Canada Post module

[soxophoneplayer]

The mod interfaces with Canada Post's sell online. You need a (free) account with Canada Post. Parcel post is calculated via the interface based on weight AND dimension (length, width, depth) of your package. You establish a library of your parcel sizes on the Canada Post link to your account from the mod. The mod will then figure out by the dimensions of your product which box to use and the Canada Post interface will calculate your actual shipping cost. You can add a tare to your rates if you like and you can also add a turnaround time to allow for your own handling time to be included in the delivery time estimate provided to your customer.

You need to always use length, width, depth in the same sequence in both your product and your package definitions. i.e. the mod will not put a 1 x 2 x 3" item into a 3 x 2 x 1" box.

It will fit multiple items into a box if the dimensions allow.

The Lettermail part of the mod does not interface with Canada Post. It is managed by you separately when you set up the mod by inputting the current Canada Post rates/weight when you config the mod OR by putting in an sql statement (available on this forum).

Because the Lettermail part does NOT interface, it is up to the user to be aware when there is an increase in rates and to edit same in their mod cofig or updated sql statement.

[Lockerroom]

The mod interfaces with Canada Post's sell online. You need a (free) account with Canada Post. Parcel post is calculated via the interface based on weight AND dimension (length, width, depth) of your package. You establish a library of your parcel sizes on the Canada Post link to your account from the mod. The mod will then figure out by the dimensions of your product which box to use and the Canada Post interface will calculate your actual shipping cost. You can add a tare to your rates if you like and you can also add a turnaround time to allow for your own handling time to be included in the delivery time estimate provided to your customer.

You need to always use length, width, depth in the same sequence in both your product and your package definitions. i.e. the mod will not put a 1 x 2 x 3" item into a 3 x 2 x 1" box.

It will fit multiple items into a box if the dimensions allow.

The Lettermail part of the mod does not interface with Canada Post. It is managed by you separately when you set up the mod by inputting the current Canada Post rates/weight when you config the mod OR by putting in an sql statement (available on this forum).

Because the Lettermail part does NOT interface, it is up to the user to be aware when there is an increase in rates and to edit same in their mod cofig or updated sql statement.

Ah so it uses dimensional weight. This intriguing since international small parcel is determined by weight alone, not dimensions of the parcel.

Thanks for the info, I really appreciate it.

[highlander]

A question for all people using the Canada Post module for shipping. Do you just let Canada post handle the shipping esitmates (you configure boxes, put in dimesions and weights etc), or do you use table rates? I'm trying to decide which would be better for me to do. I have products of all shapes and sizes and sometimes CPC estimates are way off when people order multiple products.

What advice to you have and why?

[soxophoneplayer]

A question for all people using the Canada Post module for shipping. Do you just let Canada post handle the shipping esitmates (you configure boxes, put in dimesions and weights etc), or do you use table rates? I'm trying to decide which would be better for me to do. I have products of all shapes and sizes and sometimes CPC estimates are way off when people order multiple products.

What advice to you have and why?

The table rates on the Canada Post mod are for lettermail, not for parcel mail. You need to update them manually if there is an increase in rates. The postage for lettermail is then calclulated right in your zen cart, not at Canada Post.

For parcels, you enter your available package sizes, and define your product measurements. Canada Post, not zen cart, will then calculate shipping based on your product size/weight, and your available packaging. You need to plan your packaging properly. Canada Post interface will NOT try and stuff 4 things in a box by turning one of the items sideways to make it fit. Your lengths, widths, and depths definitions have to line up with your package definitions. ie it will NOT put something 2" x 4" x 6" in a box that is 6" x 4" x 2". It WILL stack multiple items within a box. ie it will put two 1x4 x6 items in a 2 x 4 x 6 box.

I find the postage rates quoted to be bang on as long as I've put in a good assortment of package definitions so that multiple items can be accommodated.

[hockey2112]

I just need quick confirmation on something... is it port 3000, or is it 30000? Just want to make sure it isn't a typo as my host questioned it.

Also, does anyone know which IP address Canada Post will be using with that port? My host cannot open the port for inbound without that IP address.

Thanks!

[DrByte]

Yes, the documentation is correct. 30,000 is the correct port number.
The IP address is whatever sellonline.canadapost.ca resolves to at any given point in time.

As per the documentation you can get specific support for CP matters by contacting CP directly:

::: PREREQUISITE :::
You need to work with your webhosting service and ask them to ensure that port 30000 is
open on the server's firewall. If this port is not open for incoming and outgoing traffic,
then your CP online quote requests will not work. (110-Connection Timeout)

Also, you need a SellOnline profile with Canada Post
You can create one by emailing [email protected] or call 1-866-511-0546 and ask for the Sell Online help desk.
You can manage your existing SellOnline profile via: http://sellonline.canadapost.ca/servlet/LogonServlet

http://sellonline.canadapost.ca

[hockey2112]

Yes, the documentation is correct. 30,000 is the correct port number.
The IP address is whatever sellonline.canadapost.ca resolves to at any given point in time.

As per the documentation you can get specific support for CP matters by contacting CP directly:

Thanks for the confirmation, Dr Byte. The host (Hostgator) did tell me that they definitely need an IP address and not a URL, so I will contact Canada Post on Monday to see if they can provide an IP.