ozpost shipping module

Foster660:

It brought up another problem with letters. I did a test with a (roughly) business card sized product - 10cm x 5cm x .03cm which the server returned -

... which defaults to a parcel size... if I enter a height of 0.1cm, it calculates correctly for letters, so I'm guessing that the server doesn't handle down to 100th sizes?

Correct. Or more specifically, the servers require the dims to be specified in absolute mm's.

Foster660:

(hmmm... I just noticed "Item Value $0" above where my actual value was $0.10)

Probably just a display issue. Possibly due to rounding. I'm pretty sure that the actual insured value value is calculated independent of this output.

Foster660:

BTW (I'm probably getting picky now), in your install section of ozpost.php, where it creates the 'Tare Dimension' (and the like) for editing in the module, the code defines some text as white text on a white background, so I also did some code changes around here from "color:white" to "color:black", just to make it visible. :)

Thanks Rod

John

Thanks. I'll take care of that next update.

Cheers
Rod

Hi Rod,

I am having an issue with the ozpost module which does not appear to be working for overseas items to post especially New Zealand at this stage and has only happened since march this year. The error message that I am getting is:
Sorry, we are not shipping to your region at this time.

I am using the latest version of ozpost V4.2.4 I have also tested the server and these are the results:
[email protected]> Connect Time : 4ms > Name lookup Time : 3ms > Total Time : 1307ms > Poor
[email protected]> Connect Time : 27ms > Name lookup Time : 0.041ms > Total Time : 150ms > Excellent
[email protected]> Connect Time : 33ms > Name lookup Time : 3ms > Total Time : 307ms > Good

Bruce1952:

Hi Rod,

I am having an issue with the ozpost module which does not appear to be working for overseas items to post especially New Zealand at this stage and has only happened since march this year. The error message that I am getting is:
Sorry, we are not shipping to your region at this time.

This is not an ozpost issue

The zencart faq file states ....
....................
This message usually occurs when you have no available shipping modules for that customer's address.

A module is unavailable for one of two reasons:

1. it's not installed
2. or it's installed but has a Shipping Zone restriction set on it, and the customer's shipping address isn't in that specified zone.

Or maybe the order qualifies for Free Shipping, but you don't have the freeshipper module installed.
......................

We can obviously eliminate the possibility that its not installed, and we can also eliminate the shipping zone restriction as a possibilty because the ozpost module doesn't even have (or use) shipping zone restrictions. As far as the ozpost module is concerned there are only two zones, Australia and not Australia, with neither being restricted. Ozpost only uses this to determine whether GST is applicable to the quotes or not and it isnt a user configurable option, its just a simple fact. Australian destinations have GST included. Non Aust destination are GST exclusive. All zones/regions are considered valid (for quote purposes)

So this means that the problem is going to be related to the Freeshipping/freeshipper module .... or, you have another shipping module enabled that does impose zone restrictions and it is that module that is triggering the "Sorry, we are not shipping to your region at this time" message... hmm, it is also possible (I think) that this message could be triggered by a zone restriction imposed by your payment module(s).

So, although I cant tell you exactly what is causing the restriction, I can tell you with 100% confidence that it is not the ozpost module causing it.

Hopefully this is of some help?

Cheers
Rod

Thanks Rodd the problem has now been corrected. Thank you for the help.

Rod,
Can you help.

1. Over the last few weeks we have had a few issues with getting prices.
2. Today it is only bringing up the Aus Post prices and not transdirect or smartsend.
   Which does cause me a problem as these bring up very accurate shipping costs for us.

Is there a general issue with the server?

Thanks

Stephen
https://www.jarsbottlesdirect.com.au

stecrox:

Rod,
Can you help.

1. Over the last few weeks we have had a few issues with getting prices.
2. Today it is only bringing up the Aus Post prices and not transdirect or smartsend.
   Which does cause me a problem as these bring up very accurate shipping costs for us.

Is there a general issue with the server?

There are no known problems with our servers (we run 3 independent servers on three different networks).

As a general rule, if there is a problem getting quotes from the various couriers then the problem is generally with their servers. This is never an issue for AustPost quotes because we maintain our our own database for these rates.

I'm a little concerned that you are finding a problem with two couriers at the same time though. This may be a coincidence, but maybe not.

The ozpost modules have a setting/option to 'hide courier rates if Australia post can handle it' - and the 'problem' you describe could be the result of this option being enabled. If this isn't the case though then I'd suggest you enable the ozpost DEBUG (whilst experiencing the problem), as this will/should reveal any error messages being returned by the couriers servers.

Cheers
RodG

Update:

stecrox:

Rod,
Can you help.

1. Over the last few weeks we have had a few issues with getting prices.
2. Today it is only bringing up the Aus Post prices and not transdirect or smartsend.
   Which does cause me a problem as these bring up very accurate shipping costs for us.

I've just been to your store, added a random product (100ml Amber Glass Round Pharmaceutical Bottle Pack of 56) to destination 2000/Sydney.

Then after checking our server logs and 'rewinding' the quote request, I found

1. You don't appear to have any Smartsend methods enabled.
2. Our servers are returning the TransDirect quotes to your store, but they are not being displayed to the customer. This usually means that the methods that are available haven't been enabled in your settings.

For this random product to this destination, the available Transdirect methods are:
Fastway
TNT Road Express
TNT overnight
Allied Express

Insurance is available for all except Fastway.

Cheers
Rod

ps. You do NOT have the 'hide courier rates if Australia post can handle it' option enabled.

Rod

Thanks, However Transdirect also use Couriers Please which is enabled, so how come this is not showing when I can book with them Couriers Please and COuriers Please rates show on their website. (I do have it activated.)
Smart Send I have re activated just so I can get rates for Couriers Please showing but I prefer not to use them.
Thoughts please?

Stephen

stecrox:

Rod

Thanks, However Transdirect also use Couriers Please which is enabled, so how come this is not showing when I can book with them Couriers Please and COuriers Please rates show on their website. (I do have it activated.)
Smart Send I have re activated just so I can get rates for Couriers Please showing but I prefer not to use them.
Thoughts please?

Stephen

If the ozpost module isnt showing the Tansdirect/Courier Please option for a given product (weight/dimension) to a given destination then neither will their website. In other words when you did the check on the Transdirect website you were using different weights and dimensions to a different destination than the product that I randomly selected to the arbitary destination that I used for my test.

Both ozpost and the Transdirect website use the same API so as long as you are comparing apples with apples you will get the same results

Rod

RodG:

If the ozpost module isnt showing the Tansdirect/Courier Please option for a given product (weight/dimension) to a given destination then neither will their website. In other words when you did the check on the Transdirect website you were using different weights and dimensions to a different destination than the product that I randomly selected to the arbitary destination that I used for my test.

Both ozpost and the Transdirect website use the same API so as long as you are comparing apples with apples you will get the same results

Rod

Rod
Thanks
I have just done another test and now nothing is showing up from your servers including Australia Post. (Nothing has changed from last night) This has unfortunately been happening intermittently over the last couple of weeks.
However I did a test last night which I kept the details of.
the module shows: 12kg 443632 from 6112 to 3175.
For Transdirect the website is showing only TNT and not Couriers Please. However on Transdirect website with the same details Couriers Please pricing is available.
Thoughts Please
Stephen

So, it now looks like you have two issues

stecrox:

Rod
Thanks
I have just done another test and now nothing is showing up from your servers including Australia Post. (Nothing has changed from last night) This has unfortunately been happening intermittently over the last couple of weeks.

OK, lets try a different approach to this one. Ever heard of 'Occam's razor' ?

Basically, it is "a principle from philosophy. Suppose there exist two explanations for an occurrence. In this case the simpler one is usually better. Another way of saying it is that the more assumptions you have to make, the more unlikely an explanation is". <ref https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occam%27s_razor>

It applies in this case because as I've previously stated, we run three different servers on three different networks. You have one server on one network. Which is the simplest explanation with the least assumptions... That all three of our servers have failed to respond at the exact same time, for you only? or that your single server on a single network has failed (is failing)?

I am going to be bold here and suggest that your server is being overloaded - It is the simplest explanation. (Keep in mind that no one else is reporting any issues at the moment).

So, problem#2

stecrox:

However I did a test last night which I kept the details of.
the module shows: 12kg 443632 from 6112 to 3175.
For Transdirect the website is showing only TNT and not Couriers Please. However on Transdirect website with the same details Couriers Please pricing is available.
Thoughts Please
Stephen

Do your figures/values include the tare weights and tare dimensions? Ideally, in time like this, a link to the product is a huge help. Partly because without it I have no way to confirm your figures - and nothing personal, I never trust the figures that folk give me - Too often have I been told something like 'weight = 1kg' and after much back and forth when I do eventually get a link to the product the weight has been specified as 0.1kg or 1000kg <very frustrating>

Not to worry. I simply can't afford the time to test each and every product in your store to find one that matches the data you have provided, and since I've already done a random product selection, I have opted created a link for you for testing purposes, using the weight/dimensions and original/destination locations that you have specified.

http://svr0.ozpost.net/quotefor.php?host=Jars%20and%20Bottles%20Direct&Items[0][Length]=440&Items[0][Width]=360&Items[0][Height]=320&Items[0][Weight]=12000&Items[0][Qty]=1&Items[0][Insurance]=100&fromcode=6112&Osub=HARRISDALE&destcode=3175&TransDirect=1

I am seeing the TransDirect/CouriersPlease quotes - I have no idea why you wouldn't be (unless the product you are using doesn't have the data that you think it does).

Please try to appreciate that the ozpost system doesn't/can't 'create' quotes that are not provided by the couriers API - My previous example showed that the Transdirect quotes were available, but not the one for CP. This test/example shows that CP is avialable for this request. So, basically, what I'm saying here is that if/when a given method doesn't show for a given courier, then it is NOT an ozpost problem - there is nothing for me to do or fix.

If you wish to test/check the methods available from Smartsend just add "&SMSemail=Demo" to the end of the link above (it currenltly only show AustPost and Transdirect results). Please note that the SmartSend servers are horribly slow at the moment - average response time ~30seconds. (Nothing I can do about that)

The link is only testing one of our servers, if you wish to check the others, change the 'svr0' to 'svr1' & 'svr2' (when accessed via your store if the 1st one fails, the econd is tried, if that fails, the 3rd is tried - if all three fail an erro message is generated that will detail the reason of failure - in practice, this has never happened - For your store to get 'no response' at all generally means that our servers are even getting a quote request.

Not sure what else I can do or say other than to try to impress upon you that whatever the cause of your problems, then seeking an 'ozpost' solution means that you are probably looking in the wrong places.

Cheers
Rod

ps. If the test link appears broken and doesn't give good results, please cut n paste into your browser - it should all be a single line, no linefeeds or spaces

I'm not sure exactly when this issue started (possibly after the last update a couple of days ago) - For local deliveries using Aus Post the express option is saying 'Express Post International (Tracked & Signed)'. The amount is correct, just the wording is wrong. It's not a huge deal, just looks odd in that it says it's International.

EvoCivic:

I'm not sure exactly when this issue started (possibly after the last update a couple of days ago) - For local deliveries using Aus Post the express option is saying 'Express Post International (Tracked & Signed)'. The amount is correct, just the wording is wrong. It's not a huge deal, just looks odd in that it says it's International.

I have no explanation for this. Are you still seeing this or was it just a one time oddity?

Cheers
RodG

RodG:

I have no explanation for this. Are you still seeing this or was it just a one time oddity?

Cheers
RodG

It's still doing it. I noticed because I got an order from someone in Mackay and the postage selected said Express Post International so I had a look and sure enough it's coming up for any Australian postcode (tested yesterday and again just now). All the other Aus Post services I've selected are there and at the bottom is Express Post International instead of just Express Post. The actual amount is correct for domestic express not using a satchel from the Aus Post website.
Testing postage to an overseas address it's coming up correctly as 'International Post Express'.

EvoCivic:

It's still doing it. I noticed because I got an order from someone in Mackay and the postage selected said Express Post International so I had a look and sure enough it's coming up for any Australian postcode (tested yesterday and again just now). All the other Aus Post services I've selected are there and at the bottom is Express Post International instead of just Express Post. The actual amount is correct for domestic express not using a satchel from the Aus Post website.
Testing postage to an overseas address it's coming up correctly as 'International Post Express'.

I only have one possible explanation. A description override is coming into play.

I don't know if this would be accidental, intentional. or some sort of weird bug.

If you enable the ozpost DEBUG you will see that the description from our servers are correct (it actually reads "Express Parcel under 500g") - ergo, this one must be getting changed during processing.

Hint: /includes/languages/english/modules/shipping/ozpost.php

Cheers
Rod

Yep, that was it. For some reason there was a description override (an incorrect one). No idea how that got in there as I don't recall playing with that, although I did install it a couple of years ago so anything is possible.

Thanks!

How to fix or troubleshoot error below. Was working before. I don't know what changed.

1

Checking File : /home/sdfsdf/public_html/includes/modules/shipping/ozpost.php
Network Connectivity test FAILED Is cURL installed?

2

Network Connectivity test FAILED
Is cURL installed?WARNING: An Error occurred, please refresh the page and try again.

brisbanevalleytraders.com.au

vandiermen:

How to fix or troubleshoot error below. Was working before. I don't know what changed.

This looks like one that you will need to chase up with your hosting provider. The cURL libraries/modules would have been installed in order for it to have worked before, and now the ozpost module is telling you that they are apparently missing (or some other networking error).

Nothing much more to say really.

Cheers
RodG

G'day Rod,

I've just installed your latest version 4.2.6 (fresh install), but I seem to be having a problem with Sendle.

I don't want to use sendle, so I selected 'disabled' from the list. When I do an update to check the postage estimate, I get an error -
"Sendle : unprocessable_entity"

With debugging on, it's shown in the array of quotes (along with the error text)

I traced to this part of the code at about line 725...

        $tmp = explode(", ", MODULE_SHIPPING_OZPOST_TYPE_SDL); 
        $sdl =  substr(strtoupper( MODULE_SHIPPING_OZPOST_SDL ),0,3) ;
        if($sdl == "DIS") {$sdl = NULL ; } else { 
        $vars .= "&sendle=".MODULE_SHIPPING_OZPOST_TYPE_SDL ;
        $this->allowed_methods[] = 'Sendle';  

...where $tmp variable is "disabled", $sdl is "MOD" and when the code steps through, "Sendle" is added to the allowable methods array because MOD will never equal DIS.

If I change "DIS" to "MOD" in the code it doesn't get added, so for me... it's a workaround that gets me by.
Maybe I've set it up wrong, but I thought I'd just to let you know that there might be a problem

John

Foster660:

If I change "DIS" to "MOD" in the code it doesn't get added, so for me... it's a workaround that gets me by.
Maybe I've set it up wrong, but I thought I'd just to let you know that there might be a problem

John

It's a bug, and that will be a fine workaround.

The official fix (not yet released) would be to change

$sdl =  substr(strtoupper( MODULE_SHIPPING_OZPOST_SDL ),0,3);

to

$sdl =  substr(strtoupper( MODULE_SHIPPING_OZPOST[B]_TYPE[/B]_SDL ),0,3) ;

What has happened is that somewhere along the line the constant has lost a portion of its name, therefore remains undefined causing it to eval to 'MOD' regardless of actual setting.

Cheers
Rod