for weight set to Max .99999
NOTE: shipping weight > 13 oz and < 16 oz will only be returned for ONLINE and NOT for RETAIL
Thanks! I will install it in a few minutes & test. My client happens to use retail. I can set it to online to test for you. I didn't realize it only applied to online, but that makes sense since I saw it in the stamps.com blog, which is all online rates.
I do have a question regarding Priority Mail Express (non-flat rate). Is it just the International that has a rate increase or is domestic affected too?
Debbie
You will have to ask USPS ...
The USPS K8 does not "know" anything about Rate Prices, it is merely reporting back the quotes from USPS ... :lookaroun
I saw the new module config option for the First Class Package Service COMM. ONLINE and clicked it and changed the max to .9999 and it does operate as expected with a parcel weight of 14.4 oz when ONLINE rates are selected in the module config.
Now I just need to figure out if Domestic Priority Mail Express (non-flat rate) is supposed to increase or not for retail rates. :)
Thanks for the quick turnaround on the module, Linda!
-- Debbie J
Let us know what you find out ... :smile:
Yep. I get it. I just wondered if you knew offhand about the Expressmail for Domestic VS Int'l. :) The USPS info links are so complicated to read. My client uses retail pricing on her cart so the stamps.com blog info, while easier to read, is mostly geared towards online rates.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ajeh
It's extremely rare that any of her customers want Expressmail so it's not really a big issue. I just wanted to be thorough.
I'll keep testing a bit more and see if I uncover anything else, but so far it seems to work.
Thanks,
Debbie
I have been having such a good time writing and testing the USPS K8 that I really have not had a lot of time to look at the rate increases other than to know "yepps they are going up" ...:cool:Quote:
Originally Posted by azzenner
It's really hurting small E-tailers. I hear a lot of complaints about postage costs in general from customers (and business owners) in several Yahoo groups I belong to. They say they will think twice or forego an order altogether because of it.
The one last May definitely slowed down orders from International customers for both my clients' carts and my own cart. This one is only going to make it worse. I used to have over 50% of my orders be international now we'll see how far that drops again with this increase. :(
Also, one of my other clients uses the USPS Click-N-Ship online postage and with them discontinuing online rates for features and becoming strictly retail is going to slice that much more out of meager profits.
Oh well. My whining about it doesn't help change things. LOL!
Thanks,
Debbie
Remove, upload, install
Online first class rates now being quoted 13-15.999 ounces.
FYI,
Express FlatRate envelope: wow, increases 14.85 currently quoted Stamps.com account to 20.85 USPS test server.
Question:
Current K7 module only displays lowest Priority mail quote.
K8 displays all.
ie: SmFR, MedFR, RRa and PriorityMail selected in setup.
I don't recall customizing K7 to only show the lowest. I have not compared K7 to K8 to see the differences.
FYI: A switch from Click-N-Ship to Stamps.com via ShipStation will save time and money for your clients for a nominal expense. It also provides access to CPP pricing as well as CBP pricing for some Priority mail classes.
Could you turn on your Debug Logs for both the USPS K7 and K8 modules and try identical quotes on both and attach the Shipping logs for these and post the rates that you see displayed on each one?Quote:
Originally Posted by RixStix
EDIT: OOOPS. That was the short circuit. In addition to me looking at the screen and not seeing the obvious.
SORRY, as I scrape the egg off my face....
I thought I found the problem, but the difference in settings did not resolve it.
I thought these Priority settings may have been causing a natural filter, but using them in K8 did not.
SMFR: 0-1.5#
RRAFR: 1.51-3.00#
MEDFR: 3.01-7.00#
Priority: 0-70#
Attachment 15972
Attachment 15973
Quote:
Originally Posted by RixStix
Could you try a Test and switch the TEST site just to Production, no other changes and same order and Zip that log and Attach it?
Initial problem caused due to min/max weights for Priority Mail classes on K8 test site not matching the K7 live site.
Once I matched the min/max weights of the PriorityMail classes, only a single PriorityMail quote is displayed in the K8 test site.
Typo, PriorityMail: 7.01-70 pounds instead of 0-70 pounds
I was blind in seeing there was no problem shown in the screenprints I had attached.
I think I may have made a change before your response, so I have a new Test and Prod log zipped and attached.
I notice a total weight of 0.95 pounds and no first class quote. Product weight 0.85 pounds + tare 0.1 pounds
So this means ... all is right in the world now? :lookaroun
Except the FirstClass quote for 0.95 pounds seems to have disappeared from the USPS-TestServer since earlier.
0.93 pounds gets quote
0.94 pounds does not yield quote
debug looks like 0.95 is seen as 0 pounds 16 ounces? instead of 15.2 ounces
0.94 pounds = 15.04 ounces
0.93 pounds = 14.88 ounces
to me, that seems like 15 ounces is the cutoff instead of 15.9999 ounces?
I do not recall changing things related to FirstClass since the original upload of K8-2 when I did get a quote.
Cart Weight: 0.85
Total Quote Weight: 0.95 Pounds: 0 Ounces: 16
Are you using the USPS K8 from post #33?
AFAIKQuote:
Originally Posted by Ajeh
server timestamped 8:05 this morning
So is USPS saying that 15.xx is rounded to the next full ounce for quote but the new USPS first class allows 15.99 ounces and their quoting can only handle full ounces?
Version before post #33 would not quote 13-15 ounces
Quote:
Originally Posted by RixStix
I suspect this is due to rounding based on Tare Rates ... I will be fooling with this tonight ...
From what I am seeing in your logs you have:
Maximum: 50 Tare Rates: Small/Medium: 0:0.1 Large: 10:0
Decimals: 2
A Product with a weight of 0.85 lbs and the Tare Rates of Tare Rates: Small/Medium: 0:0.1 Large: 10:0 that is making the order 16 oz due to rounding of weight 0.95 ... correct? :lookaroun
It's still very confusing about Domestic Priority Mail Express Retail or Commercial Base rates. I can't seem to find specifics on it at the USPS website. Trying to find any understandable information there is useless at best. I have been Googling my brains out trying to find specifics elsewhere.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ajeh
According to Stamps.com, both domestic flat rate and packages for Priority Mail Express are going up for at least Commercial Base (they don't mention retail) and they are doing away with the flat rate box.
http://blog.stamps.com/2015/10/22/us...nuary-17-2016/
According to Pitney Bowes, it is going up for both Retail and Commercial Base pricing by an average of 14% (more for commercial).
If you scroll down to page 5 in this PDF, it talks about new Retail rates.
http://support.pb.com/library/PBKB/f...ge-jan2016.pdf
In this link, it shows an increase for both Retail and Commercial, but only mentions Zone 1 & 2. Zone 5,6,&7 actually have a tiny decrease.
http://www.pitneybowes.com/us/postal...info.html?tab2
In my testing, the prices are not coming back as higher from the USPS test server over what they were before. Whether this is correct or not I can't say, but I am getting a value back in the estimator.
This is for a 14.4 oz box for a zone 5 address for non-flate-rate Priority Mail Express. My client has only configured the module to calculate Domestic Priority Mail Express (no flat rate envelopes or boxes), and does not offer it for International.
Since it's extremely rare that my client ships that way, I'm about ready to call it a day. Everything else seemed to work as expected, after the fix you upload this morning. :)
Thanks,
Debbie J
Yes, those are the settings.
Given that, it looks like the USPS rounds anything up to the next ounce. That is how printing postage works.
So obtaining a quote for anything between 15.001 and 15.999 will be rounded to 16 ounces by the USPS and invalidated for first class use because 16 ounces exceeds the spec for 1st class ????
That's fine if it works that way. I won't loose any sleep over that and surely do not expect you to either.
I just found out that the 13-15.999 ounce rate has been available to CPP users for a while but Stamps.com conveniently disables it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RixStix
I tried use on Small/Medium Tare: 0:0.087
Which does work, but how does this affect other things?
As we cannot control the rates that USPS quotes, I can only say talk directly to USPS if you have additional questions about the rates as I honestly do not know ... and honestly, it is not high of my lists of cares and concerns at this moment ... :lookarounQuote:
Originally Posted by azzenner
Thanks for the update on the info that you have discovered so far!
Good luck on the new rates! :cool:
No problem! I understand and it isn't a priority for me either at this point. I was just frustrated at the lack of clear information from USPS.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ajeh
You do a great job, despite having to deal with literally last-minute changes from the USPS interface and I'm sure it must be a nightmare to work with them. I appreciate all you do, believe me. If we didn't have you for our USPS interface Guru we'd be in hot water.
Thanks again,
Debbie
RixStix ... On the Shipping Estimator, do you have that set to Button or on the shopping_cart page or off?
NOTE: If I checked the right site, I just noticed you do not display the weight on the shopping_cart page for USPS nor anywhere else that I checked (other than on FedEx) ... so, my question has no meaning here ...
You have no idea the fun of trying to interpret USPS changes ... or debug their Test Server for them when they say it is ready for testing the changes ... :blink:Quote:
Originally Posted by azzenner
Good news is sometimes, their develoeprs are very helpful when I get stuck ... :smile:
Linda, if you were asking me, there's a button showing on the shopping cart contents page that says "Estimate Shipping" and it pops up, they select/fill in their location info & hit the update button for the estimate to appear. Is that what you were asking?Quote:
Originally Posted by Ajeh
Thanks,
Debbie
If you are using that way I would be interested in peeking at your site if you display weight on the Shipping Estimator ...Quote:
Originally Posted by azzenner
In admin, in the module we do have "display weight" and "display transit time" clicked on. But the weight doesn't show on the estimator popup. (I don't believe it ever has, but it hasn't been an issue.) Estimated transit time does. The weight from the item master does show on the item detail page. Here's an example from her test site:Quote:
Originally Posted by Ajeh
EDIT: Oops... correcting link...
http://www.fundametals.net/zenFM151T...oducts_id=1565
Thanks,
Debbie
Nope not an issue on your site as you do not show the shipping weight anywhere ... :smile:Quote:
Originally Posted by azzenner
It shows up on the item description page, but nowhere else that I can find. On the above link, it's showing right under the item's photo. Total shippingQuote:
Originally Posted by Ajeh
weight for the order does not appear, correct. Just at the item level.
Oh...now I understand your question about the estimator button. I just looked under Admin/Configuration/Shipping Packaging you can specify 1 for "button" for shipping estimator or 2 for "display as listing" on the shopping cart page. This is my only client that uses the USPS estimator. My other client doesn't, and I had been too busy to enter weights for my nearly 1,000 items on my own cart to use the estimator, so I forgot about that setting.
Thanks,
Debbie
That blew right over my head.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ajeh
Option 2: Display as listing
You are probably looking at the live site, not the test site? I have weight display turned on in the test site.
Looks like even with the tare set to 0.087 a product weight of 8.9 pound cannot be quoted even though that would be a total weight less than 15.999 ounces.
I am going to guess that starting tomorrow, if I enter 15.xx into our shipping software (ShipStation/Stamps.com), the USPS will probably not allow a label since currently, the USPS rounds everything UP to the nearest ounce and have not considered the new parameter of 15.999 ounces.
chainweavers(DOT)info/ZEN153 has K8-2 installed. AFAIK, it should be nearly identical to the live site except a few additional shipping clones added to the mix.
Do you want me to leave the new account creation or delete it (live site)?
You can leave the account that I made there is always another day that I might want to use it to test something or another ... :smile:Quote:
Originally Posted by RixStix
I tried a 0.85 lb product with Small/Medium Tare of 0:0.087 and it worked ...
I have not fooled with 0.89 (assuming you meant 0.89 and not 8.9 pounds) pound products I was just trying to play with a "given" weight and find a Tare setting that would let it work and not let the round or 2 decimals etc. mess with the quote ...
Not showing the weights help ... and the little bit of difference hopefully will not kill you and your shipping costs ...
Maybe check your orders and see what their common or typical weights are when > 13 oz and < 16 oz ...
I was thinking in terms of product quantity (8.9) sold. Items weigh 1/10 pound & sold in 1/10 increments.
Not going to hurt a thing or shipping cost.
TNX for everything.
The USPS January 17, 2016 K8 has been released.
Announcement:
https://www.zen-cart.com/showthread....016-Version-K8
You should subscribe to the news and announcement forum for any news and updates about Zen Cart:
https://www.zen-cart.com/forumdispla...-Announcements
The USPS January 17, 2016 shipping module can be downloaded at:
https://www.zen-cart.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=1292
Thank you for all of the help in testing the new USPS shipping module.
WARNING: There was an error on the Zip for the USPS January 17, 2016 shipping module.
If you downloaded it before 12:15 PM EST, please download it again. You will know that you have the back Zip when your site goes wonky. Sorry for the inconvenience.