USPS Standard Post Setting is not returning rates

[sports guy]

I have updated to the latest USPS module (USPS_2014_0907_K5) and have configured my USPS domestic settings. I am selling ATV parts. I have my settings so light packages go via USPS First Class Large Envelope, Packages up to 2 lbs go via USPS small priority, packages 2-4 lbs go medium priority, and packages 4 - 6lbs get shipped via large priority.

My problem is that I need anything over 6 lbs to return a rate for standard post (formerly known as parcel post). Yet when I add a few products to the store (to get over the 6 lb threshold) there is no rate coming back for standard post. It's like standard post is set to off, but it is not.

Here is a screenshot of my settings.


My store is located here: http://www.coolsteratvparts.com/

If you add anyting to the cart over 6 lbs then no shipping shows. Even though my standard post is set according this this image above. Now if I turn on media post (which I did above for display) then media post does return a rate. I don't want media post as we are shipping parts, we need standard post to work. Anyone know why this will not return standard post rates?

[Ajeh]

Keep in mind that Standard Post is not available for all USPS zones ...

If you turn on your Debug Logs and check the Zones on the Shipping methods you will probably find that you are not within the correct Zones ...

Example, If I ship from Ohio 44026 to Ohio 44026 I am in the wrong Zone, example Zone 1 ...

But, If I ship from Ohio 44026 to Florida 33601 then I am in Zone 5 and will get a quote for Standard Post ...

[stevesh]

It's my understanding that USPS doesn't allow the use of Standard Post from/to certain areas. Try test orders to different addresses.

[Ajeh]

You could force Standard Post at >= 6, but then no other shipping methods will work at >= 6 ...

Before attempting this, check that Standard Post will be available to you on orders near and far ...

You could customize the USPS shipping module:
/includes/modules/shipping/usps.php

with the code in RED:

// when $usps_groundonly is set to true, only Stand Post will show
    $usps_groundonly = 'false';
// bof: force Standard Post Only >= 6
    if ($shipping_weight >= 6) {
      $usps_groundonly = 'true';
    }
// eof: force Standard Post Only >= 6
//    $usps_groundonly = ($_SESSION['cart']->in_cart_check('products_groundonly','1') ? 'true' : 'false');
    if ($usps_groundonly == 'false') {

[Ajeh]

Also, keep in mind the test for the Min/Max weights:

        if ($usps_shipping_weight <= $maxweight && $usps_shipping_weight > $minweight) {

You are using $usps_shipping_weight > 6.01 ... so anything 6.01lbs or less will not show ...

[sports guy]

I have never heard of standard post (parcel) not being able to be shipped from specific zones. While it has been over 10 years I was an Ebay power seller for many years. And on the USPS website here is the standard post page: https://www.usps.com/ship/standard-post.htm I do not see restrictions to certain zones.

Still just because I have not heard of this and its not listed on their page, does not mean you are both not correct. Perhaps its a new restriction since Standard post is not Parcel Post anymore. Since you both seem to reflect this same view, I am going to trust your judgments in that there is likely a restriction I am seeing.

During testing I was calculating shipping from Northern Kentucky to South Eastern Ohio. We are both located in Zone 2. Still, if I cannot ship parts via Standard post, then how am I supposed to ship heavy parts via USPS within this same zone? Should I just go with Media and forget standard post? I prefer not to force standard post because, many of the parts need lower shipping which means, USPS priority pricing is ideal for many parts (especially smaller parts). Not being able to have these options would be a mistake.

I just wonder how others have their carts configured. I would assume many others have products that are too large for priority and orders that will come from within the same zone. How do these zen users collect proper shipping for the USPS?

[Ajeh]

You could customize the USPS shipping module to force the Standard Post, but then you will not get quotes for any other method using the code I posted in post #4 ...

This could be further customize the USPS for Standard Post based on the Products in the cart by flagging Products that should be Standard Post and checking if they are in the cart ...

[stevesh]

I'm confused, too. In its FAQ, USPS Says about Standard Post:

Standard Post can delivery [sic] to every U.S. address, including PO boxes and military addresses.

In the Standard Post info page, it says:

Available for Zones 5-9, up to 70 lbs.

I can't find a map of their zones.

[Ajeh]

Their Zones are based on the Ship From and Ship To combination ...

The rules are:

Available for Zones 5-9, up to 70 lbs. Prices in Zones 1-4, up to 70 lbs, are only for the mailing of hazardous materials, live animals, or other items required to be shipped by ground/surface transportation. Oversized Standard Post available for Zones 1-9, up to 70 lbs, when measuring over 108" but not more than 130" in combined length and girth.

To force the Standard Post for Zones 1-4, you need to customize USPS shipping module ...

You can check specific Zones on a shipping quote by turning on the Debug Logs and you will see, for example:

<Package ID="0"><ZipOrigination>44026</ZipOrigination><ZipDestination>40513</ZipDestination><Pounds>6</Pounds><Ounces>13</Ounces><Container>VARIABLE</Container><Size>REGULAR</Size><Zone>3</Zone>

[sports guy]

OK after testing from Kentucky (41001) to a few different states only very few states would return the Standard Post rate. Ajeh is correct in this literature from the USPS:

Available for Zones 5-9, up to 70 lbs. Prices in Zones 1-4, up to 70 lbs, are only for the mailing of hazardous materials, live animals, or other items required to be shipped by ground/surface transportation. Oversized Standard Post available for Zones 1-9, up to 70 lbs, when measuring over 108" but not more than 130" in combined length and girth.

For those following this post, it looks like Standard Post (or the old Parcel Post) is no longer a feasible option for shipping your larger packages! After thoroughly testing on the USPS website it looks like the post office wants me to either use Priority or for larger packages media mail. You can read about trying to send items via media if its not media, it can be a problem. In one instance when I put in a really big box with 40lb weight, then (and only then) did it only return a Standard Post Rate by itself. Yes in this same zone its not allowing now.

Looks like the post office is trying to force us into paying for priority. When this is not feasible for larger packages. It looks like we are going to have to use Priority exclusively if we want to use the post office. In my case, I think I am going to have to use UPS for any packages over 6.01 lbs. What a pain, now I have to set up a completely different module. Is it just me or does the post office have to make everything so difficult!