USPS Shipping Module by MarcoB - RateV4, IntlRateV2 - Support Thread

Hi All,

This is the official support thread for my USPS shipping module:
USPS - RateV4, IntlRateV2

I just got a support request in my email so I'll resolve things here for others to see.

Quote:

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I just installed your newest USPS shipping mod for Zen and thought you may want to know that it will not function with the Optional insurance mod. Though insurance is visible for USA shipping it is not for International shipping though USPS shipping does offer insurance in international priority mail shipping. Has anyone else experience this? Also when I enter pound limits this does not stop the estimated shipping from showing shipping options such as priority med flat rate when the weight is over for this type of box dimension weight limit. Great mod though. I hope there is some way to work around this insurance thing.

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At the moment the only way around it is to add an extra handling fee to cover insurance cost. It's not optimal though.

The new module will not work with the other separate insurance module since the shipping service names have changed. Also there are a heap of new shipping services available with the previous version didn't offer.

The modules current behaviour is to select the dimensions used for the heaviest weight specified in dimensions config.

eg:

Code:

---

4x4x4;10;N
7x7x7;20;N
15x10x17;25;R

---

With this config setting:
5lb box will set the box dimensions at 4"x4"x4" with container type ignored since no dimensions are greater than 12".
60lb box will set the box dimensions at 15"x10"x17" with container as RECTANGULAR.

This behaviour is expected. If your dimensions configuration is bad the module will use default a setting of 12"x12"x12" - which keeps the module working.

Insurance quoting is not finished yet.

Module installed and the only options setup for domestic USA customers to select is FIRST CLASS PACKAGE and PRIORITY MAIL. Regardless of customer's selection, Priority mail is shown on payment page and charged to the customer.

package sizing default install.

Uninstall and reinstall, same effect.
Add addtional selection options for customer and same effect. Only Priority Mail is charged. Other rates do not appear to be correct. Parcel Post is being quoted the same as Priority Mail.

Uninstall and install default zencart USPS module with identical setup and all functions as expected.

Ideas? Suggestions? More questions?

Yeah, I'll need more info on the configuration you used.

I tested the basic domestic shipping functionality and didn't find a problem like what you just described.

What was the order weight? and what dimensions config did you use?

If your dimensions are set to large then you would limit the options.

What I find strange is that the options in my module admin and what the customers see don't have "FIRST CLASS PACKAGE" or "PRIORITY MAIL" showing in the text. I don't know how you managed to get that...

All the service names in my module are precisely labelled and there are a heap or additional options available.

It sounds like you are not using the right module. Maybe you should paste the whole module config so I can see what's going on..

Sorry,

I typed the 2 mail classes from memory, not the exact wording from the module. I should have known better than to do that.

I hope that the issue is just me not being able to see the forest because of the trees. I have installed the mod on 2 different carts that use different templates and different set of addons.

TNX for the help

RICK

• Remove current USPS shipping from zencart admin
• Delete usps.php from server
• Change admin folder name after unzipping usps shipping module -RateV4....
• FTP package to server.
• Install usps module within zencart admin
• Change settings to those listed below.

Order Weight that generated the images below was 0.1 Pound

Install USPS shipping within zencart admin
Enable USPS Shipping
Do you want to offer USPS shipping?

True

Enter the USPS Web Tools User ID
Enter the USPS USERID assigned to you for Rate Quotes/ShippingAPI.
MY USPS USERID HERE

Which server to use
An account at USPS is needed to use the Production server

production

Handling Fee
Handling fee for this shipping method.
2.48

Handling Per Order or Per Box
Do you want to charge Handling Fee Per Order or Per Box?

Order

Tax Class
Use the following tax class on the shipping fee.
NONE

Tax Basis
On what basis is Shipping Tax calculated. Options are

Shipping


Shipping Zone
If a zone is selected, only enable this shipping method for that zone.
NONE

Sort Order
Sort order of display.
10

All Packages are Machinable

True

USPS Options
Select from the following the USPS options.
BOTH UNCHECKED
Display weight
Display transit time

Package Dimensions Config

regular;+

Enable Commercial Shipping
Use USPS Commercial Rates?

N

Domestic Shipping - Commercial Services
You must enable commercial rate quoting for these services to be quoted.
Select Commecial only shipping services:
ALL UNCHECKED

Domestic Shipping Methods
Select the domestic services to be offered:

Priority Mail
First-Class Mail Package

International Shipping Methods
Select the international services to be offered:


Priority Mail International
First Class Mail Int Package

Debug Mode
Would you like to enable debug mode? A complete detailed log of USPS quote results may be emailed to the store owner. Alternatively the XML data can be dumped in the catalogue directory as uspsSend.xml and uspsRecieve.xml
==========================

http://www.srevaewniahc.info/zen139/...rselection.jpg
http://www.srevaewniahc.info/zen139/...mentscreen.jpg

I have the current zen cart version and May 14th USPS module,

This is a USPS Domestic shipping problem:

When an order is placed the customer is offered various USPS shipping methods to choose from, i.e. express, media, library...
If you select media or library (haven't tried it with other options) and continue on it applies the express rate instead of the chosen one.

I can't seem to find a post discussing this problem.

Any thoughts

I've added other USPS methods and it doesn't matter which option is chosen by the customer, whatever option is TOP on the list presented is always the option applied in the payment screen.

I haven't tried an International address yet.

You are correct - I found the bug in domestic shipping - where the first option is always selected regardless of the selection on the previous page.

I attached a bugfix version here.

I didn't expect zencart to retrieve the quote twice.

It seems that when the shipping selection page is loaded all quotes are retrieved.
Once the customer makes a selection that shipping module is loaded again and asked to retrieve that specific selection again. I would understand retrieving quotes again if the address or order quantity changed. I don't understand why it's done in this scenario.

It needlessly adds an extra few seconds to the load time.
After displaying shipping quotes on the 'checkout_shipping' page:
Customer -> ZenServer: submits selected shipping option
ZenServer -> USPS-APIS: additional quote request to USPS
USPS-APIS -> ZenServer: Quote Response
ZenServer: Stores selected quote in customer session variable.
ZenServer -> Customer: Send redirect header to "checkout_payment" page
Customer -> ZenServer: Send request for "checkout_payment" page
ZenServer -> Customer: Send "checkout_payment" page

It's a little inefficient

Really the shipping quotes could be stored server side in the session and cleaned up when they are no longer needed. If people are already going to the checkout they are worth more than a couple kb (max) of session storage when you can save a few seconds on a pages load time. Especially load times in a checkout process.

TNX

That resolved the issue.

I installed the 1.3.9 version and the international priority mail rate is much higher than can be found on the USPS website. In fact it is higher than the Express Mail option!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SPembleton

I installed the 1.3.9 version and the international priority mail rate is much higher than can be found on the USPS website. In fact it is higher than the Express Mail option!

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I can't find your problem with international shipping. I attached a screenshots of the quote options output and compared the priority mail quote with USPS online quote tool. It looks like it's all correct from what I see.

Perhaps you should set the debug option to "XML Dump" in shipping module admin. Then put the contents of: http://pathtoyourzencart.com/uspsSend.xml in a post here.

Remember to remove the xml files and turn of debugging afterwards. Also remove USERID="asdfjkhsadkjfh" from the request before posting here.

Sorry it has taken me a while to respond. I think I have some of the issue figured out. I corrected some settings based on your posting above. Right now, the only price that does not show up correctly is the Canadian and International GXG prices. My site is quoting a price about $20 higher than USPS Click n Ship. Not sure why.

For the Priority Small Flat rate box, my site quotes the correct price, but when I go to click n ship, it says the price is not available. When I go to my local post office they say that it is available. They suspect that USPS shut it off on their site because of a potential Canadian Mail Carriers strike, but they have no idea why it is not available Internationally.

I'd like to get to the bottom of this.

Give me your usps configuration, shop zone, zip-code, and an example address for test data.

Installed USPS Shipping Module - RateV4, IntlRateV2
The estimator and the shipping module both estimate the weight at 4 lbs even though it is one pound. Please advise.

Peek in the Configuration ... Shipping/Packaging ... that is the Tare Rate setting adding in 3lbs ...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Marco B

Hi All,

This is the official support thread for this shipping module:
USPS - RateV4, IntlRateV2

I just got a support request in my email so I'll resolve things here for others to see.

---

Zen Cart Version: 1.3.9
USPS Shipping Module Version: 1.02 (May 26, 2011)

I am losing my mind and all my patience.

My site, kkwools.com, sells yarn. Sometimes the yarn sold weighs less than the .375 pounds the USPS module recognizes as machinable.

An Example:

2 skeins of Wildfoote Sock Yarn weigh .22 pounds.

When I ask for a shipping rate estimate based on a zip code in CT - 06525 it gives me all the options I have selected but it is charging for 3.22 pounds (when I turn on the display weight option in the module, this is the amount it is basing the shipping on - I have turned off the display weight for now). Where is it getting the extra three pounds?

If I put the 2 skeins of yarn in a box and take it to the post office, the shipping costs $5.38 to ship it parcel post, not the $10.76 the shipping calculator is trying to charge.

How do I fix this?

Please help... :frusty:

Christina Lell
K & K Wools
Store Manager/Website Manager/General Crazy Person

Hi Christina,

Take a look at the post just above yours

Peek in the Configuration ... Shipping/Packaging ... that is the Tare Rate setting adding in 3lbs ...

In our case, we set the tare weight to add 0.1 pound to account for the packaging weight instead of the default 3 pounds

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RixStix

Hi Christina,

Take a look at the post just above yours

Peek in the Configuration ... Shipping/Packaging ... that is the Tare Rate setting adding in 3lbs ...

In our case, we set the tare weight to add 0.1 pound to account for the packaging weight instead of the default 3 pounds

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Now... I feel like an idiot. I didn't even see the second page of comments.

Thank you so much. :D

Quote:

---

I'm getting this debug error:

Quote:

---

PHP Warning: Invalid argument supplied for foreach()

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and it points to this in usps.php

PHP Code:

---

    //Get value of package - used for insurance and cod. 
    $value=0; 
    foreach ($order->products as $p) { 
      $value+=$p['final_price']*$p['qty']; 
    } 
    $this->_setValue($value); 


---

Any ideas?

---

I found this one interesting! It looks like this only crops up when using shipping estimator while no one is logged in!

PHP Code:

---

//line 276 - usps.php
    //Get value of package if this isn't an estimate - used for insurance and cod.
    if (isset($order->products)) {
      foreach ($order->products as $p) {
        $value+=$p['final_price']*$p['qty'];
      }
    } else { //shipping estimator requested a quote and user isn't logged in - so estimate!
      $value=$_SESSION['cart']->show_total(); //Shipping estimator constructs an artificial $order object without a products array when a user isn't logged in.
    }
    $this->_setValue($value); 


---

So try that code - and if all is good I'll create another update.

No more debug files after making the recommended changes. It's been 3 days:

PHP Code:

---

//line 276 - usps.php
    //Get value of package if this isn't an estimate - used for insurance and cod.
    if (isset($order->products)) {
      foreach ($order->products as $p) {
        $value+=$p['final_price']*$p['qty'];
      }
    } else { //shipping estimator requested a quote and user isn't logged in - so estimate!
      $value=$_SESSION['cart']->show_total(); //Shipping estimator constructs an artificial $order object without a products array when a user isn't logged in.
    }
    $this->_setValue($value); 


---

I have the latest module installed and it works so much better! I want to offer flat rate priority mail service, but for every cart it offers small, medium and large boxes and I'm sure my customers will choose the cheaper option. Is there a way to control which option is presented to the customers by some attribute?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kwrosenzweig

For every cart it offers small, medium and large boxes and I'm sure my customers will choose the cheaper option. Is there a way to control which option is presented to the customers by some attribute?

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With the current module functionality - no.

The moment one of the dimensions goes over 12" it will disable all the flat-rate or "regular" size options.

I will post an update this weekend which fixes:
The minor bug mentioned in the previous post.
Speed improvement going from checkout_shipping --> checkout_payment page.
Adding USPS specified dimensions to the flat rat boxes so the dimension config can be used to filter them by weight.

I haven't looked into the USPS envelope sizing limits/exceptions for various services. If USPS put all this info in one convenient spot I would really appreciate it. It seems like it's all over the place!

I might add an option that allows people to enable or disable size-limit checking for envelopes and packages so the functionality doesn't get in the way.

Just a quick update.

Weight filtering is going and someone is helping me test that feature.

I also implemented quote caching to speed stop the same quote from being retrieved more than once in a customers session. This should speed up going from 'checkout_shipping' to 'checkout_payment'.

I decided to hold off from releasing to get another option going.
Filtering shipping quotes by volume. (see attached)

To use this feature there is a small patch to apply to the shop database. It's harmless and doesn't change your data. It only converts the products_weight field to "double" precision and keeps all existing data. It allows me to store the volume in the additional digits.

I just thought of this - but if you use product attributes my volume handling code will work for that too, since an attribute can add extra weight to a product it can also add the extra volume simultaneously!

The beauty of this approach: I don't need to edit any core files or change the product admin section to implement it.

Here is the SQL Query you will need to run:

Code:

---

ALTER TABLE products CHANGE products_weight products_weight DOUBLE NOT NULL DEFAULT '0';
UPDATE products SET products_weight=ROUND(`products_weight`,5);
ALTER TABLE products_attributes CHANGE products_attributes_weight products_attributes_weight` DOUBLE NOT NULL DEFAULT '0';
UPDATE products_attributes SET products_attributes_weight=ROUND(`products_attributes_weight`,5);

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I am using this module and finally got it to work. Not because of the plugin but stupid USPS took forever to activate my web tools ID.

Now it works I would need to do the following:
I have stuff to ship that needs to be delivered next day.
Therefore I want only rates to show up that makes next day delivery
possible.
How can I narrow down to show only the "1 day" options?
I have to consider also 1 day might be available for one customer but not for another depending where the destination area is.

Thanks for any help

This module can't filter by transit time. You will have to check with usps to find out what areas around your location are covered by 1 day delivery guarantee.

I'm leaning on the side of using another module at the moment, perhaps something like http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showthread.php?t=63608

Find out if it can disable shipping if it doesn't recognize a zip code and bring up a note saying shipping isn't supported for that region.

I might add filtering by state or zip code ranges to my module at some point. Maybe after I've tested and gotten the product volume/quote filtering system going.

If you really want to use the usps module for this you can modify the module.


Find the following code around line 410.

PHP Code:

---

        for ($i=0; $i<$size; $i++) {
          list($type, $cost) = each($uspsQuote[$i]); 


---

and add the following underneath so it looks like this:

PHP Code:

---

        for ($i=0; $i<$size; $i++) {
          list($type, $cost) = each($uspsQuote[$i]);
          if (!strstr($transittime[$type],'Tomorrow')) {
            if (($i+1)==$size && empty($methods)) {
              $this->quotes = array(
                'module' => $this->title,
                'error' => 'Sorry, Overnight Shipping is not available to your location.');
            }
            continue;
          } 


---

And that should do what you need, though it relies on the 'Display Transit times' option to be ticked in the module config.

And if that works for you buy me a couple drinks!

Thank you for the quick reply.
Understand the logic behind your suggestions and guess it will work this way.
Just have the issue I can't find the code you mentioned above.
I am using the latest update from the plugin and not the one that was posted here in the beginning of the thread. I looked at the PHP file and the version = version $Id: usps.php 65043 2011-26-05.
It seems the coding is a little different.

Could you please point me where I should put your suggested coding?

Thanks again
Michael

Hi Michael,

The new code starts at line 384 in that file version.

Though you could have used the search function in the text editor for that! Thats why I said 'around line 410.'

Since I was working with my current development copy.

Marco

Theres a decent text editor you can use. For windows I recommend Notepad++

Hello everyone,

Using Zen Cart 1.39h and the May 26 version of this module.

We had problems from the beginning. First, I was told I could not connect to the the testing server.

When I registered with USPS, the confirmation email told me to use a different dll for the testing server (shippingAPITest.dll instead of shippingAPI.dll), so I changed the dll name on line 682 and we started connecting.

Now, I'm getting "RateV4 is not a valid API name for this protocol" errors.

For reference, I started with the January 2011 version of this module and received the exact same error with RateV3.

Any suggestions?

Beth

After a lot of head banging, USPS moved me to the production server, which solved the invalid API problem.

I have looked through this thread, I have a stright forward questions, can you advise if the USPS RateV4 Supports Priority Mail Flat Rate package (Small Med Large) rates. I may be missing it but I do not see that this is implemented???

Thanks

Quote:

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Originally Posted by vintagenyc

I have looked through this thread, I have a stright forward questions, can you advise if the USPS RateV4 Supports Priority Mail Flat Rate package (Small Med Large) rates. I may be missing it but I do not see that this is implemented???

Thanks

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Ok I belive it does after reading all the interactions....good stuff

One additional question I did see some minor discussion is with regard to the transist time with flat rate, can that be displayed with the shipping options from the USPS server?

I real quick dumb question, what does this module do that is different from what comes with zen?

If I set free shipping for some items on my web, how to add handling charges for these free shipping items, I tried many ways, not work. Need your help!
Thank you!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Emilylee518

If I set free shipping for some items on my web, how to add handling charges for these free shipping items, I tried many ways, not work. Need your help!
Thank you!

---

I haven't got a mechanism in this module that adds handling fees for specific products. In shipping modules handling is normally calculated per order or per box.

I suppose you could add the handling fee to the product price.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by davalf

I real quick dumb question, what does this module do that is different from what comes with zen?

---

Have a look though the beginning of the thread, or check the documentation packaged with the module once you download it. That should help you decide.

Ok, I'm releasing this version for anyone daring enough to test it.

This version has some speed improvements like caching and now requires php 5 or later.

It can filter using volume if you apply the sql patch mentioned earlier.
Filtering parameters haven't been added to the international services yet. It should work for domestic services.

I added quoting for optional services - like insurance etc..

If you want help find bugs - go for it!

Hi I installed this Mod....

and I'm having Trouble.

For example - I sale all different types of items small and Big. Range from ounces to pounds. I sell what is call SETS on my site. These normally are shipped in Priority mail Large flat rate boxes.
How do I Set this only to the type of Product?

I want ALL SETS that are sold to have Shipping Option to Priority Large Flat Rate Mail. How?????

The rest I want First Class mail and if they buy a bunch of stuff Advance to Priority mail, But the Proper Priority mail - Flat rate boxes Small padded Envelope to Small Boxes to large.

I hope I have made it clear on what I would like to do.
if not just ask and i'll fill ya in.

Thank you......... Please I need to fix this Soon.......

Quote:

---

For example - I sale all different types of items small and Big. Range from ounces to pounds. I sell what is call SETS on my site. These normally are shipped in Priority mail Large flat rate boxes.
How do I Set this only to the type of Product?

---

You can use the volume based filtering. That gives you a way to customise the shipping service which is independent from weight.

Just curious. What should happen if multiple 'SETS' are bought? Do you want to send 2 large flat rate boxes? In a normal scenario it would use a different shipping service to handle larger volumes that don't fit in a particular flat rate box.

Quote:

---

The rest I want First Class mail and if they buy a bunch of stuff Advance to Priority mail, But the Proper Priority mail - Flat rate boxes Small padded Envelope to Small Boxes to large.

---

The first class options should not show up once the weight goes over. You can tick/untick the shipping services you want to quote and use the filtering options provided.

volume based filtering. ok I have that set on my site, But it is still not Configuring from small to large items...

What should happen if multiple 'SETS' are bought? Then it will have to go to ups don't know how to do that either.

But I'm having so much trouble since I upgraded. The SETs Are normally 10lbs... I have added this in the shipping weight area : 10.000000600 That seemed to change everything to Regualr Priority mail not LArge FLat rate box.

Now after I did that I tried a smaller Item that ways 1 oz with code 0.0625 and It never shows the first class option it just show regular Priority. I've download - Re-installed - Re-installed and Re-installed. Not working right.......

All I want to do is Have anything over 10lbs (SETS) Ship in a LArge Flat Rate Box..

and everything ounces Ship First Class... Why is it not working? Please Help me.
Thank You.

Turn on XML Debug in the shipping module while you are configuring. It will show you how and why the items are being filtered and what is happening behind the scenes.

Otherwise you can give me your store url and I'll have a quick look at it.

my url is www.starsmagickshop.com

I've done everything i've been told and it is not working.

I've tried setting the box sizes and it is still not working - for some reason it keeps thinking that 1 oz is over a pound. I have been trying to fix this for over 12 hours now.

please help me.

This is what it is telling me for 1 oz item

weight: +lb, dimensions: regular
Setting dimensions: l=12 w=12 h=12 for Weight: 0.0625
Weight/Dimension Filtering Enabled.
Removed 'Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box'
Removed 'Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box'
Removed 'Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box'
Removed 'Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box'
Removed 'Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box'
Removed 'Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelope'
Added Insurance, cost:1.80 to Priority Mail

USPS Debug Mode Enabled!

weight: +lb, dimensions: regular
Setting dimensions: l=12 w=12 h=12 for Weight: 0.1875
Weight/Dimension Filtering Enabled.
Added Insurance, cost:1.80 to Priority Mail

Shipping quotes are based on the address information you selected:
Available Shipping Methods Rates
United States Postal Service (Priority Mail (2 days)) $9.85

I tested a larger item and got this???????????????????

USPS Debug Mode Enabled!

weight: +lb, dimensions: regular
Setting dimensions: l=12 w=12 h=12 for Weight: 10
Weight/Dimension Filtering Enabled.
Removed 'Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box'
Removed 'Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box'
Removed 'Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box'
Removed 'Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box'
Removed 'Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box'
Removed 'Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelope'
Added Insurance, cost:2.30 to Priority Mail
Error returned for a package:
SimpleXMLElement Object
(
[@attributes] => Array
(
[ID] => 1
)

[Error] => SimpleXMLElement Object
(
[Number] => -2147219434
[Source] => DomesticRatesV4;clsRateV4.ValidateWeight;RateEngineV4.ProcessRequest
[Description] => First Class mail must weigh 13 ounces or less.
[HelpFile] => SimpleXMLElement Object
(
)

[HelpContext] => 1000440
)

)

USPS Debug Mode Enabled!

weight: +lb, dimensions: regular
Setting dimensions: l=12 w=12 h=12 for Weight: 10
Weight/Dimension Filtering Enabled.
Added Insurance, cost:2.30 to Priority Mail

How do I go back to the one that came with zen cart? This mod is not working for my site.

This is what i get when I have the box sizes set.......

USPS Debug Mode Enabled!

weight: 0.0625lb, dimensions: 12x4x1
Setting dimensions: l=12 w=4 h=1 for Weight: 0.0625

USPS Debug Mode Enabled!

weight: 0.0625lb, dimensions: 12x4x1
Setting dimensions: l=12 w=4 h=1 for Weight: 0.0625

United States Postal Service (Priority Mail (2 days))
United States Postal Service (Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box (2 days))

and this is what I get when it is not set.

weight: +lb, dimensions: regular
Setting dimensions: l=12 w=12 h=12 for Weight: 0.0625
Volume Filtering enabled but volume information not found. Was the database patch applied? Added Insurance, cost:1.80 to Priority Mail
Added Insurance, cost:1.80 to Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box

USPS Debug Mode Enabled!

weight: +lb, dimensions: regular
Setting dimensions: l=12 w=12 h=12 for Weight: 0.0625
Volume Filtering enabled but volume information not found. Was the database patch applied?Added Insurance, cost:1.80 to Parcel Post

Available Shipping Methods
United States Postal Service (Priority Mail (2 days))
United States Postal Service (Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box (2 days))

Still no 1st class....

Here is my site link.... starsmagickshop.com

Ok, It's quite clear why that is happening. The package error for first class is informational only. USPS does not provide first class domestic for items over 13oz so the module behaviour is correct in this case.

Use the USPS online documentation to find out what limitations apply for a particular service.

Also you are filtering based on weight/dimensions and did not provide any weight dimension rules to get it going.

Look here: http://postcalc.usps.gov/
for some dimensions of flat rate boxes and set some dimensions in the configuration.

Module weight/dimensions config example:

Code:

---

8x5x1.5;0.5
11x8x5;3
12x12x5;6
regular;+

---

This configuration will quote the Small FR box for items 0.5lb or less.
Medium FR for items 3lb or less
Large FR for items 6lb or under
All Flat rate options are filtered once weight is over 6lb

You can use this and customise the weights to your liking.

You can see how the weight/dimensions filtering and dimension selection works in debug mode. Your examples show dimensions being set to 'regular' which is 12x12x12 filtering out all flat rate options.

On your last example you enabled volume filtering without adding the volume data to the items. The module correctly reported that no volume data was found so no option filtering was done.

You had the situation reversed! You entered dimensions and used volume filtering... If you had entered dimensions and used dimension/weight filtering you might have made some progress by now.

Try what I suggested in my previous post if you want to filter based on weight/dimensions rather than volume.

I had a quick look at your shop and it looks like first class is enabled for international postage but not for domestic.

You have to tick the box.

There is also allot of weird behavior happening - modules being loaded more than once etc. The integration of shipping estimator into the shopping cart page is a little off. Someone has been messing with the Zencart core module files. Maybe you should speak to the person programming your site while you are at it.

Here is the latest version of my module - this is still in the final testing stages but is almost ready for release. It has Separate handling fees for International and Domestic as an added bonus.

You will have to Uninstall/Install to get this going.

I believe the earlier test version might have had issues with domestic first class due to a technicality with the USPS API and changes in the way quotes are retrieved. :frusty:

Don't panic about First Class - Try this one!

Well I am Pleased to say that since you gave me that new file and me re-installing.... again.....
It seems as if everything is working.:clap:

here are my settings inside the usps settings
------------------------------------------------------
Enable USPS Shipping
True

Enter the USPS Web Tools User ID
##############################_

Which server to use
production

Handling Fee - US


Handling Fee - International


Handling Per Order or Per Box
Box

Tax Class
--none--

Tax Basis
Shipping

Shipping Zone
--none--

Sort Order
0

All Packages are Machinable
True

International Quote Options
Insurance

Domestic Quote Options
Insurance

USPS Options
Display weight, Display transit time

Package Dimensions Config
8x5x1.5;0.5 11x8x5;3 12x12x5;6 regular;+

Enable Commercial Shipping
N

Domestic Shipping - Commercial Services
--none--

Domestic Shipping Methods
Priority Mail, Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box, Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box, Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box, First-Class Mail Package

International Shipping Methods
Priority Mail International, Priority Mail Int Flat Rate Small Box, Priority Mail Int Flat Rate Med Box, Priority Mail Int Flat Rate Lrg Box, First Class Mail Int Package

Shipping Quote Options Filtering
Weight

Debug Mode
Off
-----------------------------------------------------
THANK YOU! for Helping me with this - :hug::clap:

If you can check my site again? starsmagickshop.com

I'm not sure what boxes were over layering. I removed on to that i saw an issue with....

ok well thanks again.:hug:

Hi,

Using ZC 1.3.9h and USPS module RateV4.

I have a kit listed on my website (www.ecblend.com) that only fits inside of the Priority Mail Medium box(or larger).

When I go to checkout for this item it lists the small box and the medium box. I have tried setting the weight on this item to 20 pounds and it still shows the small box.

Is there a way to make an item only use a certain sized box? Or to make it if they order a certain quantity of an item 1-5 first class mail package, 6-10 use a priority mail small box, 10+ medium box etc?

I have tried using the default shipping module V1.5 that was just updated by ZC and that was worse. Quoting the customer $27 at the lowest price to ship.

I don't want the customers to be able to choose the small box on this item, and they will because it is the cheapest option, but it won't fit in this box.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

PS: This is a live site, so if you create an account and TEST please use the word TEST for the first and last names

I'm not sure that Marco has the final version up yet with the instructions but it has volume based filtering. Requires a SQL update so that you can use digits 6-11 past the decimal in the weight field to contain the product volume.

It will require you to alter all of your product weights so that the weight also includes the cubic inch volumes.
The following volumes are coded into the file:

• Sm Flat rate box = 67 cu inches
• Med FR box = 515 cu inches
• Large FR box = 792 cu inches
• Large Video O-1096L = 95 cu inches
• First Class = I don't think that a volume has been set but the weight max is 13 ounces. I coded the max volume for FirstClass to be 12.5 cu inches to make my products work.

Use a volume greater than 67 cu inches for the item that requires the Med FR box and all options less than the total product volume in the cart will be removed from the choices presented to the customer.

My example is that I know that 5 items will fit in a small FR box. 6-7 requires a Large Video box. 8 and up Med FR. Given that, I use 13 cu inches per item for those so that FirstClass cannot be chosen for a single item.

My last attempt to explain the detailed setup failed, so I'm reluctant to go much further until Marco has the latest update posted.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco B

Just a quick update.

Weight filtering is going and someone is helping me test that feature.

I also implemented quote caching to speed stop the same quote from being retrieved more than once in a customers session. This should speed up going from 'checkout_shipping' to 'checkout_payment'.

I decided to hold off from releasing to get another option going.
Filtering shipping quotes by volume. (see attached)

To use this feature there is a small patch to apply to the shop database. It's harmless and doesn't change your data. It only converts the products_weight field to "double" precision and keeps all existing data. It allows me to store the volume in the additional digits.

I just thought of this - but if you use product attributes my volume handling code will work for that too, since an attribute can add extra weight to a product it can also add the extra volume simultaneously!

The beauty of this approach: I don't need to edit any core files or change the product admin section to implement it.

Here is the SQL Query you will need to run:

Code:

---

ALTER TABLE products CHANGE products_weight products_weight DOUBLE NOT NULL DEFAULT '0';
UPDATE products SET products_weight=ROUND(`products_weight`,5);
ALTER TABLE products_attributes CHANGE products_attributes_weight products_attributes_weight` DOUBLE NOT NULL DEFAULT '0';
UPDATE products_attributes SET products_attributes_weight=ROUND(`products_attributes_weight`,5);

---

---

I am gonna ask a stupid question since I am fairly new to zen-cart. This is the exact problem I am having with my shipping module, but I do not know where to put this SQL, can you give me some direction please. Greatly appreciated, I have been working on this module for over a few weeks, and that is the last problem I have left. Thanks for your help :smile:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco B

Here is the latest version of my module - this is still in the final testing stages but is almost ready for release. It has Separate handling fees for International and Domestic as an added bonus.

You will have to Uninstall/Install to get this going.

I believe the earlier test version might have had issues with domestic first class due to a technicality with the USPS API and changes in the way quotes are retrieved. :frusty:

Don't panic about First Class - Try this one!

---

I used this new file, and put in my weight configurations as needed, and I am only getting the medium flat rate option for all my options. I have it configured for:
8x5x1.5;1.40
11x8x5;+

and when I enter in one item that weights .68, I only get the option of medium and not a small flat rate box. Am I doing something wrong?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jessica721

I used this new file, and put in my weight configurations as needed, and I am only getting the medium flat rate option for all my options. I have it configured for:
8x5x1.5;1.40
11x8x5;+

and when I enter in one item that weights .68, I only get the option of medium and not a small flat rate box. Am I doing something wrong?

---

This is what I am getting from the debug


USPS Debug Mode Enabled!

weight: 1.40lb, dimensions: 8x5x1.5
weight: +lb, dimensions: 11x8x5
Setting dimensions: l=11 w=8 h=5 for Weight: 4.36

USPS Debug Mode Enabled!

weight: 1.40lb, dimensions: 8x5x1.5
weight: +lb, dimensions: 11x8x5
Setting dimensions: l=11 w=8 h=5 for Weight: 4.36

You have to enable filtering.
Debug mode should say something like:

Quote:

---

Weight/Dimension Filtering Enabled.
Removed 'Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box'
Removed 'Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box'

---

Also the example you provided has a much higher weight than you claimed for the item. Check your tare settings in Config>Shipping.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco B

You have to enable filtering.
Debug mode should say something like:


Also the example you provided has a much higher weight than you claimed for the item. Check your tare settings in Config>Shipping.

---

It was my tare settings, all fixed....thanks a million!!! :clap:

Hello,
My client would like the following
"free freight" (first class USPS) but also allow the customer the option of paying for priority mail or UPS, or whatever service they desire. Is this possible and how would I go about this? Thanks.

I would use the 'free shipping' module built into zencart and only enable quoting for priority mail within the usps module. As long as you factored the shipping price into the product price correctly your shouldn't bleed money.

There are limitations on the weight allowed with first class that you are probably aware of.

If you want the module to quote only first class (when it is available) as free it would need a simple patch in the usps module - an if statement in the right place that overrides the quoted price to 0.

Is this only for domestic or does it include international? That's the problem with free shipping. The actual price can fluctuate massively.

Hi creativeone,
Your question gave me an idea: A shipping quotes discount setting.

Is there any demand for that sort of thing? It could be based on the order size. Eg: x% of the orders products price.

I could set a 5% shipping discount on the orders. On an order with $100 worth of product if the shipping quotes are under $5 then shipping becomes free automatically.
This would allow the customer to have discounted access to expensive services like GXG, etc.

Is there demand for that sort of thing? I don't think it would be hard to implement on my end in the USPS module. I'm ultimately planning to overhaul the core shipping class and embed this functionality into the core. That way all shipping modules get this functionality from centralised settings.

Hi Marco,
It is for domestic only.

Yes I think there would be a demand for a shipping quotes discount. I could think of a couple of my clients that may want to use that. Thanks Marco.

Quick question regarding the 'USPS Shipping Module - RateV4, IntlRateV2'.

I'm running a significantly modified version of 1.3.8a and will not have time to upgrade to 1.3.9h before Aug 24th.

Is the new ''USPS Shipping Module - RateV4, IntlRateV2' module backwards compatible with 1.3.8a?

If not, does anyone have an idea how difficult it would be to get it to function against 1.3.8a.

I do plan to upgrade to 1.3.9h as soon as possible (due to security vulnerabilities) but with my current project stack, I will not be able to do so within the required time frame.

Many thanks in advance,

Rob Chevalier

With shipping modules, chances are it will all probably work. The modules are mostly standalone components so they should be very backward compatible unless there was a major change in the way shipping modules work.

You'll just have to test it and find out. I only test using the latest version.

I changed the handling fee from 0.25 to 0.45 to cover additional fees, and the system is still charging 0.25. (on both first class and priority).

I removed the module and re-installed it, that did not work. I also checked the database and it is set to 0.45.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Kat


I'm sorry if this has been asked/answered, I'm not understanding the handling fee issues in this thread (?)

The magic ZC genie swooped in and fixed this all by itself.

This has happened before where I changed something in this mod (I think it was the handling fee as well), and later on it started working.

All is good :clap:

I have posted an updated version of the module - Version 1.2 which should come online within the next week or so.

The new version has a few improvements:

Quote:

---

Added Quote Discount Setting based on a percentage of order products value.
Added quote sort options for shipping quotes. Can sort by price or by service name.
Improved documentation
Improved shipping estimator functionality. Does not request a quote from USPS when a postcode is not provided.
Changed module default options - now fewer options selected on a fresh install.
Tweaked the hardcoded volumes/dimensions on some shipping options for consistency between International and Domestic (where practical)

---

Check the module documentation for more details!

-
Marco

Hi Marco,

Would it be possible to seperate charges for Signature Confirmation and Insurance as options?

i.e.

●USPS First Class Mail $1.71

□ Add Insurance (value of order) $1.50 (amt to chg from USPS)

□ Add Signature Confirmation $2.45

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by KSpencer

Hi Marco,

Would it be possible to seperate charges for Signature Confirmation and Insurance as options?

i.e.

●USPS First Class Mail $1.71

□ Add Insurance (value of order) $1.50 (amt to chg from USPS)

□ Add Signature Confirmation $2.45

---

I have thought about something like that. The tickbox options would require changes in the zc-core:
/includes/modules/pages/checkout_shipping/header_php.php
Also some template customisation.

Some people might want to force signature confirmation for extra security and not make it optional.

There are so many possible combinations. Some people might not want the extra options displayed and just have the extra cost added on the way it is now.

This was my attempt at being practical. I see no easy way to add that at this stage. If anyone has any ideas on how to improve it without core changes, speak up!

-
Marco

Hi Marco,

These two items, in addition to postage, are probably the "most common" items to add as options for domestic shipping. (I would think).

For insurance, it would be a flat rate table (0-50 add $1.80, 51-100 add 2.35, etc)

For Signature Confirmation, its a flat rate per order, so Add $2.45 checkbox would do it.

I've visited several (dozens) of ZC sites searching for their solutions, and the most common method I see (I am using this also), is to add the Insurance and Signature Confirmation as a product. This creates a group of problems by itself but is a temporary solution. There is an insurance module out there, but it shows up under the payment page (something to do with the Order Totals).


I'm thinking of modifying one of the already existing 'additional' charges type mods. Eventually I hope to be good enough to write one on my own. (Plugging along)

Thanks so much,
Kat :-)

I'm just thinking of a way to integrate it.

If it is only 2 options I might be able to do it with dropdown select boxes in the module config.

Eg.
Insurance Options: No Insurance, Quote Both with and without, Quote with Insurance Only (no text), Quote with Insurance Only (text " - Insured")

I could do the same for signature confirmation.

Depending on what options/services you select the customers available options could double.

• Priority Mail
• Priority Mail - Insured
• etc...

I would favour this over the flat rate option since the USPS quote system handles price changes automatically.

Also, some services have $100 insurance coverage built in, like some flat rate boxes and express options. USPS handles that by quoting $0.00 for insurance automatically without custom code changes on my part.

I've been playing with this on my test site. I don't ever seem to get quotes for regional rate boxes. Anything that could be turning those quotes off?

-lindasdd

Do you have ENABLE COMMERCIAL SHIPPING set to "Y"

AND

Do you have the Regional boxes selected in the Domestic - Commercial Services area of setup?

Version 1.2 is now live, you can download it here: USPS Module V1.2

I tested it on the beta and its looking good requiring no code changes on my part. The USPS language file from Zencart 1.3.9 will be added into the next update for compatibility with 1.5 (since the original USPS module is no longer pre-installed in Zencart 1.5.)

I'm going to add entries to the language file in my next release for insurance quoting and signature confirmation. That will allow people to easily customise the options/presentation.

I'm having a bit of a problem, I upgraded from V1.1 which was fine. But now this happens in debug

weight: +lb, dimensions: regular
Setting dimensions: l=12 w=12 h=12 for Weight: 0.3
Volume Filtering enabled but volume information not found. Was the database patch applied?



EDIT: Ahhh looks like all my shipping weights were reset.

One question I had, when I start combining items, it'll show all the shipping rates it can do. How can I just default it to show just the cheapest option?

Hey, I read the readme but I dont understand how this is different then the default usps shipping module? To be honest i havnt used the default one. please let me know.

@bpoilspill
If you re-applied the database patch your volume info would be reset. I'll put a note in the documentation for next time so people know to only apply the patch once.

The module doesn't have an option to exclude all the more expensive options. Some people might want the more expensive options showing for express delivery and things like that.

I was considering filtering out larger flat rate options if a smaller option is available with filtering switched on. Is that what you wanted or should it remove everything more expensive?


@wildchick
This module has allot of extra options, and it should also run faster since it has request caching and some code optimization. It uses the PHP SimpleXML library to parse the USPS API response (faster) instead of using lots of regular expressions. It supports insurance and many other options.

You can put the other one back if you don't use any of that.

Yes!!! That is what I meant, as we just use flat rate currently, so there's no sense in offering a more expensive option.:clap:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco B

@bpoilspill
If you re-applied the database patch your volume info would be reset. I'll put a note in the documentation for next time so people know to only apply the patch once.

The module doesn't have an option to exclude all the more expensive options. Some people might want the more expensive options showing for express delivery and things like that.

I was considering filtering out larger flat rate options if a smaller option is available with filtering switched on. Is that what you wanted or should it remove everything more expensive?


@wildchick
This module has allot of extra options, and it should also run faster since it has request caching and some code optimization. It uses the PHP SimpleXML library to parse the USPS API response (faster) instead of using lots of regular expressions. It supports insurance and many other options.

You can put the other one back if you don't use any of that.

---

Also, is there a way to prevent sales to non-US countries?? Currently a sale will go through with a US domestic service even to somewhere like Canada.

Actually it would be nice to be able to ship to Canada, although when I enable flat rate intl. boxes, they don't come up the intl. price for a Canada address.

Canada is treated as domestic under USPS and has Zip Codes like the rest of US.

Since I live in Australia I don't get first hand experience with that stuff so you'll have to confirm. I think the module is doing it right.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco B

Canada is treated as domestic under USPS and has Zip Codes like the rest of US.

Since I live in Australia I don't get first hand experience with that stuff so you'll have to confirm. I think the module is doing it right.

---

No it doesn't look like it. Check the USPS site here.

http://postcalc.usps.gov/

Destination to Canada, sets it to international flat boxes.

Check this thread on how to add a shipping zone if you want to restrict shipping to a certain areas.

http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showthread.php?t=145011

Post #6 onward.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco B

Check this thread on how to add a shipping zone if you want to restrict shipping to a certain areas.

http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showthread.php?t=145011

Post #6 onward.

---

Ok, thanks for that. Currently I'm only US, but would like to ship to Canada also, using flat rate of course. How would that be setup?

Quote:

---

Ok, thanks for that. Currently I'm only US, but would like to ship to Canada also, using flat rate of course. How would that be setup?

---

Just tick the international flat rate options in the module config. If it doesn't work let me know.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco B

Just tick the international flat rate options in the module config. If it doesn't work let me know.

---

Yeah thats what I did originally and it didn't work. I turned off the USA zone, ticked the international, and setup a canada address, and it still offers domestic us rates.


Heres my site www.ponyrparts.com

I couldn't replicate your problem!
http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/attach...1&d=1314578568

Yeah the estimator seems to work, but when I login to my account which by default uses a USA address, and THEN add an address for canada, it still uses the USA rates.

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/9118/unledqgw.jpg

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

This boggles the mind...
http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/2...pingcanada.jpg

That is the latest version of my module on the development machine - supplied with your exact details.

I went to change the address from the default US address to the Canada you used above and it worked.

Are you in Canada already?

What do you mean? It looks like it's displaying right on your site. :blink:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bpoilspill

What do you mean? It looks like it's displaying right on your site. :blink:

---

Recheck the address you are using. Maybe you entered something wrong somewhere.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco B

Recheck the address you are using. Maybe you entered something wrong somewhere.

---

previously the zip code was l4w1s2 instead of 14w1s2, but I corrected it and it didn't make a difference.

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/8715/unlednlf.png

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

If you look at my screen capture again you'll notice it is formatted slightly different.

Mine shows "ON, Canada"
Are you using the right fields for everything?

Can't really mess it up, pretty sure it's right.


http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/2267/unledywf.png

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

I'm confused. If anyone has any ideas why it's working for me and not for bpoilspill let me know.

Enable xml debug mode so I can have at look at the request.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco B

I'm confused. If anyone has any ideas why it's working for me and not for bpoilspill let me know.

Enable xml debug mode so I can have at look at the request.

---

I left debug mode on till I get this figured out

it's very weird.


weight: +lb, dimensions: regular
Setting dimensions: l=12 w=12 h=12 for Weight: 0.1



Edit: It's almost as if the plugin just gets stuck, like sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.

It just seems to start acting weird when you change the address at step 1 of checkout.


Edit: Like it seems to only work when,

1st. Change address

2nd. Go to cart change the quantity of something or add something

Then it updates with the right rates

It just doesn't seem like it changes rates from just switching addresses on step 1 of checkout.

Yeah pretty sure it doesn't update the right rates by switching addresses on step 1 of checkout. I mean it's not really a big deal as 95% of the customers will only associate 1 address per account, but it should recalculate the rates when theres an address change, and not by just changing something in the cart.

Open usps.php (from v1.2) in an editor and go to line 602

Add 1 line:

PHP Code:

---

global $order; 


---

So it should look like:

PHP Code:

---

  function _getCacheKey() {
    global $order;
    static $key; 


---

It's the cache system not realising the address update. I will post an update shortly.

Now I wonder why I didn't find this on my test system!