USPS Standard Post Setting is not returning rates

I have updated to the latest USPS module (USPS_2014_0907_K5) and have configured my USPS domestic settings. I am selling ATV parts. I have my settings so light packages go via USPS First Class Large Envelope, Packages up to 2 lbs go via USPS small priority, packages 2-4 lbs go medium priority, and packages 4 - 6lbs get shipped via large priority.

My problem is that I need anything over 6 lbs to return a rate for standard post (formerly known as parcel post). Yet when I add a few products to the store (to get over the 6 lb threshold) there is no rate coming back for standard post. It's like standard post is set to off, but it is not.

Here is a screenshot of my settings.

My store is located here: http://www.coolsteratvparts.com/

If you add anyting to the cart over 6 lbs then no shipping shows. Even though my standard post is set according this this image above. Now if I turn on media post (which I did above for display) then media post does return a rate. I don't want media post as we are shipping parts, we need standard post to work. Anyone know why this will not return standard post rates?

Keep in mind that Standard Post is not available for all USPS zones ...

If you turn on your Debug Logs and check the Zones on the Shipping methods you will probably find that you are not within the correct Zones ...

Example, If I ship from Ohio 44026 to Ohio 44026 I am in the wrong Zone, example Zone 1 ...

But, If I ship from Ohio 44026 to Florida 33601 then I am in Zone 5 and will get a quote for Standard Post ...

It's my understanding that USPS doesn't allow the use of Standard Post from/to certain areas. Try test orders to different addresses.

You could force Standard Post at >= 6, but then no other shipping methods will work at >= 6 ...

Before attempting this, check that Standard Post will be available to you on orders near and far ...

You could customize the USPS shipping module:
/includes/modules/shipping/usps.php

with the code in RED:

// when $usps_groundonly is set to true, only Stand Post will show
    $usps_groundonly = 'false';
[B]// bof: force Standard Post Only >= 6
    if ($shipping_weight >= 6) {
      $usps_groundonly = 'true';
    }
// eof: force Standard Post Only >= 6
[/B]//    $usps_groundonly = ($_SESSION['cart']->in_cart_check('products_groundonly','1') ? 'true' : 'false');
    if ($usps_groundonly == 'false') {

Also, keep in mind the test for the Min/Max weights:

        if ($usps_shipping_weight [B]<=[/B] $maxweight && $usps_shipping_weight [B]>[/B] $minweight) {

You are using $usps_shipping_weight > 6.01 ... so anything 6.01lbs or less will not show ...

I have never heard of standard post (parcel) not being able to be shipped from specific zones. While it has been over 10 years I was an Ebay power seller for many years. And on the USPS website here is the standard post page: https://www.usps.com/ship/standard-post.htm I do not see restrictions to certain zones.

Still just because I have not heard of this and its not listed on their page, does not mean you are both not correct. Perhaps its a new restriction since Standard post is not Parcel Post anymore. Since you both seem to reflect this same view, I am going to trust your judgments in that there is likely a restriction I am seeing.

During testing I was calculating shipping from Northern Kentucky to South Eastern Ohio. We are both located in Zone 2. Still, if I cannot ship parts via Standard post, then how am I supposed to ship heavy parts via USPS within this same zone? **Should I just go with Media and forget standard post? **I prefer not to force standard post because, many of the parts need lower shipping which means, USPS priority pricing is ideal for many parts (especially smaller parts). Not being able to have these options would be a mistake.

I just wonder how others have their carts configured. I would assume many others have products that are too large for priority and orders that will come from within the same zone. How do these zen users collect proper shipping for the USPS?

You could customize the USPS shipping module to force the Standard Post, but then you will not get quotes for any other method using the code I posted in post #4 ...

This could be further customize the USPS for Standard Post based on the Products in the cart by flagging Products that should be Standard Post and checking if they are in the cart ...

I'm confused, too. In its FAQ, USPS Says about Standard Post:

Standard Post can delivery [sic] to every U.S. address, including PO boxes and military addresses.

In the Standard Post info page, it says:

Available for Zones 5-9, up to 70 lbs.

I can't find a map of their zones.

Their Zones are based on the Ship From and Ship To combination ...

The rules are:

Available for Zones 5-9, up to 70 lbs. Prices in Zones 1-4, up to 70 lbs, are only for the mailing of hazardous materials, live animals, or other items required to be shipped by ground/surface transportation. Oversized Standard Post available for Zones 1-9, up to 70 lbs, when measuring over 108" but not more than 130" in combined length and girth.

To force the Standard Post for Zones 1-4, you need to customize USPS shipping module ...

You can check specific Zones on a shipping quote by turning on the Debug Logs and you will see, for example:

<Package ID="0"><ZipOrigination>44026</ZipOrigination><ZipDestination>40513</ZipDestination><Pounds>6</Pounds><Ounces>13</Ounces><Container>VARIABLE</Container><Size>REGULAR</Size>[B]<Zone>3</Zone>[/B]

OK after testing from Kentucky (41001) to a few different states only very few states would return the Standard Post rate. Ajeh is correct in this literature from the USPS: > Available for Zones 5-9, up to 70 lbs. Prices in Zones 1-4, up to 70 lbs, are only for the mailing of hazardous materials, live animals, or other items required to be shipped by ground/surface transportation. Oversized Standard Post available for Zones 1-9, up to 70 lbs, when measuring over 108" but not more than 130" in combined length and girth.

For those following this post, it looks like Standard Post (or the old Parcel Post) is no longer a feasible option for shipping your larger packages! After thoroughly testing on the USPS website it looks like the post office wants me to either use Priority or for larger packages media mail. You can read about trying to send items via media if its not media, it can be a problem. In one instance when I put in a really big box with 40lb weight, then (and only then) did it only return a Standard Post Rate by itself. Yes in this same zone its not allowing now.

Looks like the post office is trying to force us into paying for priority. When this is not feasible for larger packages. It looks like we are going to have to use Priority exclusively if we want to use the post office. In my case, I think I am going to have to use UPS for any packages over 6.01 lbs. What a pain, now I have to set up a completely different module. Is it just me or does the post office have to make everything so difficult!

It would seem as if Priority is still at least comparable or less expensive than UPS these days. When you have multiple sizes and weights trying to figure out a USPS only solution is just not that simple. After I debate how i am going to do this, I will post the results.Hopefully I can save others from this same delimna.

OK this UPS was very easy to set up, didn't even require an account. What I decided to do was ship USPS priority for smaller and lighter packages (based upon weight) and then for anything over 10lbs. Use only UPS. Here are my new USPS settings:

As you can see there are no settings for anything over 10 lbs.

Next I installed the UPS module and just checked ground service. I also set the sort order for USPS to 10 and for UPS for 20. When any items over 10 lbs is added to the cart UPS only shows. When any item under 10lbs are added both shipping options show (USPS and UPS). However, the UPS quote is almost always higher and slower to ship, so I doubt anyone will select it for lighter items unless they dont care paying about more and are not concerned with delivery time.

This seems to be the best alternative for me. I just have to remember my weights for small items, so I know which priority box they fit in. For example if I have a larger item but it only weights 1 lb. I might make the weight 6 lbs to force this item into the larger priority box.

Hope this helps others!

Be aware that the First-Class Large Envelopes is not working correctly with USPS at this time ... USPS is aware that they have an issue ...

If you mark that all Products are Machinable and the weight is 6+ ounces, 0.375lbs, then you will see First-Class Large Envelopes ... Their suggestion is First-Class Parcel but this is not a very good match either ...

When you have a change, can you switch to the USPS Test Server for just a few tests and see if the First-Class Large Envelope is working correctly for you?

Ajeh:

When you have a change, can you switch to the USPS Test Server for just a few tests and see if the First-Class Large Envelope is working correctly for you?

I tried it in both test and production and it does not show. I have it enabled First-Class Large Envelope again and this test product is within the weight range (http://www.coolsteratvparts.com/engine-parts-c-2_40/1st-class-large-envelope-test-p-53.html). The rate does not return in my shipping calculator test, but I will leave the product up for now and first class enabled, so you can test if you wish.

While set to the USPS Test Server, if you turn on the USPS Debug Log, can you test this product in the cart and then Zip the shipping debug log in the /logs directory that is generated and attach it to your post?

Ajeh:

While set to the USPS Test Server, if you turn on the USPS Debug Log, can you test this product in the cart and then Zip the shipping debug log in the /logs directory that is generated and attach it to your post?

I had to zip the file in order for the upload to accept. It is attached. I tested for Dayton Ohio (45305).Attachment #14587

P.S. And I left it in test mode just in case you want to test. I can always re-upload the new log file if you need it.

Could you PM me your USPS user id?

I do not believe that your USPS Web Tools User ID is activated ...

Please contact USPS and have them activate that for you:
Call USPS 1-800-344-7779 and ask them to ensure that your Web Tools User ID is valid and working for both the Production and Test Server ...

Ajeh,

I actually did call them when I had a problem during set up (I think it was a few weeks to a month ago), and asked them to active me. The rep told me that I was already activated as stated per the e-mail. I told the rep to double check becuase I was having issues and she assured me it was activated. Plus, if you add heavier items to my cart you will see shipping quotes from USPS. I just turned the 0 - 2lb priority back on so you will likely see this quote now.

Perhaps its not working for test, but it shows results for production. I tried to call but they were closed. Maybe tomorrow when I get a chance I will call them and ask them to make sure I am actived on the test (as well as production) just to be sure.