USPS Prices HIGH!! Why???

Hello

I just installed my USPS Shipping API. I went through the whole process of running it on the test server, calling up, getting verified and switching to the production server...

I am up and running however my shipping prices are nuts! I did a postage calculator for a 1lb from 29532 to 53575 and on my cart it is calculating out to be Parcel Post 7.88

However, when i got to USPS site and calculated the exact same package - 1lb from 29532 to 53575 - the rate I got was Parcel Post 4.55

I have no handling fees, and I have Machinable set to True.

What am I missing that is causing the rates to be so much higher??

I called the USPS Internet Customer Care Center. The woman I spoke to was shocked that my prices were so high. She checked everything on the USPS end and she said everything there shows that the prices should be normal and reflect the same as on their website (4.55) She recommended I contact ZenCart.

I am guessing I am doing something wrong but I dont know what.

Can someone please help me?

Thank you, Jared

P.S. I have ZenCart 1.3.8a

admin -> configuration -> shipping

look at tare weight

Awesome! Thank you very much! That was it :D

Related FAQ article: https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/index.php?article=85

I have tried all kinds of settings in the Small Package Tare weight

I have changed from pounds to ounces.

Anytime I have anything in the tare weight the prices go nuts.

It works fine on 0:0

I tried 0:1 thinking it would add 1 oz.

What should I set it to to have a tare of 1 oz?

BigAl

The Tare is percentage : pounds ... as in the examples ...

Google says ... 1 ounce = 0.0625 pounds

Hi Ajeh.

Even using 0:0.0625

The prices go from $8.09 to $28.90 for USPS

That is for a 1/4 ounce item.

BigAl

What do you have typed in for:
1/4 oz ...

What is the Ship From?

What is the Ship To?

What are your settings on the USPS shipping module?

Thanks for the help I know you are busy.

1/4oz - 0.0156

From - 95632

To - 32132

Settings -

USPS expects you to use pounds as weight measure for your products.

Enable USPS Shipping
True

Enter the USPS Web Tools User ID
158xxxxxxxx

Which server to use
production

Handling Fee
0

Handling Per Order or Per Box
Order

Tax Class
Taxable Goods

Tax Basis
Shipping

Shipping Zone
--none--

Sort Order
0

All Packages are Machinable
False

USPS Options
Display weight, Display transit time

Domestic Shipping Methods
EXPRESS, PRIORITY, FIRST CLASS, PARCEL

International Shipping Methods
--none--

Debug Mode
Off

Keep in mind a 1/4 pound is .25 ...

The weights are entered in pounds and will be converted as needed ...

32132 comes up as Germany is that correct? :unsure:

I have 0.0156 listed as the weight for 1/4 ounce.

32132 is Edgewater, Fl

What rates are your seeing in your Zen Cart and what are you seeing at USPS?

Zencart says -

Parcel Post - 8.09
Priority mail - $9.55
Express - $28.90

USPS says -

First-Class Mail® Large Envelope 1.05
Priority - 4.90
Express - 18.30

It is actually a small padded env.

For package rates USPS says -

Packages 1-2 ounces $1.39

I am getting on this:

United States Postal Service (1 x 0.02lbs) (Express Mail (1 - 2 days)) $22.20
United States Postal Service (1 x 0.02lbs) (First-Class Mail (2 - 5 days)) $1.22
United States Postal Service (1 x 0.02lbs) (Priority Mail (2 - 3 days)) $5.55
United States Postal Service (1 x 0.02lbs) (Parcel Post (4 - 7 days)) $4.90
United States Postal Service (1 x 0.02lbs) (Media Mail) $2.38
United States Postal Service (1 x 0.02lbs) (Bound Printed Matter) $2.88
United States Postal Service (1 x 0.02lbs) (Library) $2.26

What version Zen Cart are you in?

Do a search via the Developers Tool Kit for:
usps.php

and what is the version id that comes up from the server?

Using 139c

Will check the USPS info when I get back to my desk later tonight.

BigAl

And is this an Upgrade or clean install?

Clean, I was using 138a and decided to start over.

If you are using the Clean v1.3.8a ... how about use the current v1.3.9c so you do not have all of the related bugs and security issues and have the patches ...

This also includes a current USPS shipping module ...

The Security Issues and Patches for v1.3.8 are covered in:
http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showthread.php?t=131115

My Zen Cart in v1.3.9 is saying, for 0.0156lbs

United States Postal Service (1 x 0.02lbs) (Express Mail (1 - 2 days)) $22.20
United States Postal Service (1 x 0.02lbs) (First-Class Mail (2 - 5 days)) $1.22
United States Postal Service (1 x 0.02lbs) (Priority Mail (2 - 3 days)) $5.55
United States Postal Service (1 x 0.02lbs) (Parcel Post (4 - 7 days)) $4.90
United States Postal Service (1 x 0.02lbs) (Media Mail) $2.38
United States Postal Service (1 x 0.02lbs) (Bound Printed Matter) $2.88
United States Postal Service (1 x 0.02lbs) (Library) $2.26

Older versions of USPS did a minimum weight of .10 lbs on rate quotes ... the current version does a minimum weight or 0.0625 ...

Sorry, I meant to say > Clean, I was using 138a and decided to start over.and installed 139c.

I think I am getting closer :clap: is 8:0 correct for one ounce as the tare weight?