ozpost shipping module

Q1. What should the correct price be?
Q2. Where are you sending the parcel too?

A1. I used the "Australia Post Calculate Parcel Charges" as a guide to make sure I was getting the correct postage charges.
A2. I used postcode 7320 as a guide.

For what it is worth though, the item that you have linked to is going to be too large for a satchel .. in fact the size/weight dimensions are such that this item is subject to the cubing rules.

Thanks for the heads up on the cubing. This could explain why I was having difficulty. Doesn't help that I don't have a satchel bag on hand or anything either. :blush:

Not trying to be difficult, but my tests indicate that this item should cost $19.85 to Sydney 2000 (plus handling). I guess your destination postcode was different than the one I used.

Again, I used postcode 7320 as a guide on the Australia Post website and it came up with the $16.85 registered.
This is being sent from 3850 by the way.

Also, for sanity sake, it is best to assume that the ozpost module is providing correct quotes, and if you find these don't match what you expect then it is probably your expectations that are wrong (as a result of not using identical data for comparison purposes?)

Cheers
Rod.

ps. Australia Post are increasing their rates as of 4/4/11 .. ozpost.net will be quoting these new rates sometime this coming weekend.

I don't doubt for a second that the ozpost module would be wrong. I have had a number of issues with the Australia Post Calculating Charger ever since they changed it.
I am doubting myself that I have the dimensions around the correct way to get it working correctly.

Thanks for the heads up on the price increase and your help.
Kind Regards Casey

integrity_designs:

A1. I used the "Australia Post Calculate Parcel Charges" as a guide to make sure I was getting the correct postage charges.
A2. I used postcode 7320 as a guide.

20.90postage + 2.95 rego fee = $23.85 + $1.00 p&h = 24.85 is what is being quoted by your store for the linked item.

The item data is:
weight 2417gms
height=255mm
width=300mm
length=405mm

I've just entered this same data into the Australia Post calculator and am getting the same $20.90 base postage.

integrity_designs:

Thanks for the heads up on the cubing. This could explain why I was having difficulty.

Cubing catches a LOT of people out if/when they are not aware of it, so don't feel too bad about this one.

integrity_designs:

Doesn't help that I don't have a satchel bag on hand or anything either. :blush:

Satchels tend to be a lot smaller than people realise (especially the 500gm ones).

integrity_designs:

Again, I used postcode 7320 as a guide on the Australia Post website and it came up with the $16.85 registered.

This is being sent from 3850 by the way.

Try it again... 'cos I can't seem to replicate this figure.

integrity_designs:

I don't doubt for a second that the ozpost module would be wrong. I have had a number of issues with the Australia Post Calculating Charger ever since they changed it.

Actually, the Australia Post calulator is never wrong either, and experience tells me that any discrepency between the two different servers is always the result of different data being used (always inadvertently. It sometimes just takes a second pair of eyes to see the error).

integrity_designs:

I am doubting myself that I have the dimensions around the correct way to get it working correctly.

I don't think it makes a difference on the aust Post server (I've never really experimented), but for the ozpost server there isn't an incorrect way.. Simply put, the ozpost server treats the longest dimension as the length, the shortest dimension as the height, and the remaining dimension becomes the width.. so a parcel with dimensions 30 x 40 x 50 is exactly the same as a parcel that is 50 x 40 x 30

Anyway, try entering the numbers into the australia post server again and see if you still get the same discrepency. you really shouldn't, because it is akin to having two pocket calculators giving different answers to the same input.. it simply doesn't happen (However, that doesn't prevent me from taking any such reports seriously, because the data tables used to perform the calculations may get changed (by aust Post), or god forbid, a hacker changing or corrupting the tables on our server :cry:

BTW, the aust post satchels are
220mm x 353mm 500g
310mm x 405mm 3kg
435mm x 510mm 5Kg

HOWEVER, this assumes a zero mm height. In practice, as you place items in the satchel the 'height' will increase and the length/width will decrease by the same amount/2.

Cheers
Rod

RodG:

20.90postage + 2.95 rego fee = $23.85 + $1.00 p&h = 24.85 is what is being quoted by your store for the linked item.

The item data is:
weight 2417gms
height=255mm
width=300mm
length=405mm

I've just entered this same data into the Australia Post calculator and am getting the same $20.90 base postage.

Cubing catches a LOT of people out if/when they are not aware of it, so don't feel too bad about this one.

Satchels tend to be a lot smaller than people realise (especially the 500gm ones).

Try it again... 'cos I can't seem to replicate this figure.

Actually, the Australia Post calulator is never wrong either, and experience tells me that any discrepency between the two different servers is always the result of different data being used (always inadvertently. It sometimes just takes a second pair of eyes to see the error).

I don't think it makes a difference on the aust Post server (I've never really experimented), but for the ozpost server there isn't an incorrect way.. Simply put, the ozpost server treats the longest dimension as the length, the shortest dimension as the height, and the remaining dimension becomes the width.. so a parcel with dimensions 30 x 40 x 50 is exactly the same as a parcel that is 50 x 40 x 30

Anyway, try entering the numbers into the australia post server again and see if you still get the same discrepency. you really shouldn't, because it is akin to having two pocket calculators giving different answers to the same input.. it simply doesn't happen (However, that doesn't prevent me from taking any such reports seriously, because the data tables used to perform the calculations may get changed (by aust Post), or god forbid, a hacker changing or corrupting the tables on our server :cry:

BTW, the aust post satchels are
220mm x 353mm 500g
310mm x 405mm 3kg
435mm x 510mm 5Kg

HOWEVER, this assumes a zero mm height. In practice, as you place items in the satchel the 'height' will increase and the length/width will decrease by the same amount/2.

Cheers
Rod

Hi Rod,
I am at a total loss because it is not working for me....

Here is the debugging to try give you more information.

http://www.integritylabels.com.au/online/images/forum/parcel-debugging.png

These are what I am getting (without handling costs)

http://www.integritylabels.com.au/online/images/forum/parcel-shipping-no-handling.png

It is really doing my head in.....
Thanks again ...
Kind Regards Casey

Ignore the above post....
I found my mistake in the ozpost module / store.

Sending from 3850 to 3850 from the test account on the store
BUT was sending from 3850 to 7320 from Australia Post Calculator.

Sorry.
Thanks again for your help.
Kind Regards Casey

Hey Rod,

Will you be adding Star Track Express to the list?

Mike

integrity_designs:

Ignore the above post....

Great. I really wasn't looking forward to tackling that one :D

integrity_designs:

I found my mistake in the ozpost module / store.
Sending from 3850 to 3850 from the test account on the store
BUT was sending from 3850 to 7320 from Australia Post Calculator.

Yeah, that would expain things:yes:

integrity_designs:

Sorry.

No problem, really. I'd rather have the discrepencies reported only to find they are user error than not have them reported at all and then discover that something has changed that I wasn't aware of.

Cheers
Rod

giftpackaging:

Hey Rod,

Will you be adding Star Track Express to the list?

Mike

It hasn't been one that I've considered, mainly on account of the fact that I'd need to become an account holder simply to see what kind of interface they are using (not all interfaces are accessible via external scripts).

If there is a demand for it though, and if I'm eligible to become an account holder it would be something I'd consider.

Cheers
Rod

RodG:

It hasn't been one that I've considered, mainly on account of the fact that I'd need to become an account holder simply to see what kind of interface they are using (not all interfaces are accessible via external scripts).

If there is a demand for it though, and if I'm eligible to become an account holder it would be something I'd consider.

Cheers
Rod

I'm up for it, so I hope there are some others. If you need account details I can try help you out with that.

giftpackaging:

If you need account details I can try help you out with that.

Before going this far, assuming you have an account and have set up to obtain the online quotes, if you could please log onto their quote page and check to see if the URL for the page ends in ".php" or ".asp" it will help determine the feasibility of it.

If it's a PHP page it could be worth pursuing further, if it is an .asp page then the odds of me adding them this year are slim to none.

Cheers
Rod

Hi again.

I've updated the module, but now it won't add the small letter items I had before. Eg: if I order 50 cards, it shows the error rate. If I order 100 cards it will show the letter rate correctly. Whereas before it would add them as letters regardless.

Also, it isn't adding my leadtime to the delivery estimation. Is this an error I am causing? I have a leadtime of around 21 days and it is displaying 1 day delivery!

Thanks again,
Tegan

pinksugardesign:

I've updated the module, but now it won't add the small letter items I had before. Eg: if I order 50 cards, it shows the error rate. If I order 100 cards it will show the letter rate correctly. Whereas before it would add them as letters regardless.

Check your Kg/gms weight setting, as this is the most common 'gotcha' that some people have when upgrading.

pinksugardesign:

Also, it isn't adding my leadtime to the delivery estimation. Is this an error I am causing? I have a leadtime of around 21 days and it is displaying 1 day delivery!

After you upgraded the files did you also remember to perform the 'remove/install' process from your admin panel?
This is required in order to update the database for the newer options.
This may also be a possible cause of your letter problem.

I'll be able to consider other possibilities If/when you can confirm you've performed this operation.

Cheers
Rod

pinksugardesign:

Also, it isn't adding my leadtime to the delivery estimation. Is this an error I am causing? I have a leadtime of around 21 days and it is displaying 1 day delivery!

Thanks again,
Tegan

This turned out to be a bug. I have been able to fix it serverside. All should work 'as advertised' now.

Cheers
Rod

Hi Rod,

Currently using 2.09 and I am about to upgrade to 2.2.2.

I know I only need to update the 2 ozpost files, but wanted to check something first.
Not sure if you recall, but I have a heavily modded ozpost file (includes/modules/shipping) that takes the Fast track text and converts it to read Registered Courier Service, such as;

if ( $quote->description == "FastWay Labels (RED)") { $quote->description = "Registered Courier Service" ; $description = "Registered Courier Service" ; }

and another example,

***
if ( $quote->description == "3Kg Satchel") { $quote->description = "Express Satchel" ; $description = "Express Satchel" ; } ***

I did do a compare and added the lines after

*
**$carrier="   ";
*
But it did nothing in regards to modifying the text on the website, eg it would still return (from the first example), "FastWay Labels (RED)"

Are you able to have a check and see where I would insert the changes for them to be effective ?

Thanks,
Mike

Mike_Dean:

Currently using 2.09 and I am about to upgrade to 2.2.2.

That's quite a jump.

Mike_Dean:

I know I only need to update the 2 ozpost files,

Except for the v2.2.2 update, which has the image/icon files relocated into the /images/ folder.

Mike_Dean:

but wanted to check something first.
Not sure if you recall, but I have a heavily modded ozpost file (includes/modules/shipping) that takes the Fast track text and converts it to read Registered Courier Service, such as;

if ( $quote->description == "FastWay Labels (RED)") { $quote->description = "Registered Courier Service" ; $description = "Registered Courier Service" ; }

Yes, I remember those mods.. not the exact details though..

Mike_Dean:

I did do a compare and added the lines after
*
**$carrier="   ";
*

I can't locate this line in V2.2.2 .. there have been about 3 upgrades since V2.0.9 (not to mention writing similar code for 4 other shopping carts).

Mike_Dean:

But it did nothing in regards to modifying the text on the website, eg it would still return (from the first example), "FastWay Labels (RED)"

Clearly the code has evolved to the point where it is no longer recognisable and simple comrparisons are next to useless.

Mike_Dean:

Are you able to have a check and see where I would insert the changes for them to be effective ?

Look for the line(s) in /includes/modules/shipping/ozpost.php that contain the method(s) you wish to change: For example, the Fastway 5kg satchels are handled/processed in line#578 which currently reads:

 if((in_array("A2 Satchel (5Kg)", $this->allowed_methods)) && (strstr($quote->description, "A2"))) $handlingFee = MODULE_SHIPPING_OZPOST_FWS_HANDLING ;
```You'll need to split this into multiple lines like: 

if((in_array("A2 Satchel (5Kg)", $this->allowed_methods)) && (strstr($quote->description, "A2"))) {
$handlingFee = MODULE_SHIPPING_OZPOST_FWS_HANDLING;
}

Now you can define your own description text by adding a line like: 

if((in_array("A2 Satchel (5Kg)", $this->allowed_methods)) && (strstr($quote->description, "A2"))) {
$handlingFee = MODULE_SHIPPING_OZPOST_FWS_HANDLING;
$quote->description = "Your new description goes here" ;
}

This process can be repeated for any method's description. In fact if you take a look at lines #584 and #590 you'll note that this method is already used to modify the Ego and Transdirect descriptions.   I *should* have emphasised the fact that these were included to serve as an example 'cos I did have it in the back of my mind when I recoded it that there was at least one person (you) that needed this 'easily' modifiable. 

Let me know if you have any problems. 

Cheers
Rod

RodG:

That's quite a jump.

Tell me about it .!

RodG:

Except for the v2.2.2 update, which has the image/icon files relocated into the /images/ folder.

I'm not using the images, so no issue there

RodG:

Look for the line(s) in /includes/modules/shipping/ozpost.php that contain the method(s) you wish to change: For example, the Fastway 5kg satchels are handled/processed in line#578 which currently reads:

if((in_array("A2 Satchel (5Kg)", $this->allowed_methods)) && (strstr($quote->description, "A2"))) $handlingFee = MODULE_SHIPPING_OZPOST_FWS_HANDLING ;

> 
> ```
 if((in_array("A2 Satchel (5Kg)", $this->allowed_methods))  && (strstr($quote->description, "A2")))  { 
$handlingFee =  MODULE_SHIPPING_OZPOST_FWS_HANDLING;
}
```Note how I've added the braces {} when splitting!
> Now you can define your own description text by adding a line like: 
> 
> ```
 if((in_array("A2 Satchel (5Kg)", $this->allowed_methods))  && (strstr($quote->description, "A2")))  { 
$handlingFee =  MODULE_SHIPPING_OZPOST_FWS_HANDLING;
$quote->description = "Your new description  goes here" ; 
}
```Save the file and you're home and hosed.



Seeing as I want one generic description eg "Registered Courier Service"  will I still need to add a new line for every Fastway / Aust Post description that is available (which is what I needed to do for 2.0.9) .

Thanks Rod  :clap:

Mike_Dean:

I'm not using the images, so no issue there

There is one icon that is always displayed (during checkout) that isn't disabled along with the other icons. This is the ozpost logo. Although the logo itself can be disabled by simply not having one, this does leave a tiny bit of screen 'corruption'. If you don't want/need/like this icon just replace it with a 1x1px transparent gif. :-)

Mike_Dean:

Seeing as I want one generic description eg "Registered Courier Service" will I still need to add a new line for every Fastway / Aust Post description that is available (which is what I needed to do for 2.0.9) .

The simple answer to this is that as long as you update the $quote->description BEFORE it gets saved into the "method" variable (line #661) then the updated info will be used. ... but that is the simple answer.. the more truthful answer is that the $quote->description is used to create a 'description' variable (lines 647 - 660) and it is this $description variable that is saved/stored.

So, armed with that knowledge, if you wish to change the description of everything you only need insert a line

$description = "Whatever" ;

in between lines 660 and 661.

Now, if you only wish to change the text for some couriers or methods. you'll need to change the $quote->description in the place(s) it is being set.

This is always within one of those 'case' blocks, and to make the change on a per method basis just follow my previous instructions. If you wish to change the text for (say) all of the FastWay methods at one, you'll need to do this with a line of code place immediately before the 'break' command for that block ... This code needs to do TWO things though. 1. Set the text you want, and 2. Ensure that the quote is one that is allowed.

sometrhing like

if (isset($handling_fee)) $quote->description = "Whatever" ;

will suffice (as the $handling fee variable is unset at the start of each loop, and then set to the OZPOST_?_HANDLING fee if/when an acceptable match is found.

So, to change the text for all methods for all carriers edit the $description variable.
To change the text for any matching 'CASE' (courier) you'll need to edit the $quote->description variable immediately before the 'break' command. Ensuring that one of the 'methods' for that 'case' was set.

To change the text for any individual method, edit the $quote->description variable after the merhod match has been made, as per original and coded example(s).

I think that covers all scenarious, but as always, make a backup before making any changes.

Cheers
Rod

Hey Rod,

Thanks for the detailed advice.

Need to absorb it all and work out my plan of attack now.!

Thanks,
Mike

Hi Rod,

Pretty much got this sorted to where I need it. Many Thanks.!

Just one more if I may,

I have checked the option to Use Core Weight, which, (when enough weighted items are added)

returns a description such as

**Registered Parcel Service(x2) **

Can I / How do I, change the (x2) to read Bulk Service ? for example..

Thanks,
Mike

Mike_Dean:

returns a description such as

**Registered Parcel Service(x2) **

Can I / How do I, change the (x2) to read Bulk Service ? for example..

ozpost.php line#659

You'll need to alter both variables on this line (the $description and the $quote->description).

Take special note of the quotes and periods when editing this line. If you don't disturb the exsisting periods, and ensure you keep the quotes balanced you shouldn't have too much trouble with this edit.

Cheers
Rod

ps. Be careful, this was added to let the store admin know how parcels were calculated for. By removing this data you could be losing important information.

RodG:

ozpost.php line#659

You'll need to alter both variables on this line (the $description and the $quote->description).

Take special note of the quotes and periods when editing this line. If you don't disturb the exsisting periods, and ensure you keep the quotes balanced you shouldn't have too much trouble with this edit.

Cheers
Rod

ps. Be careful, this was added to let the store admin know how parcels were calculated for. By removing this data you could be losing important information.

Thanks Rod,

This is what I ended up with, ??

Not sure if its what you intended, but it seems to be working and I end up with a description eg,

Registered Parcel (Bulk Service) or Registered Courier (Bulk Service)

I understand your point re Admin, and I may reconsider above, so thanks for the heads up..

Thanks,
Mike