Default UPS module vs. XML

[StingrayScott]

Hi Everyone!
Noob here...
Just installed Zen Cart and the default UPS module is working great. It is calculating the correct amount of freight charges. I see the rates are pretty much what is current on the UPS website. How does it do this? Does it connect to UPS to fetch the rates or are the UPS modules updated accordingly when UPS changes their rates?
Also, if the default module appears to be working fine, what is the advantage of using the XML UPS add-on.

Zen Cart seems to be very cool!

Thank You!

[DrByte]

It gets the rates directly from the UPS rate-quote server based on details of the order in your cart.

[StingrayScott]

Thanks Dr.
What is the advantage, if any, of using UPS xml as opposed to the default module?

Thanks again.

[DrByte]

well, the disadvantage of using the XML mod is that you need to go through a rigorous licensing, copyright, certification process with UPS and can only use it after they've approved your site for its use.

As to advantages ... if you're trying to ship FROM a country other than USA, XML may be the only way to do it with UPS.

[StingrayScott]

Thanks again Dr., your help is appreciated!

[Lavanya]

As to advantages ... if you're trying to ship FROM a country other than USA, XML may be the only way to do it with UPS.

Hello Dr. Byte,

is this still the case for the Zen module? I want to ship from Germany. Sorry for asking, but the thread is a few years old and I couldn't find any more information about it in the net.

[DrByte]

Perhaps. I don't know for sure, given I'm not in Germany.