Shipping with FedEx Web Services

I have the FedEx Web Services module installed. It needs to read the dimensions of the package in order to provide an accurate rate. I don't see where to add product/package dimensions. Length/Width/Height.

Seems like it should be under add new product.

I have changed from OsCommerce to Zen and will have a lot of questions.

There's no provision for entering product dimensions in Zencart, or any mod I'm aware of, except the Canada Post module.

How, then, do those using Zen Cart obtain accurate shipping rate info? FedEx charges the higher of weight or dimensional weight. On the samples I have run the dimensional weight is greater.

I must not be the only one that has to deal with this.

Looking for solution suggestions.

Searching the forums for dimensions fedex returned several threads discussing this issue, including this one, which might offer a solution:

http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showthread.php?t=159834

Thank you. I've looked at the post and downloaded the attributes module. On my way to an appt but will be working with it later and will provide feedback.

rdub:

I have the FedEx Web Services module installed. It needs to read the dimensions of the package in order to provide an accurate rate. I don't see where to add product/package dimensions. Length/Width/Height.

Seems like it should be under add new product.

I have changed from OsCommerce to Zen and will have a lot of questions.

Copied from Numinix.com:
NOTE: The FedEx Web Services API will officially replace the FedEx Shipping Manager API (Direct Connect) in June 2011. On this date anyone using the old API will no longer be able to provide FedEx rate quotes to their customers.
This module allows Zen Cart store owners to quickly and easily offer FedEx real-time rate quotes to their customers using the FedEx Web Services API. The module provides quotes for all FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, and FedEx Express Freight services. Store admins can choose which services they'd like to offer, to which zone, and whether or not they'd like to add a handling fee to the returned rate.
Unlike the predecessor, FedEx Shipping, this module does not use separate files for Ground and Express but displays the rates in high to low order beginning with FedEx Express and ending with FedEx Ground. For residential deliveries (orders that do not contain a company name), the FedEx Ground rate is returned with the added residential handling fee or FedEx Home Delivery rate.

I would suggest going to Numinix.com and download the latest Fedex-mod. You should check their site for latest version.

I have done that first thing. That is what I have installed.

Doesn't deal with Zen Cart dimensions though.

rdub:

I have the FedEx Web Services module installed. It needs to read the dimensions of the package in order to provide an accurate rate. I don't see where to add product/package dimensions. Length/Width/Height.

Seems like it should be under add new product.

I have changed from OsCommerce to Zen and will have a lot of questions.

rdub:

I have done that first thing. That is what I have installed.

Doesn't deal with Zen Cart dimensions though.

I assume you have **Enable Freight **set to true so if weight is excessive will go to Freight Rate.

FedEx new module does not use product/package dimensions. Go to Numinix Forum and post that question.

No. Typical weight is 20-24 lbs.

I have installed the attribue_dimensions module but don't see any changes.

rdub:

No. Typical weight is 20-24 lbs.

I have installed the attribute_dimensions module but don't see any changes.

I have been using Numinix FedEx new Web Services module since it was released. I do not have any "attribue_dimensions module" installed. The rates I am shown are with in a penny of what I am charged by FedEx. Unless you are using some weird dimensions of packaging it is not needed. The attribue_dimensions module on Numinix site is not for use with FedEx module. I guess I am confused on what you are trying to do.
If you have some special application Jeff at Numinix can develop it for you for a very competitive price.

What I am trying to do is get as close as possible for the shipping rate. The module uses only the weight info you supply when you add a product and the max weight you supplied in the admin>configuration>shipping/packaging.

According to FedEx (confirmed again today) the actual rate will be the greater of the weight or LXHXW/166. Because of this there is no way to obtain an accurate rate thru the shopping cart.

If my rates are $5 - $20 off each shipment and there could be 50 shipments a month, that takes money out of my client's pocket. If I pad the weight or add a handling fee then my client is no longer competitive.

FedEx says the dimension info has to pass from the shopping cart just as the weight does.

Hope this clarified the challenge.

rdub:

What I am trying to do is get as close as possible for the shipping rate. The module uses only the weight info you supply when you add a product and the max weight you supplied in the admin>configuration>shipping/packaging.

According to FedEx (confirmed again today) the actual rate will be the greater of the weight or LXHXW/166. Because of this there is no way to obtain an accurate rate thru the shopping cart.

If my rates are $5 - $20 off each shipment and there could be 50 shipments a month, that takes money out of my client's pocket. If I pad the weight or add a handling fee then my client is no longer competitive.

FedEx says the dimension info has to pass from the shopping cart just as the weight does.

Hope this clarified the challenge.

What size shipping container are you using? What are you shipping?

Shipping live fish priority overnight.

Box sizes are currently:

18x14x14 and 24x18x13

If I use weight it will vary depending on total shipment. One example was 24 lbs but using the dimensional method described above it was 32 lbs.

rdub:

Shipping live fish priority overnight.

Box sizes are currently:

18x14x14 and 24x18x13

If I use weight it will vary depending on total shipment. One example was 24 lbs but using the dimensional method described above it was 32 lbs.

It appears you are caught where the liquid weight to box size has you.
The way this new FedEx module was developed or most any of Numinix modules that are free is Numinix will develop the basic functions for the module. Then as modification to that basic module are needed that client will pay for that part. As time goes by the development cost of a total working module is shared by many and then free to all others to use if needed.

The dimension part you need is really part of the FedEx module but not completed to work for Zen-Cart. I would send [email protected] an email and get him to quote what it would cost to turn on the dimension part of FedEx Web Services. I believe I paid less than $200.00 for several things that are now part of this module and others have paid for what they need added.

Does anyone know how to make this module return the List Rates instead of Contract Rates? This question has been asked on the Numinix site several months ago and was never answered.

It seems that FedEx returns Contract or Account Rates on International Shipping and List Rates on National Shipping.
In order to correct for this, coding will be required as far as I can tell.

I am running a store with Zen Cart 1.3.8a and I need a fedex module that will work. Are there any out there that will work with this version of Zen Cart?

pauldid:

I am running a store with Zen Cart 1.3.8a and I need a fedex module that will work. Are there any out there that will work with this version of Zen Cart?

You should realize that 1.3.8a compared to 1.3.9h has major security issues. Why don't you upgrade to 1.3.9h first for you and your customer protection.

EZorb:

You should realize that 1.3.8a compared to 1.3.9h has major security issues. Why don't you upgrade to 1.3.9h first for you and your customer protection.

Lots of customization including security fixes makes it really hard to just upgrade.