FedEx Live Rates not passing dimensions for Express shipping

Opencart Version 1.4.8.

Based on my testing and speaking with FedEx Web Development, the Dimensional W, L, H for the products are not being passed through, just the product weight information.

Can Opencart modify the code so that the dimensions are passed on to FedEx? The only field in the Fedex plug-in is for an "average" box size. As we have different box sizes, and the customer can order one or multiple, the rates vary wildly for overnight, 2-day, and Express Saver.

Ground and Home Delivery report correctly compared to our shipping computer; however, the Express rates can be off as much as $20 or more (not in our favor). So we currently do not give them those options, but we NEED them. Even if they could get close would be a huge improvement.

Thanks for your help.
Eric

I too feel that this is a HUGE problem. Really makes the Live Rates extension far less useful. It costs a lot less to ship an iPhone case than it does a MacBook Pro 17". The average box size of course helps, but if each product's dimensions are there...why not use them?

I'm on OpenCart v 1.4.9.3 and am on the latest version of the FedEx Live Rates extension (at least as of Jan 6, 2011).


Thank you,
Jared

The problem is how do you control packages that can fit into the same box?
I dont see how it would cause a macbook to cost less than an iphone case.. It is still based mostly on weight

Still, what if you buy an iphone case and and an iphone that could fit in the same box? If you pass them separately you are charging for 2 6x4x2 packages when you could put it into 1 8x6x4 package.

Qphoria wrote:The problem is how do you control packages that can fit into the same box?
I dont see how it would cause a macbook to cost less than an iphone case.. It is still based mostly on weight

Still, what if you buy an iphone case and and an iphone that could fit in the same box? If you pass them separately you are charging for 2 6x4x2 packages when you could put it into 1 8x6x4 package.

My apologies, I had said it the wrong way around - post edited.

I still think it would be far better for FedEx to have this info. Of course there will be complications for multiple items and such, but I think that as paying customers that option should be left up to us. We could either leave the dimensions fields blank for it to go off the average package weight, or if data were entered in those fields - it would use that information as expected.

Of course it won't ever be perfect until one takes such an extension as deep as possible, factoring in what size boxes combinations of multiple numbers of multiple products fit into and how much packing material is needed via complex algorithms. But I would think it beneficial to use the dimensions. I sell iPhones and MacBooks. The iPhone box is 7x5x5. The MacBook box is 5.5x14x18.5. No matter how I spin it, I will always be overcharging everyone for the iPhones and / or undercharging everyone for the MacBooks.

I certainly see your point, and it is a valid one - as it is virtually impossible to always make sure every scenario is planned for. However, I think our marginal benefit is still pretty great when having the extension take dimensions into account. I would think we would stop there though.


Thank you,
Jared

Well I am working on a new FedEx using their completely new SOAP/WSDL API
I am planning on adding support for itemized or average box packages so you will have the choice.. it's still black or white and most people ship in the gray, but its better than just black or just white.

Qphoria wrote:Well I am working on a new FedEx using their completely new SOAP/WSDL API
I am planning on adding support for itemized or average box packages so you will have the choice.. it's still black or white and most people ship in the gray, but its better than just black or just white.

Right, I remember you were working on that. I am still DYING to get that module, if it will really generate a tracking number / shipping label and insert the tracking number into the invoice before it's sent to the customer...would be KILLER.

I agree though, there is not really one perfect solution for everyone - unfortunately :S

**Any estimate on what pricing will be like for this new extension? Will FedEx Live Rates buyers be eligible for any sort of upgrade discount?


Thank you,
Jared

jcgadgets wrote: **Any estimate on what pricing will be like for this new extension? Will FedEx Live Rates buyers be eligible for any sort of upgrade discount?

I will likely give a discount to previous fedex purchasers

Q,

Great. Do you have an updated estimate for timing or pricing for this new extension?


Thank you,
Jared

I'm very interested in OpenCart and the Fedex module, but we have a client that must have solid and reliable dimensional shipping rates from Fedex. He ships large, lightweight packages daily and while he can 'make do' with flat rate shipping, it's not ideal.

Is it possible to have multiple shipping methods within a single cart based on SKU? What's the status of dimensional shipping support for OpenCart?

Many thanks in advance - we have a couple of clients using another cart solution and we are desperate to ditch that cart and move onto something stable, more user friendly, and GPL.