Q:
What does the UPS "QuickCost"/FedEx "Rate Finder"/USPS Shipping Calculator do?

A:
That system accurately calculates the parcel shipping cost based on weight, from the merchants (origination) zip code to the customers (destination) zip code. The rates are identical to the ones calculated at the UPS websites "Quick Cost" calculator and the FedEx website "Rate Finder".

Q:
How do I use the UPS/FedEx/USPS Shipping module?

A:
1) Make sure to provide the weight of each product in your cart's item variable code (field 9).

value="a-1358^pnum^product desc^6.32^1^^^^weight^"

(substitute 1.2 for "weight" above for 1.2 pounds.)

2) Configure your cart to use the UPS/FedEx/USPS Shipping module from the Americart configuration form

Complete the fields for "UPS QuickCost / FedEx Rate Finder / USPS Shipping Calculator"

Q:
I am not a U.S. based merchant, can I use the UPS/FedEx/USPS Shipping module?

A:
No, the system is only available for U.S. based merchants and will not function properly without a valid U.S. origination zip code.

Q:
Can I use the UPS/FedEx/USPS Shipping module in conjunction with some of the "calculated" shipping methods?

No, If you previously used a "calculated" method of shipping with Americart, you will need to disable it. Instead, you can use the Multi-Method Shipping lookup table along with the UPS/FedEx/USPS system, which is great for adding that certain shipping method you want to offer.

Q:
What if I need to ship something free, can I still do this?

A:
Absolutely, just use the =SF= tag in the item part number of your product item variable code. ie., ^=SF=partnum^

Q:
I ship a lot of merchandise to International destinations, can the UPS "Quick Cost" Shipping module support this?

A:
Yes, the module supports the following International shipping options:

UPS Worldwide Express (Any non-US destination fast as possible)
UPS Worldwide Expedited (Most non-US; slower, saves a bit)

You can also use the "Multi-Method Shipping lookup table" to add international shipping options at the rates you desire.

Q:
I understand that the UPS "Quick Cost" Shipping module will calculate accurate rates for a shipment, but what if I need to send certain items in separate boxes?

A:
The UPS/FedEx/USPS Shipping module has a special tag =SHIPSEP= that when included in the item part number of your product item variable code will tell Americart that this item needs to be shipped in its own box. ie., ^=SHIPSEP=partnum^. Americart can calculate accurate shipping charges for an unlimited number of packages in a shipment. As far as we know, this functionality is unique to the Cartserver.com shopping cart.

Q:
I want to be sure that my shoppers understand what the various shipping choices I am offering them mean, and when to select them. Is there some way I can add explanation on the "shipping method select" page?

A:
If you offer more than one shipping method, when the shopper adds the first item to the cart, they are presented with a shipping method selection page. To guide the shopper in their choice, you can add your own html or text to the bottom of that page. Here is a link to the Shipping Method Select Page Footer Upload Form.

Q:
What if I need to assess a surcharge for packaging material, can I do that?

A:
Yes, In the "UPS Shipping Method Fee Structure" of the cart configuration form you can enter the amount you wish to add to each box for handling.