ozpost shipping module

Rod would I be right in saying that the toggle to hide couriers if Aus post can handle it does not apply to TNT because regardless if i turn the toggle on or off I don't get TNT rates if there are Aus Post Rates. Typical example is all Alvey fishing reels on my site don't sow TNT rates only Aus Post and if you go to Tents-Canvas or Waco Fridge/Freezers you only get TNT Rates and no Aus Post because obviously these items are too big for Aus Post. Is there any trick to get TNT to come up for items along with Aus Post? I get it to show in debug mode but not when it is off. By the way thanks for your time and efforts so far.

OK I have finally had a win!! If you disable a a few Aus Post options ie regular sachels and click yes to hide parcel rates if sachel sized I now get my TNT rates for ALL products.

Ok now I have another problem if you go to my site http://superiormarinegroup.com.au/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=49

Add this item to the cart and you will see the shipping methods change with 1 Qty then 2-3 Qty and then 4-7 Qty and again at 8. How is it that TNT is there at 2-3 Qty then disappears and comes back at 8?

Olsta:

Ok now I have another problem if you go to my site http://superiormarinegroup.com.au/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=49

Add this item to the cart and you will see the shipping methods change with 1 Qty then 2-3 Qty and then 4-7 Qty and again at 8. How is it that TNT is there at 2-3 Qty then disappears and comes back at 8?

Don't know. What does debug say?

Rod

RodG:

Don't know. What does debug say?

Rod

It all seems to work properly when the debug is on??

Olsta:

OK I have finally had a win!! If you disable a a few Aus Post options ie regular sachels and click yes to hide parcel rates if sachel sized I now get my TNT rates for ALL products.

Alas, in spite of all of your testing, and everything that debug provides, I still think you are guessing rather than understanding.

Remember: The SERVER provides what is POSSIBLE
Your config settings determine which of the POSSIBLE methods are ALLOWED.

The "Hide" switches affect what the server will consider POSSIBLE by triggering an 'early abort' - IOW, if letters are good enough (hide parcels) then the server won't even attempt parcel rates (including couriers). Likewise, if the serverr can get a valid AustPost Quote and the 'hide couriers' is set, then the server won;t attempt the courier rates. If NOTHING is 'hidden' then ALL quotes are returned, letters (if possible), parcels, even if they are letter sized, parcels, even if the items will fit into a satchel, and so forth.

It is no more compicated/simple than this. I haven't identified any problem with your store, and you haven't provided me with an explicit example that I can quickly verify your issue (and as implied in other messages, it is a wast of time for me to try to 'guess' what item(s) are causing a problem.

And finally, PLEASE USE THE DEBUG!!! Watch the parcel weights and dimensions, check the delivery destinations ... as these can all have an effect on the output.

Anyway.... on to your next message......

Rod could you maybe add a toggle to allow tnt shipping in all instances as it does in debug mode?

Olsta:

Rod would I be right in saying that the toggle to hide couriers if Aus post can handle it does not apply to TNT

No, you will be wrong with that assumption. TNT is a courier, so if AustPost can handle it, and the 'hide couriers' has been set, then TNT will be hidden/unavailable.

Olsta:

because regardless if i turn the toggle on or off I don't get TNT rates if there are Aus Post Rates.
.

If HIDE is enabled, and AustPost can handle it, then couriers will NOT be shown. THey will be hidden.
If HIDE is NOT enabled, and AustPost can handle it, the couriers will ALSO be shown (where considered valid).

Olsta:

Typical example is all Alvey fishing reels on my site don't sow TNT rates
.

The debug SHOULD show you why. If not, it'll show a valid result, anjd as I know I've said at least once before, If the quote is shown in DEBUG mode, but NOT in the final selection, it is because that method has been disabled.
(That, or you have just identified a new bug).

Olsta:

only Aus Post and if you go to Tents-Canvas or Waco Fridge/Freezers you only get TNT Rates and no Aus Post because obviously these items are too big for Aus Post. Is there any trick to get TNT to come up for items along with Aus Post?
.

Yes, the 'trick; is to NOT HIDE them.

Olsta:

I get it to show in debug mode but not when it is off. By the way thanks for your time and efforts so far.

If that is the case, the methods have been adminsistatively disabled.

Cheers
rod

next message....????

Olsta:

Rod could you maybe add a toggle to allow tnt shipping in all instances as it does in debug mode?

This is the default behaviour.

Rod

I have "hide courier rates" set to NO.

Hi RodG,

With fastway courier it seem like there are problem adding the 5kg excess saver price or calculate the number of label incorrect.

Live site is http://www.mybeershop.com.au

Example

Product
http://www.mybeershop.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=96

which is 12 kg send to postcode 2481

it doesn't add 5kg excess price which should be 2 of them.

or

product
http://www.mybeershop.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=96
plus
http://www.mybeershop.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=60

which should only add 1 kg extra
and should be orage + 2x saver label but it estimate Orange label + 5 x saver labels!!

or if I order

http://www.mybeershop.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=96
plus
2 of
http://www.mybeershop.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=44

total 30kgs and as fastway only allows 25kgs each package, what I done is i sent max package weight to 25kg in admin>configuration>shipping/packaging. and set yes in ozpost modules to allows split package.

when I do estimate shipping, it shows 2 red label + 6 savers. (which I believe it should be 4, max of 5 depends how item is split), but even 2 red + 6 saver label it shows price of $70.40!!

and I believe 2 red label plus 6 savers should only be $47.20 in total.

I have V2.1.1 installed

Please have a look and tell me what I should do.

Thank you

Hi Rod,

I have an 11.89Kg parcel that is going to Denmark.

I only use either registered mail, EPI or ECI parcels for OS shipments.

When I display the shopping cart, from the debugging infomation it says;

Submitted: Length=64.60cm, Width=64.50cm, Height=64.40cm, Weight=13079gms, NumBoxes=1
Server response time 1.902ms

But no shipping options are given to the user. Also, if I try to go to the checkout, the checkout page is completely blank.

Now, If I set Restrain Dimensions to Yes I now get the following debug message from the server;

Submitted: Length=64.60cm, Width=35.00cm, Height=35.00cm, Weight=13079gms, NumBoxes=1
Server response time 4.031ms
Server Returned:
SEA187.30Mon 21st of FebSeaSEAi222.15Mon 21st of FebInsured SeaAIR425.20Mon 6th of DecAirEPI430.60Mon 29th of NovExpress Parcel InternationalECId434.00Thu 25th of NovECI DocumentsECIm442.25Thu 25th of NovECI MerchandiseAIRi460.05Mon 6th of DecInsured AirEPIi465.45Mon 29th of NovExpress Parcel International Insured 74.55.148.130 Fri Nov 19, 2010 15:31 (SA Server Time) 16:01 (VIC Store Time) Sat 20th of Nov 34.85 0.00 N/A N/A 115 

And I get the following shipping quote displayed;
Shipping quotes are based on the address information you selected:

Highett 3190 to N/A 2830 Denmark
Available Shipping Methods 	Rates
Australia Post, Express Parcel International Mon 29th of Nov 	US$433.38
Australia Post, ECI Merchandise Thu 25th of Nov 	US$440.92

So presumably in the first case, the parcel was too big? But why didn't the server reply with any response when Restrain Dimensions was set to No

Also the response time was much shorter at 1.902ms. Did the server just reject the request.

Also, the value quoted US$433.38, is a bit less than double the price for a package up to 20KG as quoted from the Australia Post site.

Express Courier International Merchandise  $292.25   20kg

Does that mean it has been split into 2 parcels. If so it doesn't say so. It is blank after the The Boxes: field?

Items: 75Weight: 11.89kgsAmount: US$1,156.30 Dims: 64.60x35.00x35.00 Boxes: 

Is this a bug?

I understand that doing the volume calculations are difficult to do, and I'm happy to ignore the volume calcs at this stage as I know that 99% of the time the volume is not an issue for me.

As to weight, yes I need the module to deal with that.

So in configuring the module I expected that setting Restrain Dimensions to No would do what I want and ignore any size restrictions. But instead I get a blank page?

Any idea as to what is going on? And how I can fix it. I'm running the latest module V2.1.1

Cheers,

Peter.

Hi
I am having problems with the oz post mod 2.11 I have installed this new mod (did have auspost 1.1 mod) today I know it is a sub service now but understand that it has a 60 days trial period. I am using zencart 1.3.9.e The mod is not displaying any aus post items or courier items or ego, just the flat rate I did a how much time I have left 59 was the result I have the following enabled/disabled

Hide parcel rates if letter sized ?
If the parcel/items are letter sized would you like to hide the parcel postage rates? Tip: If you dissallow letters set this to NO

No

Hide parcel rates if Satchel sized ?
If the items will fit into a satchel would you like to hide the parcel postage rates?
Note: Has no effect if debug is enabled

No

Hide Courier rates if Australia Post can handle it?
If the items can be sent by Australia Post do you still want to show courier rates?
Note: Has no effect if debug is enabled

No

Hide Handling Fees?
The handling fees are still in the total shipping cost but the Handling Fee is not itemised on the invoice.

NO

Any clues as to why only flat rate is showing which works fine and nothing else? I put all the files were they were suppose to go very easy install by the way

I have debuging enabled and this is what I got
cheers
Jeremy

https://www.ribbonista.com.au

Debugging information
Item 1-1 Black Argyle Clippies Set Parcel
Weight 0.5gms Items 1 Weight 0.55gms
Dimensions 23 x 15 x 4.5 23 x 15 x 4.5
Cube / Weight 1552.5cc / 0.388125Kgs 1552.5cc / 0.388125Kgs
Item 2-1 Wild Ones Bitty Bow Set Parcel
Weight 0.5gms Items 2 Weight 1.1gms
Dimensions 23 x 15 x 4.5 23 x 15 x 9
Cube / Weight 1552.5cc / 0.388125Kgs 3105cc / 0.77625Kgs
Item 3-1 Pink Lime Stripe Bow Set Parcel
Weight 0.5gms Items 3 Weight 1.65gms
Dimensions 23 x 15 x 4.5 23 x 15 x 13.5
Cube / Weight 1552.5cc / 0.388125Kgs 4657.5cc / 1.164375Kgs
Submitted: Length=23.00cm, Width=15.00cm, Height=13.50cm, Weight=1gms, NumBoxes=1
Server response time 0.499ms
Server Returned:
Error0.000Invalid input Data [Ozpost.net account expired] 74.55.148.130 15:34 ( Store Time) 0.00 0.00 N/A N/A -56

ks_b:

Please have a look and tell me what I should do.

Thank you

For the time being it may pay to disable FastWay.
It appears they have very recently made a change to the output format of thier data causing things to break. I'm working on a solution now.

Cheers
Rod

ribbonista01:

I am having problems with the oz post mod 2.11 I have installed this new mod (did have auspost 1.1 mod) today I know it is a sub service now but understand that it has a 60 days trial period.

As your debug output shows:
Error0.000Invalid input Data [Ozpost.net account expired]

The subscribtions provide access to the ozpost.net servers, regardless of the software being used to access them.

ribbonista01:

I am using zencart 1.3.9.e The mod is not displaying any aus post items or courier items or ego, just the flat rate I did a how much time I have left 59 was the result I have the following enabled/disabled

Alas, the debug output shows the true story......

Error0.000Invalid input Data [Ozpost.net account expired] 74.55.148.130 15:34 ( Store Time) 0.00 0.00 N/A N/A -56

The "-56" indicates that your subscription/trial ended 56 days ago.

Your debug output does also indiace a few other issues that you will need to take care of before it'll do anything useful..

For example:
Debugging information
Item 1-1 Black Argyle Clippies Set Parcel
Weight 0.5gms

Now, I admit, I've no idea what a "Black Argyle Clippies Set" is, but at only 0.5grams in weight I can only assume it is a feather or perhaps a gas filled balloon? What I'm saying is that 0.5gms is VERY LIGHT for a store item, but again, I do know of at least one store that does sell feathers and feather products, so this may be correct after all.

"Dimensions 23 x 15 x 4.5 "

OK.... but then ......

"Item 2-1 Wild Ones Bitty Bow Set Parcel
Weight 0.5gms Items 2 Weight 1.1gms
Dimensions 23 x 15 x 4.5 "

Is it just a coincidence that this item has exactly the same weight and dimension as the Black Argyle Clippies Set?

I suspect that these are just default values... nothing wrong with that if all (or most) of your products do fall into some ballpatk size/weight limits (then you only need add weight/dimensions for the exceptions), but if you are going to rely on the defaults you really should make them somewhat realistic. Keep in mind that the dimensions are mainly used for 'sorting' purposes (letters, satchels, parcels) so these methods will usually fail with invalid dimensions, and the quote accuracy is determined mainly by weight/destination, and if the weights are extremely low you may appear to get valid quotes, until you realise you can add a 100 items to the cart and the quote doesn't change.

Cheers
Rod

ps. I have just given an additional 7 days trial access.

RodG:

For the time being it may pay to disable FastWay.
It appears they have very recently made a change to the output format of thier data causing things to break. I'm working on a solution now.

Cheers
Rod

Thanks for quick respond.. hope you find solution soon.

Peter Homann:

So in configuring the module I expected that setting Restrain Dimensions to No would do what I want and ignore any size restrictions. But instead I get a blank page?

At the moment I'm at a loss to explain the blank page problem (unable to replicate). I can however tell you that your expectations of the **Restrain Dimensions **should be the exact opposite to what you have stated here. Setting this option to "YES" will effectively ignore any size restrictions.

The code for this is pretty simple (but surprising effective when not subject to cubing rules).. Basically, with this set to 'yes' normal parcel calculations are applied all the way until either the length or the girth limits are reached, then as more items are added, these maximum dimensions are retained and only the weights are incremented.
With this set to 'no' the parcel can 'grow' to way beyond the size limits imposed by any given carrier. (Which means in reality you'll probably need to split the parcel into two or more packages anyway), in which case a better option may be to use the 'use core weight' = 'yes' setting, which will limit the parcel by weight, and quote for multiple parcels.
Just to keep this a little 'interesting', when cart is split into muliple parcels by weight, it ALSO splits the parcel size by a proportionate amount, lengthwise.
(zencart itself knows nothing about this though), so while 'ozpost' may calculate a 1 parcel 300x10x10 x40kgs, the zencart code (knows nothing about dimensions) will create two parcels of 20kg each, meanwhile, 'ozpost' will check for the multiple parcels, so the final quote will be for 2 parcels @20kg measuring 150x10x10

If the "Restrain dimensions' is also on, the quore will be for 2 parcels @20kg measuring 105x10x10each

Does that make sense?

As for the blank page --- still looking into it..

Cheers
Rod

ks_b:

Thanks for quick respond.. hope you find solution soon.

Hopefully I've fixed it.

Cheers
Rod

Hi RodG,
Thanks for quick fixed. Normal packaging seem to be fine now... but there are still problem when package need to be split up.

The number of saver label is different to previous tested but the total cost still wrong...

From my example in previous post

if I order

http://www.mybeershop.com.au/index.p...products_id=96
plus
2 of
http://www.mybeershop.com.au/index.p...products_id=44

sending to postcode 2560
total 30kgs and as fastway only allows 25kgs each package, what I done is i sent max package weight to 25kg in admin>configuration>shipping/packaging. and set yes in ozpost modules to allows split package.

when I do estimate shipping, it shows 2 red label + 3 savers (used to show 6 savers). (I am not sure if + 3 saver mean 3 saver for each red label or just 3 for both... if 3 for each then total of 6 label) (which I believe it should be 4, max of 5 depends how item is split), but even 2 red + 3 saver label it shows price of $93.40!!

and I believe 2 red label plus 6 savers should only be $47.20 in total.

Please have a look at calculation when package is split.. thanks

I remembered I used to test before and it was fine.

ks_b:

Hi RodG,
Thanks for quick fixed. Normal packaging seem to be fine now... but there are still problem when package need to be split up.

Sorry, but this is pretty much where this thread ends. I'm not going to go into my usual tirade about the holy grail of shipping/packaging modules, but I will emphasise that I have personally spent 100's of hours looking into it before coming to the conclusion that it is way beyond my capabilities, and as such, ozpost does not support parcel splitting in any way, shape or form.

However, due to a percieved or potential consumer demand I have added the toggle to use the zencart weight system for quotes rather than the ozpost system.

The zencart weight system does support parcel splitting, and the ozpost module doesn't know/care how this is performed, all it does is take the data supplied by the zencart core code, which would typically be something like 2 x 15kg parcels - with NO DIMENSIONS, so the ozpost module does the best quote it can with this information, namely, it gets the price of one parcel of minimal dimensions at the given weight, then multiplies it by the number of parcels.

In other words, problems and/or inaccuracies introduced by allowing the module to use data from a source other than its own is outside of the realm of anything that I can possibly fix.

ks_b:

total 30kgs and as fastway only allows 25kgs each package, what I done is i sent max package weight to 25kg in admin>configuration>shipping/packaging. and set yes in ozpost modules to allows split package.

I would assume that in this case, the quote being asked for would be 2x 15kg parcels (even though this may not be practically possible). Again, you are on your own here.... Strictly speaking this needs to be taken care of by the zencart team, but they are also aware of the complexities of parcel splitting, which is probably why we'll never see much more than is alreadfy provided for.

As I say, I have personally given up seeking the holy grail of packing modules

ks_b:

when I do estimate shipping, it shows 2 red label + 3 savers (used to show 6 savers). (I am not sure if + 3 saver mean 3 saver for each red label or just 3 for both... if 3 for each then total of 6 label) (which I believe it should be 4, max of 5 depends how item is split), but even 2 red + 3 saver label it shows price of $93.40!!

and I believe 2 red label plus 6 savers should only be $47.20 in total.

The (I assume) would have been for 2 identical, so if it shows
2 red label + 3 savers that will be per parcel. The price shown would be the calculated price, times 2. eg, if the red labels are $2.00 and the savers are $1.00, the quoted cost would be ((2x2.00)+(3x1.00)) x 2 = $14.00

ks_b:

Please have a look at calculation when package is split.. thanks

Seriously no. I really do wash my hands when it comes to parcel splitting and the problems thereof. Too many hours have been wasted already.

ks_b:

I remembered I used to test before and it was fine.

Before what, I don't know.

Sorry if I'm less than helpful on this one, but the toggle to switch between the 'ozpost' method of weights/dimensions, or to use internal methods has been added so that end users can select which of the two imperfect methods is going to be the most suitable for them. If neither are suitable, then perhaps a different method/module entirely would be more suited?

Knowing that perfect isn't possible, my personal preference is to simply let the parcels 'grow' until valid quotes aren't possible, at which time I have it quote on a cost per Kg basis. This won't work with all stores though.

Also, I'm not suggesting this is the case with you, but many people will intentionally add products/items to the cart with the intent of seeing if it can be 'broken'... I can state right now that yes, it can be very easy to add products that will cause certain limits to be exceeded or quotes fail for one reason or another, in fact for the number of things that can go 'wrong' it is almost a surprise it ever works at all <g> ... However, having said that, the important thing is how does it perform with real world orders?

Unless going on a mad shopping spree I rarely ever order more than one or two items from a store at any given time, and I don't think I'm the exception to the rule either - So what I'm saying here is that some percieved and potential problems rarely occur in a real world scenario anyway, and this is one case where it pays to not delve too deeply into it, lest you get caught in the same time wasting traps that I did.

Cheers
Rod